IUD question

[newmommy27]

I am 8 weeks postpartum...I had an IUD put in 3 weeks ago...


After having the IUD in I bled very heavily (through a pad every hour or so for 4 days and every 2-3 hours for the next week or so) My doc also prescribed progesterone to stop the bleeding which I took for 3 days until the side effects (passing out) became worse then the bleeding.

So the bleeding has stopped completely...Last night I was up for about 2 hours with cramping and this morning woke with full on bleeding again...and the cramping continues...


obviously I am nursing on demand but I have a wee one who likes her sleep (lucky me)

so she goes about 6 hours without nursing at night...

Is it safe to assume that this bleeding is IUD related or could this be a postpartum period...

(I did not menstruate with my first till he was 14 months but he nursed all night)

looking forward to insights

[lunaliss]

I think you definitely need to talk to your provider about these issues.
It could be a period.
Do you have a Mirena or a Paragard? Personally, I don't understand the progesterone challenge for bleeding. I would venture to say you probably have a paragard and that will cause more cramping and bleeding with periods.
Women are different from baby to baby, may get cycles after 3 to 24 mos regardless of past experience. The IUD is going to affect that return and its effects.
But a phone call and follow up with your provider is certainly warranted. Perhaps a sono to confirm that the IUD is in place.
That would be my recommendation as a CNM.
Good luck!

[newmommy27]

Thanks Lunaliss

Had a follow up sono 3 days after the IUD went in (yes it is a paragard)

it is in place (or was at that time)

It just seems to me that this IUD maybe more work/discomfort then it is worth...we are seriously debating about if it should just come out or not

[MissyLissa]

That amount of bleeding doesn't sound normal. I wonder if this could be your body trying to reject it? I had a Mirena and no problems at all with heavy bleeding, just occassional spotting.

[mommyminer]

Mirena and Paragard's are different IUD's. The Mirena contains hormones to make your period lighter or stop having a period altogether.

I would call my Dr. I had the Paragard several years ago. I didn't bleed after the insertion (I spotted). When my period returned around 6 months, it was so heavy I called the ER. I didn't go to the hospital ~ stuck it out at home. My subsequent periods would be very heavy, very crampy and last about 5 days. The length of 5 days is normal for me ~ but not as heavy and crampy as they were.