Everything You Need to Know About Exercising After Getting An IUD

Can Exercise Dislodge An IUD?

No. There is ​no​ evidence exercising immediately following insertion can cause the IUD to shift inside your uterus, or cause the IUD to expel from your body completely, Dr. Gersh says. "Even if you were to run a marathon right after getting the IUD inserted, the risk of partial expulsion, expulsion or shifting is very marginal," she says. In other words, you moving won't move the device.

While the cause of expulsion is not known exactly, age, pregnancy history and overall health all seem to be involved. "When expulsion happens, it typically happens within the first 12 weeks of insertion," Dr. Gersh adds.

Common symptoms of IUD expulsion include:

  • Cramping
  • Heavy or abnormal bleeding
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Fever
  • You or your partner can feel the device during penetration

Whether you just wrapped up a sweat session or not, if you think your IUD is causing pain or bleeding, call up your health care provider. "If you have concerns about expulsion or are experiencing any long-lasting or worsening pain from IUD insertion, you should consult a medical professional who can help give you a personalized treatment plan and assessment," says ob-gyn Amy Roskin, JD, MD, chief medical officer of Favor.

If your primary care physician is not available, your local Planned Parenthood is a good alternative.

IUD Side Effects and Exercise

After getting an IUD, some people notice changes in their menstrual cycle that can affect their ability to move and groove all month long.

"Menstrual cramping and pain and tiredness can interfere with someone's ability to move and exercise," Dr. Roskin says. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to take an additional rest day the week of your period.

Or, you may choose to dial back the intensity. "Some people find that light and low-volume physical activity like walking or light cardio, yoga and weight training with low weights can help minimize these symptoms," she says. Heavy weights and strenuous exercise may worsen symptoms — especially if you're dehydrated, she says.

Don't want to schedule your workouts around your flow? There are other things you can do to put period pain on pause. "Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help treat cramping from period pain," Dr. Roskin says. "Taking a bath, drinking tea or using a heating pad can also help to ease cramps."