A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hey guys. I have a health concern but I'm not looking for medical advice per se, more whether others think it sounds serious or not. I have to tell this to someone because I don't have anyone else, and I'm scared :(I'm 20, and got a copper IUD inserted at the start of November last year. The process was fine, I had minimal cramping afterwards, and my periods haven't changed very much since. I've never experienced pain or spotting in between periods, but today in the afternoon I started feeling crampy - like at the start of a period even though my next one isn't due until around the 15th. The cramps got worse towards the evening, and when I went to the bathroom I noticed I was spotting a bit.I can't help fretting that my body's expelling the IUD, or worse, it's perforated my uterus. Do you think I'd be in more pain than this - severe pain - if either of those things were happening? I'd describe my cramps as moderate, and they come and go. I can still feel the string of the IUD, and it doesn't seem to be longer than usual. I'm really worried though :( Can anyone (who has had an IUD, maybe) give me any advice? I'd be so very grateful!
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female
reader, femmefemale  +, writes (23 February 2013):
I have one, I have the same concerns but I think we are fine especially judging from these comments.
If you get really concerned go to your doctor.
I also read something about our uterus moving or changing size slightly at different times of our monthly cycle so any irritation or cramps you are feeling could be a result of that.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (4 February 2013): I had an IUD 30 years ago, and would occasionally have some spotting and cramping around the time I ovulated. My doctor at the time couldn't explain it, but said that it fell within the range of "normal".
I agree with person12345, if you had a perforation you'd probably be bleeding heavily and in a lot of pain. Having said that, though, I'm not a doctor. If you're still worried in the morning, or if the bleeding gets heavier, you should probably call your dr. -- for reassurance if nothing else.
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female
reader, gloworm4919  +, writes (4 February 2013):
I had the copper IUD inserted too and for two years i suffered of cramps, MAJOR ones, heavy periods and took pain meds. I am guessing my body was rejecting it in some way and I finally decided to remove it. Best choice I made. Now all is back to normal. We are told to give 6-9 months to not see spotting and feel heavy cramps, but that was not the case on my end. Good luck on whatever decision you make on keeping it or removing it. It might vary from age too, I was 30 when I got it and at 32 that was it.
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female
reader, Nime +, writes (4 February 2013):
 Hi, I think you have nothing to worry about, but I'm not a doctor. I've had the non-hormonal copper IUD in since November 2010 (I am 26, no children) and since then I have experienced some spotting and cramping outside of my period. I notice that maybe two weeks before my next period I'll sometimes experience cramping that is more of a sudden, sharp, stabbing or pinching vaginal pain and not like the dull, widespread ache that I have during my period. Sometimes the stabbing sensation is so sharp that it stops me in my tracks for a moment. I've been to a GYN for regular checkups and nothing is amiss. Just periodically check for the thread end of the IUD to make sure it hasn't shifted too much. One thing that also might explain your pains is that it's just ovulation. If you were on hormonal birth control before the IUD, like I was, you might have even forgotten that ovulation can hurt. Believe it or not, your eggs develop in something called functional ovarian cysts that burst and reform when your eggs are released during ovulation. In a lot of women, this can cause pain and cramping in the pelvic region. But if your cramping feels lower in the vaginal region, you're not crazy, I experience that too on the IUD and don't know what it is or if it's also related to ovulation.Anyway I would not worry, but if you are worried, of course see your GYN. Just remember that your risk of perforation or infection is quite low; since IUDs first came out there have been significant changes to the materials used and the design so that they are much safer. Also, congratulations on getting the IUD, you've made a very healthy decision!
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female
reader, person12345 +, writes (4 February 2013):
 What you're describing sounds pretty normal for a copper IUD, with a perforation you wouldn't feel the string and it's most likely to happen within the first month or two after insertion (you're also probably be bleeding heavily and in severe pain). With the expulsion, well you'd pretty clearly feel if it was no longer in there.
I personally would say just take some ibuprofen and see if it goes away within the next few days and if not, see a doctor. You can also go ahead and call your doctor today for advice.
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