Doc Sez To Replace IUD?!?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2003
Doc Sez To Replace IUD?!?
3
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 12:26am
Got a 10 yr. copper IUD inserted in 2000 for about $500. What a great invention! Didn't hurt at all. Was warned it "may" cause a change in my periods. Little did I know! Now, my always-short-anyway 24 day cycle (like clockwork except for my three precious children) has become increasingly longer. I know that the next period will CERTAINLY begin 24 days after the last one began. But the problem is, instead of bleeding for 7 or 8 days, which was normal before, now we're talking 12-15 days of red or brown blood, sometimes a lot, even long after I should have stopped. sometimes it stops for a day or two, I wear normal panties, and then SURPRISE! I ruined a silk suit this week by spotting through the skirt and everything underneath. My last period began 12 days ago!!!

Went to TWO OB/GYNS who BOTH said it's the IUD causing the prolonged periods. They BOTH said I should just get it replaced - for $750 - with this new one that also emits some hormone or something. The way I see it, this Ten Year IUD was planned to work until I hit menopause. I have been carefully checked, there's no other reason for the bleeding even though I'm nearly 40, but I actually suspect it is either NOT the IUD OR the new one will ALSO cause this prolonged bleeding. Then, my OB/GYN will simply smile and offer to remove it for $250 again. Anyone else ever have this challenge? The blood loss sometimes is so intense I need iron supplements to keep from fainting! This has got to be stopped!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 1:20am

Prolonged periods are a possible side effect of the IUD...it's possible with both IUD's, but it's

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 9:44am
I'm not an expert by any means,but I have had the MIRENA IUD for about 9 months....After it was put it I had moderate cramping for a while....The first few months of periods came every 2 weeks and lasted about 2 weeks....That was a pain...they were heavyier at first but got lighter each month...Now I'm down to spotting each month lasting between 1-2 weeks....I went from using a double pack of overnight pads to now using pantiliners...It is a pain not knowing when you'll "spot"....I've had a few incidents of not expecting it and not being prepared.Lately I've taken to wearing pantiliners everyday...My dr (who has a MIRENA IUD also) says that it will get better....I'm hoping it will....Although I love the fact that it has cut down on the heaviness of my periods,the spotting for 2 weeks is very annoying....and yes sometimes it's a brownish discharge like you describe....Like I said,I'm trying to hang in there and see if it gets better....good luck to you!!!

The Mirena cost me $430 (I had to pay out of pocket and wait for insurance to pay me back)...it's supposed to be good for 5 years and maybe 10......

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 10:22am
I have the Nova-T IUD, which is a Coper IUD, much like the ParaGard. My experience with the IUD has been great so far. My periods have actually gotten shorter and lighter, which is uncommon as I understand it. However, if I were in your situation I think I would have the IUD removed and start on another form of BC all together. $750 is a lot of money and I know I could never afford it. (My IUD was only $60, but I am from Canada and our health insurance is WAY better here) If the money is an issue, then maybe you should start considering the Birth Control Pill, the Patch, the NuvaRing, a Diaphragm, The Depo Provera Shot or even just resorting to Condoms and Spermicide... Good luck

*MG*