Seeking Advice on Iuds and Endometriosis

Updated on April 13, 2008
K.R. asks from Gresham, OR
36 answers

I am 34 years old and had my third child almost a year ago. I am currently not on any birth control. A couple of years before having my third child, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. The doctor informed me that it may go away after having another child. It's back, though. I have not had an ultrasound yet to confirm the condition. It's becoming hard to live with, though. I have a lot of abdominal pain and lots of swelling. Someone suggested an IUD. I know that I can't have the non hormone type because I am allergic to most metal. I was at a point in life that I didn't want to use anymore birth control with hormones. Main reasons for this is moodiness and weight gain. I am looking for some feedback on IUDs, other forms of birth control and other people with endometriosis. If women have or have had endometriosis, what have they done about it?

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D.B.

answers from Bellingham on

I have endometriosis. I drink XanGo juice and it's been incredible. I had surgery in the past but I didn't enjoy it. www.makebigdreamshappen.com I've been drinking it for six months and it's really helped with my period and pms. Very little cramping now. My husband sure loves me for it.

D. B

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T.B.

answers from Portland on

Hi K.. I was diagnosed with endometriosis before my son was born and he is now almost 9 years old. I had such severe pain I could not function before or during my period. I almost had surgery to remove it but that didn't work out. Then I decided to try alternative medicine. I started going to a guy who practiced chinese medicine. He did cupping and acupuncture on me. I did this for about three years. It was amazing. There were times I had no pain at all during my period. I am now regular and I can actually function and not have to stay in bed. I also did not want to stay on the pill so after I had kids I never went back on it. Anyway, that's what worked for me. You do have options....always.

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L.L.

answers from Seattle on

I have a history of severe endo and fibroid tumors. The fibroids were found with an ultrasound, but the endo wasn't diagnosed until I had a myomectomy for the fibroids. During the myo the doc did endo abilation, but informed me that it wouldn't be the end of it. He put me on birth control pills to quell it until I wanted to get pregnant. I stopped taking the BCP 18 months ago (no pregnancy yet), but as soon as I did the horrible pain, swelling and bleeding came back. I lived with it for 9 months before I sought help from a traditional Chinese Medicine specialist. I have been seeing her for about 9 months.

We finally started trying in earnest to get pregnant at the first of the year and she made some modifications to my treatments and herb formula. I also started eating a gluten free and dairy free diet. For the first time I had cycles that were 98% pain free and "normal." The only major change was the diet change.

Consequently, during my research I found that eating 2-3 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses a day also helped with endo symptoms.

Just other alternatives for you to consider that are natural.

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A.F.

answers from Richland on

I don't have endometriosis but I can tell you my experience with the Mirena IUD very recently. I found the insertion itself was exetremely painful although some don't. They say that a small percentage of hormones is released into your utuerus. So, they'll tell you you won't get much into your blood stream and shouldn't have any mood swings or weight gain. I was a case where I immediately began to have mood swings and two months into it, I felt it was severe enought to take Xanax almost daily. Not to mention I went up a size in clothes. My doctor's office reassured me it was not the IUD. After 4 months of nothing getting better and having light periods that lasted 10 days with only 2 week breaks in between, I changed doctors and had it taken out. My new doctor said a small percentage of women will experience what I did and obviously my body is very sensative. The mood swings stoopped overnight and I just lost 1 pound without diet or exercise. I have tried many hormonal birth controls that do the exact same thing to my body. Our last resort now is to check out a Non-scalpal vasectomy procedure. Most women have great success with IUDs, I'm probably a worst case scenario. But I just want you to know if you try it and experience what I did, you're not crazy.

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E.L.

answers from Seattle on

Hi K..

The other responder is correct that pregnancy doesn't make endo "go away". One of my sisters had no signs of endo until an emergency hysterectomy caused by endo. She has three children.

I have endometriosis and had a couple of very large cysts removed a few years ago. I treat with continuous birth control pills. Perhaps your body will react differently this time if you try hormones (pills) again? It is a great relief to have a period only three times a year, roughly within your control as to when they happen. :) I have very strong periods, so I have to use full strength hormone pills -- the patch or low dose or other forms do not work for me to suppress.

