Iud's

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2004
Iud's
7
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 11:04am
I am considering going with the IUD for contraception. I would like to know from woman witch already has one, if they are happy with their choice and just exactly how this device is implanted. Are there tools involved and if so exactly how is it used and what are the consequences? Are there any drawbacks?

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: goggas
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 11:48am
I've had the mirena for over a year now and am totally pleased with my choice.Now...about the "tools" used to put it in...I don't know the accurate names...It's put in kind of like a tampon is....The dr uses something (a speculum?) to kind of open things down there ( sort of like when you get a pap smear) and he puts it in....There's lots of pressure.My dr used a deadening shot on me and I still felt uncomfortable.There's cramping for a few days after that (Ibuprofen helped mine)....The first few months my periods were heavier and lasted 16+ days and came 2 weeks apart.After 3 months they came back to just once a month.Each month they were lighter and lighter.And now if I have a period it's just spotting.The mirena can cause some women to stop having periods after a year of use.I recently went 10 weeks w/o a period but then made up for it with 16 days of spotting. I went from using a double pack of kotex overnights pads to now using just a few pantiliners each month.I'm very happy....good luck with your choice.

www.mirena.com/


Edited 9/12/2004 4:48 pm ET ET by mrs_frazier

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2004
In reply to: goggas
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 12:31pm
Thanks for your reassurance!! I am kind of nervous about getting one and would like to know exactly what’s going to happen. Is there a certain time when one should go to get one inserted? Before during or after a period?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
In reply to: goggas
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 2:35pm
This is from the Mirena website, it has the step by step instructions for the doctor of exactly how it is inserted:

http://www.mirena-us.com/pvs1/pri/insertframe.html

I have a Mirena IUD that I've been very happy with. I made the choice to get the Mirena since it's effectiveness is much better than the Paragard (0.1% compared to 0.6-0.8%).

If you haven't had a pap smear or pelvic exam recently, they'll want you to have one first, and then they will schedule insertion during your period. Your cervix is slightly open then and it makes it easier. You should take 800 mg of ibuprofen before your appointment.

My insertion went very smoothly. It felt a little weird and I had some cramping, but the insertion itself was over in a few seconds. I had some spotting afterwards for a couple weeks, but it wasn't much. My first period has come and gone, and it was much lighter than I've ever had before. I had no more cramping than usual, and no problems at all with the Mirena. I'm very happy I got it and plan on using this method until menopause.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: goggas
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 4:47pm
every dr does it differently,but I was supposed to go on day 1(the first day after my period stopped) but that was the weekend...I got it put in on day 4....
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
In reply to: goggas
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 9:12pm
Hi! I have the paraguard copper iud. Mine was put in on August 4th. I go in for my 6 weeks checkup this week. So far I love mine. I had light cramping while it was being inserted. But I also took my motrin before my appointment. Mine was done during ovulation. They can be put in during any point in your cycle, just most doctors prefer during your af due to the cervix being dilated.

As far as procedures go, I would definitely read the info on the websites for either the mirena or the paraguard. They have neat little pictures explaining everything, much better than I could ever attempt to describe.

I chose the paraguard because I just can't handle the hormones and the other options out there just didn't work well for me. As far as your af's after insertion...it depends on your body and how well it adjusts. I had my first af two days after the insertion and it was alittle bit heavier and longer than usual. This last one was just like before the iud was inserted. I had cramps the first few days but nothing that a motrin couldn't take care of. I would definitely check out the webpages for both the merina and the paraguard.

I'm loving my 10 year plan for bc!

paraguard.com

Hope that helps!

Avatar for heidee0
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
In reply to: goggas
Mon, 09-13-2004 - 4:32pm
I have had a Paragard for 20 months. I will turn 44 in December and DH and I are done having kids. I was on the pill for 10 years but stopped when I started getting migraines. I really like my IUD. My periods are a bit longer and heavier but the pros out weigh the cons for me and I LOVE not having to think about contraception.

I know everyone reacts differently but my insertion went fine. It wasn't much different than a pelvic exam. I went back to work afterwards. I just had a bit of cramping and spotting for a few days. My first couple of periods were a bit long but not a big deal.

Heidi

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
In reply to: goggas
Mon, 09-13-2004 - 7:08pm
I have the copper IUD paragard. I love mine, it has been in Since April. Insertion was very crampy and a bit painful, however I have not had children so the doctor told me it might be more painful as my cervix had never been opened. Mine was inserted during my period.

I chose the non-hormonal type since I had had bad luck with BCP. I love never thinking about it and for the most part my periods are back to normal.

Check out the websites and the FAQ section of this message board.

Good Luck!