Tissue discharge after IUD insertion is the most anecdotally reported condition. Vaginal discharge from blood clots to watery material is common in women with IUDs. Yet, it is not always a matter of concern. But, in some incidences, it can be an early sign of infection.
Anyhow, IUD is considered safe and effective for pregnancy control. Some effects such as blood and tissue discharge after IUD can be considered normal. However, why does IUD cause weird discharges? Or does IUD cause any infection?
Let’s discover this and many more in this post-insertion IUD guide:
Table of Content
Can An IUD Cause Abnormal Discharge?
IUD is an excellent and long-term contraceptive device with the highest success rate. Still, it is a foreign object that can irritate the female tissue. Irritation of the uterine lining due to IUD insertion may result in irregular discharge and cramping.
Typically, women report offensive vaginal odor, something like watery, brown, or yellow. Moreover, some women may develop clots within a few days after IUD insertion.
Also, some ladies got IUD infections that led to tissue damage and discharge. So, there is a foul-smelling purulent discharge (pus) from the vaginal canal. In this situation, it’s best to have the IUD removed as soon as possible.
Generally speaking, a range of discharges is normal. Yet, there can be some changes that are indicative of infection. Call your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- A persistent foul smell emanating from the discharge
- Gray, Yellow, or Green Discharge
- Swelling around the vulva or vagina
- Pain and tenderness in the vulva or vaginal region
Gray Tissue Discharge After IUD Insertion
In general, IUDs are safe and secure for preventing pregnancy. But, they can spread or worsen infections that you are already hydra suffering from. Although most vaginal discharge after IUD insertion is normal, gray discharge is not.
Gray discharge after IUD is most commonly associated with Bacterial vaginosis (BV). Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection.
You naturally have vaginal bacteria in your body. But sometimes harmful bacteria can outnumber beneficial bacteria, resulting in BV.
Gray discharge is one of BV’s hallmark symptoms. The odd hue results from the buildup of bacteria, cellular debris, and white blood cells.
Following are the few symptoms of a Bacterial Vaginosis attack after IUD:
- Foaming or watery discharge
- Burning while urinating
- Weird discharge
Typically, BV discharge appears like a yeast infection, but the latter is clear and lumpy. You can treat it with prescription antibiotics. But, if left untreated, it can lead to STIs and STDs.
Passing Blood Clots After IUD Insertion
You’ve heard about it that birth control gives the worst blood clots. Since birth controls are common in the United States, it sounds shocking and drastic.
But, blood clots are more likely to occur with the contraceptive methods that contain estrogen. Besides estrogen-containing tablets, patches, and rings, IUDs and other contraceptive implants emit progestin.
As a matter of fact, hormonal IUD does not cause heavy blood flow or blood clot discharge. In contrast, copper IUD insertion may cause heavier than normal blood flow and clots, but it is a too serious incident.
Though it may cause light spotting or discharge, abnormally heavy clot discharge is not associated with IUDs.
Thus, if you have abnormal blood flow or clots along with pain, you should talk with your doctor immediately.
Related to read: What To Expect From The First Period After IUD Insertion?
Mucus Discharge After Copper IUD Insertion
Most often, mucus discharge after IUD insertion is considered normal. Mucus discharge from the vagina can come even if you are not using any birth control. It is actually an indication of your period cycle and vaginal health.
It is of many forms, some as watery and clear, others as jelly or cheese-like. Likewise, it may be light pink or pure white.
Discharge of mucus while on Copper IUD is more likely due to its albumin, lgG, and mucin. Which is responsible for the thickening of cervical mucus that results in ongoing mucus.
Anyhow, mucus discharge subsides on its own within 6 months of IUD insertion. However, your doctor may prescribe you some medicines to prevent unusual discharge.
Thick Brown Discharge After IUD Insertion
In many cases, IUD users report brown discharge after insertion. It is likely to happen in the first few months of IUD insertions. Brown discharge or on and off bleeding is more common with the use of Mirena IUD.
Moreover, when it comes to bleeding after IUD, you can expect anything. Because IUD may release some synthetic hormones or elements that may trigger irregular vaginal flow. In particular, the first two weeks are the worst, after that, your body will become adapted to the IUD.
You can use prescribed medicines to stop the irregular flow and cramps.
Yellow Discharge After IUD Insertion
Even though IUDs are generally safe, the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease increases if you have early symptoms.
The yellow vaginal discharge after IUD placement is often related to the infection.
Nevertheless, if you have pale yellow or light yellow discharge without odor and other symptoms (vaginal itching, burning) it is considered normal.
But, if you have bright yellow or thick yellow discharge with a frothy and chunky appearance and strong odor, you should not ignore it. It actually indicates the spread of STI, pelvic infection, bacterial, or IUD infection.
Following are a few symptoms of infection caused by IUD besides the yellow discharge:
- Unusual vaginal discharge with the unpleasant smell
- Lower abdominal and pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Burning while urinating
- Fever
- Burning and pain around or in the vagina
Identifying the source of the infection will help your doctor determine how to treat the discharge. Therefore, they may prescribe topical creams or antibiotics. But, if the condition is severe, your doctor may remove the IUD. What exactly the doctor will do depends on the specific cause.
