IUDs are a safe, effective birth control option that last up to 10 years. They’re tucked away in your uterus, out of the reach of sex.
During IUD insertion, doctors pass instruments through your vagina and cervix to place the device in your uterus – These insights are credited to the editorial team of the service Euphoric Enigmas. The device can cause some discomfort and pain after insertion.
1. 24 Hours After Insertion
The copper IUD lasts up to 12 years and is a great option for women who don’t want hormones. It uses a bit of copper to damage sperm, making it hard for them to get to the egg. But this also means that it can cause a lot of cramping and longer periods, which can impact your desire to have sex.
With a hormonal IUD, the levonogestrel (which is found in Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta) takes up to seven days to kick in depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. That’s why it’s important to use alternative forms of birth control while you wait.
Your gyno will place your IUD during an office visit. They’ll have you lie down on an exam table, and then they’ll clean the base of your uterus and your vagina with an antiseptic solution. They’ll then use a speculum to separate your vaginal walls and check the size and position of your cervix, as well as your pelvic organs.
There is a very small chance that your IUD will slip out of place, especially during the first few months after it’s been inserted. But it’s very unlikely to be caused by sex. Instead, it’s more likely to happen during your period or from a bowel movement. Your gyno can test your IUD to see if it’s still in place, but most of the time they’ll just use a specialized tool to remove it from your uterus.
2. 7 Days After Insertion
The copper IUD contains a small amount of copper that works by blocking sperm from getting to the egg, which is essential for conception. It lasts up to 12 years and is great for women who find that hormone-based birth control is uncomfortable or unreliable. It’s also worth noting that the copper IUD can bring on heavier periods, so it might not be the best option for you if you don’t like those.
The hormonal IUD, which is inserted with a syringe, releases a dose of progestin (the hormone that causes pregnancy) into the uterus to prevent implantation. The insertion process can be painful and result in cramping, but you’re free to have sex after 24 hours. You’ll need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for seven days after the procedure to ensure that you are protected against pregnancy.
Some people worry about feeling the strings of their IUD during vaginal sex, but that’s typically only an issue with the Paragard or Mirena IUD. The healthcare professional who inserts your IUD will trim the strings to a more discreet length, and the mucus in the cervix will help to obscure them during intercourse. You can check the position of your IUD by feeling around inside your vagina with your finger. The strings should be soft and curl up around the cervix. If you feel them, it might be time to make an appointment to have the IUD replaced or switched to a different type.
3. 10 Days After Insertion
There are a few reasons why it’s important to abstain from sex for about 10 days after your IUD is inserted. First, the procedure itself causes inflammation and disturbs the protective lining of the vagina and uterus. This makes it more likely that you could develop a serious pelvic infection. Second, the ring needs time to stick to the cervix and the uterus. It is possible that rough sex positions could cause it to move, or even come off, so you want to give it some time to adjust.
It’s also worth noting that the IUD ring isn’t a permanent form of birth control, so it will eventually fall out. While it’s not common, it can happen for a variety of reasons, including being inserted incorrectly or an infection in the uterus. If you think your IUD has fallen out, talk to your gynecologist right away.
Despite the myths that you can’t have sex while your period is coming in or that you need to wait until you’re completely clear of your menstrual cycle to get an IUD, you’re probably okay to start dating again as soon as a healthcare professional has inserted it, so long as you use a backup method, like condoms. But just to be safe, make sure you schedule your appointment during a time when you’re absolutely certain you are not pregnant.
4. 14 Days After Insertion
Many women choose an IUD because it’s an excellent form of birth control that lasts up to 12 years. It prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching an egg.
During your appointment, the doctor will perform a pelvic examination to determine the health and position of your uterus. This will help them determine which type of IUD is best for you. They will consider your age, the heaviness of your menstrual cycle, and other factors. They will also ask you about your family history and lifestyle.
The type of IUD you get will determine how long you need to wait before having sex. For example, hormonal IUDs like the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla require one week after insertion before they become effective. The copper IUD can be used immediately after insertion, but you will need to use backup contraception for the first seven days.
While it’s rare for an IUD to be dislodged during sex, it is possible. It usually happens if you have a very deep vaginal penetration or you’re using a hook-tipped sex toy.
If you’re worried about this, try having sex with your partner more shallowly or skip the sex toy altogether. Just make sure you always use a condom with any sex to ensure you’re protected.