Almost every method of preventing unwanted pregnancy has its side effects. The only exceptions are barrier methods. Despite the effectiveness of the contraceptive effect of intrauterine spirals, sometimes unpleasant symptoms may appear.
Side effects
Side effects of the intrauterine device are rare. To date, modern spiral manufacturing technologies minimize the development of undesirable effects. But even if they arose, then as a rule they quickly pass without leaving residual phenomena.
The most common side effects of an intrauterine device are:
- During menstruation, more abundant discharges can be observed compared to menstruation prior to spiral placement.
- Since spiral staging is a manipulation performed inside the uterine cavity, this increases the risk of developing infectious complications.
- Perhaps the appearance of bloody discharge in the period between menstruations.
- The appearance of pain in the abdomen, sometimes during intercourse. This is usually associated with anatomical features of the structure of the uterus or with an incorrect position of the spiral.
- If the spiral is not covered by hormonal drugs, then it does not prevent the development of an ectopic pregnancy .
Possible complications
- Complications of the intrauterine device may develop with this contraceptive. For example, it is possible to perforate the uterus during spiral placement.
- The intrauterine device can cause complications in the form of a change in its position or even loss from the uterine cavity. This occurs if there are congenital deformities of the uterus or scar changes. Also, cases of endometriosis after use of the spiral are known.
- It is worth noting that spirals with a hormonal coating have significantly fewer side effects than conventional ones.