Side Effects, Health Benefits, Health Risks, and Complications
Side Effects
Some users report the following:
- Most commonly, changes in bleeding patterns,† including:
- Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
- Infrequent bleeding
- Irregular bleeding
- No monthly bleeding
- Prolonged bleeding
- Acne
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
Other possible physical changes:
- Ovarian cysts
Bleeding changes are normal and not harmful. If a woman finds them bothersome, counseling and support can help. |
Complications
Rare:
- Puncturing (perforation) of the wall of the uterus by the LNG-IUD or an instrument used for insertion. Usually heals without treatment.
Very rare:
- Miscarriage, preterm birth, or infection in the very rare case that the woman becomes pregnant with the LNG-IUD in place.
Correcting Misunderstandings
LNG-IUDs
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Can be used by women of any age, including adolescents.
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Can be used by women who have had children and those who have not.
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Do not increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV.
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Do not increase the risk of miscarriage when a woman becomes pregnant after the IUD is removed.
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Do not make women infertile.
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Do not cause birth defects.
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Do not cause cancer.
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Do not move to the heart or brain.
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Do not cause discomfort or pain for the woman or the man during sex.
† For definitions of bleeding patterns, see vaginal bleeding.