IUD Update
Just following up from my pitiful, feeling sorry for myself post…
I am feeling so much better now- whew!
The first few days were pretty uncomfortable but it was no worse than menstrual cramps after the first 2 days.
I would say now that as long as you know (and I didn’t!!) that you will be very crampy the first day and that it may continue for a few days, it is a good option to consider. Definitely plan to relax after having it inserted. I had to miss class because I was in pain and couldn’t bear walking to class and sitting around for 2 hours in the same spot. I would have done it a different day if I knew about the cramping. Oh, the cramping!
For those with questions about the actual insertion: Again, the procedure was more painful than I expected but it is over in a few minutes. The weirdest thing is feeling sensation in a part of your body that you normally don’t (again, no kids).
The insertion goes like this: they prop you open like you are having a pap smear and then disinfect the cervix and vagina. Then, they measure your uterus with a long skinny stick which is quite unpleasant but over quickly. They use that measurement to adjust the applicator thing with the IUD in it and, while they do that, you can rest for a couple minutes. Then they actually insert the device. It is sharply painful and just weird feeling.
The assistant lady gave me a squeeze thing to hold, which actually did help so I would recommend having one of those handy. Helped me to squeeze that and maybe distracted me from what was going on down below.
Again, I am feeling mostly normal today and do not regret choosing this method of birth control. I am scheduled to go back to my doctor in a couple weeks to make sure that everything is okay. I have not had any bleeding or any signs of infection so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I will let you know if I have anything else to say about my experience with the IUD but so far so good! Let me know if you have any questions- happy to help.
February 7th, 2006 at 2:31 am
I’m so glad to hear that you made it through the worst, and more importantly, that you’re doing much better! These are the kind of things that seem so horrible in the short term, and no big deal in the long. Now on to knitting!
February 7th, 2006 at 8:40 am
So glad you are feeling better!! You will be totally used to it in no time. You are awesome to talk about this on your blog – I’m sure it will be really helpful to someone!
I’m going to the gyno tomorrow to get back on birth control…fun times.
February 7th, 2006 at 10:15 am
It is so great to have you share this experience with us. I personally find my body responds well to [low estregen] birth control pills. My cycles are lighter and shorter, which thrills me to no end.
Good luck – sounds like you doing fine!
February 7th, 2006 at 10:32 am
I often lurk here, but this deserves a shout-out for your willingness to talk about it. There are so many non-pill options out there that don’t get discussed, and fear of the IUD is largely based on outdated experiences, so kudos to you for bringing it up. Every body is different (personally, I’m addicted to the Ring) and folks should be willing and able to tink around til they find something that works well. Glad you’re feeling better!
February 7th, 2006 at 11:47 am
I’m glad you’re feeling better! And I think it’s great you’re sharing all this. I know it will help people – it’s helped change my perception of IUD for sure. Like, now I don’t think the IUD itself is the size of a computer mouse. Phew!
February 7th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
i’m glad you’re feeling better! also–yikes, i’m so squeamish with all things V-related, it’s good to know that most womenkind are brave and tough and can deal with this kinda stuff.
February 8th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
I’m glad you feel better. I know when I had my IUD inserted it helped having a hand to hold (my boyfriend’s) in case they don’t give you a squeezy ball:)
February 23rd, 2006 at 1:38 pm
I’ve had my IUD for almost 7 years. A Copper T.
Your periods will have a lot more cramping for the first few years. I would have one day where it was almost as bad as the 2nd day after insertion. And you’ll bleed like a stuck pig. But eventually it quiets down (or maybe it’s just age).
Yes, it was painful going in, but I was having a lot of trouble with other methods. And at $5 for the office visit and $5 for the “prescription” co-pays, it’s the cheapest form of birth control ever!
March 12th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Cheers for your blog! I’ve never thought to read these before, but having had my IUD fitted 4 days ago and still crampy thought i’d check to see this is normal. Thank goodness it is!. Hope it’s all going well for you (am worried about my 5 week check – will it be painful?)and for you Americans – very shocked to see you have to pay for your contraception, no matter how cheap!
