From the Research
Diarrhea and vomiting are not typically caused by an IUD (intrauterine device), and if you're experiencing these symptoms after IUD placement, it's more likely they are due to another cause such as a stomach virus, food poisoning, or other gastrointestinal issue. The provided evidence does not directly link IUD use with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Studies such as 1, which focus on interventions for heavy menstrual bleeding or pain associated with IUD use, do not mention diarrhea or vomiting as common side effects. Similarly, other studies like 2, 3, 4, and 5 discuss various aspects of drug-induced diarrhea, treatment of bleeding irregularities in women with copper-containing IUDs, antiemetic drugs, and evaluation and treatment of nausea and vomiting in adults, but they do not establish a direct connection between IUD use and the gastrointestinal symptoms in question.
When considering the potential for an IUD to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, it's essential to differentiate between the device itself and other factors that might contribute to such symptoms. For instance, if an IUD has been incorrectly placed or has perforated the uterus—a very uncommon complication—it could potentially cause abdominal pain that might be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, but not typically diarrhea. However, these scenarios are rare and not directly related to the normal functioning of an IUD.
Given the information available, the most appropriate course of action for someone experiencing persistent diarrhea and vomiting after IUD insertion is to contact their healthcare provider. The provider can rule out other causes of these symptoms and ensure the IUD is properly positioned. While the provider might recommend over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, the primary focus should be on addressing the underlying issue causing the gastrointestinal symptoms, as indicated by studies like 5 that discuss the evaluation and treatment of nausea and vomiting in adults.