Perhaps you are considering a T-Safe copper IUD and would like to know in advance what side effects or complaints are known. Or you already have a copper IUD and would like to know if complaints you experience could be related to your IUD. In this section we have collected all frequently asked questions about side effects and complaints. Think for example about discharge, allergies or pimples. And what about your period, what to expect? If in doubt, always contact your healthcare provider. Definitely contact them if you can feel the bottom of the IUD, you experience discomfort during or after intercourse, or there is bleeding after intercourse. Also, always consult a doctor in case of severe abdominal pain, extreme bleeding, fever or unusual vaginal discharge.

Side effects of the copper IUD
Frequently asked questions about

Side effects and complaints

Can I get more and/or brown discharge after copper IUD placement?

Yes, it sometimes happens that in the first three months after placement of the IUD you experience more discharge (white discharge) than, for example, while using the pill or other hormonal contraception. This is because the natural cycle recovers. After some time, the discharge will decrease. After insertion of a coil, the discharge after menstruation may also sometimes be brown in colour, because some blood is still coming out. This will diminish over time. It is very important NOT to wash the vagina with soap or foam. So only wash with water! Do not use vaginal rinses either, as they will only worsen the situation as it disrupts your vagina's natural balance.

Why does my discharge suddenly have a weird smell with copper IUD?

It occasionally happens that women experience discharge with a strange odour. This has nothing to do with the copper coil itself. Usually, the smelly discharge is caused by a fungal infection, such as candida. A candida infection is annoying but relatively harmless. We recommend seeing your GP in this case. The doctor can prescribe you tablets or a cream to fight the fungus. It is very important that despite that nasty smell and discharge, you do NOT wash your vagina with soap or foam. So wash only with water. Do not use vaginal rinses either, as they only worsen the situation as it disrupts your vagina's natural balance.

Will my periods become more severe after copper IUD placement?

Menstruation may become heavier. 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: heavy, prolonged and/or irregular menstruation abdominal cramps (sometimes severe) intermittent blood loss After about three months your body will have become accustomed to the IUD and the natural cycle will recover. A small number of women continue to have slightly more blood loss during their periods.

Can you feel the wires or the copper IUD?

The copper IUD is placed in the uterus and cannot be felt, not even during sports or sex. After the IUD is placed, the wires of the IUD are usually cut 2 to 3 cm from the cervix. This makes it easy to remove the coil later. You can feel the threads with your finger. Sometimes the threads are curled around the cervix and it is more difficult to feel them. The threads are so supple that you cannot feel them during sex. If you feel a hard part, this means that the coil is no longer in place and you should see your doctor or midwife.

When should I contact the doctor?

You should consult a healthcare professional in case of:
    - You or your partner can feel the bottom of the IUD.
    - You or your partner experience discomfort during or after intercourse.
    - There is blood loss after intercourse.
    - You want to have the IUD removed.
    - You experience severe abdominal pain, extreme blood loss, fever or unusual vaginal discharge.

Can you be allergic to a copper IUD?

A T-Safe copper IUD is not suitable for women with copper allergy. Copper allergies are very rare. If you suspect that you may have an allergic (skin) reaction after having had the T-Safe implanted, contact your family doctor. If the cause is the copper IUD, the symptoms will disappear again once the IUD is removed.

Can you get pimples through a copper IUD?

Pimples are not caused by copper. Pimples are usually the result of a hormonal imbalance in your body.
    - It may be a reaction to stopping hormonal contraception and switching to hormone-free contraception. Your normal cycle is re-established and you produce more male hormones as a result. Your skin is sensitive to this and you may experience pimples.
    - You or your partner experience discomfort during or after intercourse.
    - Pimples can also be caused by, for example, stress or a new diet.
    It is often difficult to determine the cause. You can choose to have the coil removed. Then you will know whether or not it is due to the IUD.

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