I need long term birth control that does not use hormones. Not ready for permanent just yet. Condoms, spermicides and sponges are out. Looking into the IUD that uses copper. (not the Mirena one which uses hormones) Appreciate any feedback. ~H.
Well, while waiting for my period to have the IUD inserted, and after consulting my calendar I noticed my period was late. After back to back trips to Target for pregnancy tests, I'm now pregnant with our fifth!! Much to my husbands delight. I'm not quite as enthused as he is yet. I know I will be but I'm still feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Thank you all for your input. I was just a little too slow making up my mind I guess. My husband has now graciously agreed to have the vasectomy. Gee, thanks Hon! At least the birth control issue is settled, huh? A fifth child will definitely cause a LOT more issues though. sigh.... it'll all be good.... =)
I have also been looking into getting a copper IUD. From the research I have done, it looks like there WERE problems with the copper IUD's back in the 70's and 80's. A lot of women had scar tissue and infections. HOWEVER, that particular IUD was pulled off the market, and the ones that are used today are okay. I am making my appointment this week.
I had a copper IUD for 6 and a half years and it was wonderful. The first 3 periods or so after I got it were very heavy but after that it was like it wasn't even there. Just no pregnancy. I had to have it taken out about 4 months ago because during a routine check up my gyn felt like it was slipping out. She told me about the Mirena and so I got that one now. They both have their ups and downs but I was like you. After I had my daughter I wanted something with no hormones in it at all and I chose the copper IUD and I think it was a great choice. I tell everyone how great I think they are! Best Wishes!
I am not to sure about what they have done to improve the copper IUD but I will just tell you my mother had this and it created so much scar tissue that she had so many problems and eventually it lead to her years later to have a hysterectomy. Now like I said this was back int the 80's so I am not ure if they have improved it but she definantly isn't a fan of the copper IUD
You are talking about the Paraguard IUD. I got one of these after the birth of my first child, had it removed to have my second child, and just recently had a new one inserted. I do not respond well on hormones and this is a perfect carefree option! The first time I had this IUD I did notice more cramping during my period and a slightly heavier flow, but both were tolerable. It goes in easily and my doctor made the comment this time that the paraguard iud goes in much smoother than any of the other iuds. I have only had the current iud in for a few weeks, but no complaints!! I highly recommend it!
The paraguard iud is currently used for 12 years, but they keep increasing the amount of time because 3 years ago the same iud was recommended for 8 years of usage. My doctor said that in a couple of more years she suspects that the paraguard IUD will be used with no time guidelines because research shows no decrease in effectiveness and no long term problems. I don't think there is any other birth control option out there that can give you numbers like that!
H.;
I have never used an IUD before (I got my tubes tied after number 3), but I have heard bad stories about the copper IUD's.
A number of women became super prone to uterine infections, and there was a significant number of babies (like 3%) born with the IUD imbedded into their bodies...I wasn't aware that they still used them.
If this is a decision you came to with your doctor, please do not let me interfere in your choices, but I just felt I had to mention it.
Thanks;
I too have heard many horror stories about the copper IUD and I also didn't think they were used any more. I have Mirena (have had it for about a year and a half) and I LOVE it. But, what works for me may not work for someone else). I do know that pills did not work for me because the wonderful distraction of my girls makes it WAAAAY to easy to forget taking them!! Call your doc & talk to him/her. I'm sure they will guide you in the right direction!! Good luck
I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THIS COPPER IUD (PARAGARD). I DID HAVE A MIRENA INSERTED. THIS DID NOT WORK FOR ME. ACCORDING TO MY DOC THE HORMONES IN THE MIRENA ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LOCALIZED TO YOUR AREA AND NOT EFFECT THE HORMONE LEVELS IN YOUR BLOOD, ETC. FOR ME THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. MY PERIODS GOT STRONGER, LONGER, HARDER AND JUST PLAIN WORSE. I WAS BLOATED. I HAD WATER GAIN. I HAD HEADACHES. I HAD DEPRESSION. THEY SAID THAT MY REACTION WAS LIKE 1 IN A 200,000. I ALSO STARTED HAVING HAIRLOSS (CALLED ALEOPCIA) AND THEY COULDNT TELL ME WHETHER IT WAS CONNECTED TO THE IUD OR NOT. I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF GETTING THE NON HORMONE PARAGARD BUT AM JUST NOT READY TO GO THROUGH THE PAIN OF PUTTING IT IN, ESPECIALLY IF I WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT OUT AGAIN. I AM JUST NOT SURE WITH MY BODY IF IT'S THE HORMONES OR THE LITTLE FOREIGN THING DOWN THERE. MAYBE THE HORMONES WERE THE PROBLEM, I TRIED TAKING THE PILLS (4 DIFFERENT KINDS) AND HAD ALL THE SAME REACTION. BY THE WAY, MY GIRLFRIEND HAS HAD TWO PARAGARDS (1-9 YEARS & NOW A NEW ONE) AND LOVES THEM WITH NO PROBLEMS.
I cannot give you advice about the copper IUD, I dont use that one, but if it is anything like the Mirena its an easy way to do birth control. Its inserted and you forget about it. I have had no problems with mine and have had it in nearly 2 yrs. I Suggest you look up information on the internet (pros and cons)and talk to your doc. There are positives and negatives on anything. Good luck!
