Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Possible Side Effects
Most women experience no side effects. Occasionally, they may experience:
• During the first 3 to 5 days after insertion
o Mild cramps
o Bleeding or spotting
• During the first three months:
o Longer and heavier periods
o Increased cramps during periods
o Bleeding or spotting between periods
Myths and Facts about IUD
Myth: The IUD can travel from the uterus to other places in the woman’s body, such as
the belly or heart.
Fact: The IUD usually stays in the uterus until a trained person removes it. If it comes
out by itself, it usually comes out through the vagina. An IUD is too big to travel to the
heart. Rarely, an IUD may puncture the wall of the uterus and rest in the abdomen beside
the uterus.
Myths: The IUD causes discomfort and harm to the male partner during intercourse.
Fact: The male partner may sometimes “feel” the strings but they do not cause him
discomfort or harm him. If the couple wants, the string may be trimmed accordingly. If
the male partner feels the hard part of IUD, the woman should go for a check-up as the
IUD might be coming out.
Myth: The IUD prevents pregnancy by destroying a fertilized egg.
Fact: IUDs work by preventing fertilization and not by destroying a fertilized egg (it is
not an abortive method).
Myth: IUDs usually do not “suit” women and cause them harm.
Fact: IUDs are inserted after correctly checking/screening the woman for conditions that
may cause health problems. Therefore, they usually do not cause health problems and are
very well tolerated by most women.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods