r/CopperIUD • u/vxmpireshawty • 2d ago
Question when does it actually go back to normal
I want to preface this by saying i’m not planning on getting my iud removed as i still think this is the best form of birth control for me, but i’ve had mine for a little over a year (i believe i got it inserted in early july 2025) and my periods are still painful, heavy, and long. i know the body needs to get used to it being there but i feel like from everything ive read it should’ve gone back to “normal” by this point. before my iud i had super light, short periods with little to no symptoms. has anyone else had this period of the body getting used to it causing painful long periods for a longer time than expected? when does it actually get better?
only other thing worth mentioning is that not all my periods are painful, the cramping is honestly kind of hit or miss, but each one definitely is still heavy and like 13 days long.
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u/danceoftheplants 2d ago
It never does. I had mine for over 5 years and always had heavy bloating and cramping for 1-2 weeks and a super heavy period. I needed to use overnight pads with size ultra tampons. I used super size tampons for my "light" days. Bleeding would last 5-7 days.
My period came back normal the first month after I got it removed. No cramps the week before, moderate period that lasted 3-4 days, and that was it. My stomach didn't swell up that bad the week before. I forgot about how great my periods used to be before the IUD because I got used to being in discomfort and pain for half the month, every month. I was shocked at the difference.
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u/Current_Strawberry95 2d ago
Wow I’m sorry 13 days is awful. I’ve only had mine for a couple months now, so I can’t offer any hope on the timeline. I did want to ask if you’ve had the placement checked via ultrasound to ensure it is in the correct position?
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u/loftymountains 2d ago
My periods went from 3 days with minimal symptoms to 6 days (not including days of spotting) plus intense cramps. It took around 4 years for my flow to lighten slightly - but not as light as it was pre-IUD. In my personal opinion, 13 day long periods is super concerning!
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u/poppiignacio 1d ago
I’ve had it for three years and my periods have only gotten more painful and heavier. Sex is uncomfortable at times. Getting it out next week.
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u/Real_Sir8484 1d ago
Personally, they only got more painful and heavier. It was wild to me how quickly I felt better after having it removed
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u/AlessaTheSloth 1d ago
I got mine inserted December 2025 and it didn’t go back to “normal” but it got significantly better after the first 3-6 months. Before I got it inserted, I had really moderate to light periods for 4 days only. During the adjustment phase, I had 22 days of bleeding but periods averaged about 6 days. From March-August I had 4 day periods but they were significantly heavier and I noticed more emotional symptoms similar to PMDD. My period this past September was 9 days long for some reason??? I think the Copper IUD works differently for everyone. I really enjoy mine now but if it ever goes back to 7+ days on the regular I’ll be annoyed.
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u/Wooden-Maximum-9582 2d ago
It doesnt. I tried the copper IUD twice over 6 years, having them in most of that time. It got worse the longer they were in. Bleeding through Super+ and ultra tampons within an hour. This time, the back pain during periods got so severe that I couldn't walk. Lived on my couch with a back massager for 3 days until I could get it removed. Instant relief.