When Can You Have Sex After Getting an IUD?
Key takeaways:
It’s usually safe to have sex as soon as you have an intrauterine device (IUD) placed. But you may need to use a backup birth control method for a few days in some cases.
You don’t need backup birth control to prevent pregnancy if you have copper IUD placed. Copper IUDs start working right away to prevent pregnancy.
You also don’t need backup birth control if you have a hormonal IUD placed within 7 days of starting your period.
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a safe and highly effective form of birth control. It offers long-term pregnancy prevention without the hassle of daily pills or monthly pharmacy trips.
During an IUD placement, a healthcare professional places the small, T-shaped device into your uterus. Afterward, you may wonder how long it takes for your IUD to start working and when you can have sex.
The answer depends on which type of IUD you choose and your comfort level. Here’s what to know.
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How long should you wait to have sex after getting an IUD?
It’s safe to have sex after an IUD placement. But some people experience cramping or other mild side effects in the days after insertion. You may be more comfortable if you wait to have sex until these side effects have gone away.
But it’s also important to know that your IUD might not work right away to prevent pregnancy. You’ll need to use backup birth control or avoid sex until your IUD starts working.
How can you tell if your IUD is working?
It depends on the type of IUD you get and when you have it placed.
Copper IUDs (Paragard) start working immediately to prevent pregnancy. You don’t need to use any type of backup birth control if you get a copper IUD.
Hormonal IUDs are a little more tricky. Examples of hormonal IUDs are:
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These start working right away only if you get them placed within 7 days of starting your period.
But you need to use backup birth control for at least a week if you have a hormonal IUD placed later in your menstrual cycle. After that, your IUD will be enough to prevent pregnancy. And you don’t have to use backup birth control.
Keep in mind that IUDs don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So it’s important to use condoms regardless of what type of IUD you get.
Tips for resuming sexual activity after IUD insertion
Everyone's experience with an IUD is different, and your healthcare team may give you specific instructions based on your situation. But here are some tips that can help.
Try an OTC pain reliever for discomfort
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help with any post-insertion cramping or discomfort. Examples are:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
You can also try a heating pad to help ease symptoms too.
Communicate with your partner
Let your partner know you're easing back into sexual activity. Tell them you may need to take things slowly at first. Stay in communication about what feels comfortable. This will help make the experience better for both of you.
Pay attention to how you feel
If sex feels painful or uncomfortable after IUD insertion, give yourself more time. Your body may need a few more days to heal and adjust. Discomfort should go away within 3 to 4 days.
Contact your healthcare team if you’re still experiencing pain with sex after that time.
What side effects can I expect after IUD insertion?
Many people experience mild side effects after getting an IUD. These are explained below.
Cramping
You might feel cramping during and immediately after the procedure. Some people might feel dizzy. Taking a few minutes to rest and lie down afterward can help.
Cramping usually goes away after 1 to 2 days. Rarely, cramping can last up to a week.
Menstrual cycle changes
With a hormonal IUD, you might notice changes in your menstrual cycle during the first few months as your body adjusts to the device:
Initially, your periods may be irregular.
As time goes on, you may find your period becoming lighter and shorter.
Some people even stop having periods altogether, which isn’t harmful.
Copper IUDs can make your periods heavier, especially in the first few months after insertion. Your periods may also be longer. And you might notice spotting between periods. These side effects may improve over time.
When should you see a healthcare professional?
IUDs are safe. But, like any medical procedure or treatment, there’s always a chance that complications can happen. Here’s some signs you should seek care.
Symptoms of infection
Seek medical care right away if you develop any of these symptoms:
Severe pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis
Fever
Chills
Unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding that’s heavier than your typical period
Fainting
Confusion
These can be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease, a severe infection. Pelvic inflammatory disease after an IUD placement is rare. But your risk of developing it goes up during the first 3 weeks after an IUD insertion. So it’s best to be safe and seek care if you develop any unusual symptoms.
IUD movement
It’s uncommon, but IUDs can also move out of place. You should seek care right away if you think your IUD may have moved. Signs your IUD has moved include:
Feeling the IUD in your vagina or cervix
IUD strings feeling longer or shorter than usual
Pregnancy
You should also seek care if you have a positive pregnancy test or other signs of pregnancy. You have a less than 1% chance of getting pregnant with an IUD in place. But if you do get pregnant, it’s important to get an IUD removed right away to prevent complications to your health.
Frequently asked questions
You don't need to avoid sex before getting an IUD. But you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy. You can’t have an IUD placed if you’re pregnant. You should also use condoms to prevent STIs.
Your partner shouldn’t be able to feel your IUD. But they may feel the IUD strings. IUD strings are thin plastic strings that extend from your cervix into your vagina. It's uncommon, but your partner might occasionally feel these strings during penetrative sex. If this happens, your gynecologist or another healthcare professional can trim the strings.
The bottom line
It’s safe to have sex after an IUD insertion. But you may feel more comfortable if you wait to have sex until after any side effects — like cramping — go away. Not all IUDs start working right away to prevent pregnancy. So you may need to use a backup birth control method.
Copper IUDs start working right away to prevent pregnancy, so you don’t need to use a backup birth control method. Hormonal IUDs start working right away if you have them placed within 7 days of the first day of your period. If you have a hormonal IUD placed later in your menstrual cycle, you need to use a backup birth control method for 1 week.
IUDs don’t protect against STIs, so it’s important to continue using condoms.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
CooperSurgical. (2020). Paragard intrauterine copper contraceptive [package insert].
Diedrich, J. T., et al. (2014). Association of short-term bleeding and cramping patterns with long-acting reversible contraceptive method satisfaction. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Lanzola, E. L., et al. (2023). Intrauterine device. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Intrauterine devices (IUD).
Sanders, A. P., et al. (2018). Retained intrauterine devices in pregnancy. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Intrauterine device (IUD) and implant.
