IUD and women without children
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IUD and women without children
| Thu, 06-03-2004 - 5:47pm |
More and more I've been considering getting off the pill and getting an IUD, preferably the Mirena. My only problem is that from reading around it seems like doctors are very wary of inserting an IUD into a woman who hasn't given birth and the Mirena website even mentions their device not being suitable for nulliparous women. I've never given birth, I don't plan on having children, and I'd like long-term birth control. While I like the pill, I'm starting to think a more long-term solution might be the way to go.
So, I'm wondering, how many of you with IUDs have not given birth? How many of you have been told not to get an IUD by your doctor? I just started a new pill and recently had a GYN visit, so I'm not going to make any decisions right now, but I'm just trying to plan for the future and an IUD seems ideal for me. Basically, I just want to know if I should give up on that idea before I get too attached to it.
I know that the chances of expelling an IUD are higher in women who haven't given birth, and the insertion is more difficult/painful, but it's sort of news to me that some doctors refuse it outright for their childless patients, and I'd like to know how common that is.
So, I'm wondering, how many of you with IUDs have not given birth? How many of you have been told not to get an IUD by your doctor? I just started a new pill and recently had a GYN visit, so I'm not going to make any decisions right now, but I'm just trying to plan for the future and an IUD seems ideal for me. Basically, I just want to know if I should give up on that idea before I get too attached to it.
I know that the chances of expelling an IUD are higher in women who haven't given birth, and the insertion is more difficult/painful, but it's sort of news to me that some doctors refuse it outright for their childless patients, and I'd like to know how common that is.

I got my IUD put in about a month ago. I also have not had children, but I got the copper (paragard) IUD, so my experiences may vary than those with the Mirena. The insertion was not bad at all. Some cramping for a few minutes, which than subsided. Than light cramping and spotting for about a week following insertion. My doctor was not too concerned with the fact that I had not had children, she said the chance to expel was a bit higher, but nothing to be too worried about. She also made sure that I was in a monagamous relationship, because the chances of getting PID are higher if you have the IUD and multiple partners. Overall I am very pleased with the IUD. A very low-maintenance, cost-effective, and long-term form of birth control. And for those who are sensitive to hormones-the Copper IUD is a nice choice.
Good luck with your decision!
Ally
I'm 20 and have never had children, but I've got a Copper IUD. I had it inserted in October/03 and mine (Nova-T) is good for 36 months. My Dr was more than happy to do whatever I felt most comfortable with in the way of my body and my own personal opinion. Good luck!
~*~Jenn~*~
I remember reading a post from a woman near the canada border that couldn't get a doctor to put in an IUD because she didn't have children. I live in the northeast and didn't have any trouble. Both my GYN and Primary care doctor both listed it as an option when I was unhappy with my BCP. I don't think I would have even thought it an option if they hadn't told me about it, because I didn't even know we had that option in the US.
I left the office that day with a prescription for the patch, which is low hassle (only think of it once a week). The NuvaRing only has the be bothered once every 3 weeks and after your period week. Another low hassle option is the shot which you tend every 3 months. I know those are hormonal like the pill, but they are much lower maintanence if that is your main concern.
Why are the pills not cutting it anymore?
But, yeah, I'm going to try and stick with these new pills for at least 6 months and hope that I end up loving them. I just like having a backup plan in mind. ;)
Oh, and thanks everyone for your stories, from what you're saying it seems like there's a decent chance my doctor will be OK with it, but I shouldn't get my heart set on it or anything. That just makes me more motivated to stick with my pills until these side effects diminish.
Two things to be sure of are that 1) you are not pregnant, and 2) you definitely don't have any infections of any kind.
Janet