After an IUD insertion, avoid putting anything in the vagina, heavy exertion, and ignoring warning signs like severe pain or fever during the first days, as this helps lower the risk of infection, expulsion, or complications. Always follow the exact instructions your own clinician gave you, as timing (24 hours vs a week) can differ by clinic and situation.

Key things not to do

  • Do not have vaginal intercourse for at least 24–48 hours, and in some clinics for up to one week, to reduce infection risk and avoid triggering extra cramping.
  • Do not use tampons or menstrual cups in that initial period; use pads instead so the cervix and uterus can settle and to reduce the chance of introducing bacteria.
  • Do not take baths, use hot tubs, or go swimming for about 24 hours (some providers say up to a week), though showers are generally fine.
  • Do not do intense physical activity or heavy lifting in the first 24 hours, as vigorous exercise can worsen cramping or dizziness right after the procedure.
  • Do not ignore red‑flag symptoms like very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad an hour), foul vaginal discharge, fever over about 100.4°F (38°C), or severe pain that does not improve after 48–72 hours; these can signal infection, perforation, or expulsion and need urgent assessment.

Sex, protection, and strings

  • Do not assume you are immediately protected from pregnancy if you had a hormonal IUD; many sources recommend using backup contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days.
  • Do not skip condoms if you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, because an IUD prevents pregnancy but does not protect against STIs.
  • Do not try to pull on the IUD strings or remove the device yourself; removal should only be done by a healthcare professional.

What you can do safely

  • Rest, use pads, and manage mild cramping with over‑the‑counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if they are safe for you.
  • Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen for comfort.
  • Go back to light daily activities or work the same day if you feel well, but stop and rest if you get light‑headed or crampy.

Mini “forum-style” note

Many recent forum and blog discussions in 2024–2025 echo similar advice: short‑term rest, nothing in the vagina for at least a day, and close attention to pain, bleeding, or fever as the main “must‑nots” after IUD insertion.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.