Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A New Portable In Vitro Exposure Cassette for Aerosol Sampling
Published on: February 22, 2019
Side effects from the copper IUD: do they decrease over time?
David Hubacher1, Pai-Lien Chen, Sola Park
1Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. dhubacher@fhi.org
Background:
The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can cause side effects in some women; increased uterine bleeding and pain may cause early removal. Because of simplified reporting from previous research, little is known about how side effects might change over time.
Study Design:
This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of 1947 first-time copper IUD users. Over a 1-year period, we collected detailed information on side effects and looked for trends using generalized mixed-effects regression modeling.
Results:
During menses, most bleeding and pain side effects were found to decrease over time (p<.05). During intermenstrual intervals, overall spotting and pain complaints remained unchanged, but the number of days with these problems increased (p<.05). Serious side effects that prompted either a clinic visit or IUD removal had varied patterns over time, depending on the type of problem.
Conclusion:
Side effects from the copper IUD can be troubling for both user and clinician. Some problems improve over time, while others do not. This information may be helpful in counseling women who are considering IUD use and current users who are contemplating IUD removal due to side effects.
Related Concept Videos
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Birth Control Methods
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Menopause
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...