Appointment for IUD this Monday

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2004
Appointment for IUD this Monday
5
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 10:15am
I have an appointment Monday to have a cooper IUD inserted. As I said in my past post, I very nervous and confused. When I made the appointment I asked the nurse how I should prepare, she claims that none of the patients who have IUDs have problems. I read in the Paragard patient information that some women faint or pass out. The nurse insists that none of their patients have that happen and that it's just like putting a tampon in and that their patients never have any complaints. Those of you who have IUDs, do you feel she's being honest with me? From what I've read on this board and other web sites, insertion is not like using a tampon. I don't know how to make an informed decision when the nurse makes it sound to good to be true. I just don't believe that no one has a problem or complaint. I asked about how many patients have IUDs she said TONS! I don't know if I should go through with it, I've tired to talk to the Dr. but it took 2 weeks for her to call me back. Also, the appt. is in the evening, is that a good idea?

Thank you all for any help you can offer.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 10:31am
hmmm...My appointment was mid morning-I doubt that has alot to do with having side effects.It is somewhat like putting a tampon in.Have you had a pap smear-it's more like that--with the speculum and all-there's ALOT of pressure.My ob/gyn used a deadening shot "down there" but there was still LOTS of pressure.I had slight to moderate cramping after having it put in for a few days...The first 3 months my periods were heavier and lasted 16+ days and came 2 weeks apart but after 3 months or so they got better.Each got lighter and lighter until now to where if I have a period it's basicly spotting for a day or so....I went from using a double pack of kotex overnights pads to now using a few pantiliners each month.WOW!! I have had it for a little over a year now....and love it-I have the Mirena IUD....GOOD LUCK!!!!


Edited 10/2/2004 10:31 am ET ET by mrs_frazier
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 11:26am
I have the copper IUD. I didn't take anything before I went in, and they didn't give me anything (but I told them I have a high threshold for pain). Two parts were painful, when they attach the tool to your cervix it felt like a big pinch, that went away quickly. Then when she needed to sound the uterus that was major cramping as the cervix opened, that lasted approx. 45 seconds until the IUD was in place. I then had bad cramping for the next several hours. I never felt I was going to pass out, though it can happen and it depends on the person. You are less likely to pass out if you aren't nervous. When you meet with the doctor just explain your concerns and let the doctor tell you what is going to happen. My doctor explained what she was going to do and also talked me through it while she did it. Knowing what to expect makes it much easier.

I love my IUD and the little bit of pain was well worth years of worry free BC. Good Luck and don't worry about the nurse, she is not the one doing it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 12:50pm
How you should prepare is to take 800 mg of ibuprofen about a half hour before the appointment is scheduled. That seems to be a fairly standard thing.

I think the nurse may be exaggerating. Some women do have some pain during insertion, and it is possible to feel faint, although I'm not sure how common that is. When I went for my insertion, there wasn't any pain, just some cramping and it wasn't bad at all. The doctor seemed a little surprised that I said it didn't hurt, and they also asked me a couple times how I felt, if I felt faint or anything (which I didn't).

The thing to keep in mind though, she probably just didn't want you to worry needlessly. If you go in all tense and nervous, it can be worse than it needs to be. I went in to my appointment expecting severe pain and there wasn't any. If they had told me what they told you, it would have saved me a lot of totally needless worry and anxiety. Even if it does hurt, the pain will be over in seconds. Insertion is very quick. And then once it's done, you have 10 years of birth control.

Some women do have problems after getting an IUD, but keep in mind it has a very good continuation rate. The vast majority of women are happy once they have an IUD and choose to keep it even if they do have some minor problems. I thought it sounded scary before I went in too, but it wasn't that bad and I'm very happy with my IUD now.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-04-2003
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 1:39pm
I agree with what the other ladies have said so far.


I myself have had my copper IUD for a month now. I just started my 1st period with the IUD and so far everything is so completely normal. Like my period is without BC.


I took some ibuprofen a little while before I went to my appointment. When the doctor clamped the pincer thingies on my cervix, that was a bit of a pinch, but not bad. And then when the doctor actually inserted the IUD in me, that hurt! But in all honesty, it wasn't so bad, especially when I think I will have it in me for 5 years, which means 5 years of not having to worry about birth control! And I do have to say.. that the thought: OMG, if this pain is anything like childbirth, I don't want kids! LOL. But that was just a fleeting thought that was forgotten once the IUD was inserted and I laugh about it now. I didn't feel faint either, although, I can imagine some people will feel faint or even pass out. But I think that just depend on the person. If you do feel faint, tell the doctor and just lay there for a while longer. Bring some crackers/cookies and water if you feel like you might need it.


I put heat on my stomach for the rest of the day, ate some chocolate and babied myself the rest of the day (meaning I sat in front of the computer chatting and drinking tea). I think it might actually be a good thing you appointment is in the evening. Because then you can just sleep off any crampy feelings you might have.


I was out picking mushrooms the very next day. I really haven't had any problems or any major cramps since that first evening of the IUD being inserted.


I wish you the best appointment and experience on Monday. Don't worry, as others said it will only make you more tense.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 10-02-2004 - 5:17pm
I had the Mirena IUD inserted 3 weeks ago and honestly, it went great. I have read other

s experiences as it feeling like a cramp or pinch, but I didn't feel anything. The only thing I did to prepare was to take 800 mg of Motrin about 1 hour before the appt. One thing that I think helped was that I remained completely relaxed during the insertion process. My CNP did tell me some women do get faint or dizzy (due to a drop in blood pressure from laying down), but I didn't have any problems. So far I am thrilled with the device. I only had a little spotting that day and for a couple of days afterward, though now I am on my period and it has lasted so far for 10 days with moderately heavy blood flow. I am expecting my first few periods to be like this until my body adjusts.

I hope you have a good experience also. But if you are hesitant, maybe you could schedule a 'consultation' appt first with the doctor just to ease your mind.

Good Luck!