How often should women change their IUDs?

It is very important to take contraceptive measures on a regular basis. Contraception can be divided into two types: short-term contraception and long-term contraception. If women want to achieve long-term contraceptive effects, IUD insertion is a good choice. Women can use IUDs for long-term contraception, but the duration of use is something that many female friends are concerned about. So, how often should women change their IUDs? Let’s take a look below.

(1) If the IUD has reached its prescribed age, it should be removed from the hospital promptly to prevent it from deforming or becoming ineffective in the uterus. Generally, metal rings can be stored for 20 years, silicone rubber V-rings can be stored for 7-10 years, and copper sleeve T-rings can be stored for 10-15 years. A new ring can be put in while removing the ring.

(2) If there are adverse reactions such as irregular vaginal bleeding or persistent heavy menstrual flow after the IUD is placed, which affect your health, the IUD should be removed promptly if drug treatment is ineffective.

(3) If there are significant changes in the menstrual cycle during menopause, such as the cycle becoming longer or menopause lasting more than 6 months, the ring should be removed promptly.

Before removing the ring, you should first undergo an X-ray fluoroscopy or "B" type ultrasound examination. For a ring with a tail thread, you can ask the doctor to dilate the vaginal opening to see if there is any nylon thread outside the uterine opening to confirm that the ring is in the uterine cavity before removing it. The best time to remove the ring is within 3-7 days after the menstruation is over, which can reduce bleeding. Rest for 1 day after removing the IUD. Avoid sexual intercourse and taking a bath in a toilet within 2 weeks to prevent infection.

After the removal of the IUD, there may be a small amount of vaginal bleeding or bloody leucorrhea, which will disappear naturally in a day or two. This is caused by the stimulation of the endometrium and cervix by the removal of the IUD. It is a normal phenomenon. If the bleeding is heavy or lasts for a long time, you should seek medical treatment in time.

Things to note after having an IUD inserted

1. Get adequate rest and avoid excessive physical labor. Generally, you should rest for 1-2 days after the ring is placed. Do not do heavy physical labor within a week to avoid the ring falling off and bleeding.

2. Pay attention to hygiene and avoid infection. After the IUD is placed, the vulva should be washed every day to keep it clean. Do not take a bath in a basin within 2 weeks and do not have sexual intercourse within 2 weeks to avoid infection.

3. Pay attention to vaginal bleeding and shedding of the ring. If you find that your vaginal bleeding is heavy, more than twice the normal menstrual blood volume or the bleeding lasts longer, or the changes in your menstrual cycle are obvious, you should go for a check-up in time. During the first 3 months, you should also pay attention to whether the ring falls off.

4. Check regularly. Generally, the first check-up after the placement of the ring is after the first menstruation, the second check-up is within 3-6 months after the placement of the ring, and the third check-up is 12 months after the placement of the ring, and then it is checked once a year.

5. Possible side effects after IUD insertion. If the menstrual volume increases significantly after the IUD is placed, the menstrual period is significantly prolonged, or there is frequent small amount of bleeding, or there is severe lower back pain or abdominal pain, these are all abnormal phenomena.

6. Pay attention to nutritional supplements. Appropriately increase nutrition, especially eat more foods rich in iron, such as lean meat, pork liver, pork kidney, eggs and other foods. You can also eat more soy products, increase vegetables and fresh fruits. Generally, the above dietary conditioning can effectively prevent the physical energy consumption caused by the side effects of IUD.