What Happens After You Get An IUD? Depression Risk, Body Changes, And More

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated July 24, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of hormonal birth control that is defined by Medical News Today as a "small device which doctors place inside the uterus as a contraceptive." In many cases, IUDs work out very well, and they serve the purposes for which they are intended. More often than not, those purposes include pregnancy prevention and menstrual cycle management. However, like anything else in life, IUDs are imperfect and do come with certain risks. For this reason, it's imperative for anyone who is considering this type of contraception to know exactly what to expect after having an IUD inserted.

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Are you experiencing concerning symptoms after IUD insertion?

A brief overview of the IUD

An IUD is precisely inserted inside the uterus to thicken the cervical mucus for the purpose of blocking sperm from reaching an egg. It is known as a barrier method of contraception.

There are many types of IUDs, although they each ultimately serve the same purposes. Some examples include copper IUDs, IUDs with the hormone levonorgestrel, and IUDS with the hormone progesterone. According to the National Institutes Of Health, all of these options are equally effective at preventing pregnancy.

When IUDs were first developed, many companies excluded people with no birth history or who had a troubling medical history. However, now almost any person with a uterus who wants to prevent pregnancy can get an IUD.

In many cases, IUDs can last for years on end, but Planned Parenthood explains that these devices are not permanent. It's important to note that IUDs should only be placed in and removed from the body by a licensed doctor. When using IUDs to prevent pregnancy, the rate of effectiveness is higher than 99%.

Benefits of an IUD

There are many people who have used IUDs and have been very pleased with the results. Aside from the 99% prevention rate against pregnancy, these devices are literally inserted in the body, therefore, they can't be forgotten about or improperly used, unlike alternative forms of birth control. Furthermore, IUDs can last between three to 12 years and can easily be removed by your doctor. Certain IUDs are also an option for pregnancy prevention within the next five days after sexual intercourse.

Drawbacks of an IUD

In the case of IUDs, there can be certain side effects, which will be addressed shortly. It's important to remember that getting an IUD is literally having a device inserted within your uterus. It takes time for the body to properly adjust. Some people have no issues with insertion, while others experience at least one side effect. Depending on you and your preferences, an IUD may or may not be the best fit. Knowing ahead of time and being fully informed is always the best protocol, especially when you're managing your health.

What to expect after you get an IUD

All experiences after an IUD insertion are not the same. Nevertheless, there are various changes and risks which are associated with this particular device. In most cases, the majority of the side effects will subside within three to six months. If they persist past this point, you should set up an appointment with your doctor.

Physical/menstruation discomfort

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Physical and menstruation-related side effects of IUDs include pain after insertion, cramping, irregular periods, heavier periods, stronger cramps and even spotting between menstrual cycles. It's very important to understand that not all people will undergo these symptoms after getting an IUD.

There are many factors which can impact whether someone has these experiences. Furthermore, some people may experience one or two of the symptoms, but not all of them. Of course, these are risks that your doctor should inform you of prior to the IUD insertion; nevertheless, having as much information as possible is always helpful.

If you find yourself experiencing severe menstrual cramps after an IUD, you may do well to notify your doctor. However, if the cramps are mild, pain medication such as Midol or Pamprin can make a difference. If you experience discomfort as your doctor is inserting your IUD or shortly thereafter, you should also inform your doctor. Ultimately, you know your body better than anyone, and if you have concerns about your body, comfort, or menstruation, getting professional feedback from your healthcare professional is always the wisest decision.

Depression risk

The studies on whether or not IUDs cause depression are mixed, as documented by Healthline. Certain studies suggest there are connections between IUDs and depression while others have not. Nevertheless, the depression risk is a potential factor and it's something else which people need to be aware of if they are considering an IUD insertion.

Individuals who do have IUDs inserted within their uterus have been found in certain studies to be 1.4 times more likely to later get prescriptions for antidepressant drugs. Moreover, the susceptibility to depression after an IUD also seems to be higher for people who are younger and between the ages of 15 and 19 years of age.
Getty/AnnaStills
Are you experiencing concerning symptoms after IUD insertion?

At the end of the day, many people may still wonder: do IUDs cause depression? The most honest and accurate answer to this is "sometimes." As priorly noted, there are many individuals who have IUDs inserted within their uterus and never have any issues. Hormones within certain IUDs have been linked to women developing depression and mood changes/swings. Each person's body chemistry is different. What works well for you may not work well for someone else and that's okay.

Individuals who have a history of depression or fall into the category of certain depression-related risk factors may be likely to undergo depression after an IUD. For this reason, alternative methods of birth control and/or menstruation management may be advisable.

Bodily rejection

There are some very rare cases where an IUD can partially or fully fall out of the person's uterus, as documented by Very Well Health. However, in the uncommon cases of an IUD bodily rejection, this generally takes place within the initial several months of insertion. Sometimes, menstruation can play a role in the body choosing to reject an IUD. If your IUD comes out, this does open up the door to pregnancy. In the event that you do experience the bodily rejection of an IUD, informing your doctor is the best next step.

Your health comes first

At the end of the day, what matters most is your health. As stated, there are various benefits, drawbacks, and risk factors associated with IUDs. Each individual has a unique experience that is impacted by many elements, including their history and innate body chemistry. Whether or not you determine that an IUD is best for you is a decision for you and your doctor. However, being as informed as possible and having enough information to ask questions if necessary is always helpful. If you have concerns about hormonal birth control, you can ask your doctor about the risks and alternative contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Prioritizing and looking out for your health includes both physical and mental health. In many cases, mental health is sometimes overlooked because it's not as tangible as physical health. Thankfully, mental health has gained more of the spotlight in recent years, and people are realizing that it matters just as much as an individual's physical health. Being a well-rounded person and healthy in all ways better ensures that you are able to enjoy a fruitful and successful quality of life.

You don't have to manage difficult emotions on your own

Whether you're adjusting to an IUD, going through a new stage of life, or experiencing something else entirely, you don't have to do it on your own. The fact of the matter is that while everyone goes through rough patches or challenges, everyone also deserves to know that there are good people in their corner who can help them. Sometimes, it can be easy to lose sight of this, especially when faced with obstacles or challenges.

If this sounds familiar to you, then you'll be thrilled to know that BetterHelp and its online therapy services can make a major difference in your life. Working with a therapist can not only help you cope with challenges in your life, but it can also ensure that you're able to get professional feedback and have support and guidance in your corner, no matter what you may be going through.

Many people find online therapy to be a more appealing option than in-person therapy. Platforms like BetterHelp enable the user to schedule appointments at times that are convenient to them and from a preferred location, as long as there is a safe internet connection. For people who are experiencing concerning symptoms that they wonder may be connected to IUD use, it may feel challenging to know where to look for a qualified therapist with experience in that area. Through BetterHelp’s initial questionnaire, you can match with a counselor suited to meet your specific needs within a 48-hour period.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression – regardless of their connection to IUD use – know that online therapy studies have shown efficacy time and again in treating people and reducing troubling symptoms. In a recent study of BetterHelp users seeking therapy for adult depression, researchers identified that depression symptom severity was significantly reduced after the intervention. 

Takeaway

An intrauterine device (IUD) may lead to an increased risk of depression, but research on the topic is mixed. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed therapist. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with an online counselor who has experience helping people living with depression. Take the first step toward getting help with depression and contact BetterHelp today.

Depression is treatable, and you're not alone
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