Also, if you're done having babies, there is this article which talks briefly about alternatives to hysterectomy: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/03/03/healthmag.hysterecto...

Good luck!

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B.L.

answers from Jacksonville on

I've recently begun seeing a naturopathic physician for fertility and hormone issues. I didn't even really know what a naturopath was before, but they are amazing and have a whole different world of natural cures - rather than just treating symptoms. It can require a lot of commitment, though. She put me on an anti-inflammatory diet. I was tired of drugs and all the masks of regular medicine. It is just something to consider. They have a wealth of knowledge. My naturopath is in Hillsboro, OR, and is basically a family physician, but specializes in women's issues (www.hillsboronaturalmedicine.com). You might look around for a good one in your area. Good luck!

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D.O.

answers from Eugene on

I am a 41 year old female who had endometriosis 7 years ago. I had the real bad abdominal pain who spent the first 3 days of my menstrual cycle curled up in a ball on my bed. I went to the doctor and told him my problem. He asked if I was done having children. I told him yes. I asked him for a partial hysterectomy, which meant leaving the ovaries. He had no problem doing it just to get me out of the pain. IT was the best decision I ever made in my life. If you are not going to have any more children, talk to your OB/GYN about haing a partial hysterectomy. By having a partial hysterectomy and leaving your ovaries it will not put you into menopause.

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T.K.

answers from Spokane on

K.,

I don't have endometriosis so I can't tell you if it would help or not but I can tell you that I have had an IUD for almost 5 years now and am a true believer of it. I did not suffer from moodiness or weight gain after having the IUD placed. I don't seem to have the typical monthly mood swings that I had before either (don't know if that is the IUD or just mind or matter but it's still nice). I did have some pretty bad cramps for a few days after the insertion and for the next couple of cycles but nothing that some ibuprofen didn't help with. The greatest "side effect" is that I have not had to deal with my period since about 2 months after having the IUD placed (oh darn...LOL).

I am using the Mirena and again LOVE it. I couldn't take the pill because it triggered migraines for me every month and other forms just weren't the best for me either. The other thing to consider is that if you may want to have any more children in the future the IUD is easily removed and you can get still get pregnant fairly easily (I have 2 friends who did just that).

I've worked as a medical transcriptionist for years now and I have heard that it can be helpful for endometriosis. What I would do if I were you is to sit down and discuss ALL of your options with your doctor and then make an informed decision.

I hope that this helps a little bit. If everything checks out with your doctor then I would say that an IUD is a wonderful option for birth control.

Take care and good luck,

T.

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M.J.

answers from Spokane on

I took the pill to control mine when first diagnosed. You start a new pack every three weeks. It made me less than pleasant to be around so I had the surgery. Best thing ever! It is supposed to clear ya out for 2-5 years but I had it 10 years ago and still doing well. I feel it every once in awhile but only a mild tinge.

I think each person is different and you just have to see what works best for you.

I also wanted to add that if left untreated, it can seriously damage other parts of your body. I ended up with a rare (only 250 in history) medical condition directly related to endo.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

First of all, you might consider seeking out a new gynecologist, someone who regularly sees endometriosis patients. Endometriosis never "goes away" after having babies, rather being pregnant keeps the endometriosis in "check", when your hormones return to normal post pregnancy, the endometriosis symptoms will return. Typically endometriosis is confirmed by visualization at laparoscopy and often the gyn will use a laser to "zap" what he sees. An IUD goes inside the uterus, endometriosis is a condition that takes place "outside" the uterus, so it wouldn't have any effect or "bother" endometriosis. Usually, because endometriosis is a condiditon effected by hormones, physicians will prescribe birth control pills in order to control the hormones and thus the symptoms of endometriosis-much like being pregnant. The best birth control pills for endometriosis would be continuous, where you would not get a period. I used to sell a pharmaceutical product for endometriosis and called on ob/gyns daily who treated patients. Good luck!

