Birth Control in Fort Worth

Before Your Treatment

Consultation:

Discuss your options: Your healthcare provider will review different types of IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal) and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Review your medical history: Inform your provider about any health conditions, pregnancies, or medications that may affect IUD use.

Ask questions: Make sure you understand the benefits, risks, and what to expect from the procedure.

Timing of Insertion:

Best time: IUDs are often inserted during your menstrual period when the cervix is naturally more open, but they can be placed at any time in your cycle.

Consider birth control: If you’re switching to an IUD from another method, ask about how to transition to ensure continuous contraception.

Avoid unprotected sex before placement: It’s important not to have unprotected sex in the days leading up to IUD insertion. This ensures that you are not pregnant during the placement. Your healthcare provider may advise using condoms or abstaining from sex for about a week prior to insertion.

Preparing for the Procedure:

Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be taken an hour before the procedure to help minimize discomfort.

Eat and hydrate: Have a light meal and stay hydrated before your appointment to help prevent dizziness or fainting during the procedure.

Arrange transportation: Some women feel dizzy or crampy after the insertion, so consider having someone drive you home.

What to Expect During Insertion:

The procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes.

You may experience some cramping and discomfort as the IUD is placed.

Your provider will likely perform a pelvic exam and may use a speculum to insert the IUD.

Immediately After Insertion:

Expect cramping and spotting: Mild to moderate cramping and spotting can occur for a few days or weeks after insertion.

Rest if needed: You may feel a bit tired or uncomfortable, so take it easy for the rest of the day.

Use pain relief: Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Check the IUD Strings:

Your provider will show you how to check the IUD strings, which hang down from your cervix into your vagina.

Check the strings once a month to ensure the IUD is still in place.

Do not pull on the strings, as this can dislodge the IUD.

Follow-up Appointment:

A follow-up visit is usually scheduled 4-6 weeks after insertion to ensure the IUD is properly positioned and to address any concerns.

Potential Side Effects:

Cramping and spotting: It’s normal to experience some cramping and spotting for the first few months.

Changes in menstrual cycle: Hormonal IUDs may make your periods lighter or stop altogether, while copper IUDs may cause heavier periods initially.

Contact your provider if: You have severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection (fever, chills, unusual discharge), or if you cannot feel the strings.

Long-Term Care:

IUDs can stay in place for 3-10 years, depending on the type.

You can have the IUD removed at any time if you wish to conceive or switch contraceptive methods.

Regular checkups are not needed unless you have issues or concerns.

Sexual Activity:

It is safe to resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable.

The IUD is effective immediately if inserted during your period, but otherwise, ask your provider if you need to use a backup contraceptive method for a short period.

Pregnancy Concerns:

Although the risk is very low, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect pregnancy or experience symptoms like severe cramping or abnormal bleeding.

This guide helps ensure you are fully prepared for IUD placement and know how to care for yourself afterward.