Thinking of Getting the IUD

Hi J.,

I read all the responses and since I seem to beat them all by timeframe, I thought I give you my 2 cents also. To quote what someone else said, " I love, love, love it." I have had an IUD for 32 years! I first got it when I was 22 and had not had a baby, even though reccommendations even back then were to have had a child before. A girlfriend had one put in and she had not had a baby yet either, so I wanted to try it too, and my doctor was fine with that. I just didn't do well on the pills. I am on my 3rd one (copper). I have lost track as to actually how long this last one has been in. I think over 15 years. But I have my check ups regulary and the doctors say it's fine. For awhile when I had my check ups the doctors couldn't feel the string so they would do ultrsounds to check and make sure it was in place and sure enough it has been. Just last year my new doctor said he felt the string (which was a surprise to me) and all was good. I have never had a single problem or side effect.(that's not saying it can't happen to some people.)I chose not to have children after meeting my husband because he already had 3, so I have had one in continually for all these years. It is close to coming out as I am hitting menopause, but personally I think it was the most wonderful form of birth control, as I never had to think about it and it allowed my sex life to be very spontaneous. I think it even helped to regulate my periods. I just mentioned this possibility to my daughter-in-law a coule weeks ago because she had two babies 13 monnths apart and has had a couple scares with late periods with the pill shes on because she is breast feeding. Personally, I would recommend giving it a try without the hormones, you probably don't need them and that probably adds to more side effects. Good luck with your decision.

Sincerely,
C.

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Yikes!!! Abstinence....eeeeeewww....

Okay, now that that's out of my system.

There are 2 types of IUD's, the copper kind and the hormone kind (Mirena is the most popular hormone kind).

I have the copper one, and LOVEloveLOVE it!!!

- It has the same failure rate as a tubal ligation.
- You can have sex that night (or afternoon, whatever).
- The first couple periods are gnarly (cramping wise),
- - I personally get an extra day "added" to my period, so now I have 4 days instead of 3. Some people go heavier/lighter/shorter/no change. The hormone type have predictable changes, the copper one doesn't...the only common denominator is that they are all SLIGHT changes.
- Good for 10 years
- No hormones
- You can check and make sure it's still "there" really easily
- It has a mono-filament line now, so infections can't crawl up it...ie no PID from them.

I've had mine for 7 years now. My god. Hip hip hip HURRAY!!!

Did I mention I love it?

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Hi J.,
I just got the copper one inserted myself 3+ months ago. I'm still not convinced I'm keeping it because of the additional cramping and heavier flow I'm experiencing. I'm real encouraged, though, by some of your responses and hoping it'll get better by the time I have my annual check up next month. Anyway, it's not that I wouldn't recommend it; just be prepared that it may not be the most pleasant monthly experience (for a few months, anyway).

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You should research the IUD or do as I did and ask your doctor/ob/gyn. I've had the IUD since 2004--6 weeks after my son's birth. I haven't had much of a period since. So maybe this isn't what you're looking for either. I love not having to deal with shots, patches or pills. There have been a couple of times when I've experienced unbearable cramps...but that's tolerable considering that was pretty much it during a span of 5 years. I just had it replaced this past December for another 5 years (or until my hubby and decide to try for a girl). The Mirena is plastic and good for 5 years but I think it releases a hormone (if I remember correctly), and then there's the other one that is made of copper that is good for 10 years. My friends also have the Mirena...we love it. My sister-in-law couldn't deal with the cramps and pelvic pain after only having it in for 2 months. Everyone is different and may have different experiences. I hope this helps a little...I'm sure you'll get more wise words soon!

