If you have had a T-Safe IUD placed, additional questions may come to mind. Just after the insertion, you may wonder if you can immediately resume exercising and when you can have sex again. We also answer questions about menstruation and blood loss. If you lose blood just after the insertion, you can always use sanitary pads or menstrual underwear. You can also use tampons again a few days after insertion. Menstrual cups and IUDs are not a good combination. Women who use menstrual cups are more likely to lose their IUDs. If you don't use a menstrual cup, only a few women lose their IUDs. Contact your healthcare provider anyway if the threads are suddenly much longer or you feel a hard piece. A physical follow-up check is always advised six weeks after insertion, your healthcare provider will check if the IUD is still in place and you can discuss any complaints.

Frequently asked questions about

After placing

Is a follow-up check of the copper IUD necessary?

Yes, arrange for a follow-up check-up 6 weeks after the copper IUD has been inserted. The health care provider will check whether the IUD is in place and you can discuss any complaints.

Can you use a menstrual cup with an IUD?

The advice is not to use a menstrual cup in combination with a copper coil. Research has shown that women lose their IUD more often when using a menstrual cup. If you do wish to use a menstrual cup, do not use it until three months after insertion. Break the vacuum before removing the cup without pulling the IUD wires and always check that the IUD is not in the cup.

Can you use tampons with a copper IUD?

You can feel free to use tampons if you have had a copper IUD fitted. However, you should avoid using tampons until a few days after your IUD is inserted and preferably not at night during your first period. You don't need to worry that removing a tampon will pull out the IUD. The IUD is safe in the womb and the wires have usually curled around the cervix.

Will my periods be heavier and more painful?

Yes, it is possible. In the first three months after insertion, your periods may be different from normal. Most women experience little to no discomfort from the copper IUD, but others may experience side effects, such as:

After about three months, your body gets used to the IUD and the natural cycle is restored. A small number of women continue to have slightly more blood loss during their periods.

Will I be immediately protected against pregnancy after placing T-Safe?

Yes, you are immediately protected against pregnancy after insertion of a T-Safe copper IUD. You can also use a copper coil as a morning-after method. The IUD must then be inserted within 5 days of unsafe sex. The copper prevents any fertilised egg from implanting.

Please note:

Then pregnancy must be excluded before the T-Safe IUD is inserted.

When can you have sex again after inserting a copper IUD?

As soon as you feel like it, you can have sex as usual. Even immediately after insertion of the T-Safe copper IUD. The IUD sits safely in the uterus, so it can do no harm.

Can I start exercising immediately after the placement of the copper IUD?

We advise you not to do any sport immediately after insertion of a copper IUD. Directly after the treatment you may feel a little dizzy. When this is over you can go home. It is wise to take it easy on that day. The next day you may return to sports.

How do you know if your copper IUD has sunk?

The IUD is inserted high up in the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, the IUD moves around inside the uterus and can therefore sometimes sink a little. But as long as the IUD is in the uterine cavity, you are protected. Only in a few cases do women lose their IUD. If you feel a hard part, this means that the IUD is no longer in place and you should see your doctor or midwife.

Can you gain weight from a copper IUD?

Weight gain is not a known side effect of the copper IUD.

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