Like any other procedure, there are some rare complications of having an IUD inserted. The vast majority of women who have IUDs inserted do not experience these complications.
There's a very small chance of getting a pelvic infection in the first 20 days after the IUD has been inserted. You may be advised to have a check for any existing infections before an IUD is fitted.
See a doctor if you've had an IUD fitted and you develop signs of an infection such as:
- pain or tenderness in your lower abdomen
- high temperature
- abnormal or smelly vaginal discharge
There's some limited evidence that if you have an IUD fitted, you may have a slightly higher chance of getting thrush that keeps coming back. Speak to a GP or your gynaecologist if you have an IUD and keep getting thrush. You might need to switch to a different method of contraception if it does not go away with treatment.
There's a small chance that the IUD can be rejected (expelled) by the womb or it can move (displacement). If this happens, it's usually in the first month after it's been fitted. You can check if the IUD is still in place by inserting your fingers into the vagina - your doctor can show you how to check it after it is inserted.
In rare cases, an IUD can make a hole in the womb (perforation) when it's put in. This may be painful, although sometimes there may be no symptoms. If the doctor fitting your IUD is experienced, the risk is extremely low. See a doctor straight away if you're feeling pain or cannot feel the threads of your IUD, as you may need surgery to remove it.
If the IUD fails and you become pregnant, there's also an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. If you become pregnant with an IUD see a gynaecologist urgently for an ultrasound.
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