COMMON COPPER IUD SIDE EFFECTS
Understanding Copper IUDs
Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular and effective long-term contraception option. If you’re considering a copper IUD or already have one, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential side effects, which may not always be fully disclosed by doctors.
Navigating the effects of copper IUDs can be challenging. Many women experience symptoms that diverge from medical expectations, leading to frustration when healthcare providers dismiss them. However, understanding these potential side effects empowers us to advocate for our health. If you’ve felt unheard or misunderstood, know that you’re not alone. Your experiences matter.
What Are IUDs?
They’re small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Copper IUDs share the same T-shaped design as hormonal IUDs but utilize copper to prevent pregnancy. By inducing an inflammatory response toxic to sperm, copper IUDs effectively thwart fertilization. Unlike their hormonal counterparts, they don’t release hormones, yet copper’s interaction with estrogen often leads to hormone imbalances.
Why Am I Experiencing Side Effects from My IUD?
If your doctor assured you that IUDs have no side effects aside from heavier bleeding, you might be wondering why you’re experiencing discomfort or other issues. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
The Role of Copper in IUDs
Copper IUDs influence your body’s natural hormone balance by interacting with estrogen. The copper IUD increases copper levels in the body, storing it in tissues. When this ‘unbound’ copper increases, estrogen levels also rise.
Hormonal Imbalance
Copper toxicity and excess copper levels cause the body to hold onto estrogen, preventing its detoxification. Having excess estrogen levels and poor estrogen detoxification causes the body to retain more copper. This creates a vicious cycle where elevated copper levels lead to increased estrogen, resulting in estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance can exacerbate many of the symptoms associated with copper IUDs, including mood swings, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities.
The symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) are often associated with estrogen dominance. Below is a comprehensive list of potential side effects associated with copper IUD use:
Bleeding and Menstrual Irregularities
- *Heavier Periods
- *Longer Periods
- More Painful Periods
- Increased menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, particularly in the initial months after insertion.
- *Spotting Between Periods
- *Irregular bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles.
- *Heavy, Prolonged Bleeding
- *Missed Periods
- *Spotting after insertion for many months
- *Bleeding after insertion for many months
- *Bleeding never stopped after insertion until removed
- *Loss of period (Amenorrhoea)
- *Developed or increased PMS symptoms
- *Developed or increased PMDD symptoms
Pain and Discomfort
- Painful insertion
- Pelvic and Abdominal Pain
- *Pelvic pain
- *Abdominal pain
- *Severe Abdominal Pain
- *Contraction-like pains
- *Cramps
- Increased or unusual vaginal discharge
- Possible cramping or discomfort immediately after insertion.
- Lower back pain
- Back pain
- Pain During Activities
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- Painful sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Pain in foot
- Pain in leg
Device-Related Issues
- Expelling
- Migration
- Migration into cervix
- Perforation out of uterus
- Perforation and embedding into another organ in the abdominal cavity
- Pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pregnancy with IUD in place
- Pregnancy with IUD out of place
- Strings missing
- Removal by hysteroscopy
- Removal by laparoscopy
- Broken IUD
- Arm broken off during removal
Nerve and Musculoskeletal Pain
- Sciatica
- Numbness in one or both legs
- Numbness in back
- Numbness in foot
- Nerve damage
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Degenerated disc
- Tingling in one or both legs
- Tingling in back
- Tingling in foot
- Carpal tunnel
- *Joint pain
Headaches and Migraines
- *Headaches
- *Migraines
- Migraines with aura
Infections and Inflammations
- Yeast infections (recurring)
- BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) (recurring)
- UTIs
- Candida Overgrowth
- Inflamed cervix
- Cysts on cervix
- PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- Bladder infections
Sleep and Fatigue Issues
- *Exhaustion
- *Sleep disturbances
- *Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Gastrointestinal Issues
- *Bloating
- *Upset stomach
- Developed IBS or worsening of symptoms
- Leaky gut
- Acid reflux
- *Diarrhea
- *Constipation
Cardiovascular Issues
- High blood pressure
- *Low blood pressure
- *Heart palpitations
Mental Health and Cognitive Issues
- *Anxiety
- *Depression
- *Panic attacks
- *Brain fog
- *Memory issues
Hormonal and Reproductive Issues
- *Loss of libido
- *Breast tenderness
- *Hormone imbalance
- Estrogen dominance
- *Short-term and long-term ovulation issues (delayed or failed)
- *Infertility
- *Ovarian cysts
- *Fibroid development
- Uterine polyps
- *Development or worsening of thyroid distruptions
- Pregnancy symptoms
Weight and Metabolism Changes
- *Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Change to insulin levels
- Fatty liver
Musculoskeletal and Skin Issues
- Skin sensitivities
- Developed or worsening of rosacea
- *Development of sun spots or liver spots on face or body
- *Muscle fatigue
- Tendonitis
- *Bone density loss
Nutritional Issues
- Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
- Malabsorption of nutrients
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
Sensory Issues
- Vision changes
- Tinnitus
Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities
- Copper allergy
- Itching
- Rash
- Swelling
- Metallic smell
- Metallic taste
- Food sensitivities
- Chemical sensitivities
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Copper poisoning
- Copper in ovaries
Other Issues
- *Hair loss
- Change to hair texture
- Legs and arms fall asleep
- Seizures
- *Acne/Cystic acne
- Fever and Chills