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J.L.

answers from Corvallis on

There is a new IUD devise that is made of plastic. I am not sure how well an IUD will work with Eendometriosis. I too have this disease. From my understanding is that the hormone birthcontrol is best with controling the discomfort of Endo. There is tons of information on line about Endometriosis. I am not sure if you are in ORegon or Washington, but there is a clinic/doctor that specializes in Endometriosis in Bend OR. I cant remember the name of the clinic off hand, but I found it online when I found out I had it a few years back. Do you know what stage you are? I really feel for you this is so painful at times!!!! I wish you hte best of luck and see if you can find this guy online!!

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A.G.

answers from Portland on

While the hormonal effect of the mirena is mostly local (ie most don't get the weight gain etc) I would discourage my patients from using an IUD if they have endometriosis. I would talk to your oby/gyn but i doubt she would prescribe one given your condition. IUD's work by irritating the wall of the uterus to make in inhospitable to sperm/embryo. You should look into the femcap for birth control. it is a smaller more effective version of a diaphram and my patients have found it to be more comfortable. good luck!

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B.W.

answers from Seattle on

I don't know about the endometriosis angle, but I was using an IUD for birth control for 3 years, and my now 4 month old daughter can tell you how well that worked out. I was using the non-hormone kind, and it made my periods shorter (3-4 days), but much heavier. I also had several urniary tract infections. I know that not everyone has had these problems, but I would not recommend getting an IUD if there are other options for you.

I am a 33 yo SAHM with 2 daughters (6 yo and 4 mo), 1 son (4 yo), and 1 husband who embraces this madness with a loving heart.

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L.S.

answers from Portland on

Hi K.,
I got an IUD 1 month ago the main reason was for horible periods. I have had my first period and it was much better!
I also have allergies to metal and latex so I was a litte worried. What my doctor said was there is only one kind or IUD out now. It is made of a soft plastic. It gives off a small amount of progesterone only to the tisue around the IUD. Therefor, you don't get the side affects of all over body hormones (wt. gain, sore breasts, ect). The insertion was not fun but by the time I thought I am not sure about this it was already done. I felt crampy the rest of the day. For me, this was a great desision and i love it. Periods are much better and I don't have to worry about birth control.
Good luck in what ever you decide.

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W.P.

answers from Seattle on

Hi, Krisit. After our second baby we knew we were done and I did NOT want to go back on the pill. I was hesitant to try an IUD but knew of a few friends who were very happy with that option. After talking w/my doctor about it, I decided to try the Mirena IUD. I've been very happy with it so far...it's been about 7 months. Had quite a bit of bleeding for two weeks (and thought about taking it out) but that stopped and haven't had any problems since. No weight gain...and just the normal mood swings of a nursing mom with two little one :) Good luck! W.

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V.R.

answers from Portland on

My sisters have had endometriosis. I haven't had any problems yet because I have been actively having children (or so I've been told). I had the copper IUD and had even more painful and heavy periods than before. After child #3 I got the Mirena IUD....I love it!!! No more period (besides a little spotting very infrequently), no more cramps and no side affects from the hormones. I am unable to take any hormonal birth control, because I become a really nasty person! My OB assured me that the amount of hormones contained in the Mirena is so little and released so slowly that you should have nothing to worry about. Good luck and feel free to message me back with any more questions.

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C.O.

answers from Eugene on

I am in a similar situation...I had debilitating cycles before I went on the pill when I was 16. Even on the pill, I had problems and had to change prescriptions every few years. I got pregnant with my daughter on the pill so I didn't feel comfortable using it again after she was born and thought that the endometriosis would just go away, but before I knew it, I was literally housebound for 3-5 days a month. I tried going back on the pill and tried the nuvaring, but had bad side effects from the hormones (nausea, moodiness, bloating, etc.).

FINALLY I decided to get a Mirena IUD...that was in August of 2005 and I couldn't be happier!! The insertion wasn't the most pleasant experience, and I had light spotting for a few months after (not enough to really even need a liner most of the time), my periods changed to very light spotting once a month after that. Now I hardly ever get a period...in fact, the only times I've had significant periods since then was twice on trips sharing a hotel room with other women on their periods haha.

Unfortunately (much to my significant other's dismay), I still get moody a few days a month. But nothing like before.

Anyway, it's not for everyone, but everyone I know who has gotten one LOVES it. If your insurance doesn't cover it and cost is inhibitive (they run aprox $600 if done at a doctor's office), Planned Parenthood does it on a sliding scale if you qualify. At the time I was in school and mine was $45.