May 25th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Just found this post now (months later), and I want to say thank you. I am thinking about the IUD, and is good information. I knew about the cramping and the heavier flow for the first few months that you have your period, but I hadn’t thought about the measuring and/or insertion!
July 12th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
I’ve been reading everyone’s experience, and I have to say it’s been a breeze for me. I’ve always suffered from horrible cramps with every period and I’ve never been pregnant so I wasn’t considered an ideal candidate for the Paragard IUD. However, I went to Planned Parenthood and they inserted it anyway. While the procedure was mildly uncomfortable it was nothing compared to the monthly cramps I normally have. Afterward, I had mild cramping for about two days. My period the following month was heavier than usual but the cramping was actually not that bad! I’m not even spotting anymore and it’s only been a month and a half. I can’t even tell it’s there. This is the best birth control method I’ve ever been on and I’d recommend it to anyone.
July 20th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
I’ve had my Copper T for over 7 years now and wish that it was available when I was in my 20s. I am now 44 and will never need another form of BC, since they told me that it is good for 12 years. I’m wondering though if I should recommend it for my 10 year old daughter when it is her time, since I do spot.
August 1st, 2006 at 6:16 pm
Hi . . . I’m a bit worried, I am having my first period since I got my paragard on July 5, 2006, and it is hugely worse than what I was expecting. Does it get better? I don’t mean to scare anyone else. To be honest, I don’t want to take it out as I have a moral issue with the overusage of pills in America . . . regardless, I do hope it gets better. I am used to having an extremely light flow, and this is anything but. And good god, where does it all come from? I thought the uterus was small, but I’m bleeding as if I’ve been wounded. DOn’t mean to be graphic. can anyone tell me if the flow gets lighter, and how long I have to wait, or any supplements I can take to make it lighter in the future? I honestly don’t mind the cramps. just the flow. Thank you!
August 29th, 2006 at 12:44 am
Hello! I was just browsing online (Googled “IUD blog”), to see what other people’s experiences with IUD’s are like over time. It’s comforting to read through all your experiences here. I have had my IUD for over a year now, and hardly ever have a period since then. I rarely have spotting or cramping anymore either. So it has really changed my menstral cycle completely. I used to have regular periods, with occasional cramps. Overall it’s been great. Sometimes I have cramping during sex, which seems like it could be related, but I’m no gynacologist, so who knows. It’s fabulous to have peace of mind, but sometimes I wonder if everythings okay.
November 29th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
how is sex with an iud? does it get in the way, can you feel it?
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Did you have some break through bleeding? I had some immediately after insertion, then I had nothing for a few days, and then I’ve had some break through bleeding for about a week now. I still get a little (very minor) cramping here and there. My doctor is good, but his nurses have issues getting back to me about my calls. Does any of this sound familiar or should I worry?? Thanks!
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Did anyone have severe, and I mean SEVERE cramping during and right after insertion as well as SEVERE cramping, lower back pain and breast swelling during their first period after insertion? I also had “breakthrough bleeding” before my first initial full period. But it was as if I had a mild period. Then when the real, full cycle came, it was extremely heavy and symptoms were as explained above. Also, has anyone become pregnant while having their ParaGuard IUD? I was reading a blog about IUDs and so many women with Mirena IUD had become pregnant. Only a few with ParaGuard had become pregnant. Thanks!
January 5th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
I can surely relate to the cramping you’re talking about. I’ve had my copper IUD for about 8 months now and my cramps do get fairly severe. Dr. says I should try and keep the Motrin in my system every 6 hours in the few days leading up to the period as well as during it. (that way you get a jump on the pain because the medicine is already in your system) It seems to work when I do it correctly. I am experiencing spotting today and just got off of my period around Tuesday of this week. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this happen?
