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I’m scheduled to get an IUD, now what?

Have you made an IUD placement appointment at Children’s Hospital Colorado, UCHealth or Denver Health? If you have any questions, call us at (720) 777-2667. Make sure you know the clinic location and plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before your appointment.

Before you go:

We recommend that you have the following items at home for after the IUD is inserted:
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Menstrual Products
  • Heating Pad

The day of your appointment:

  • Eat and drink normally.
  • Take ibuprofen about 30 minutes before your visit.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
  • Be sure you can give a urine sample at the start of your visit.

After your appointment:

  • Plan on having a relaxed day after getting an IUD placed. You may be able to go to work or school, but you may want to go home and rest.
  • It is normal to have some bleeding after getting an IUD. There can be normal period bleeding at first and then lighter, brown spotting for as long as 3-6 months. Over time, there will likely be lighter or no periods.
  • It is normal to have cramping after getting an IUD. The cramps are usually most intense during the IUD insertion and then in the hours after, but everyone is different. Please let us know if you have concerns about cramping or other pain.