Good luck!!!!

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D.M.

answers from Seattle on

Hi K., I feel your pain. I am allergic to ALL metals and still had no problems with the standard copper IUD. I didn't want to do the Merena one because of the implanted hormones and figured I would see if my body wouldn't reject the old school IUD. It was fine and I had no problems.

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L.P.

answers from Seattle on

Hi K.,
I have not ever had endometriosis, but I do use the Mirena IUD. I love it. I don't like the idea of the hormones either, but they are minimal and direct. I have experienced little to no side effect, other than very little to no monthly bleeding and no missed pills! This method is a good fit for me since I am busy with my lovely kiddos and our family's two businesses. It was easy to have placed and is good for 5 years. Good luck in your search!
L

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I'm 65 and so my experience is dated. I have endometriosis. I had exploratory surgery to diagnose it. I don't think it shows up on an ultrasound. Ultrasounds did show ovarian cysts which were a part of my pain. I don't know if cysts go along with endometriosis.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis only after exploratory surgery. I then had surgery to remove as much endometrium as possible and this did help for awhile.

Ibuprofen eased the pain somewhat and prevented severe pain if I started it before my period started.

When I developed uterine fibroid tumors I had a hysterectomy. My pain was less and finally disappeared after menopause.

I took the birth control pill until my age caused it to not be so safe. I switched to a diaphragm. I also tried cervical caps. Both were satisfactory for me. But then I thought it would be OK if I did get pregnant. I just didn't want to not have protection because I wasn't married. I didn't get pregnant. Maybe that was the endometriosis. I know diaphragms are not as safe as other methods.

My genetic cousin also had endometriosis and was never able to get pregnant, tho she tried.

A cousin by marriage had endometriosis and was pregnant twice. When her pain became worse she also had a hysterectomy which eliminated her pain.

I know that there are more choices for birth control now. I also hope that there is better treatment for endometriosis. Having it was both physically and emotionally painful for me. In my twenties my gp suggested it was psycosomatic and suggested I needed to work on my relationship with my father. Can you imagine! I laugh now but it wasn't funny then.

I'm responding to your post because I remember feeling alone and discouraged as the pain increased. I do hope that indometriosis is accepted as a bonafide medical condition for which there is treatment and there is a good method of birth control.

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D.B.

answers from Anchorage on

I did have endometriosis. This is an auto-immune disease. I when through the fake medipause and having another child to overcome it. Niether worked. I was 24, no doctor would preform a historectomy(sp). I was too young. I tried the IUD with the hormone. In my opinion it made things worse. I actually started enbedding into in uterus. I also felt as thou my uterus was very bruised. Against my doctor, I demanded that they remove it. I started seeing a natural doctor and it has been 5 years. I am as regular as I was when I was on birth control. Completely paind free and NO SIGNS of endometriosis!!!

The key would be st start seeing a natural dr how can get rid of auto-immune disorders. They will either tell you your foolish it can't be done or they will completely understand and know what to do. Medical doctors don't believe it can be done. I'm here to prove it can be done. I was seeing Tye Azeltine in Anchorage, Alaska. He has now moved to California. But he is a bio-energetic kinesiologist(sp).

Good luck

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E.T.

answers from Corvallis on

Would your husband consider gettting a vasectomy (sp?)? I know Keiser only costs $5 for one! If you are not thinking of having any more children, that would be the easiest thing to do.

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A.A.

answers from Portland on

Hi K., Just wanted to respond with the info about Dr. David Redwine. He is the doc in Bend who specializes in the treatment of endometriosis. It's probably safe to say that opting for a non-hormonal birth control would be the best bet for you right now. I'm coming from a naturopathic perspective, but the amount of progesterone in the Mirena IUD doesn't usually offset the impact on endometriosis in the patients I have seen.
Hope this helps.
A.