January 16th, 2007 at 1:30 am
I had an IUD inserted about 6 weeks ago. The insertion felt like a mild cramp, nothing big, though I didn’t expect it to be painful. I don’t think I am very sensitive, generally. I was fine for about 2 days, and my bleeding stopped completely, then the cramps returned. Not strong, just consistent annoying typical cramps. (I rarely cramp with periods, typically) Honestly, I had cramps for about 3 weeks, consistently. Sometimes, they would actually get quite strong, and it was painful to sit (I preferred to stand or lie down) Actually, I noticed that if I had a full bladder or needed to have a bowel movement, it seemed to increase pressure on my uterus and cause cramps. Once I used the restroom, most cramping was resolved.
Bleeding came back, but it was always very light (I had been irregular before the IUD anyway), and I am guessing that I am about to “cyle” (based on my breasts swelling”), but so far, no cramps or anything dramatic. Overall, I am happy with my decision. The IUD cost me $20. My sister pays $35 a month for the pill. You do the math.
Sex with the IUD was, well, FUN! I’ve never been able to be so spontaneous! However, I consider the IUD as more an extra insurance… my partner and I always used a condom pre-IUD, and still do now, UNLESS we are being spontaneous and one is not present. (neither of us want a kid!) He said he could feel it w/o the condom, didn’t mention it w/ the condom. It didn’t seem to bother him either way
I love the idea of the IUD, but it does make me nervous. A failure would be disasterous (I want to adopt, not have kids). I’ve read a lot of online tails of IUD pregnancies, but I wonder how biased the sample is. If I have an IUD and it works properly, I have little incentive to think or write about it. If it fails, I would probably tirade online as well. Also, if more people use Mirena that Paraguard (let’s say, 2:1) than at least twice as many people should be reporting failures. I really don’t know, I just wonder. I am happy though, with my choice. I will keep my fingers crossed. Sorry this was a novel.
March 24th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
MY EXPERIENCE
So far 1 week and 2 days with the Paraguard IUD. Insertion was very painful. I have had no children and so this was to be expected. I cried and everything, did a lot of breathing and my boyfriend was by my side, holding my hand, so that helped. (I think it’s important for men to understand the whole process a woman experiences with birth control methods)
The first 3 days were pure hell, could barely do anything. After 7 days, no cramps and can’t even feel that it is in there. I am so happy, those first 5 days, I was sure I was going to get it removed.
If this works out, and I only have cramps around my period, then it really is the best birth control ever.
MY STORY
I have been using condoms for 10 years (even when I took BCP’s-so afraid of pregnancy). I had problems with hormones, so I haven’t taken pills in years. My partner and I were looking for something more secure and intimate.
ALSO
My doctor said no sex or anything in the vagina for two weeks, this helps the IUD settle in and helps lower the risk of it expelling.
ABOUT PREGNANCY
Some women do get pregnant with their IUD. It is so rare. But, many of these women didn’t check their strings frequently to see if the IUD was in the right place, if your strings are too short or too long, there is a problem. Also, we are going to use the withdrawl (pull-out) method just to be sure, but no more condoms! I want be live life!
THANKS GIRLS FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES!
March 24th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Oh ya, and ladies, I swear, when I start searching blogs and information about IUD’s online, I can start feeling it in my uterus and feel a little crampy, it’s like your mind focuses on it when you are thinking and worrying about it.
Best Wishes to you all.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:00 am
My first period post-instertion:
Wow……much more painful than I expected. My cramps are almost as bad as the following day of insertion. I think once my cramps are gone, I’ll think it was a great idea like I did those weeks I was pain-free.
April 18th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Is everything still going ok after a year?
June 4th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Sitting here in tears and serious pain but feeling better after reading that it is fairly ‘normal’. Just had an IUD inserted 3 hours ago, and the doctor seemed concerned when I said I was still in pain after she’d finished but now it seems it isn’t so strange. I had to leave work early. I couldn’t possibly stay and work only now lie down and cry occasionally. I was really thinking about going back and getting her to take it out. It’s putting me off having children but maybe I’m just a bit oversensitive to the pain. But I would describe it as severe. I’m trying to calm down – this is helping.
