Procedures

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a popular birth control choice given its high effectiveness, reversibility, and convenience. Once it has been inserted, in most cases, it can stay in place and provide protection for many years. Although the insertion process is safe and fairly simple, some women might experience unpleasant symptoms afterward. Many of these are normal and do not necessarily mean that something is wrong, but there are some symptoms that may need to be checked by a medical professional.

Here is a closer look at what you may experience after the insertion and when you need to call your doctor.

What Can You Expect Afterward?

As you might expect, your body will need time to adjust to having a foreign object placed inside of it. Although insertion is typically a smooth process, you may notice some discomfort in the area as your body gets used to the IUD.

Cramping

Cramping is very common during and after IUD insertion, and many gynecologists advise patients to take ibuprofen or naproxen to ease discomfort. Post-insertion pain may last for a couple of days, and will typically gradually improve over the first couple of weeks. Your premenstrual cramps may be more intense in the first few months.

Bleeding

Spotting or light bleeding is also fairly normal following insertion, and your periods could be heavier or longer at first. With progestin based IUDs like Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena and Skyla most women will ultimately have shorter and lighter menstrual cycles

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

It is normal to worry when your body feels different, and you may also be wondering if your IUD is placed correctly to avoid pregnancy. Here is a look at when you should check with your doctor.

Your Pain Is Severe

The pain that women experience following an IUD insertion is typically mild and should be manageable with over the counter pain medications like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. If your pain is severe or worse than what you felt during the insertion procedure itself, get in touch with your doctor to determine your next steps.

They may advise you to wait a few days and see if your pain lessens, or they may ask you to come in right away. If your pain gets progressively worse, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, it could be a sign that you are experiencing inflammation in your uterus. This is rare and treatable, but you should get medical attention immediately.

Heavy Bleeding or Bleeding Accompanied By An Odor

You should also pay attention to any bleeding that you experience following the procedure. Again, spotting or light bleeding is not usually cause for alarm. However, if your bleeding is very heavy or is accompanied by a foul smell, you do need to get checked right away as it could signal an infection. If you are bleeding to the point where you are soaking or saturating a pad every hour, call your doctor.

You Cannot Find Your IUD String Or It Feels Out Of Place

A few days after your insertion, feel inside your vagina for the strings of your IUD. Your doctor will have instructed you on how you can do this. You should be able to feel the strings coming out of your cervix. If you can’t feel them – especially if you could feel them initially, but are now unable to find them – or the strings are bothering you, get in touch with your doctor. Although it is rare, there is a chance your IUD may have slipped out of place.

Intercourse Is Painful

Your doctor will tell you how long you need to wait after your IUD insertion to have sex. Copper IUDs are typically effective right away, but you may need to wait one or two weeks with other types of IUDs. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions on how long to wait.

However, once you do have intercourse, you should not notice any difference. If intercourse becomes painful for you after getting an IUD, contact your gynecologist.

You Experience Symptoms Of An STD

Keep in mind that IUDs do not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease or infection, it is important to seek treatment right away.

Are Complications Common?

The American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians reports that complications arising from IUD insertions are uncommon. Although it may be tempting to research your symptoms online, keep in mind that the internet is filled with horror stories, some of which may be exaggerated, that do not give you an accurate view of most people’s experiences.

Most women do not encounter any problems and therefore have little reason to post about it online. Nevertheless, if you have any doubts about whether your symptoms are normal, it does not hurt to call your doctor’s office. You can describe your symptoms over the phone, and they will let you know if there is any cause for concern.

Get In Touch With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

The friendly team of women’s healthcare professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can advise you on all matters related to IUDs and other forms of birth control. Get in touch today to find out more.

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are a popular form of birth control. In addition to being more than 99 percent effective, they also provide long-term efficacy. The copper versions are hormone-free, which makes them a good choice for women who want to avoid hormones in their birth control efforts.

Although IUDs have many advantages, one of the biggest concerns that many women have is the insertion process. After all, it entails introducing the device into your uterus. This is done by a gynecologist in their office, and there are two parts of insertion that may lead to pain. First, the insertion itself can be painful, although it is relatively quick. Second, once it is placed, the uterus will contract due to irritation, and this can lead to cramping.

