Pregnant (?) with an IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Pregnant (?) with an IUD
4
Sun, 02-22-2004 - 6:06pm
This is the first time I've posted here, but I've looked around before. I'm really glad this message board is here, too. I've heard a lot of good stuff from so many different people!

Okay, here's my situation. After six years of being on the pill (several different kinds, mind you) I decided I couldn't take it anymore. I had no sex drive at all, and it was making my husband really frustrated. I researched a lot, and decided on the copper IUD. No hormones, no pills to remember, just normal me again. I talked to my Dr., and we decided I could get one. I have no children, and she made sure I was aware of the risks. I was willing to try it, for my husband's and my sake. That was at the end of September.

Insertion was a little more painful than I'd thought it'd be, but it was quick. My periods did become much heavier, but the severe cramping went away in a couple months. I did get used to the heavy flow, and it wasn't any longer a period than before. Nothing I couldn't live with. And my cycle seemed to get more regular as the months went by. My first one was 39 days, then 34, then 30, then 29 in January. Here's where it gets interesting.

My last period was January 18, 36 days ago. I took a home pregnancy test yesterday morning (Saturday), but it came up negative. I have had some very light (consistency), brown spotting since Thursday, but nothing more than needing just a pantyliner. I've read on this board that brown spotting could just be "old blood," and I planed on taking another test this Saturday. Does anyone else think that I could still be pregnant? How long is too long to wait to see my doctor? The test said to test again in one week if my period still hasn't started, but I'm afraid that'll be too long. I'm ready to accept it if I am pregnant; I've told my husband, and he's not freaked out. But, I don't want to inadvertantly cause a miscarriage if I wait too long. I probably should just make an appointment; I just need some comforting and advice.

Thanks so much for listening, and any advice you've got.


Edited 2/22/2004 6:27:43 PM ET by striderswife

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 02-22-2004 - 8:34pm
Hi Striderswife, Welcome!

There can be occasional cycles where we don’t ovulate and since you are cycling on your own hormones stress or illness could also cause a delay in Aunt Flo’s appearance. No one from this board can say if you are pg but the IUD is very effective so the odds are that you are not. If I were you I would talk with your doc and be guided by his/her advice. You might want to have blood drawn for a pg test. With an IUD inserted it is very important that you know what your situation is as soon as possible. Post again and let us know how you are doing, ok?

(((Hugs)))

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Sun, 02-22-2004 - 8:50pm
Thanks for replying so quickly. I think I will call for an appointment tomorrow, just to be sure. I was going to wait until later in the week, but I think that might just make me more anxious. One of the things my Dr. wanted to make sure I knew, was that I could still get pregnant with the IUD. I come from a line of Fertile Mertyls, so I just have this feeling. If am am pregnant, I definately want the IUD out sooner than later. I will post back after my visit. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful! Thanks again.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 10:41pm
Well, I did go visit the dr's office, but never got to see the doctor. The first thing they had me do was a pee-test, and that was negative. So then they took blood, to test for pregancy and thyroid problems. It took a day for the pg test, and that was negative. Friday I called, and the thyroid was negative, too. So I've got a real appointment with my real doctor (she was on vacation last week :( ) I did get my period on Thursday of last week, and it's just over today. Thanks for listening to me, anyway. I was kind of freaked out, but the idea of me being pregnant started to grow on me. I was a little dissapointed when I found out I really wasn't. Then I talked to my sister who has a 6-month-old, and I was reminded why we haven't had any kids yet. (joke)

I'll post again after I see my doctor on Monday, and let you know what she says. Thanks again for listening; I just needed to hear an outside opinion.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 11:05pm
Hi Striderswife,

I'm glad you got the result you wanted. Being pg with an IUD inserted can be dangerous for the woman as well as the fetus. We will be looking for your update.

Good luck

      Jill