Q        I had the ParaGard IUD placed about a week or so ago. I started bleeding bright red blood about 2 days after and it has not stopped. It is not heavy, but more like my normal periods are and I had a period 8 days before my device was inserted. I had an ultrasound 2 days ago and everything was fine. I am still concerned however. The entire point was to prevent pregnancy and it is working because I can’t have sex (kind of grosses my hubby out). Is this normal?
Traffic Analyst
A: Â Â Â Â
| I would suggest that you be patient with this extremely effective contraceptive. Many women do experience a time with spotting or bleeding after ParaGard insertion. A bath with gentle rinsing up into the vagina and a large towel may make intercourse acceptable to you and your husband.Two things that could be done to minimize your bleeding are:
1.   Use a prostaglandin inhibitor 2.   You could take a very low-dose birth control pill for 21 days if you have no reason to avoid combined birth control pills. |
Good luck. Please let us know what happens.
Robert A. Hatcher MD, MPH
Emeritus Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the ParaGard IUD, go to: www.managingcontraception.com.  You can order all of these books listed below from our website or by calling 404-875-5001.Â
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