IUD users - how much cramping...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
IUD users - how much cramping...
8
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 3:20pm
...after insertion did you experience? I am planning on getting the Mirena inserted in the next couple of weeks (I have to wait until my next period - apparently it's easier to ut in at that time). I am expecting some cramping during the insertion, but wondered how you all felt immediately after and the following day or two. My midwife says Motrin for the first 48 hours for pain should take care of any cramping. Just wondered what other's experiences were like.

TIA for your input!

Laura, Mom to Elizabeth (6 1/2), Cameron (4 1/2), Claire (2), and baby Charlie (7/15/04)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 5:46pm
After my IUD was inserted I had bad cramps for the rest of the day. Then I had mild cramps for most of the week while I had my period. Also expect your first few periods to be heavier and more crampy but then it should go back to normal. Motrin worked great for my cramps, you can even take one before your appt to ease the pain.

Good Luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-04-2003
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 5:48pm
I am actually going to call my dr tomorrow morning to set up an appointment for this week to get my IUD. Like you said, I also was told it is easier to insert during our period.... And well, mine started Fri/Sat.. I'll get back to ya and let ya know how mine goes.







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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2004
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 7:32pm
I had my inserted on 8/30/04 and haven't had any cramping since insertion. I haven't had kids so insertion was pretty crampy. I took a vicodin 30 mins before my appt (which I don't know how well it worked). Motrin & other otc pain relievers have no effect on me. My cramps were gone within 20 mins or so of insertion. Good luck to you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2003
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 8:42pm
I had my IUD inserted 2 years ago - WHAT A BLESSING!!!! There was a little discomfort, but in my opinion, nothing I could not tolerate. I did not experience much cramping in the following days. I opted for the copper IUD; good for 10 years versus the hormonal IUD, only good for 5. What I have noticed is I can estimate within 3 days of staring my period because I do start to cramp a little bit.....but it is nothing like the menstral cramps I used to have prior to getting the IUD. I think that we all have different levels of pain tolerance, but after labor and birth, to me a little cramping to avoid that situation again is WORTH IT!!!!! I was told that I may experience more cramping with the type of IUD I chose, but the reality for me is, it is really no more, and I have noticed that my duration of period time is decreasing, so far I have dropped off 2 days in 2 years....in comparison to a full week, 5 days is HEAVEN.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 9:05pm
I had a copper IUD put in on August 4th. It really wasn't that painful at all. I took an 800mg motrin before the appointment. Afterwards I was just slightly crampy but nothing to really complain about. I had a bit of spotting that day and then nothing for the next two days. After that I had a normal AF, not really any heavier or longer than usual. As another poster put it, childbirth was a whole lot more painful than getting the iud inserted. Mine was done during ovulation.

Just take your motrin before you go in and that will help out with any possible cramping or pain that you might have.

ENJOY your IUD!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 09-05-2004 - 10:37pm
I took up to 600mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours (depending on how well you can tolerate it)...I didn't have any HORRIBLE cramping but I did have some pretty strong ones that "got my attention"-they came and went-nothing constant....The first few weeks were the worse-I've had it a little over a year now and basicly just get little "twinges" around that time of the month....
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 1:25pm
Thanks everyone for your input!! I'll let you all know how it goes!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2004
Thu, 09-09-2004 - 1:33am
i'm looking into getting the iud because i am no longer able to use any hormonal form of birth control due to the side effects. i am very squeamish about the initial procedure for insertion. is there any way to get something stronger than ibuprofin? and this whole thing about checking the strings sounds difficult. they hang out of the cervix and into the vaginal canal? can you/your partner feel them during sex? also, is sex more painful if the penis touches the cervix? has anyone noticed differences in the ability to acheive orgasm?

btw, if anyone has any alternative methods of birth control to suggest- i don't trust barrier methods and i can't use hormonal ones so i am feeling like i am running out of options. i was thinking of combining 2 methods that, by themselves, may not be that effective. ie: withdrawal + spermicides...but this doesn't really feel like the best option either. any creative ideas?