Tips On How To Make IUD Insertion Less Painful

Although studies have shown that the pain that most women experience during IUD insertion is dramatically lower than they expected, there are some steps you can take to learn how to make iud insertion less painful.

Timing Is Everything

Some doctors recommend booking an appointment for an IUD placement toward the end of your period or on the first day or two after it has ended. This is because the cervix will be more open during this time.

Find An Experienced Doctor

Once you have decided to get an IUD, it is a good idea to ask if the doctor who will be doing the insertion has a lot of experience with the process. Those who have completed this procedure more frequently tend to be more successful at placing it comfortably.

Take An Over-The-Counter Painkiller Beforehand

One tip on how to make iud insertion less painful is taking some medicine. You might want to consider taking an anti-inflammatory over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen ahead of the insertion to help manage pain and relieve any cramping that might set in following the procedure.

Remember To Breathe

As difficult as it may be, it is important to try to relax during the procedure. Nerves can make both the insertion of the speculum as well as the placement of the IUD itself a more uncomfortable experience than it needs to be, so brush up on breathing exercises that can help you remain calm and relax your muscles to minimize pain.

Use Distractions

Some doctors allow their patients to use headphones during the procedure to listen to music that calms them, while others use their phone to keep their mind off of what is going on. However, it is a good idea to check with your doctor beforehand as some prefer that their patients are paying full attention in case they need to talk to them during the insertion.

Don’t Go Hungry

Although you may be too nervous to eat before the procedure, it is important to eat something and stay hydrated. When you are tired and hungry, it can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, which will make you less comfortable during the procedure. You may also want to bring a snack with you to enjoy afterward.

Consider A Smaller IUD

If you have never had an IUD before, you may want to ask your doctor if a smaller IUD model is a viable choice for you. IUDs come in different shapes, and it may be possible that a smaller one will be just as effective in your case.

Have A Heating Pad Ready

For many women, cramps experienced from an IUD insertion are very similar to those you may have with a particularly bad period. Therefore, make sure you have a heating pad or any other cramp relief method that has been effective for you in the past prepared to make you more comfortable when you get home from your insertion.

Frame It Positively

Instead of being apprehensive about the procedure and fearing it, try to think about it in positive terms. Remind yourself why you are getting an IUD in the first place, such as the desire to skip daily pills or to prevent your body from unnecessary exposure to hormones. When you think of it this way, you may feel that the temporary discomfort is worth the benefits you stand to gain, which can make the experience far less unpleasant.

Reach Out For More Info On How To Make IUD Insertion Less Painful

If you would like to find out more about IUDs or any other type of birth control, get in touch with the contraceptive care specialists at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. Our team has many years of experience in providing women with effective contraceptive care.

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor or nurse for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. When IUDs are placed correctly, they are more than 99% effective and offer long-term protection. There are many reasons that women choose to get an IUD insertion. Many IUDs begin working right away and can prevent pregnancy for several years. There are options available without hormones, which allows you to avoid the hormonal side effects seen with hormonal types of birth control, such as breast tenderness, headaches, and acne. In addition, it is possible to become pregnant as soon as the IUD has been removed.

Things To Know Before Having An IUD Insertion

However, there are a few drawbacks as well. Chief among them is the fact that an IUD does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases, so you may also need to use condoms. In some cases, an IUD may make your periods heavier, more painful, or longer, although this often improves after a few months. It is also important to be vigilant for infections within the first 20 days.

If you are considering getting an IUD, here are five things you should know.

Insertion May Be Slightly Painful

An IUD is inserted through the opening of your cervix into your uterus in a process that takes less than five minutes. The IUD can be inserted at any time in your menstrual cycle, although many women find that it is less painful when done right at the end of their period or just after it has ended.

You May Experience Cramping After The Procedure

While some people report feeling fine after getting an IUD insertion, others report cramping and pain that is similar to that experienced during their period. It is best to plan to relax after your appointment. You may need over-the-counter pain medications and heating pads to help alleviate cramping.

For women who choose hormonal IUDs, they may find that their periods become lighter and less painful over time. Those who get nonhormonal copper IUDs, in contrast, may find that their periods become heavier and their cramps get worse at first, although this may subside with time.

IUDs Have Strings That Hang Down Into The Vagina

Once an IUD is placed, a string measuring one to two inches will extend from the cervix into the top of the vagina. This allows it to be removed more easily if you later decide you want to start a family. Although you may be able to feel the string by reaching up toward your cervix with your fingers, you should never tug on it because it may cause the IUD to dislodge.

