Extended Bleeding after IUD Insertion

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2003
Extended Bleeding after IUD Insertion
2
Tue, 11-28-2006 - 12:18pm

I had a Paragard copper IUD inserted on September 4. I'm 30 years old, never had children. So far the IUD has been wonderful... except for one thing. I haven't stopped bleeding for 35 days! My first period after getting the IUD was about 10 days. My second was 18. And now, I'm in the middle of my third period since getting it... I'm seriously on DAY 35!!

Now... I know that this isn't unusual during the first 3-6 months after insertion. I know that it should settle down. I feel lucky because my periods aren't at all painful and aren't super heavy. They're just... LONG.

Is it worth going in to see my doctor? Is there anything that can be done? I've read about taking ibuprofen to help slow the bleeding... does this work?

Despite the super-period, I'm really liking my IUD. My sex drive has returned and I'm not going crazy with all the hormones from being on the pill. I'm not worrying about its effectiveness. And it's one less expense every month! It was definitely a good decision... provided I get beyond my period...

Anyone?? Thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Tue, 11-28-2006 - 1:51pm
kinda/sorta sounds like my experience.....For the first 3-4 months after it was first put in my periods were like 16+ days long and came every 2 weeks...SO ANNOYING! After that they settled down to just once a month-still sorta long and heavier than normal.Each month they get easier and shorter.At about 1year I was basicly spotting for 7 days.At the 2 year mark it was like spotting for 3-4 days.Just before I had it removed at 3 years+ it was just spotting for 1-2 days IF I HAD A PERIOD AT ALL...Yes-the ibuprofen thing works....it'll take a few doses for it to kick in but in my experience it works....600mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours (I took it like every 4 hours-reccomended every 6 hours though).....hope you find relief...It's always OK to call with your dr if you have a question about it....
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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Fri, 12-01-2006 - 9:34pm

When I had mine put in, my doc told me that if I could put up with the bleeding and spotting for 3 months I'd really love it. I haven't had any bleeding yet, because I'm still breastfeeding baby and I haven't had a period since April.

Hope things will be slowing down for you soon.

Sallie

ps. I also got mine in around mid September. I finally got my Paraguard book in the mail yesterday.