IUD Insertion Specialist in Austell GA

IUD is short for an intrauterine device which is a form of birth control that is placed inside the uterus; this is done specifically by a doctor. Once inside, depending on the type of IUD that was chosen, you can be protected against pregnancy for up to 10 years.

The IUD insertion portion of the appointment is quite quick and is completed at the doctor’s clinic. There are two types of IUD contraceptives you can choose from, depending also on your doctors’ recommendations.

• Copper IUD
Prevents pregnancy by disallowing the male sperm to fertilize the egg found in females. It will also make it more difficult for the fertilized egg to become implanted in the uterus.

• Hormone progestin coated IUD
Hormone progestin-coated IUD works almost exactly like the copper IUD, as it prevents sperm from also thickening the cervical mucus and thins out the uterine lining within. For many patients, it stops ovulation.

A doctor may prescribe a certain type of IUD for patients depending on what they are looking to help achieve. From reducing a female’s blood flow during their period cycle which can become quite heavy, or painful, as well as to protect against pregnancy.

We want you to feel comfortable before your IUD insertion appointment. To make sure you don’t become dizzy, eat a light meal and snack before the appointment, as well as water.

Make sure you do not go to the bathroom before your appointment, as your doctor will need a urine sample to ensure you are not pregnant before the IUD insertion appointment.

If you want to take a pain reliever before the appointment, so it helps prevent cramping during and after the procedure, ask your doctor ahead of time to ensure it is okay.

During your IUD insertion appointment, you will be asked to undress from the waist down, and lay down on the medical exam table in the medical room with your legs open like you would for a Pap smear appointment. The doctor will then insert the speculum into the vagina to widen it to be able to insert the device. A few specific tools will be used during the IUD insertion appointment, the doctor will also:

• Check the position and size of the uterus
• Clean the patient’s cervix and vagina with an antiseptic liquid
• Look for any issues with the uterus
• Line up the cervix with the uterus

IUDs are created in the shape of a T, the arms will be folded down and put into the device of the applicator tube, which is then inserted into the tube through the cervix into the uterus. Once the IUD is placed correctly, the arms will be released and the doctor will then remove the applicator tube.

The string that is attached to the bottom of the IUD will hang down into the cervix and vagina. The doctor may trim the string if it hangs too low.

You may feel slight cramping when the doctor inserts the IUD, as well as a bit of pain and cramping for a few hours after.

The entire IUD insertion appointment will only take around 5 to 15 minutes. It takes longer for you to undress and get onto the bed, and then re-dress than the actual IUD insertion appointment.

Many may notice spotting as well as cramping after the IUD insertion appointment, the mild cramping and bleeding can last a few months, typically 3 to 6 months after. If you are uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter- pain reliever to help, as well as place a heating pad or hot water bottle on the stomach to ease the cramping and pain.

After the first month of having the IUD insertion, the doctor will ask you to come back so they can check to ensure the IUD has not moved and is doing well. The doctor will help and show you how you should be checking that the IUD is still in place each month.

If you begin to feel symptoms that are concerning the IUD moving, it is best to immediately call your doctor to book an appointment. Some of these symptoms include:

• Cannot feel the strings
• Strings feel different, either not as long as before or longer
• You cannot feel the IUD anymore
• Your partner cannot feel the IUD
• You may experience pain in the general area
• You start to notice heavy or abnormal bleeding
• Severe cramping, abnormal discharge, or a fever starts to occur

If you would like to know more about IUDs and how they can help you, contact Cobb Women’s Health today! We are located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW Suite 102, Austell GA 30106 and serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Douglasville GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA and Marietta GA.