June 5th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Follow-up from yesterday. I just wanted to reassure anyone who might have read yesterdays painful story, I am back at work and feeling much better. I have a dull ache still but that could be because I’m due on my period. It seems the severe cramps were only for one day (fingers crossed!!) I’m still looking forward to a life without artificial hormones in my body.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:29 am
Hi-
I was just googling IUD blogs and came across this site. It’s been over a year since this was written and I’m wondering how you’re doing now. I am definitely considering an IUD, bu am afraid of the coming months and the pain and cramps then. How was it for you? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!
June 13th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I was also just googling IUD blogs and came across this… also wondering how you’re doing now. I’m seriously considering and IUD and am afraid of perforations and infections and things. Everything okay still?
June 14th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Been getting responses to this post (after a year later- so I am gonna post my response here- hopefully it will be helpful)
I stand by what I wrote here: getting it is seriously the worst part. My doctor was not the best at telling me what to expect- I think my reaction was a bit more extreme than most. A lot of girls I talk to say that it isn’t that bad but I found it to be rather painful… but manageable. Do take a bunch of Advil or Motrin before you go- that is supposed to help.
Despite the pain, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I had been on the pill and on depo for 8 years and after getting the IUD, I feel like I have come back to my body.
My periods were a bit heavier at the beginning but now have tapered down to just spotting- not even enough for a tampon- for a couple days every month. It effects everyone differently though.
The best thing? And this may be TMI, but those other forms of BC were very good birth control because I never wanted to have sex. Well, not NEVER but, you know what I mean. I really thought that there was something wrong with me… I was so pissed when I realized what had been happening. And happy that my body felt like it was working the way it is supposed to again.
I decided to go with the IUD because I can’t go on the pill (migraines, potential blood clot scariness, etc) and I had been on depo for 3 years and they wanted me to go off of it.
I also have heard a lot more positive buzz about IUDs in the time since I got mine- apparently, it is the most common form of birth control outside the US but only something liike 2% of women here in the States use it.
I would definitely recommend it- but OF COURSE talk with your doctor, yadda yadda..
Good luck with it!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Thank you for bloging about the IUD I was thinking about getting Mirena but saw that a lot of women were unhappy with it and decided to go back on the pill I have been on the pill and always forget to take it and get pregnant. I have tried depo and the DR. wanted me to stop that and use another BC and now I am on the patch and I have to say my mood is so bad I snap at my husband for nothing. I am getting tired of the hormones and I am thinking of talking to my DR. about the copper IUD and after reading about Mirena I will not use that. Yes, copper IUD is my chose.
Thanks to all how left a comment on here and thank You Thegirl for starting this blog.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Forgot to put in the early comment that I have bin severely depressed cause I can’t stand the hormones and I have gained 70 pounds over the past 4 years after being on hormonal BC
July 19th, 2007 at 12:50 am
Just an update. About to get my 5th period since the insertion. My periods are getting much easier, less painful and lighter as time goes by. I am so happy I did this. I hope that many of you are having a similar experience. Have I mentioned that my sex life with my wonderful man has been amazing these past few months?
IT WAS WORTH THE PAINFUL INSERTION!
August 14th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Wow, I cannot believe all the sad stories i’ve read about the Iuds. I’ve been thinking about getting the mirena/paragard since my son was born (abouth 15 months now). I did alot of research and read so many bad things about the mirena that it got me re-thinking the whole birth control thing. I really needed to get out of the pills because it cause a MAYOR decrease in libido (which was hurting my relationship really bad). I didn’t know if I ue the Paragard since it has copper and I’m allergic to fake metal (nickel mostly).
After all the research I took a risk and decided to get Paragard.
I first got in put in on my last day of my period, 08/08/07. I got cramps for 15 Minutes until advil started working and have not had a cramp since then. Today 08/14/07, I’m Free! No Pain. No Spotting.
