8 Side effects of iud kb iud that must be considered

IUD (Intrauterine device) aka spiral KB is a contraceptive that is much in demand by Indonesian women because it is effective and how to insert an IUD is relatively easy. Depending on the type you want to insert, the IUD can last 3 to 10 years to prevent pregnancy. However, you should first know the side effects of the IUD or spiral birth control that may occur before you decide to use it firmly.

What are the side effects of the IUD?

Just like other contraceptives, the IUD (hormonal or copper type IUD) comes with various disadvantages and advantages of the IUD. Not to forget, sometimes one or more side effects occur that accompany the use of this contraceptive, including:

1. Pain during IUD insertion

One of the side effects of using spiral birth control is the pain you feel when you insert the IUD. Although not all women experience this, this condition is one of the possible side effects.

Usually, this pain doesn't last very long, so there's nothing to worry about. In fact, this pain may only last a few moments. Even so, you may need to be accompanied by other people as you go through this process. The reason is, you may not be able to go home on your own if you experience pain or aches.

2. Irregular menstruation

Another side effect that may occur when you use an IUD is menstrual cycles that turn out to be irregular. Usually, menstrual cycles are irregular depending on the type of spiral birth control used. What's more, considering that there are two types of IUDs that you can use.

For example, if you are using hormonal spiral birth control, you will usually experience light bleeding but with irregular menstrual cycles. Meanwhile, when you use nonhormonal spiral birth control, you may experience heavier bleeding.

3. Abdominal cramps after IUD insertion

Another side effect that you can experience after using the IUD is stomach cramps. Yes, you are very likely to experience pain or cramping in the abdominal area after the spiral birth control is placed in your uterus. These abdominal cramps can also appear when you are menstruating.

However, the feeling of cramping that you feel may be a little different from the cramps or pain you usually feel when you are menstruating. Therefore, when you experience abnormal stomach cramps, you may need to have these spiral birth control threads checked or consult a doctor.

4. There are bleeding spots

If you experience spotting bleeding after spiral birth control, you don't need to worry. The reason is, it may be one of the side effects of using the IUD. This usually happens because your body still needs time to adapt to the presence of this foreign object.

However, there is a possibility of bleeding after sex. Although, the actual presence of the IUD in the vagina should not interfere with your sexual activity with your partner.

If using an IUD makes you or your partner uncomfortable during sex, you should consult your doctor.

5. Nausea and stomach pain

Not infrequently, another side effect you may experience after inserting an IUD or spiral birth control is nausea. The nausea you experience will be slightly different from the nausea you might get from using other contraceptives.

You can reduce the nausea you feel by consuming lots of mineral water. In addition, you can also consume fruit or vegetable juices which you think can reduce the nausea and dizziness you feel.

6. Vaginal infections

One of the serious side effects you may experience after inserting an IUD is infection. The infection you experience usually occurs in the vagina. However, this is only possible if your doctor or other healthcare professional does not insert the IUD properly.

This means that as long as you and your doctor follow the steps for spiral birth control according to the rules, there is very little chance of this one side effect. However, as reported by the Office on Women's Health, after insertion, your risk of developing an infection in your reproductive organs does increase. Even so, it does not mean that every woman who uses an IUD as a contraceptive will experience this condition.

7. The position of the IUD is shifted

One possibility that can occur from using the IUD is its position in the uterus that is shifted. In fact, this position can slide all the way out of your uterus. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check the position of the IUD strings. This can help you ensure that the IUD is still in its original position.

If you are concerned that the IUD's position has shifted or the IUD strings are not felt, use backup contraception until you have time to see a doctor.

8. Other IUD side effects

Not only that, but actually using the IUD does have a variety of potential side effects. However, the side effects of the spiral birth control installation are still reasonable and do not last long. For example, another side effect that may occur when you have an IUD inserted is acne.

Not only that, other minor side effects are body aches and pains, to breast pain after IUD insertion. This side effect is more prone to occur when you use a hormonal IUD.

How do you deal with the side effects of the IUD?

Actually, you don't need to be too concerned about the side effects of the IUD insertion. Why? Because the side effects of using spiral birth control often only last for the first few months of use. This happens because your body is still adapting to the presence of the IUD in the uterus.

However, this condition does not make you have to stop your daily activities or routine. In addition, there are various ways you can deal with the side effects that may occur due to the insertion of an IUD.

Take a pain reliever, for example ibuprofen, paracetamol, or naproxen to reduce pain.
Apply a warm compress directly to the area below the stomach that feels uncomfortable, to relieve cramps and pain.
Use it pantyliner for some time to absorb irregular bleeding or spotting.

However, you need to be careful about any side effects you experience after IUD insertion. If the side effects you experience persist for months and don't go away, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Tell your doctor any conditions you experience. In addition, ask and check further about your health condition, so that if a problem occurs, the doctor can immediately take action to treat the condition. Avoid solving health problems without the supervision or advice of your doctor.