Sincerely,
A.
Mom of 3 boys (5,6 & 12)

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Hi J., I had the Mirena IUD for about 2 years until I chose to have it removed. I will give you the Pro's and Con's (For ME! - I think everyone reacts differently, and that's one thing you need to consider - how does your body normally react to medical procedures, changes, etc) Sorry, this is probably going to get long....First, I read the literature and also was told by my Dr (whom I love and trust. Also she personally uses the Mirena as well)that there are hormones released by Mirena, but that it is such a small amount, it will not affect your system. Well, if you hear this, DO NOT believe it. In some ways this was good (or so I thought for a while) I had NO period/cramps etc. for the almost 2 yrs I had it in. BUT, here's where the Con's start: after a while I felt PMS symptoms ALL THE TIME! Bloating, mood swings, low energy, etc. I also gained a bit of weight during this time. I didn't attribute any of this to the Mirena until I read something somewhere that made me start researching and sure enough, all of those things are listed as (possible) side effects. I have since run across women who have experienced some of the much more serious side effects listed right on the prescribing info of the Mirena. I started to feel like not having a period really wasn't so good as my body needed the release of it each month to keep the pms stuff away. (I had never had much pms before so this was new to me). So for ME I decided to have it removed and it did clear up my symptoms and my weight got back in check. Now for the Pro's: It is listed as one of the most effective methods of birth control, you don't have to remember to do anything, it is easy to insert (by Dr.)and can be removed just as easily, it is the number one method of birth control used everywhere outside the U.S. with proven track records for many years, I know of many women who LOVE it and are so happy with Mirena. So that's my 2 cents. Talk to your Dr. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have it inserted and see how you respond. Just be aware of the many (possible) side effects and listen to your body!

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Hi J.,

I have 2 children, a 4 year old - almost 5 and a 7 month old. I too, do not want anymore children, and I used to take the pill, but that was forgotten more times then not, and did not like the side effects, so I decided on the Mirena IUD. I have had it since my youngest was 10 weeks, and I love it. I have had ZERO problems, lighter periods. I have never spotted. Craps were very light when it was inserted by your doctor. It stays in place for 5 years, then you can have it replaced to continue, but again it does give you the option to get pregnant again, if you wish and change your mind. Here is there web site - http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp.

Good luck.

Leah

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I have the mirena and its amazing! I got it july of 07 and its the only thing keeping us from getting pregnant. Not to mention i love not having a period anymore! It was highly recomended to me by my ob and I can't thank her enough! I have a friend who had hers in a little over 18 months; got it taken out and the following month found out they were pregnant.

Good luck on your decision.

Hi J.,
You have gotten a lot of good advice, just thought I would share too. I had the paragard IUD inserted in October 2005. I had gotten pregnant with my 4th while on the pill. I wasn't sure what I was going to use for birth control after he was born. A wonderful OB-GYN recommended I consider the IUD. She also shared that not only herself, but all her professional friends were using the IUD for birth control. That spoke volumes to me.
I didn't have any problems or any real pain associated with having it put in. I thought it was quite easy and painless. The first few months were kid of rough with heavier bleeding, but it gets better. I love not having to worry about a pill everyday, or anything else when we get alone time! After the ten years are up for this IUD I fully expect to get another. I love it. I have not regretted my decision once.

Hi J.,
I used the IUD for 4 years and did not get pregnant, have any side effects, or get my period. I worked really well for me, although I kind of missed my periods. You are supposed to get one every 4 months, but mine were so light to start with I guess that's why I didn't get them. Anyway, it worked for me. I have to get it removed next month, and I think my husband is going to get a vasectomy. Good luck.

A little about me:
I'm a 38 year old stay at home mom to twin 7 year old boys and married to a wonderful man.

I loved it and my sister swears by it. I took it out becuase I was during a surrogacy but I plan on getting it back. My sister has had it for four years and has had no complications. You may not menstrate with the IUD also. Once its implanted into your uterus it doesn't need to be bother for 5-10 years.

I went with the no hormone IUD option and it was wonderful! There was a little extra cramping for a few months but never having to worry about it was so easy.
There are a few risks like ectopic pregnancy but usually only occurs with women who have previous risk. Monogamy is a must because of severe risk from STD's.
Your doc will fill you in on all of it but I highly suggest it!!!!

I was given an IUD in conjunction with an estrogen patch for menopausal symptoms. It does take several weeks for your body to adjust to the IUD - at first I felt like I had sciatica! My husband also noticed the little "string" for about the first 6 weeks, until the mucas formed around it as it is supposed to do. Once the initial few weeks of spotting and a little cramping I have had NO PROBLEMS! There have been a lot of advancements in the materials that IUDs are made of now. Most doctors will give you a perscription to take the night before that helps soften the cervex for easier insertion. I am very sensative in the reproductive area so I experianced some pain, but it only lasted two days. Good Luck.

