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Complications and side effects of intrauterine devices
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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When using intrauterine devices, both complications and undesirable side effects may occur. When inserting intrauterine devices, such a complication as uterine perforation may develop (0.2%). The use of an intrauterine device may be accompanied by the appearance of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs (16-18%). In addition, women with an IUD often experience a change in the menstrual cycle, manifested in the form of algomenorrhea, hyperpolymenorrhea, especially in the first months of using contraceptives (27-40%). After 3-4 years, against the background of using intrauterine devices, women may develop hyperplastic processes of the endometrium, which will also lead to an increase in the volume of menstruation. Some patients (1-2%) may experience expulsion of the contraceptive.
Acceptability of intrauterine devices at different stages of a woman's life
| Group of women | Use of IUDs | Cause |
| Adolescence | It is not advisable | High risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the genitals, algomenorrhea, and expulsion |
| Nulliparous | It is not advisable | High risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the genitals, algomenorrhea, and expulsion |
| In the postpartum period (after 6 weeks), during lactation | Possible with a regular sexual partner | Does not affect lactation |
| In the intergenetic interval | Maybe | It is necessary to take into account the degree of risk of complications and undesirable side effects. Possibility of reproductive dysfunction after complications |
| After an abortion (before the menstrual cycle is restored) | Not recommended | High risk of complications and unwanted side effects. Possibility of reproductive dysfunction after complications |
| In late reproductive age | Not recommended | High risk of developing endometrial hyperplastic processes and growth of uterine tumors |
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