How is levonorgestrel intrauterine system used?
The levonorgestrel IUD is inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus by a doctor.
You may feel pain or dizziness during insertion of the IUD, and you may have minor vaginal bleeding. Tell your doctor if these symptoms last longer than 30 minutes.
The IUD should not interfere with sexual intercourse, wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, or using other vaginal medications.
Your doctor should check the IUD after a few weeks to make sure it is still in place. You will also need annual pelvic exams and Pap smears.
You may have irregular periods for 3 to 6 months. Your flow may be lighter or heavier, and your periods may stop after several months. Tell your doctor if you do not have a period for 6 weeks or if you think you might be pregnant.
The IUD may come out by itself. After each menstrual period, make sure you can still feel the removal strings at the opening of your cervix.
Call your doctor at once if you cannot feel the strings, or if you think the IUD has slipped lower or has come out of your uterus, especially if you also have pain or bleeding. Use a non-hormone method of birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy until your doctor is able to replace the IUD.
If you need to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), tell your caregivers ahead of time that you have an IUD in place.
Your IUD may be removed at any time you decide to stop using birth control. Mirena or Liletta must be removed at the end of the 6-year wearing time. Kyleena must be removed after 5 years, and Skyla must be removed after 3 years. Your doctor can insert a new device if you wish to continue using this form of birth control. Only your doctor should remove the IUD. Do not attempt to remove the device yourself.
If you decide to use a different method of birth control, you may need to start using it a week before your IUD is removed.