IUD?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
IUD?
2
Mon, 03-22-2004 - 11:08am
Hi everyone! Can any of you give me some details about IUD's? How they work, side effects, cost, etc. I recently posted because I am sick of condoms and a couple of you suggested IUD. I don't know anything about this method so I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with it. Thanks! dmj
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
In reply to: dmj1313
Mon, 03-22-2004 - 4:07pm
You can get a lot of information at the websites: www.paragardiud.com and www.mirena.com. The Paragard is a copper IUD that lasts for 10 years. The Mirena is a hormonal IUD that lasts 5 years. I had a Paragard and loved it. The main side effects you can expect with a copper IUD are increased bleeding and cramping with your period, although there are some women who actually have less, go figure. Generally, if you already have horrible periods, the copper IUD is probably not the best choice. If your periods are not that bad, like mine, then the copper IUD is okay. I had slightly more bleeding and cramping, but I just took some ibuprofen when I felt like I needed it and was totally fine. The Mirena releases a very small amount of a progestin hormone, which acts mainly on the uterus, although some amount of hormone does get into the blood. As such, some women report hormonal side effects such as mood changes, but I believe this is uncommon. You can also get increased spotting and irregular bleeding, but this generally improves over time. Many women get much lighter periods and 20% stop having periods altogether after 1 year. Good luck with your decision.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: dmj1313
Mon, 03-22-2004 - 5:23pm
Maybe this website will give you more information about how the Mirena IUD works....

http://www.mirena-us.com/

I've had it about 8 1/2 months and I absolutely love it....It has cut my periods from a very heavy flow down to spotting a few days per month-I've gone from using a double pack of "overnight" pads to using pantiliners....It was heavier in the first few months and for a while I had a period every 2 weeks but it didn't last very long....I had cramps every now and then but in the past few months haven't noticed more than a few "twinges"....It was a little pricey-I was paid back by my insurance co but I had to pay for it out of pocket and file insurance then....GOOD LUCK in your decision!!!!