Hi there. I see you've already gotten a load of wonderful responses but I thought I'd tell you my story. I got the Paraguard IUD put in in June 2007 and liked the idea of it not releasing any hormones into my body (I get migraines and all the extra hormones in birth control are a big trigger). Well, I thought, all was well until I found out I was pregnant in March 2008. A BIG surprise. The IUD had somehow moved and was up inside my uterus somewhere where 4 different doctors couldn't get it out. My husband and I decided to continue with the pregnancy although the risk of miscarriage was higher since the IUD wasn't able to be removed. My first trimester was a little tough because of some bleeding due to the IUD irritating the uterine wall. The rest of my pregnancy went fine but I suffered a partial placental abruption (again, due to the IUD) during delivery and had some extra bleeding after our daughter was born. The doctors, unfortunately, couldn't find the IUD after delivery and I had to wait until my 6 week post partum checkup where (Thank Goodness!) my doctor was able to find the stubborn IUD with a mini DNC. Our daughter is a healthy 2 month old and she suffered no side effects or issues because of the IUD... just her poor Mommy did! I don't want to scare you away, I know the IUD works for a great many people. I just thought you'd like to know the other side of the spectrum. My doctor said the IUD was probably inserted incorrectly (not by him, I was seeing a different physician at the time) and that this happens A LOT. I wouldn't recommmend the IUD to anyone I know for just this reason. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you. Take care!

I don't like putting unnatural hormones in my bod either! I'm 26 with two kids as well. While my husband and I are not trying to concieve, we only use the "pull-out" method and other than that we are letting nature take it's course. My kids are four years apart and we didn't concieve the second time until we tried to. My youngest is three and a half now and I'm a SAHM. I've heard of tracking your cycle to determine which time during the month you can actually get pregnant and then just abstaining from intercourse for those few days. I saw an ad for a cycle bead bracelet that helps with this sort of "natural birth control". Maybe it's something you'd like to check out. Best wishes!

I have had an IUD. Has the doctor told you what could happen? There can be complications on having the IUD grow inside your child. This was not my case though.

I got pregnant and she literally pushed the IUD out of my system. She was also 3 weeks premature and had undeveloped lungs. I don't know if this had to do with the IUD or not, but something to keep in mind.

J.

I got the Mirena a couple months after my second was born and it didn't really hurt more than a couple cramps. The midwife said that it's a little easier soon after a baby is born. That one has hormones and I don't know about the period thing because I'm breastfeeding and last time was just on the pill and didn't get a period until after I was done with that. I do hear that people don't get their period because of the Mirena though, although they seem to love it, just keeps the lining from forming and thus no period. The Paraguard doesn't use hormones. It's success rate is slightly worse though.

I am a physician and I love the Mirena IUD. It is impregnated with progesterone and minimizes your bleeding. It lasts for up to 5 years. Of course, if you decide to remove it earlier, you will go right back into your normal cycle because it doesn't affect your ovulation. Also, no side effects from systemic progesterone and estrogen. I did have more acne than I did on the estrogen-containing pill.

Hope that helps!

M.

I highly recommend the IUD - I have the copper one and it's been in place for 2 1/2 years. I made the decision for the copper one based on there being no hormones and it can be in place for 10 years - by then I'll be hitting menopause so wont need to worry about any birth control after that. Insertion was easy (I took half a valium prior as recommended by my Dr as she knows I'm not a big fan of any work going on down there). I had heavy and crampy periods for the first 4 months but then went back to my "normal" period of 2 heavy days, 2 light days and no cramping. I'll admit the first 4 months were rough but now I don't even think about it and it's really an effective measure - I'm someone who gets pregnant in the blink of an eye. There is still a small risk of pregnancy with the IUD but as long as you are sensible and take a pregnancy test as soon as you miss your period your Dr can safely remove the IUD and the pregnancy can progress normally. On the point of one responders husband not liking the feel of the "string", you can go in and get that cut shorter if need be. It was one of the things my Dr told me about. One last thing though is to look at your insurance coverage (unfortunately). Some insurance's will not cover the procedure at all, others just the IUD with the hormones. My insurance was good except it wouldn't cover the copper IUD 100% only the Mirena. I did get on the phone and argued with them and they did agree to cover it outside of my copay and the actual cost of the device which is very small. Good luck.

