The Period Blog Diaries: My first couple periods after getting my Gynefix IUD

One of my main concerns about getting a copper IUD was that it could increase blood loss meaning heavier periods! But Gynefix is the first copper IUD that's does not increase blood loss.

Source: control.be
And even though it's the first to not increase blood loss, there is still a small possibility that it will. This is why it's still listed as one of the side effects on the pamphlet (I misplaced mine but once I find it, I'll try to upload a picture.)

I was really scared that the IUD would make my periods heavier. It is such a good birth control method and getting it was pretty painful so I was really hoping it would work out for me.

First Period After Getting My IUD

My first period came about ten days early. I'm not quite sure why but I basically just spotted from the day I got the IUD and the spotting just got heavier and heavier until it became a period!

It wasn't heavy but it was really long and drawn out. It lasted around ten days and nearing the end I basically just went back to spotting. My discharge sometimes had a little blood in it.

The really weird thing was that my cramps were pretty much gone. My cramps used to last hours and on the pain scale they were a 7 or 8 but now they were 5 seconds tops and on the pain scale like a 5 or 6. I know my cramps aren't completely gone but in comparison they have been drastically reduced :)!

Between my first and second period, I was due for a check up back at the Willow Women's Clinic. I told my doctor about the first period and she told me that it sounded like I was a head of the game but the real indicator of how my periods will be like for the next five years is the second and third period.

My Second Period After Getting My IUD

My second period came closer to my regular cycle time. I'm usually about 35 days but this time I was 30 days. Let's just count this one as normal and on time haha.

At the start of the period I was spotting and I just thought here we go again, this is going to be super long and drawn out again!

It was really slow at the beginning but then it got really heavy!!!! Like I went through at least 20 pads in one cycle O_O.

But it was heavy for only 2.5 days and then it stopped really abruptly! Just the other day I was filling up an Always Infinity pad in like 3 or 4 hours but today I can get away with just a pantiliner!

And the best part is, I barely had a cramp. Not one.

Maybe the no cramp thing was just a fluke so I'll have to wait for my third period to really confirm how my periods will be like in the next five years with my Gynefix IUD. So far it is looking really good!

My periods used to make me feel like my vagina was going to just FALL OFF but it hasn't felt that way since getting my IUD so I'm really happy with my choice!

Helpful Resources

Willow Women's Clinic
IUD Divas: blog with collection of IUD stories
Wikipedia page for "IUD with Copper"
Contrel.be: manufacturer's website for Gynefix

If you're interested in learning more about the Gynefix insertion process you can read my story here: Getting My IUD.


The Period Blog does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment. Please check with your doctor regarding your personal health care decisions, and seek immediate care in emergencies. The Period Blog is not a substitute for medical or other professional care. If you are experiencing any problems with your period, please DO see your doctor! After all, it IS your uterus and you only get one.