IUD and Back Pain

Birth control is an important subject for most women. It prevents unwanted pregnancies from occurring and helps some women control their menstrual cycles. Today, though, more than a dozen types of birth control are available to women, and choosing one requires lots of information. If you are considering an IUD, you should know that it can lead to pain, including temporary or continual back pain. This back pain can be caused by several factors.

Facts

• An intrauterine device, or IUD, is used for birth control. The plastic and copper device is shaped like a "T" and is about 1.4 inches long and 1.2 inches across. IUDs interfere with the movement of sperm, the fertilization of an egg and the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall.

Benefits

• IUDs are an effective means of preventing pregnancies. Only one in 100 women become pregnant while using an IUD. The figure is lower than the number who become pregnant while using oral contraceptives (3 percent), condoms (12 percent), a diaphragm (18 percent) and other methods.

Considerations

• While an IUD is being inserted, back pain can result. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, the pain normally subsides within an hour of insertion, but it can last for several days or even a few weeks. Ibuprofen can help to relieve the pain. A more rare incidence of back pain can occur if an IUD perforates the wall of the uterus. Uterine cramping and bleeding also sometimes occur when this happens.

Warning

• In addition to the more common incidences of back pain in women who use IUDs, there is a threat of infection. Called pelvic inflammatory disease, the infection targets the female sex organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissue. This can result in back pain.

Time Frame

• Most back pain associated with an IUD dissipates within a week to a few months of insertion, but some back pain could be prolonged. This back pain is not a result of the insertion. Instead, it is more likely related to the change in your period. Some IUDs result in a significant increase in menstrual flow, which can lead to a drop in your red blood cell count and resulting cramps. These cramps often occur in the lower back and in the pelvic area.

Prevention/Solution

• If you have an IUD and experience back pain, consult a doctor. Only a doctor can tell you whether there is a complication related to the IUD. If not, the pain might be ordinary pain associated with using an IUD or the result of an injury not related to the IUD.