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K.M.

answers from Seattle on

Hi K.,
First of all, I would consider what K. C wrote because that info is correct.
From a more personal note, I had endometriosis. The only relief I had was when I was pregnant and not menstruating. Basically, with endometriosis, you are having extrauterine bleeding during your periods. There is endometrial tissue that has seeded in areas of your abdomen and that is bleeding and causing the pain. I progressed through a number of BC pills, steadily increasing the amount of hormones, had two laparoscopys where they lasered off the bleeding lesions, and finally required a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries. Ovarian removal by itself would work as well. Having the surgery was the BEST decision I could have made. I was done having children so that worked for me. Good luck with whatever decision you make!

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N.Z.

answers from Portland on

I hate to say it but, the best thing that worked for me (I had a lot of bleeding and 10 day periods that would be like heavy spotting then stop then gush...)Non-stop hormones. I don't have periods. I feel great for the first time in years! Before I had my second child, my cycles were anywhere from 25 to 40 days. Then afterward anywhere from 18 to 45 days.
I was having cramping in between periods and bleeding after sex,also horrible cramping that scared my husband. All that is gone now.
Good luck.

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R.S.

answers from Portland on

I don't have any IUD info, but have a family full of endometriosis (6/7 of my moms sisters have had it) and they all conclude that 2 things make it worse- chocolate and coffee. Pregnancy and lactation are the best things for it because of your own hormones kicking it. I would try natural remedies (diet, vitamins, get exercise) before artificial hormone treatment, which only masks the symptoms rather than trying to solve the problem.

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S.B.

answers from Seattle on

check out endometrial ablation..........women in your situation have raved about the procedure.

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D.H.

answers from Portland on

I used an IUD called "MIRENA". It works great for married women who still want to have children, but want to wait a while. It is not metal, but all plastic. You can only have one partner due to getting STDs with it could make you sterile. I did develop an infection due to something I couldn't control and had to have it removed. This was the method recommended since I still have high blood pressure and that nixed the pill. I had been on the pill since I was 17 (now 40), but they still didn't like it. I recently had a problem with continual bleeding and had a (sp) hysterocopy. This burns the lining from the uterus and removed the lining, so that I wouldn't have any more period bleeding. This does not take care of birth control or endometriosis even though I'm told that an egg will not be able to burrow in the tissue to grow like normal. My Husband took care of the birth control after our one and only. My Sister has what you have and the doctor told her the only way out was a hysterectomy. There is a new procedure out there that I saw on TV about a small incision made in the abdomen to remove the problems without the need to have a major hospital stay. Check on the internet and talk to the doctor about it. There are so many new things out there that there has to be a way to fix this. I hope what little I said helped. I'm sure if I wasn't so sensitive that the Mirena would have worked. Good luck.

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T.R.

answers from Portland on

Hi there, I have had my IUD for 5years. It is wonderful!! I use the Mirena (hormone type). The hormones are localized to the uterus, not systemic as with other types of BC so I am even less moody than I am without the IUD. I have stopped having my period, and most other period related PMS symptoms. Very rarely do I have crapming, moodiness, bloating etc. I do get sore swollen breasts but this happens to me regardless of BC or not. I believe that the IUD (only the hormone type) could help with the pain of endometriosis. I love the freedom of mine, good luck!

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K.T.

answers from Portland on

I am 31 and mom of 3. I have had the "All Plastic, with Harmones", IUD for over a year now. I do not have weight gain issues and I do not have periods, which makes it nice. I did not ever have enometriosis sorry, but my cousin did and she ended up having a hysteretcomy beacuse it got so sever, she has three little ones and is 31 too. She said it was one of the best dicisions she could have made made. She had her 3 children and knew that if she didn't have the procedure, than she would be in pain a lot longer and even her husband couldn't take it any more. Good luck. -Washington.

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A.S.

answers from Portland on

Hi K.,
My name is A. Swift and live out of The Dalles, OR on a ranch. I have friends that have been able to deal with endometriosis through a nutritional product. no longer in pain or excessive bleeding, no surgery- feel great!
if you are interested, call me and i would be happy to introduce you and you could hear from them what they did and how it worked for them. I am very busy and don't have time for lengthy e-mails, so call ###-###-####

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C.J.

answers from Richland on

I got an IUD- non-hormonal- for the same reason of moodiness! I absolutely love it!!! It is so easy! One trip to the Dr about 1.5 years ago and no worries since! Easiest birth control I've found! I will warn you that your periods could be much heavier, longer and could have more cramping with the non-hormonal IUD's. Mine last nearly a full week compared to 3-4 days with just condoms or with the pill. And, they are lots heavier. A little inconvenient but, I love not having to think about condoms, or taking a pill, or even going back to the dr for shots! Plus, no hormones means my moodiness has leveled out and I actually have a sex drive again!!! The IUD (without hormones) was the best choice for me!!!