Of yeah i don’t know if my Doctor is GOD, but she was amazing, I didn’t feel a thing!!! I had to ask if everything was all set. She helped me relaxed and feel so comfortable. I told her either she is really good or people are just lying when they say it hurts.
I haven’t had my first period after the inserion but I will sure come back and write about it.
GOOD LUCK …..
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 am
Okay…I’m totally freaked out and embarrassed. But I feel safe writing where I don’t know anyone. I’m 28, never even been to the gyno and have been married one month. I’ve had gyno nightmares my whole life. I’m so scared to go. There is no way I’d take BC pills…too wrong on so many different levels. I’m thinking about the IUD but I’m so scared. I just want to shrivel up in a ball and never have sex so that I don’t have to think about such things. Please help ease the tention!! Is getting the IUD really THAT painful? Should I start out with a female gyno?
August 26th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
hi all. ive been up reading all about iud’s…paraguard, mirena. i rd all the posts and they have been way helpful…however im still scared. i have an app tomorrow morn at planned parenthood to get the iud inserted, i think the paraguard is the best option however im worried about the blood flow. alot of complaints about that…does it really pour out lik that? i mean can you use tampons? how often does one have to change it? thats really scary. oh and i am really glad to KNOW that it will be painful…that way i do take some advil b4. Does it really knock you out bc tom happens to be the first day of the fall semester and i have a 1040 am class my iud app is at 9am…will i be missing it? i hope not. and when can you have sex again after the insertion? do you bleed for a long time after? also has anyones bf/hubby accidently pulled it out during foreplay? im worried about that as well. i hate hormones makes me a crazy person, i been on the mini pill and it sucks that it has to be taken on the dot everyday. so if anyone around the age of 21 has answers pls help!!!! thank you all..
September 21st, 2007 at 7:51 am
I wrote a few months ago after my first painful insertion of an IUD. I am writing with the follow-up again as I had an ultrasound last week and it was in the wrong place. The top prongs of the T were inserted into the muscle wall and it wasn’t far enough up. They suspected it because when the doctor pressed on my uterus, I felt pain. They removed it the same day and put in another one. It can mean you aren’t entirely protected from pregnancy and if it’s left in for a long period then it can get embedded and more difficult to remove. It could be that it was inserted wrongly, which caused the excess cramping and pain, or it moved during those two months.
The second insertion wasn’t nearly so bad (although I was incredibly nervous) – still a bit painful, but not a whole day of very painful cramps. I had an ultrasound the day after and it was in the right place. However, I had bleeding for 5 days (mild) and mild cramps. Today (2 weeks post-insertion) I wake up and have a throbbing pain in my lower stomach, unlike what I’ve felt before. It’s not too strong but it worries me of course, and it’s painful to sit. But I’m not going to wait with this for longer then a few days. If it doesn’t go, I’m having it removed. I think maybe my body just doesn’t want it in and is trying to get rid of it. I tried and maybe it’s not for me.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
My name is Jennifer,I am 28 years old, I have 2 children that are 20 months apart. My oldest was a planned pregnancy but my second child was a surprise. I was on the Mini pill because I was breastfeeding when I discovered that I had another bun in the oven.I have a girl and a boy and I am happy with the size of my family but having my tubes tied is so final that I decided not to have that done. I had a Paraguard IUD put in 3 months ago, and by everything I had read I assumed it was going to hurt like hell and have very heavy bleeding and cramping. My doctor numbed me because I had my children by c-section so my cervix was never dilated fully to have children. Well my doctor numbed me so I felt no pain. I can’t tell you how many times I read online about how people had so much pain during the insertion. My advice is if your doctor cares so little about making you comfortable, you need to find a new doctor. I just finished with my 3rd period and they were a little heavier but nothing like I had read. I remember reading about a woman who woke up in a pool of blood and had to be rushed to the hospital. I was terrified that was going to happen to me. Needless to say I rarely read any good experiences about having the IUD put in and the after effects. So I decided to write one. IUD’s are great and I highly recommend them. They have improved our sex life and made me have one less thing to worry about.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I also wanted to write a good comment about IUD’s. I have found that people with difficult experiences are more likely to post their comment online than those who are satisfied, no matter what the topic is. I encourage those of you who may be afraid of the IUD to keep that in mind. People with a positive experience probably do not feel the need to search for information on the IUD, and therefore, do not find these forums.