There Is A Small Chance An IUD Can Slip Out Of Place

Although IUDs are considered highly effective, there is still a small chance that it could slip out of place. This may happen at any time, but it is more likely to occur within the first three months after IUD insertion, particularly during your period. Therefore, it is important to check your menstrual cup, tampon, or pad to see if it has fallen out. You can also feel around for the strings to ensure they are still there. Should your IUD fall out, it is important to keep in mind that you are not protected against pregnancy and need to use a backup form of birth control until you can get to your doctor.

You Can Get Pregnant Immediately After Your IUD Is Removed

One reason that many women choose an IUD is because it allows them to become pregnant right away after it has been removed. This is great for those who are hoping to start a family, but if you are having it removed and are not interested in getting pregnant, it means you will need to start using another form of birth control immediately.

When you have an IUD removed, you may experience some spotting for a short time after the removal. However, your body will eventually go back to the way it was prior to your IUD. This means, for example, that if your period becomes heavier with a copper IUD, it will return to your normal flow that you experienced before the IUD. Likewise, if a hormonal IUD caused your period to stop coming, it will return after the IUD is removed, although it may take a couple months before it goes back to your normal schedule.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness For Info On IUD Insertion

If you are considering getting an IUD or any other type of birth control, reach out to the friendly team of contraceptive care professionals at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness to learn more about your options and to get all of your questions answered.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. according to the secondCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics show about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime. Although it is not always possible to prevent breast cancer, it can be detected early with breast care processess. Finding breast cancer through mammography often allows localized cancers to be removed without resorting to mastectomy (breast removal).

What Is A Mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of low-dose x-ray that enables a radiologist to identify changes in the breast tissue. These tests are often recommended to women as they get older to detect and diagnose breast disease, as well as to women with complaints of breast pain, lumps or nipple discharge. Mammograms usually detect breast cancers, cysts and benign tumors before they can be detected by palpation.

There are two main forms of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Screening mammograms typically are used to find signs of breast cancer in women who have not experienced any symptoms. During a screening mammogram, x-rays are taken of the breasts from different angles to get an in-depth view of the tissues.

Diagnostic mammograms are used to look at the breasts if a woman has experienced certain symptoms or if a change was seen on a screening mammogram. During a diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist takes extra images of the breasts for diagnostic purposes. In some cases they will look at the breast with ultrasound as well. Diagnostic mammograms may also be used for women who previously have been treated for breast cancer.

Women have received mammograms for more than 30 years. Over the past 15 years, there have been many incredible technological advancements that have greatly improved the techniques used and the accuracy of the results.

Why Should You Get A Mammogram For Breast Care?

Breast cancer may develop long before you feel a lump. Mammograms are an invaluable tool for detecting breast cancer early. When diagnosed early, localized breast cancer has a 99 percent five-year survival rate according to the American Cancer Society.

The average mammogram takes about 20 minutes, making it a worthwhile investment of time to potentially save your life. Mammograms drastically reduce the risk of needing a mastectomy. A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all breast tissue as a way to prevent or treat breast cancer.

In the early stages of breast cancer, a patient may receive several treatment options in addition to mastectomy such as a lumpectomy. A lumpectomy is a breast-conserving surgery in which only the tumor is removed from the breast. While both procedures are effective for preventing breast cancer, a lumpectomy is not suitable for all patients with breast cancer.

Women who have experienced abnormal breast pain or other symptoms should undergo a mammogram. Mammograms allow your physician to evaluate breast pain when patient histories or physical examinations are not conclusive. New lumps in the breast or armpit, thickening or swelling of the breast, dimpling or irritation of breast skin, pulling in of the nipple, flaky or reddened skin around the nipple, or nipple discharge (including blood) may be symptoms of breast cancer.

Who Should Get A Mammogram?

According to the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), women should start receiving annual mammograms starting at age 40. Mammograms should be performed yearly until 54 when mammograms can be extended to every two years if desired.

Women at an increased risk of breast cancer, such as patients using hormone replacement therapy or those with a family history, past breast cancer or genetic tendency, should speak with their healthcare provider about the benefits of more frequent mammograms.

