The short explanation
Heavier and longer periods are a known effect of the copper IUD, especially in the first months after insertion. For some women this settles; for others it continues and can lead to anaemia, which seems to be happening in your case. A drop in haemoglobin is a good reason to go back and discuss it, rather than simply putting up with it. Your doctor may suggest treatment to reduce bleeding, treatment for the anaemia, or switching to a different method of contraception such as a hormonal IUD, which often makes periods lighter. Removing the copper IUD is your choice, and it can be taken out whenever you wish, but plan another form of contraception first if you do not want a pregnancy.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Your doctor may also want to check that the IUD is in the right position and that there is no other cause of heavy bleeding, such as fibroids or polyps.
- Bleeding that is extremely heavy, with clots, dizziness or fainting, needs urgent attention.
- Government hospitals and family planning clinics can remove or replace IUDs at low cost.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot tell you whether the IUD is the only cause of your heavy periods or what you should choose. Your doctor will examine you and discuss options.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Is the Copper T likely to be the cause of my heavy bleeding?
- Can we check that it is in the right place?
- What other contraception options could reduce bleeding?
- How should my anaemia be treated?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to emergency if bleeding soaks a pad every hour for several hours, or you feel faint or breathless.
Book an appointment soon
- See your doctor within a few days to discuss heavy bleeding and the drop in haemoglobin.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Heavy periods NHS
- Iron deficiency anaemia NHS
- Anemia MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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