My experience was quite positive. I had a Copper-T inserted. My cervix kept shifting, and the doctor had to hold it in place, and that was the only painful part. It was a severe cramp that lasted about 5 seconds. The actual insertion was painless. I had no pain or discomfort after the procedure. Not even a minute later.
I think the most important thing during IUD insertion is to relax as much as possible, as tense muscles can make even a pap smear painful. I also took Advil about an hour before the procedure.
I have the IUD for about three months. I have not had cramping with my periods, although they have been longer and heavier. So far they have not gotten any shorter, but they are slowly getting lighter, and I’m hoping that shorter is next, lol!
By the way, the reason I found this forum was because I’m researching the longer period thing, and how long I can expect it! Thus furthering my point that people having difficulties are more likely to find these forums.
Having an IUD is wonderful, because, in my case, there’s no more fumbling around with condoms, and I personally will never take hormonal birth control pills. It is very freeing and well worth it.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:21 am
I found this by googling IUD experiences and wanted to share my thoughts too.
Had mine put in this morning and it was uncomfortable but not painful. It felt like a strong menstrual cramp and lasted for a few minutes. I was back at my desk job 30 min later. Have had some mild cramping, which is a bit unusual for me but an Advil has helped. I’ve taken the advice of some of the other girls and chose to make it a lazy evening with not much physical activity. I’ve felt no pain just mild discomfort but that might be because I’m on my period. My dr insisted on putting it in mid-cycle to be sure that I wasn’t pregnant. That turned out to be rather messy (and embarrassing for me) but she probably sees grosser stuff with baby births. One girl mentioned that her doctor numbed her cervix. Mine did too and that was unexpected but not painful. Drawing blood and the flu shot hurt more for me.
I don’t have any children and chose to Mirena over the copper one. Originally I wanted the copper one because I was looking for a hormone free method of birth control. My doctor pointed out that the daily dose in Mirena is a fraction of what you’d get on a mini-pill dose. She said many patients who have tried both IUDs prefer Mirena unless they want one that will last for 10 years. I’m very curious as to how the drug will affect my body. In the past I’ve been quite sensitive to the hormones and the pill becomes unbearable after 4-5 months. If you don’t hear back from me in that time frame, then know that I’m happy with my choice and have no side effects worth reporting.
Cost with PPO insurance was $170 including $20 co pay.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I had the Paragard IUD inserted about 5 days ago and have had light spotting, which isn’t that terrible but the cramping is on and off but seems to be getting stronger and more painful. Does anyone know if this is normal? I have an appointment in a week and a half for an ultrasound but if the cramping gets worse I don’t know if I can wait.
March 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I had mirena inserted in the middle of January and am now thrilled with it. When I had it inserted, though, it was EXTREMELY painful. I took the Aleve about an hour before my appointment, thinking it would help, but NOPE! About a month before my insertion appt., my nurse practitioner did some testing to see if I was a good candidate for the Mirena. She said I had a very stenotic cervix, but she was able to open it a bit, so she thought I was ok. I didn’t know what a stenotic cervix was, but she explained to me that it meant my cervix was extremely stubborn and wouldn’t dilate (at all). I had previously had two c-sections (one because of frank breach baby, and the other because of failure to progress – I guess that’s where the stenotic cervix came in). Anyway, at my appt. she tried several times to insert the Mirena and just couldn’t push past the stenotic cervix. She finally decided to go get the doctor to do it because she didn’t feel comfortable pushing too hard and possibly causing a perforation of my uterus (or something like that). The doctor came in and tried several more times before getting it in place. It seriously felt like the pains I had while in labor with my second daughter. I had pretty bad cramps all day that day, but using a heating pad and more Aleve helped a lot. Within a couple of days, the cramps went away and life went back to normal. Actually better than normal. I haven’t had a period since I had it placed, and my husband and I like the spontanaety it has provided. My husband has felt it once (asked if I had a razor blade “up there”), but hasn’t felt it any more. Even after all the pain with insertion, I recommend it to all my friends.
