IUD and Pranayama

[Nichole]

I am curious if anyone has personally had, or has worked with a student/client, who has an IUD and has developed contraindications resulting from pranayama or bandha practices.

I kindly request that responses offer as much information as possible about the individual woman, the contraindicative practices, the resulting symptoms, and any counter practices if given.

As I learn more myself, I will add to this thread.

With great respect,

[DonnaL]

I have had 3 different IUDs over several years, and lately I have found that my abdomen becomes uncomfortable doing uddhiyana kriya (holding the lock as a kriya at the beginning of an Ashtanga practice). I also find attempting to do nauli uncomfortable. Once in a while I experience a sharp pain, or nausea, and this has discouraged me from continuing for the time being, although I had been practicing for years. I actually have an appointment next week to have the IUD removed, and I hope to start again shortly after that. In my experience, an IUD doesn't seem to blend with the way we want to work with our bodies during these practices, to sooth, stimulate and/or massage internal organs. I have not had any reaction to pranayama, including agnisar dhouti, kapalabhati and bhastrika. I hope that helps a bit

[Nichole]

Thank you for your response.
Namaste

[Nichole]

From Luna Yoga: Vital Fertility and Sexuality by Adelheid Ohlig
Breathing Techniques: Firebreath
"You can do it while standing, lying, sitting, squatting, or crouching on all fours. It has a very deep effect on the repoductive organs. Women who have an I.U.D. [sic] should not do this exercise--the I.U.D. could fall out!" pg 69

It goes onto give instructions for the Firebreath, which is not the same as, but seems to be created from Agni Saur Dhauti (Fire Wash). See Gheranda Samhita (maybe GS 1.19-20?) for instructions on Agni Saur Dhauti.

This practice as a contraindication for IUD users makes sense with the rest of the contraindications given for the Agni Saur Dhauti: high blood, pressure, ulcers, first 3 days of menses, pregnancy, etc.