Related to read: Bleeding After Sex: Is My IUD the Culprit?
Is It Normal To Pass Tissue After IUD Insertion?
Indeed, it is normal to pass some blood clots and tissue discharge after the IUD insertion. On the first one to two days it is because of the placement process of the IUD, tissue discharge may occur.
Also, you can have weird bleeding in the first few months. After that, some degree of vaginal discharge or spotting is likely to happen in the next few months.
But, if you have a heavy vaginal discharge with unbearable pain or odor, then you should take medical attention. It might be possible that your IUD is dislodged or infected.
Related to read: Period With Nuvaring Still In: Is It a Big Deal?
How Do I Know If I Have An Infection From My IUD?
It is rare for IUDs to cause infections. But, IUDs carry the risk of spreading the disease if you already have it. Typically, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the primary concerns of infection transmission. With an IUD, you are at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease risk. Also, there are chances of uterus perforation if IUD misses its place.
Following are the few obvious signs that can help you to determine if something is wrong with your intrauterine device:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding along with pain and cramps may indicate uterus damage
- Foul-smelling yellow, gray, or green vaginal discharge
- Severe lower abdominal and pelvic pain may indicate PID
- Pain during or after sex
- Your partner may feel the IUD
- Fever or chill
- Burning or difficulty while urinating
How To Stop Tissue Discharge After Copper IUD Insertion?
The copper IUD may give you the worst pelvic pain and tissue discharge of your life than the hormonal IUD. Also, you can get 20 to 50% heavier, longer and painful periods with a copper IUD.
Anyhow, this will usually get on track after 3 to 6 months of insertions. Still, you can expect some weird discharge and light spotting with cramps. Doctors may prescribe you Tylenol and Ibuprofen to reduce the cramps and pain.
Make sure to provide your healthcare provider with all the details of your symptoms. Thus, he can prescribe you some treatment options according to your symptoms.
Related to read: Late Period After Placing Copper IUD: Myth or Truth?
FAQs
What kind of discharge is normal after IUD insertion?
You are most likely to have on and off bleeding or brown spotting with cramps after the IUD insertion. Moreover, if you notice the clear, or white vaginal discharge it is considered normal. Apart from these, pale or light yellow tissue discharge is also normal if there is no smell. But, bright yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge is considered unhealthy.
Why can’t I use tampons after IUD insertion?
Use of tampons, menstrual cups, or anything inside the vagina is not considered safe after the IUD insertion because it can slip the IUD. While trying to put things in the vagina, the string of the IUD may fall out of its place as it hangs on the cervix. So, it is advised to avoid the use of anything in the vagina 2 to 3 weeks after the IUD insertion. Moreover, avoid tampons, instead, use pads.
What happens if I take a bath after IUD insertion?
Try to avoid any vaginal contact for 48 hours after IUD placement (i.e. no tampons, douching, bathing, swimming, hot tubs, penetrative sex, etc.). Approximately 1% of IUDs can slip or be expelled, and this occurs most often in the first few weeks. That’s why you should avoid bathing after the intrauterine device placement.
Can an IUD Cause an Infection?
As a matter of fact, IUD is not infectious but can raise the chances of infections. Infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), are slightly more common with IUD use. It is possible for PID-causing bacteria to enter your body when you insert the IUD. It’s most likely that you’ll get an infection in the first 20 days after getting your IUD.
Why is my discharge stringy and brown?
Normally, brown discharge during the end of periods is just old blood leaving the uterus, taking a little longer to leave. It is still normal to experience brown discharge at other times in your menstrual cycle.
But, a brown discharge that appears thick or stringy and is itchy or foul-smelling may be a sign of infection. An elevated temperature or pain are other warning signs you need to see a doctor. If you do not have brown discharge before, then having a lot of it can be abnormal.
Why do you have watery discharge after IUD Insertion?
Insertion of IUD irritates the sensitive tissue of the female reproductive canal. It results in vaginal leakage that can be watery, clear, jelly-like, or light spotting. So, it is completely normal. Moreover, your doctor may guide you through post-insertion precautions that may help you.
Is green discharge after IUD normal?
Vaginal discharge with a darker yellow shade, yellow-green, or green is considered unhealthy. Most commonly, it happens as a result of an STD or bacterial infection. So, it is important to see a doctor right away if the discharge from the vaginal area is thick, clumpy, or smells bad.
Final Thoughts
As a matter of fact, IUD is the most effective method of contraception in the United States and around the globe. It has a high success rate with some mild side complications. Also, there are low chances of getting an IUD infection, uterus perforation, etc.
As a whole, some side effects of implant contraceptives are worth the benefits. But, if you have strong control over post-insertion measures, you have a lower risk of infection or adverse effects. As for tissue discharge after IUD insertion, it is likely to happen due to the insertion process and the chemicals it releases in the body.
But, if you feel the discharge is abnormal, then you should consult your doctor immediately to avoid any major complications.