Sorry this was so long. Hope it helps.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
If I were you, I would go see your doctor. Sounds to me like something went wrong. Like I said above, my cramps lasted a few days and then I was back to normal. I had one other day of cramping about a month after insertion, but nothing else. Not even close to how bad the cramping was at the beginning. I would definitely go see your doctor to see if anything is wrong.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I had Mirena inserted two weeks ago and the process itself was super EASY! It literally took like 2 mintues and was not painful at all. Just felt like a pinch. I did have cramps for the next several days and am STILL bleeding 14 days later… The doctor said this is not uncommon and everything should be “normal” after my next cycle. My only concern is that I’m super-sensitive to hormones and have been really tired and cranky this week. Also, my face is starting to break out…ugh. My youngest daughter is 5 months old and we do want more kids, just not in the next couple of years. I was told that an advantage of mirena is no weight gain (I’ve still got the last 12 to lose). Has anyone seen/heard of weight gain with this?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Hello! I have been on yaz and birth control pills for a long time, I am about to get married and feel like sometimes my sex drive has depleted! I am glad that IT happens once its going but never have the drive…and I finaly realized, maybe its because of the pill! I didn’t realize it could cause this. So I have bene looking for other options. I also have been getting pretty bad head aches with my periods.
My dilema is which one to go with, the hormonal one or the non hormonal..if you go with hormones in the IUD..will it still cause depletion of sex drive, weight gain anything like that?
Also, I am just nervous of it hurting and having awful periods that last long and that are heavy…pills are great for that. Will the hormone IUD act like a pill in that sense with lighter shorter periods vs the copper one?
Hmm…just an idea i thought of today that someone recommended to me and wanted some info on it.
I am 26 and want to try for kids in probably another year or so…but in the mean time..i wonder what my life could be like off the pill! I feel like maybe it makes me depressed or cranky sometimes…i can be a little brat before my periods!…i was just shocked to learn about the sex drive thing…
any words of wisdom?
Thank you!
September 21st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Ladies, thank you so much for sharing your experiences, this blog really helped me get through my first night with my new Paragard Copper IUD. I’ve tried several birth control pills, YAZ did me in though, I felt like I was losing my mind! I had a severe reaction: pealing lips, pealing eyelids, memory loss, bad mood swings, I only gained 3 pounds but went from a size 6 to a size 10 in 2 months! My acne cleared up but I had deep circles under my eyes, I looked terrible…this pill was hell for me and my poor boyfriend! We decided no more hormones for me!!
My first IUD didn’t take due to a curve behind my cervix and I miscarried it within minutes (severe cramping, migraine headache, hot/cold sweats, nausea, light headed) a Ultrasound determined it never made it to my uterus, that’s when the curve was discovered. I then had to wait until my next period. I was given 3 shots in my cervix for numbing, which felt about the same as a pap smear, then dilated(which means extra cramping as my body returns to normal, no tampons for this period and no sex for 2 weeks because of risk of infection), the IUD was properly inserted and confirmed via ultrasound. The cramps were INSANE! I wish I had been told to take Advil or ibuprofen before hand and told to take it regularly. In the middle of the first night I doubled over crying…I was completely unprepared for this and would have stocked up with food, Ibuprofen, pads, and granny panties, I could not take care of myself, could not drive, could not even move! Once I got on taking 600mg of ibuprofen every 4 hours, I felt soooo much better, just a little tired. I believe the key to this procedure is start taking ibuprofen or Advil 2 hours before your procedure and every 4 hours until you stop bleeding. Plan on taking it easy for 36 hours afterwards. If you’re looking for a doctor, I suggest you find one that is used to doing in-vetro.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I have had an IUD for 4 years – got it when I was 21, but I had to fight for it! They really don’t like to give them out to women who haven’t already had children. But, fighting for it was well worth it. I hated birth control pills, I was moody and felt emotional and not like myself. I have a copper IUD and, yes, it did hurt like HELL the first 24 hours, but then I was good for 10 years. I am in law school with a serious boyfriend who I have fantastic fun with – I want to be me, travel, make bank, and continue this wonderful relationship with the man I love. What I don’t want is a baby. I don’t understand why doctors do not understand this concept. I really can’t think of anything worse than being pregnant right now. I understand that doctor’s do not want to be liable for malpractice if a an IUD goes awry and eventually causes infertility, but when pregnancy is absolutly not wanted for the next 7-10 years at least (if ever) just let her have some security by allowing her to have the most effective birth control
March 12th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Hello ladies I love this blog I had my initial appointment today for the IUD, I decided to go with Paraguard Vs Mirena, I have two children and are not planning to have any more ever or for a while. I will keep you posted on my insertion story , I’m bracing for the worse but expecting the best outcome. The only drawback is the increase in bleeding and cramping which I seldom experience with my periods.
