When is the best time to put on an IUD after giving birth?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen - Obstetrician-Gynecology Specialist - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. Doctor has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The IUD is a method of contraception chosen by many women. After removing the ring, most cases of ring placement do not affect pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum women should choose the appropriate time to put the ring to help prevent pregnancy most effectively and safely.

1. What is an IUD?

The IUD is a small device made of plastic and placed in the uterus. Currently, the most commonly used type of IUD is the T-shaped ring and the copper-wrapped bow.
The IUD works to prevent sperm from reaching the egg as well as preventing the egg from implanting in the uterus. In addition, the IUD also reduces blood loss during menstruation, reduces menstrual pain, and reduces the appearance and growth of uterine fibroids - an effect due to the effect of progesterone, reducing the risk of pelvic inflammation.
IUDs can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. After the IUD is inserted, women will often experience more and more abdominal pain, a sharp pain when pressing on the lower abdomen, vaginal bleeding profusely and for a long time. There are also other symptoms such as fever, painful urination, pain during sex.

2. How effective is the IUD to prevent pregnancy?

The reason IUDs are effective in preventing pregnancy is because, when placed in the uterus, they cause an inflammatory reaction in the lining of the uterus, change the biochemistry of the endometrial cells and do not create conditions for the fertilized egg to implant. .
For IUDs containing copper: The IUD will release copper continuously into the uterine cavity, increasing the inflammatory response and possibly causing uterine contractions that prevent implantation of the egg. Because the effect of copper ions can change the biochemical properties of cervical mucus, change the uterine lining.
For the progesterone-containing ring: Progesterone contained in the IUD has the effect of blocking the cyclic activity of the endometrium due to the high concentration of progesterone compared to estrogen, not facilitating the implantation of a fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus. uterine lining. Progesterone can also inhibit ovulation.

3. Time can put the IUD after giving birth

The IUD should be inserted for about 2-3 months after giving birth (the longer the better). If you have a cesarean section, you should wait 6 months before ordering. The ideal time to insert an IUD is the 3rd or 4th day of the menstrual cycle. You should note that the IUD should not be inserted immediately after giving birth. Wait for the uterus to heal and return to its normal size, otherwise, while the cervix is ​​still open or dilated, the IUD could fall out. Some notes when inserting an IUD after giving birth:
If your period reappears three months after giving birth, you can put it on after your period stops. If you still have not had your period three months after giving birth, an IUD should be inserted after you have correctly checked for pregnancy to rule out an early pregnancy. After that, you will be injected with progesterone continuously for 3 days, wait for the bleeding to stop, 3-7 days after the bleeding stops, then proceed to insert the ring, no later than 7 days. If after giving birth, the uterus still bleeds a lot, the IUD should be inserted later to ensure safety, within half a year after surgery. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, you should apply some other methods of contraception such as using condoms, ejaculating outside the vagina... while waiting for the IUD to be placed.

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