Patient's question:
Patient Gender: Hello, I had an abortion surgery with no pain on November 12th and was directly fitted with an intrauterine device (IUD). On December 13th, after my first sexual intercourse, I started bleeding. By December 22nd, I had my first menstrual period, but the bleeding was very light and minimal. The period was also very light. A few days after the period ended, I started bleeding again, but it was still very light. On January 7th, I felt like I was having my period, but it was very minimal. I have never had heavy periods before, and I don’t know if this is normal. Now, I don’t have any lower back pain or abdominal pain.Doctor's answer:
Increased menstrual flow: In the early stages of using an IUD, especially during the first three months, some women may experience varying degrees of increased menstrual flow, prolonged periods, or irregular spotting. This usually improves naturally after three months. If the menstrual flow increases by 1-2 times compared to before the IUD insertion, or if irregular bleeding persists for an extended period, it may lead to anemia, and medical attention should be sought promptly.Lower abdominal pain or backache: After inserting an IUD, a small number of women may experience mild lower abdominal pain or backache. These symptoms typically resolve on their own after a short adaptation period. However, if severe lower abdominal pain occurs, it could indicate uterine or pelvic infection, IUD displacement or impaction, or ectopic pregnancy, and immediate medical evaluation and treatment are necessary.
Increased vaginal discharge: If you have an IUD with (a tail string), prolonged contact and friction between the and the cervical mucosa may cause an increase in cervical secretions, leading to more vaginal discharge. Similarly, IUDs without can also act as foreign bodies, stimulating the endometrium and increasing secretions. Over time, as the endometrial tissue adapts, the discharge will naturally decrease. If, shortly after inserting the IUD, you notice a significant increase in discharge, accompanied by yellowish purulent discharge, fever, and lower abdominal pain, it may indicate an infection, and medical attention should be sought promptly.
Infection: A few individuals may develop infections, often due to poor hygiene after IUD insertion, a history of reproductive tract infections, or early sexual activity, frequent intercourse, or multiple sexual partners after insertion. Infections can usually be effectively controlled with antibiotics. Please wait for one to two months to see if the symptoms subside. If they do not, consult a formal hospital for a check-up. Rest assured!