Non-hormonal IUD.

I have had one for about 4 years and noticed a little spotting and slightly heavier periods at first. I never heard not to use a tampon, I have done so since I had it put in. I love it!

I have a paragard (copper) IUD. It will be 1 year in December and so far, so good. I haven't noticed any side effects but I also have a 15 month old daughter and I haven't gotten my period yet from having her, so can't comment on how it affects that sort of thing. Insertion was really easy though and I love not having to think about birth control EVER. I am so much more happy with this than I ever was using hormonal birth control!

I have had a non-hormonal IUD - the copper one- for almost 6 years and I LOVE it. I had some slight cramping at first, but now I don't even know its there. I did not want anything that released hormones into my system, as women in my family have been prone to uterine cancer and I believe too many additional hormones contributed to that, so this was a perfect solution for me. I just have my annual GYN check up and my doctor checks to make sure that it is in place where it should be and that's it! No problems at all so far after almost 6 years, so I can completely recommend it.

Hi C., my name is B. and I am 55 yrs old. We put off the decision to "get fixed" after our third, and that is how we ended up with our "gift" Lizzi ! I was 36.
I had experiences with many types of birth control and did not enjoy the cramping and spotting that came with an IUD.
As a mother of 3, you are quite allowed to make this sterilization decision on your own. Having your tubes cut is a simple procedure these days and will give you such relief knowing the deed is done. Quit waiting for hubby. Mine actually went when I told him I was going! I wish you all the best. 3 kids is a great family ! Unless you want 4....as they say git er done! : )

Hi there,

I have a "paragard" IUD and I am really glad I chose this option. I got it in (which was pretty expensive, but a one-time cost), and haven't had to think about it since. It's been about 6 months or so, and I haven't experience any side effects at all. You don't really have to check for the thread or anything . I love not having to remember to take any pill or do anything about it. Really this was the only feasible option for me.

Good luck!

I had an IUD for over 10 years. I think the brand was Paraguard. I loved it. you do have to check for the string, very easy. You don't feel it. I never had any problems or pregnancy while I had it. No side affects. I would do it again if I had to. I was a little crampy the first month but after that my body adjusted.

Hi C.,

I have had mine for almost the full 10 years that they are supposed to be good for. I LOVE IT!!! I have not experienced any side effects. I haven't checked mine every month but do check it occasionally. I also have it checked when I go in for my check-ups. I love that there is nothing hormonal because I don't have to deal with any of the side effects associated with so many of the hormonal options. I also love that I don't have to worry about forgetting to take it. Hope this helps.

Best of luck,
J.

The string can be felt....sometimes. Years ago...I felt it. It hurt...I went to my partner's OBGynie.....he said it was not possible! Finally I developed a nick at the opening of my urethra! I went back to her doc.....the situation began to change my desire for sex..in general. At one point I was actually checked for STD's! It was thought that my symptoms were made up...in my head...imagined! This went on and on. I developed a semi-painfull callous that burned when I urinated...but all this was thought to be impossible. Finally my partner had the string shortened. This helped...but at times I still felt it. Finally she developed an infection and had it removed. We resorted to a sponge with spericidal jelly....that irritated me....I mean physically. We graduated to Japanese propholaytics...super thin latex. These were not too bad. Jack

Hi C.- I have paragard (non hormonal) as well and have had it for 4 years- no complaints- yeah the period is a little heavier but for me it's just one day- you can;t use tampons- that was the part I hated but I am worry free!!! I very lazy to check for the thread but make sure to have a check-up every year to make sure it's all good!!!
little cramping here and there- some spotting before you get your period- so make sure you always carry liners and pads- at least one of each is fine! But I don;t have to worry about anything!!!!!!!! It's so great! I'm glad I decided to do this- My mind is all over the place if I had to take the pill- No way!
Side effects for me is bad back aches sometimes- but I am overweight so not sure if it's a normal symptom for everyone- still I wouldn;t use anything else- 6 more years of worry-free lovin!

LOVE IT! I got ParaGard a little over a year ago. It is very uncomfortable to have put it, but it doesn't take very long & then it's over. Make sure you take the antibiotics they give you and don't really make any plans for the couple of days after that. I ended up w/ a bladder infection b/c I had it done right before 4th of July weekend. I didn't realize that. My periods have actually been less painful & I've always had bad cramping. That was a pleasant surprise. I've checked for the string a couple of times, but it's fine.
There's nothing I hate about it! Wish I would've gone this route years ago instead of trying the pill a # of times! Do make sure your insurance company covers it tho. It's only clinics that do this procedure...doctors don't have the sterile room. Some insurance companies don't cover clinic surgical procedures cause it's not considered a professional hospital.

I've had the copper IUD for 1.5 years and it's been great! I've had a bit of a heavier period some months, but no other issues. I did check monthly for the string at the beginning, but it only takes a second and I don't do it every month now. I love that I don't have to think about it or do anything. That makes it so easy and since the success rate is very high, I feel very confident that I won't have an unexpected surprise. Good luck!

Hi C.- I've got one! I love that it's hormone free best of all, and that it's effective. I've only had it for six months, but it's been working great. I would say the biggest downside is that my flow was way heavier than before, but it is starting to even out a bit over the last two months or so. The upside is that it's effective, and it's about the only non-condom hormone free birth control out there (besides abstinence of course :D).
As for the preventing of fertilization vs. the preventing of implantation, I believe it does the same as any other sort of birth control pill (but I could be mistaken?).
Hope that helps and good luck!

Have you considered Essure instead? It is what my dr. recommended. It can be done in some offices, is an out-patient procedure, and is covered by most insurance. It is permanent birth control. It works by blocking the fallopian tubes, and like a vasectomy, they check after a few weeks to be sure they are blocked, but as long as they are... it's a done deal. Good luck!

I've had mine for a year. The first few periods were brutal... major cramps and heavy flow. But that could also have been because I'm was (and still am) still breastfeeding and didn't get my period for so long after having my daughter.
But other than that, it's fantastic! Ten years of worry-free lovin! I'd highly recommend it.
I chose the paragard because I also did not want any more hormones (birth control pills....)

Hi C.,
I had my Paragard IUD for almost 3 years. I didn't want the hormones either. I had mine removed because we will be trying for another baby soon.

I loved mine, although it made my periods very heavy and lengthier than I was used to (but I was also used to a 2-3 day light, light period, so what I was experiencing with the IUD may have been "normal" for most people).

Good Luck with your decision.
B.

Hi C.,
I goit mine in July and my only complaint is a little spotting. I've heard this will propbably go away and it is very minor. My period is a little longer and heavier, but in my opinion worth it. I do not have bad cramps, I do not feel it ever (nor does my husband), and inserting didn't hurt. I was expecting it to hurt, but be over quickly - It didn't. I did not hear about not being able to use tampons. My Dr. also said it is not neccesary to check for the strings. I think it is great. I never need to worry about it or remeber to take anything. Good Luck!!