I had an IUD and loved it. It is uncomfortable for hr first couple of days aftyer having it inserted but worked great. Just note that its doesn't prevent pregnancy all the way but if you do you get pregnant it also almost always forces a miss carriage. You don't feel any different or anything like that but My friend has one in and one month experienced a very heavy period along with one day of cramping more than usual. she thinks she was pregnant and miss carriade. so just be aware of that possibility. My friend she just makes her husband wear a condom of certian days of the month that she has a greater chance of getting pregnant. Good luck I hope it works for you

I have an iud with just the metal and no hormones and I got it when my son was 6 months because some friends got pregnant by mistake. Woops!
Anyway, we have been happy and pregnant free! It really is quite liberating not to worry about birth control. I think the only side effect for me is a heavier flow. Good luck!

You have already gotten alot of resonpses but I just had my second and we believe our last baby. I am 38 and I had the Mirena put in. I love it and the peace of mind it give us. We get pregnant easy, God Bless, therefore this way I know we are protected and I don't have the potential of missing pills right now. We are pretty sure we are done with having children but this way if we get an urge in my early 40s we can take it out and be fertile again immediately - no waiting!

Well iud has few risks there ask the doctor what risks you will get.. Because i have iud myself for a year and half and i got some risks going on .. Which wasnt pleasure but better than nothing .... So ask the doctor about the risks b4 you can decide about iud ... And if you dont want any more kids, then tie up the tubes or something its best to ask the doctor...

I haven't used it but my sister-in-law got Mirena about a year ago and she has stopped having her periods from it and her doctor said that it's normal so you might want to check into that

Hi J., I have a 2 month old and I didn't want to take any pills so I opted for a IUD. I am currently on Merina and loving it. I have a period which is really light and I don't have to worry about it for 5 years or I can have it taken out sooner if I wnat to have more kids. I hope that this helps.

Hi J.. I have an IUD. After my second child I was 38 and was done having kids. I am now 43. I think it releases hormones into my uterus, but not a lot and not anything that I feel affects me. I typically tend to be all natural and I was never on the pill, so this was my first medical birth control. I love it. It has even taken my period almost away, that I barely know that I have it. The doctor said that with the hormone release it also helps prevent uturine cancer. Check it out.
D.

I had the Paragard (copper) IUD for 7 years and loved it. (FYI - the Mirena IUD does have hormones - the same as depo.) I actually had it before I had a child, which is not recommended because the risk of expulsion is higher, but I had no problem with that. I had slightly more cramping with the IUD than without, and my husband wasn't thrilled with the feel of the monofilament, but those were the only issues that we had with it. It was very economical - I didn't have insurance when it was inserted, so that cost $350 for the device and the appointment, and when it was removed I had a $10 copay. So $360 for 7 years of birth control. Hard to beat. I will say insertion and removal weren't the most comfortable times, but nothing that an Advil wouldn't relieve. If my husband and I weren't planning to have another child in the near future, I would have one again.

The mother of a child that has dance class with my daughter had one and it moved around in her abdomen and she had to have surgery after having severe pain. Two ultrasounds showed it in two different places in just a few days, meaning it was moving around. I do not recomend it.

Hi J.,

You can get an IUD that doesn't contain hormones--most of them do, now, but the hormone-free ones do exist. Your period might be a bit longer and heavier, and it might take a bit to get used to (mild cramping for a couple of months), but then it should be fine. Lots of women like them. FYI, though--IUDs are not free and often not covered under insurance--but cheaper than the pill in the long run.

(You probably already know, but it's crucial for an IUD to be properly inserted and it needs to be checked that it's in place from time-to-time--sometimes you can do it yourself or else a doctor can. If you absolutely don't want more kids--talk to your doc about how IUDs function in detail--with some IUDs an egg can get fertilized but won't implant. In really rare cases, you can get pregnant with one--I'm an IUD baby, although that was with an IUD from the '70's (most likely an improperly installed one), and I'm sure they're more sophisticated than that now. My arrival was not scary to my parents, however, just a surprise...).

