Hi all! I just had a paraguard (non-hormonal) IUD put in 7 weeks ago. My daughter is 3 months old and I do not want to get prego again too soon!! I am mostly just wanting to hear from others moms who have had an experience with this IUD. I am still having bad cramps everyday. My doc encouraged me to keep it in as they will supposedly go away soon, but they are quite bad! I am also feeling unusually fatigued and just generally like I will start my period soon but of course I don't (I am breastfeeding). I have tried ibuprofin but I am sick of taking it all the time. Also, I am scared, despite all my docs reassurence, that this will somehow wreck my fertility. I had to have one ovary and tube removed about a year ago, so I am really scared of damaging the other ovary somehow. I know IUD's had a bad rep in the past but they are supposed to be safe now...Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated. Mostly looking to ease my mind...or hear that I should have this thing taken out if that's the case!! Thanks!!!
I have the marena iuc, I got it when my son was 6 weeks old and it knocked me on my butt for about 5 days. but it got better and now I love it (no pill no condoms that always seem to break) I'd say stick with it but if you don't like it by all means take it out.
hope this helped,
K.
I have a paraguard as well and I love mine! I had one place within the first few months of giving birth (jan. 06). When checking it I knew it was slipping, but I didn't really deal with it until last month. THey had to remove it and put a new one in because it had essentially fallen out into my cervical canal. My advise is to check it every month and if you can feel anything other than those strings call your doc. Otherwise, I've only noticed that I have heavier periods and more cramping around that time of the month. But it is carefree for the most part and I love it!
Jessica:
I have the same one for 6 years now and have not had any issues. I experienced cramping for a couple of days and that was it. In addition, my period is heavier and longer but I love not worrying about taking pills (hormone) or using condoms.
Ask your doctor if he could check it to make sure it's in the right place...
Hello. I also have the paraguard. I got it when our daughter was about 3 months and she is now almost 10 months. I breastfeed too. The IUDs used to have a really bad rap cause they were causing some serious side effects, but they are very safe now. I did a lot of research and had to go to the IUD counseling(did you have to?) before I was "allowed" to have it. I did not experience constant cramping. Have they checked to make sure it is still correctly in place? They tell you to have it checked after your first period, but for us breastfeeding moms you never know when that will happen so they told me to come back a month after just to check. My period returned when my daughter was 6 months(even though I am still breastfeeding). They do seem to be heavier, but not as long and my first period I had some painful cramps. I still get more cramps than I used to, but not nearly as bad as the first. Try a heating pad. I love the IUD and for me it was the best choice. But please remember there is still a small chance that you could get pregnant. My stepsister is a midwife and has seen it a few times, actually she has a patient right now in that situation. If you have any other questions let me know.
G.
J.,
Not an IUD user, myself, but I did consider it. A couple of things that really stood out to me about what you said.
You seem to be really concerned about potential damage to your body. You may be especially sensitive because you have already had a very invasive experience with your reproductive system, which is completely understandable.
I say this because, sometimes, even though IUDs may be as safe as anything kind of birth control device, and for many, many women a very desirable and effective method of B/C, it may not be right for you. In reading this, I wondered if your fears and concerns are causing extra tension in your uterus, and thus making the cramping feel more severe.
You also mentioned that you are breastfeeding. (Good for you!) When a woman breastfeeds (as you may already know), she releases the hormone Oxytocin, which is the same hormone that is released during labor, and also released during orgasms. Oxytocin causes your uterus to contract, and for some women, that might cause added cramping, especially as your body is adjusting to your IUD.
If I were in your shoes, I would really think about your comfort level with the IUD, now that it's in. If it is causing you anxiety, it is probably not the right method for you. However, it may also be a simple issue of adjusting to this new "thing" inside you. Listen to what your body is telling you and you'll know what you need to do :)
-R.
Hello J.,yes they have had a bad rep in the past but my doctor says it was because women were using them as birth a control with multiple partners and they were catching disease and they got infected. I put the para guard in right after i had my son and the craps were bad for 2 weeks tops but evry women is differnt. it has helped me i a so regular now i never use to be. i did nurse my son for 8 month too. Its not supose to damage anything i would leave it in for a little longer my doc said it could take 2 months to get use too. so i would hold off for another week or so and then take it out you nothing is worth that pain for too long.
L.
Jessica.
I don't have an IUD, but have heard better reviews of them now then in the past.
My concern for you is definetly the cramps and I think it would be in your best interest to put a call in to MD or make an appt. I am not sure how long the cramps are supposed to last, but you know your body and if it hasn't cleared up in the recommended time then I would get checked out. I read some of the other comments and it looks like the IUD's can slip or be positioned incorrectly.
Good luck,
K.
I had the IUD for 3 years before my daughter was born 2 years ago and never had a problem. I had a new one put in a few months after she was born. I had it taken out 2 weeks ago because from the time it was put back in until now I was having pain every time my husband and I had sex or even just putting a tampon in. What I went through was probably just a fluke but I would talk to your doctor