Are Mammograms Safe?

Mammograms are considered safe as they only expose the breasts to a small amount of radiation. The benefits of undergoing a mammogram usually outweigh any possible harm caused by radiation exposure. Today, mammogram machines emit only a low radiation dose to create high-resolution images.

If there is a chance that you may be pregnant, it is important to tell the x-ray technologist. However, mammograms usually can be performed safely during pregnancy if a woman is suspected to be at risk for breast cancer.

Schedule An Appointment Today For Your Breast Care

To prepare for a mammogram, it is important to first choose a certified mammogram facility. Schedule a time for the test when your breasts are least likely to be tender such as two weeks after your last period.

Bring any prior mammogram images you may have to the facility and do not wear deodorant before the test. The metallic particles in creams, lotions, perfumes and antiperspirants will be visible on your mammogram. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, PA.

Mammograms save lives by detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage when treatment is still a viable option. A mammogram is a noninvasive x-ray used to check breast tissue for abnormalities long before symptoms can be felt.

Regular mammograms help improve a woman’s odds of survival in the event that she is diagnosed with breast cancer. They can also help prevent the need for extensive treatment if breast cancer is detected early.

According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), for every 100 women who undergo a screening mammogram, approximately 90 will be told that their results are normal and 10 will be asked to return for an ultrasound or additional mammogram. Out of these 10 patients, six will be reassured that their results are normal, two will be asked to schedule a six-month follow-up and two will be recommended to have a biopsy.

While mammograms are often performed on women over age 40, breast cancer can affect women of all ages. It is important to understand the best time to start getting mammograms and how women of all ages can practice proper breast care over their lifetimes.

The Risk of Breast Cancer in Women Under 40

Many young women are under the misconception that they are not at risk for breast cancer. Although breast cancer is not as common in women under 40, this devastating medical condition can develop at any age.

Breast cancer for women in their 20s and 30s accounts for less than five percent of all cases, according to the American Cancer Society. Since many women in this age group do not undergo mammograms, breast cancer is not usually diagnosed until its later stages, and is usually more aggressive.

There are several factors that increase a woman’s risk of developing this dreaded malady, such as a personal or family history of breast cancer. A woman may also be at an increased risk for breast cancer if she has a history of radiation therapy to her chest, an Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry due to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or a family history of a genetic syndrome that places her at a higher risk. Never having a full-term pregnancy, being overweight and drinking alcohol can also increase this risk.

One of the biggest disadvantages of getting a mammogram too early is that the results are not always reliable. Young women tend to have denser breasts with more breast tissue and less fat, making it difficult for a mammogram to clearly detect any cancers. Because of this, and due to the overall low risk of developing breast cancer at a young age, mammograms are generally recommended to women over 40.

How Often to Get Mammograms After Age 40

The American Cancer Society recommends that women between the 40 and 44 begin annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms if they are comfortable doing so. Between 45 and 54, mammograms should be performed once a year.. Women who prefer a yearly visit can continue visiting their provider.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam at Home

Performing a breast self-exam at home is one of the best ways to detect possible changes in breast tissue or other signs of breast cancer. While a self-exam is not a substitute for regular mammograms, it can be a useful tool for women wanting to consistently evaluate their health in between visits to their doctors. Performing a breast self-exam at home is simple, pain free and takes just a few minutes.

1. Stand in front of a mirror and remove your shirt and bra. With your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips, look for changes in breast size, color or shape. In the mirror, check for abnormal symptoms, such as puckering, dimpling or bulging of the skin, redness, soreness, swelling or a nipple that has inverted or changed position.
2. Raise your arms above your head and look for these same changes. Check to see if any discharge leaks from one or both nipples, such as a milky, watery, or yellow fluid or blood.
3. Lay down flat and use your right hand to feel your left breast. Using a firm touch, move your fingers in a circular motion starting from the top of the breast moving to the bottom, examining one side and then the other. Start with a light touch, followed by a medium touch and then a deeper touch. Take note of any unusual lumps in the breast tissue. Next, check your right breast.
4. Feel your breasts while in a standing or sitting position. Look for the same signs and symptoms as in previous steps, using the same type of hand movements.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today

Mammograms are the best method to screen for breast cancer. To learn more about the optimum time to start a mammogram or to schedule one, contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness.