The short explanation
Pain, fever and smelly discharge within a few weeks of a Copper T insertion can be signs of pelvic infection, also called pelvic inflammatory disease. The risk of infection is highest in the first few weeks after insertion, especially if an existing infection such as chlamydia was present. This needs prompt medical care. A doctor will examine you, take swabs and usually start treatment straight away. In many cases, the Copper T can stay in place while the infection is treated, but your doctor will decide. They will also check that the device is in the right position.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Your partner may also need testing and treatment if an STI is found.
- Other causes of pain after insertion include the device moving or, rarely, perforation, which a scan can check.
- If you could be pregnant, tell the doctor straight away.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell what is causing your symptoms. Prompt examination is needed.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Could I have a pelvic infection after the Copper T?
- Does the Copper T need to be removed?
- Can you check its position with a scan?
- Should my partner be tested?
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 the nearest emergency department if you have severe pain, high fever, vomiting or fainting.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day for lower belly pain with fever and smelly discharge after a Copper T insertion.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Attend follow-up after treatment.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
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
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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