What does it mean to have an IUD inserted? What are the precautions to take after having an IUD inserted?

"IUD" is the most commonly used long-term contraceptive measure for women of childbearing age in my country. Often, an IUD can be placed in the body for more than ten years. But how many women know about this "IUD" that is left in the body all year round, and how many women choose the type that is truly suitable for them?

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The scientific name of the "ring" is an intrauterine device, which is placed in the uterine cavity of women of childbearing age to achieve the purpose of contraception through mechanical stimulation and interference of chemical substances. It does not inhibit ovulation and does not affect the female endocrine system, thus avoiding the adverse reactions of general drug contraception. After years of practical improvement, the contraceptive devices currently used in clinical practice are mostly copper-containing or drug-containing contraceptive devices, with stent materials made of plastic, polyethylene, memory alloy, etc., and the shapes are not single, including round, T-shaped, V-shaped, Y-shaped and chain-shaped. Contraceptive devices of different materials and shapes have their own characteristics, so they can be suitable for women with different physiques and needs.

Things to note before having an IUD inserted

Inserting an IUD is an invasive surgical procedure. Improper operation can easily cause complications such as infection and bleeding. Therefore, the precautions before inserting an IUD cannot be ignored. The following six points should be noted before inserting an IUD:

1. Perform a comprehensive physical examination, gynecological examination, blood routine examination and vaginal secretion examination. In particular, it is necessary to understand whether there are any contraindications, such as breastfeeding, multiple or recent artificial abortions and cesarean sections, and a history of long-term use of contraceptives.

2. Avoid sexual intercourse and bathing 3 days before IUD insertion to avoid infection.

3. Take a bath (shower) one day before the IUD insertion, clean the vulva on the day of the operation, and bring sanitary napkins, panty liners and other necessary items.

4. Measure vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature. Do not place the patient if any abnormality is found. The body temperature should not exceed 37.5℃.

5. Urinate on your own before inserting the IUD.

6. If you have any special circumstances, please consult a doctor.

Things to note after having an IUD inserted

1. Do not do heavy physical labor within one week, avoid abdominal pressure, and avoid sexual intercourse and tub bathing within two weeks.

2. Keep the vulva clean, wash it every day, and change underwear frequently.

3. You should receive follow-up visits from medical staff during the first menstruation after the insertion of the IUD and in the 3rd, 6th and 12th months after the insertion, and have 1-2 check-ups each year thereafter.

4. All kinds of IUDs have a certain service life. The T copper ring is 8-10 years, the maternal ring is 5 years, and the copper uterine ring is more than 10 years. When the ring you have reached the service life, you should replace it under the guidance of a doctor, or use other contraceptive methods. Within 3-7 days after the menstruation is over.

5. Pay attention to observation. Within a few days after the placement of the IUD (mainly the first three days), there may be a small amount of vaginal bleeding, slight lower abdominal discomfort (such as backache and falling feeling, etc.) and increased leucorrhea (this is caused by surgical trauma or mechanical compression of the IUD or rupture of small blood vessels in the endometrium). Generally, it will disappear on its own and no treatment is required. If the bleeding is heavy or lasts for more than a week, especially if abdominal pain, fever, etc. occur, you should see a doctor in time.

6. Prevent the ring from falling off. In the first three months after the ring is placed, especially for some women with loose cervix and heavy menstrual flow, the ring may fall off with the menstrual blood. Therefore, when these women go to the toilet during menstruation, they should pay special attention to whether the ring falls out with the menstrual blood. Once it happens, they should go to the hospital to replace it in time and pay attention to changing to a suitable size to avoid it falling off again.

7. Be careful of hidden pregnancy. IUDs are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, and a very small number of women may become pregnant with the IUD. Therefore, if amenorrhea occurs during the IUD period, especially when accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and partiality, you should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible and take remedial measures.

8. Timely consultation. If you experience any abnormal phenomena such as excessive menstruation, prolonged menstruation, or severe backache and heaviness during the wearing of the IUD (especially for more than one year), you should consult a doctor and get timely symptomatic treatment.

9. Pay attention to nutritional supplements. Appropriately increase nutrition, especially eat more iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, pork liver, pork kidneys, eggs and other foods. You can also eat more soy products, increase vegetables and fresh fruits. Generally, the above dietary conditioning can effectively prevent the physical energy consumption caused by the side effects of IUD.

Friendly reminder: within six months to one year after the placement of the IUD, some women may experience increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period. Under the guidance of a doctor, you can use appropriate hemostatic drugs or motherwort paste during menstruation, and take ferrous sulfate to prevent iron deficiency anemia. If the menstrual flow is particularly heavy, twice (or more) than before the placement of the IUD, and treatment is ineffective, other contraceptive methods should be used instead.