Why not just use condoms?? So much easier and cleaner and then no one has to ingest or insert anything, and easy to stop using without any worry about hormones or scarring or risks of cancer, etc. If your "amazing man" is a "great support" like you say, he should be okay with this--mine is! :-) You can buy a big box from Costco...

Good luck!
:-) D.

J., the most important thing to consider with the IUD is that it is NOT a contraceptive. You can become pregnant with it. If you do, it will usually cause the pregnancy to abort before you ever knew you were pregnant. On the rare occasion the pregnancy will progress and the IUD will injure the growing baby. This happened to an aunt of mine. The IUD grew into the child's skull. If you want to prevent pregnancy my advice would be to study your body, and your cycle. I was able to prevent pregnancy by using barrier methods during the "dangerous" times of the month. And enjoying a more natural experience the other three weeks of the month. I began by taking my 'basal' temperature every morning. It is a fairly accurate way of predicting ovulation. After a period of months you will know your body pretty well. (I had a depo provera shot after my son was born and hated the way I felt.)
I hope this helps.
p.s
I have to admit I am dismayed at the responses you have gotten from other women. It is wonderful that they all love it. But it is clear that their doctors never made it clear that they may have become pregnant many times and didn't know it. They are basically aborting their babies with out even knowing it. I think that is wrong for the doctors not to inform the women of their choices. I believe the newer iud with hormones probably does prevent pregnancy, but I don't know that much about it. The IUD is an irritant to the womb, so a fertilized egg cannot attach.

Hi J.,
I have had an IUD put in twice. The first time I had it done before I had a baby, and it really didn't seem to work out so good. I basically had a period the entire 3rd month it was in, so I had it taken out. Then I had another one put in after my daughter was born and I absolutely love it. My doctor said it probably didn't work before because I had never had a child. I got the copper IUD w/out hormones because the hormones make me crazy! The only complaint I have is that my cramps are a bit worse that before, but nothing I can't handle, or a couple tylenol doesn't get rid of. My period is right on schedule each month also!! Oh, and I've had it in over a year now! I hope this helps!
Take care,
R. :)

They have a 1 yr, a 5 yr and a 10 yr one. I've had them all. I have the 10 year one currently. I love it and don't have any problems. Good luck.

I am 31 w/ a 6 year old and a 2 year old & have had an IUD for about a year and I love it. I have the one called Mirena. Keep in mind this one has hormones & I haven't really had much of a period since I've had it. I don't know if they still make the ones without hormones- I have a friend who had a copper one about 10 years ago & she said it caused horrible cramps during her period. I think the IUD is the best birth control out there . Mine is good for 5 years- my husband agreed to get a visectomy once my 5 years are up. Good luck with your decision!

Pills and hormones make me moody and unhappy, so i tried everything else. I think IUD is a great option if you adapt - but i tried and it hurt me a lot, so i had to take it out in 2 months. I tried diaphragms and it was messy but did work, but it hurt me too. Condoms are no fun either but they also work. Before i had my baby, i was very, very regular. So if you are regular and somewhat can follow a calendar, i recommend something i used quite effectively. It's called Persona, and I bought it in Europe ( a quick Google UK search can find you some pharmacies in the UK that sell it, or info on the product) - i think i used to buy online from http://www.garden.co.uk/ - I am surprise it's not marketed in the US. Here we have the fertility little computers (Clearblue?) - anyway, basically, it's a mini computer with urine sticks that you test about 8 times a month and the computer tells you the "red" days (when you may get pregnant, or the "green" days, when you are not ovulating and free to have fun ;). So I used prevention on "red days". This worked for me really well while i was regular, no hormones, nothing to stick in my body, and a good way to know my body well. Funny enough, i used it as an inverted process as well (to get pregnant) and it worked like a charm... I cannot use it now because i'm not regular, so i'm back to the secular methods.... whatever works... ;)
Have fun trying!

PS I found the website for you ;) http://persona.org.uk/