IUD or Intrauterine Devices have become a go-to option of contraception for a majority of women. Such reputation of IUDs can be attributed to their high effectiveness in birth control, ease of usage, minimum side-effects, and many more.
So, even though they might cause some minor inconveniences early on, IUDs have become quite acceptable to most women of reproductive age.
Now, what can cause IUD bleeding after sex?
There might be various reasons behind this bleeding while using IUD. The main reasons include natural response of the body or might due to the displacement of IUD. The second cause needs the doctor’s immediate attention. As this might lead to further complications.
The answer might seem a bit vague. But we have all the details that you need under this segment. So read till the end.
The IUD you are placing in your body is something that is foreign and it takes some time for your body to adjust to this foreign particle. As such, there might be some initial irritation which may lead to some bleeding episodes.
Table of Content
What Is an IUD?
Before going into the reasons for bleeding after IUD, gaining a basic knowledge about it is important. So, let’s start with this.
IUD stands for Intra-Uterine Device. These are basically small, flexible structures made from plastic that have a characteristic T shape. How do they prevent contraception?
Well, all the different well, all the different types of IUDs work by changing the pattern of movement of sperms so that they can’t reach the egg. Basically, it functions by preventing the sperm from the male partner from ever meeting the egg of the females, thus it prevents the formation of zygotes.
Ever since their inception, IUDs have become very popular among the general masses for their ease of application and relatively low side effects. Can there be IUD bleeding after sex?
IUD Bleeding After Sex: Reasons!
Let’s get the most clear-cut answer to this query. Bleeding after sex? Presuming IUD is the one responsible? Let’s take a few approaches to properly understand such conditions.
Natural Response of Body
The IUD you are placing in your body is something that is foreign and it takes some time for your body to adjust to this foreign particle. As such, there might be some initial irritation which may lead to some bleeding episodes.
In such cases, even though the bleeding is nothing serious, it may become a point of concern for most women, especially those having an active sex life.
Displacement of IUD
IUDs don’t typically cause bleeding after sex. However, if they ever get displaced, there runs a high chance that they can.
Displacement of IUD means it has fallen partially from your cervix or vagina i.e the tail part has been displaced. You may feel cramping, discomfort feeling, and the condition may even cause bleeding after sex.
A few common occasions where it has been found that the IUD has been displaced includes:
- Teenage women who have taken IUD for the first time.
- If a woman who has recently delivered her baby places an IUD.
- Women who have heavy periods or suffer from irregular periods in general
- Lack of consciousness or counseling among women
It’s of vital importance to check the placement of the tail of your IUD on a regular basis, if the IUD somehow enters your body, it can cause an emergency clinical condition.
Other Causes
It’s quite rare for your IUD to get displaced, dislodged, or cause any wear or tear in your cervix after sex. In most cases of bleeding after sex, it’s been found that the bleeding comes through your cervix, a narrow opening at the bottom of your uterus.
Any friction in the cervix after sex, if associated with pre-existing inflammation or irritation can become a cause for bleeding after sex. IUD bleeding after sex? Maybe it’s nothing more than your imagination.
A few concerning conditions that have been found to cause bleeding after sex include:
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical ectropion
- Inflammation in your vagina
- Cervical polyps
- Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI), such as syphilis
- Damage or friction to your uterine lining.
- Having sex at a period close to your menstrual cycle
- Not using proper lubrication prior to having sex
- Vaginal dryness.
- Pelvic organ prolapse ( a condition in which your pelvic organs as bladder or uterus go beyond the vaginal walls)
Whatever the condition that may be associated with your bleeding, take the sign importantly and take expert advice. Remember, your IUD involvement is probably a myth and you may have some serious condition in your body.
If the bleeding is from Sexually Transmitted Diseases, take the route of treatment to be drafted by your doctor.
Treatment and Remedy for Bleeding After Sex
The very first thing to do after experiencing bleeding episodes after sex is to get an appropriate diagnosis and determine the exact cause behind the bleeding. Seek out your medical expert and discuss the situation you are in.
To find the appropriate cause, your doctor may take approaches such as: examine your vagina and cervix and also performing a pelvic exam. Identify the presence of any cervical cancer via pap smear, examine the location and positioning of your IUD, etc.
After an appropriate diagnosis, the treatment approach varies according to your cause. A few of those includes:
- If vaginal or cervical dryness is the cause behind the bleeding, ensure the use of lubricants before sex
- If the bleeding is from Sexually Transmitted Diseases, take the route of treatment to be drafted by your doctor.
- If there’s any cancerous condition or tumor formation in your cervix, cancer therapy will be the path to go for.
- If Bleeding is from IUD complications
If after appropriate diagnosis, your IUD is singled out as the cause for the bleeding, you can take any one of the following routes:
- Discontinue using IUD
- Take measures to regulate your menstrual cycle in case their irregularity
- Take proper counseling and follow the advice of the doctors to ensure the safe use of IUDs.
- Don’t place IUDs immediately after delivery.
FAQs
Is bleeding normally associated with IUD?
Think about it this way, you inserted an object that’s foreign to your body. Something your body has never experienced or felt before. Of course, it’s gonna need some getting used to.
How do I know if my IUD has moved after sex?
First of all, you won’t be able to feel the IUD strings with your fingers. You would have irregular menstrual bleeding and excessive cramps.
Can I get pregnant while using IUD?
Though rare, copper IUDs have a failure rate of 0.8%, while levonorgestrel intrauterine systems have a failure rate of 0.1-0.4%.
How long can IUD bleeding last? Can I reduce the bleeding?
Most IUD bleeding patterns significantly improve after a period of 4-6 months. You can take the help of some NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or naproxen to decrease the amount and duration of bleeding.
Final Words
You may have just placed an IUD and are hoping to enjoy a much safer sex life but alas! There’s IUD bleeding after sex. In a fit of frenzy, you decide to discontinue using IUDs and go back to unsafe sex practice.
Is this really the best approach to the condition? Your IUD is much less associated with bleeding than you are thinking. Reach out, take experts’ opinions, and manage properly.
Remember, IUD is one of the safest options for contraceptives out there. So, don’t jump to conclusions early.
