worried about not being able to get IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
worried about not being able to get IUD
3
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 4:54pm
hello--

i posted a little while ago about having a low libido due to BCP. i've been on 4 different types of pills & my libido has been really really low on all of them compared to when i'm not on the pill. a copper IUD was recommended as a good choice for BC & after doing some research, i would really like to get one! however, i've made appointments with 2 different ob/gyn's hoping that they'll think it's a good choice for me, too. i should also note that i've never had a child. i'm worried b/c i've asked each doctor's office if they normally prescribe an IUD to childless women & they each said that they do only if the patient is having serious problems with other methods of birth control. i'm wondering if low libido is considered a serious problem? has anyone else experienced this situation? i know i'm being very impatient & should just wait to speak with the doctor's, but i'm nervous & antsy!

thank you!



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 7:44pm
I have the copper IUD and no children. I was very lucky that my doctor suggested the IUD as an alternative since I told her that I was unhappy with hormones. I had tried several pills to decrease the dryness and increase sex drive, but none had worked. I stopped taking them when I found out that my cholesterol and blood pressure was elevated. They were never high enough to be a concern for the doctor but were higher than my normal levels. I decided that I did not want any more hormones. When I talked to my doctor I told her that I just felt so much better with out them and needed BC that didn't have hormones but was very effective. Basicly I am in the same boat it was mostly just me wanting no hormones that was reason enough.

My normal doctor refered me to a women's health center and they had no problems giving me an IUD without having children. My doctor told me the only extra risks were that I might expell the IUD (women with out children have a higher risk) and that insertion might be more painful.

To ease the insertion the GYN told me to come back and have it inserted while I was on my period, becuase the cervix would be more open and soft.

Sorry my message is so long.

Good Luck!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2004
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 9:00pm
No fair! :) I've been going to Planned Parenthood for off & on over 8 years, and 2 years ago I told them I wanted to get and IUD, for long term, but not permanent BC, and they told me I couldn't get it, because I didn't have any children yet(but definitly want them) Does it just depend on the DR/clinic you go to, or what? I was told that an IUD could cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and cause infertility. ???
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 7:11am
I guess it depends who you see and maybe where you are in the country. I am in MA and all the doctors I talked to about this just said the IUD manufactuer doesn't recomended to for women without children but not one said I couldn't get it.

I think the chances of the IUD causing infertility are really really low. When it is put in it can perferate the uterus if it is put in to far, but if it is done properly by a doctor who has done a lot of these the chances are very small.

Good Luck!