Copper IUD/ Paragard

I had the IUD that is called Merina, I don't know anything about a copper one, My IUD was okay, but it depends on what you like. I almost never had a period, when I did it was just spotting , to me that was a nusence. You might spot for a few hours and then a couple days later spot some more just here or there, I just wanted to have my period and get it over with. Right after I had the IUD put in, it would scratch my husband when we had sex. I scratched him for probably the first month or so and after that it was only every once in a while that he could tell it was there. I only had mine removed because I needed to get my tubes tied while I still had medicaid , because I know that I would be losing my insurance soon.I hope I was some help.

I had it put in then bled nonstop for 3 months before having it taken out.

I used the copper-T and thought I'd like it, but within days of insertion I started bleeding, light at first and then heavier over the course of a month until I was hemorrhaging. Then I got a week-long migraine. I was caring for our 4-month-old son and couldn't afford to be laid up with a migraine for that long. I felt it was the IUD, even though my OB said such a complication was very rare and that it was likely my cycle returning. I insisted the IUD be removed, though, and within a day the bleeding had stopped and the migraine went away. I don't know why I had that response, but it's something you will want to be aware of. I didn't want to take the risk of worse problems developing if I left it in, aside from the worry of constant bleeding. IUDs seem like a good idea, but they don't work for everyone, just be aware.

I did have an IUD for several years. Although I had a Mirena, I think that there is a reason for concern with any type of IUD. I will never get any type of IUD again after my experience. We have decided to do a vasectomy. The advice of most doctors is to only get an IUD if you don't plan on having anymore children. However, I am pregnant and doing pretty good after my IUD.

I am a small person - about 100 lbs normally. I could definitely feel the IUD, which kept me from doing certain activities that I use to enjoy - sex and exercise were painful. I could never find the string after the IUD was inserted - the doctor ended up cutting it too short. In order to remove it, they wanted to charge me 20k for outpatient surgery, which wasn't going to be covered by insurance. This was a different doctor than the doctor who inserted it - which might be why she would rather have done it the safer way. But, I ended up going back to the original doc who got it out - but it was painful and I worry that there may have been more damage then I know now.
Although my pregnancy is going well, I'm 3 mths along, I do have a lot of pain that I didn't have with my other children.

Good Luck. I hope this helps you make a more educated decision.

Hey K.!I personally got the Paragard in Nov of 2008. I am 42 years old and have been on the birth control pill all of my married life. I have 2 kidos and life is great! When I went to the doc in Nov to have my yearly check-up and get my pills refilled he wouldn't refill them! Said since I smoked and was over 40 I had to choose another form of birth control. Since my insurance paid 100%, I went with the Paragard. I have had no side effects at all except I didn't have a period for several months! While I was on the pill I had a period every month. So they ran some test and now they tell me I am menopausal! Wow! I feel I am too young for this but life is what it is! I do not want anymore kidos so I am OK with this. I still have the Paragard and will keep it a while....I dont want any suprises this late in life! I feel like it was a good choice! Hope this helps you make you decision! S.

I had one and it was great. No hormones, no side effects.

You need to be sure that you're in a committed monogomous relationship because some STDs can cause infertility and big problems if you have an IUD.

Also, it hurts when they put it in and I have heavier, crampier periods (they weren't bad before). If you already have heavy periods with bad cramps, it may not be right for you.

But, I loved it and when I decided to get pregnant. I had it taken out (less pain than putting it in) by my doctor and was pregnant the next month!

I used an IUD for a few months and it made my periods so painful! I even had to lie in bed for hours over Christmas vacation in Italy :(

But I'm sure this isn't every woman's experience.

Here's what I suggest. If you have 2 painful periods after it's inserted, go to the doctor and get that thing out. Don't wait. I don't think it gets better with time.

What about condoms or a diaphragm or cervical cap?

L.

I have one and I love it. My sister and my mother do as well. My sister is the only one who is considering having hers taken out because of perceived issues.
It should be said that this type of IUD is only recommended after having a child and that there are some issues with tubal pregnancies (so if that is in your history...that should be considered).
This is the second one I have had. The first one was after my first daughter was born and was in for about 2 years and the string did disappear, but my ob/gyn was still able to remove it without issue. My second one is still in and will be for another two years (about).
About the cramping...I have a history of severe cramping when I was in high school. I participate in extended breastfeeding with both of my babies so I only have period experience with the first paraguard. My periods were NOTHING like they were in high school!!! Nothing even close to severe cramping. I don't know if this is because I breastfed for 22 months (I got my period back when she was 11 months) or if that is just the way my body changed after having a baby. I guess every woman is different so if this is the form of birth control that you want to try and you have done your homework...then go for it. Best wishes!!!!!!!!!

Hi K.,
Me and my mom have talked about this particular IUD when I thought about getting an IUD. My mom had the copper IUD and I know everyone is different but ended up causing her alot of health problem it had to be removed immediately and caused her to get appendicitis and have emergency appendectomy. I do not advise this form of birth control. As it can cause Long Term health problems. If you are wanting a form of birth control with no hormones try female condoms or foam. Ask a doctor before you make any type of decisions about birth control.
Hope this helps