As for the endometriosis, I have not experienced that so, I don't know how that will effect the IUD. Hope someone else has more info on that part!!! Good luck!!!

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M.Q.

answers from Portland on

Dear K.,
I can't give you any advice on endometriosis but IUD has been my birth control method for nearly 10 years now.

I had the T-copper for 6 years, I think it would be easy enough to check if you are allergic to it or not. It's best for women who have already given birth, for women who haven't, can cause painful menstruations.

Then I had the Mirena for 4. It has a smaller concentration of hormones than the pill and is estrogen free so you don't have to deal with the estrogen related side effects.

I didn't have any problems with it. Got my period regularly, free of pain, didn't experience bloating, weight gain or any other problems. Of course, each woman has a different experience and you can't find out until you've tried. The only downside is that inserting and removing and ID is not party so it's not like you can try several models easily. You need to consult with a specialist and providing that IUD is at all an option in your case, then figure out what is the model that'd work best for you and try it.

If you haven't had one before this is how it goes: Prior to insertion the doctor will make a test to rule out any infections, then you need to have your period for the insertion (it's easier since you are dilated). If the doctor has experience in inserting IUDs, and I recommend you look for one that has, the insertion takes only a few seconds, you might feel some discomfort or a pinch but totally tolerable. With the Mirena you might experience some irregular periods at the beginning or even skip some but eventually it starts coming regularly, in my case, lighter than without the mirena and free of pain. You need to check if the strings are in place from time to time, your doctor will show you how to do this. I have a confession: I did not check mine once in 10 years and so far so good.

For the ladies out there: IUDs are best for women in stable relationships and with only one sexual partner. They are not advisable for other alternative types of relationships.

The return of fertility is almost immediate when you remove the mirena and for that I can vouch myself ;)

You can check more info about the mirena in the link below.

http://www.mirena-us.com/whatismirena.html?C=&c=

This model worked very well for me but as I said, each woman is different, so don't go and choose it based only on my recommendation, do your homework.

M..
Married for 11 years and with one 7 month-old adorable, good humoured and kind baby boy.

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J.H.

answers from Portland on

IUDs are abortion causing. The way they work is to not allow the conceived baby to implant in your womb. They don't prevent conception.

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T.P.

answers from Portland on

I don't know if others have suggested this already, but I would HIGHLY recommend talking to your OB about Mirena. I could not take the regular hormonal birth control due to a history of blood clots in my family and was tired of using condoms, so after I had my baby my OB suggested trying Mirena. It is a little plastic IUD with a very low dose of non-estrogen hormone. I have had it 4 months now and aside from some spotting in the beginning it has been perfect. I have noticed no side effects of the hormones, no weight gain or mood changes, and my periods have gotten much lighter (with almost no cramps..yay!). I don't know how it would work with endometriosis but your OB can discuss that aspect with you.

Edited to say that apparently I'm late to the game in recommending Mirena! It really has been a blessing. Just a comment on the spotting/bleeding. My OB warned me about it so I wasn't surprized when it lasted for the first month. Insertion for me was a little uncomfortable, but not at all painfull, no worse than a pap-smear. I felt like I had mild menstral cramps for about 2 days then no more cramps. Of course YMMV, as always.

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K.L.

answers from Seattle on

I don't have endometriosis but I do have an IUD. I used to have ovarian cysts, which have come and gone throughout pregnancies and different birth control pills. I had my Myrena IUD put in 4 weeks after giving birth to my soon to be 2year old third child. It's has hormones and lasts for 5 years (or you can get 10 years). I love it so far. I have not had any side effects and it has eliminated my periods completely, which is a huge bonus. I see my OBGYN yearly and everything's been just fine. I would recommend checking into this one if your doctor says it might work for you. Best wishes to you to receive the BEST health care for you and cure you of your horrible pain! *hugs*

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