March 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I’m an ER nurse and thought that I would be able to work after having the IUD inserted. If you are considering getting an IUD, don’t plan on doing ANYTHING that day, the cramping was pretty severe after the procedure, even with alternating 1000mg tylenol and 800mg motrin. I went home and just layed in bed for the rest of the night.
It’s been 3 months since I first got the IUD, and now it’s great. So fewer side effects than the pill for me. My periods are heavier-but have improved over the last 3 months. And I cramp a little more before I start, but it is such a relief to not be on the pill. If you can’t tolerate the pills side effects-mood swings, weight gain, no libido, hypertension, etc…I highly recomment the copper IUD.
March 29th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Well my name is Ryan and ive had my iud since december of 2007. like everyone said the procedure isnt tha bad but i did have light cramping while it was being put in. i havent had a period since and now im starting to spot. im kind of scared and dont know what to do……Does anyone have any idea of whats going on?
September 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
It’s great to read all these posts and hear the variety of expereinces. I felt pretty prepared going to have the Paraguard IUD inserted but there were a few things I wish I had known before hand. I hope this list is of help to anyone who’s considering the Copper T IUD.
* Before the insertion, stock up on food, heating pads (I liked having 2, one for stomach other for my back), DVDs, Motrin, and good books.
* Find a friend to drive you to the doctor, and hold your hand if you feel nervous about the insertion itself. You might start cramping right away and you don’t want to be stuck in traffic all cramped up.
* Consider requesting a perscription for a muscle relaxor like Diazepam (valium)in a small 5mg dose before the insertion. The insertion seems to be fine for some women and really painful for others, so why take a chance? If you do take a Valium like I did, you’ll need to have someone drive you as it’s not safe for you to drive.
* On the day itself, take 600 – 800 mg of Advil/Motrin 1 hour before the insertion. Take Advil with a full meal because this is a high dose and you want to protect your stomach’s lining.
* Strongly consider asking the Doctor to use numb your cervix before inserting the IUD. The Doctor can use 2 shots of Lidocaine before insertion, and even though the shots may sting a bit, it’s potentially a lot less painful.
* Definately ask the Doctor to do an Ultrasound immediately after insertion – you’re already there, so make sure the IUD is in place, and you won’t need a follow up visit.
* Keep taking Advil regularly (1 hour for every 100 mg, so 600 mg – 6 hours later take the next dose).
* Be prepared to have cramping for a while – I’m at day 9 since the insertion and I’m still taking 200 a day, but it’s much better.
Take care and be safe.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Hi Girls!
I have a question for you. I have an IUD and I had it for close to 2 years now. I had a little bit of pain the day it was inserted but nothing since then. The problem I am having now is…. After having sex, I bleed. Not the normal blood color, red. This blood is dark brown. I bled after I do some running as well. Is there anyone else out there going through the same thing?
Penny