Can I get some feedback on those who have an IUD? I was looking into the copper, for I'd like to stay away from the hormone IUD. Any complications, pros and cons, or any advice would be appreciated?
I have the Mirena (hormone IUD) and I love it! I got it while I was still breastfeeding. I havent had a period yet, even though I am not breastfeeding anymore and I have noticed that my moods are much more stable, no swings like I had with the pill and the patch. I dont feel it at all and neither does my husband. I highly recommend it to all my friends. Hope this helps!
Hi Elaine, I got an IUD after I had my second baby- I got the other kind of IUD (the non-copper kind) and I think its a good idea that your not going to get the kind I have because the hormones really messed with me for at least 3 months. The only thing I would say is to take ibuprofren (if you can) before you get it because you get really bad cramps and it does hurt pretty bad when they first put it in. But after that you cant even tell it is there and it is a wonderful form of control.
I don't have any personal advice to give, but I have heard several stories on the news recently about Paragard which is a new and improved version of the copper IUD that you might want to check into.
Hey Elaine - I have the Copper T IUD b/c I wanted something without the hormones. It's worked great so far. My cycle has changed slightly, but was never regular and that might be due to having a baby this last July too. I'm overall really happy with the IUD. It's more convenient than having to remember to take a pill. Let me know if you have any specific questions, I don't mind answering anything.
Hi Elaine, I've had the Mirena for a year and a half and I haven't had any problems with it. The first three months I had light spotting and bloating, but after that I've only had two periods and no cramping. I also requested the Paragaurd from my OB because I didn't want hormones, but she highly advised against it. She said the progesterone in the Mirena is localized in the uterus and isn't released into the bloodstream. I'm not sure how much that matters, but I haven't had the problems with the Mirena like I had when I was on the pill. She said with the Paragaurd, painful cramping and heavy bleeding are common and that most of her patients that get them come back to have it replaced with the Mirena. Most of the nurses in her office have the Mirena also and told me they recommended it. I would take some ibuprofen or something when you have it inserted, but mine wasn't painful at all. When it was inserted I felt what I would describe as an intense menstrual cramp that lasted a few seconds and that was all. A man shouldn't feel the IUD at all if it's inserted correctly. They would only feel the string which reminded me of fishing line. It wasn't a yarn type of string, but plastic. I had my OB cut mine very short and my husband has never felt it. It has made some positions less comfortable depending on the time of the month. But I would suspect that would be the case regardless of which brand you chose. I honestly never even think about mine and forget it's there unless I see it mentioned.
Well I wouldnt recommend the copper ones, I know that they have more risks. I had the plastic one and it was great because it made my period go completely. The only bad thing was that it became uncomfortable in certain positions during intercourse. Kinda person, but it was bad enough to make me take it out. Good luck
I love my IUD!!! After my first son was born I did the mini pill. I breast fed for 14 months while taking it. The month that I stopped nursing I still had a pack of pills left so I finished them. Now I have 2 boys! I got pregnant the month that I stopped nursing. The IUD is so easy you don't even think about it. I had it put in, I think at my 6 week check up. She said that there might be some pain or discomfort and I kept waiting but nothing hurt...and I'm a wussy! I have no bleeding or spotting now. My sister also had one and is very happy with it. My mom had one and the month that she had it removed she found out that I was coming! The only down side is MY insurance did not cover it. It cost about 600.00. We decided that it was cheaper then another baby!
Hope this helps
H.
I had an IUD for a year and I wasn't really pleased with it. I normally have a very light period but with the IUD it seemed like I was always bleeding. I also got a few bacterial infections. The pros are that you don't have to remember to take a pill every day and you don't gain any weight but my periods were just way too heavy. It also gave me bad cramps which I never have. I take Yazmin now and I don't have any negative side effects and my face is clear because of it! Good luck!
I have had a copper IUD for about 2 years. Hormones make me very sick so it was really my only option. It has been nice to not worry about birth control, BUT I am tired of the cramping and spotting. My periods are longer than normal and I cramp for a few days beforehand. I frequently spot in the middle of my cycle. The side effects have gotten better - the first 5 months or so were really painful, now it is just annoying. I think the side effects I am having are more severe than normal because my doctor was surprised by my complaints. I'm going to have it removed in a few months after my husband gets a vascectomy. It was nice to have something that was free (on my insurance) to put in and is quickly reversible. I would still recommend it for others, but keep in mind that you may not like it.
I have had the Mirena IUD for the past 4 years and would highly recommend it. I have had no promblem with it at all. I can not even tell it is there. My periods are very very light know. I only need a liner, no pads or tampoons ever. I don't have to worry about it at all. It is good for 5 years.
Elaine-
I did the IUD after getting pregnant with twins while taking the pill. I have the copper/non-hormonal, 10 yr. version. I really, really like not having any more hormones in my body from the Pill, and I really like the effectiveness ratio of the IUD. My biggest issue with the IUD was I bled A LOT for the first 6-8 months; I felt like I had my period every other day. It was extremely frustrating, and my OB even said that was her number one complaint from her patients. I am still really erratic in terms of regularity of my period, but it's gotten a lot better. My system could still be adjusting as I am just a little over a year out from having had the babies, but I am just never really sure when I will get my period. Overall, though, I have to say it is very easy and nice to just be able to forget about any birth control issues...Let me know if you want any other information. I'd be happy to share whatever I know! Good luck-
K.
I used to used the IUD and had it taken out and I've heard of the same complaints. It's VERY painful and some other women noted that it was painful during intercourse and a lot of the men could feel it.
Good Luck
