No Kids -- is IUD ok?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2004
No Kids -- is IUD ok?
6
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 4:28pm
I've tried OTC and couldn't stand the hormones. So I'm thinking about the copper IUD. I read on ParaGuard's website that it is not recommended for women who have not yet had children. Why is this? It is the only non-hormonal 99+% effective form of BC, so I don't have any other choices in that category and really want to see about getting one of these. I don't plan on having kids for quite a few years (I'm only 20.) How long is an IUD good for? I'm horribly paranoid about it getting "lost" inside my uterus or falling out. I'm also very worried about it getting caught on a tampon or the strings bothering my BF. Also, does anyone know about how much it would cost? Also, I understand that it makes periods quite heavier for the first few months, but after that does it have a simliar effect of BCPs by reducing pain from cramps?

Any help would be VERY appreciated!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 9:40pm
IUDs are safe for women without children. The only concerns there are that it might be harder to insert, and that they are slightly more likely (although it's still rare) to be expelled. The doctor might be a little concerned due to your age. I don't know how long you've been with your boyfriend, but they usually want a woman who is going to get an IUD to be in a stable long term monogamous relationship. If you have an IUD and you get a sexually transmitted disease, it's more likely to cause problems. If you get an IUD and your relationship ends, you would need to be extremely careful with any new partners about always using condoms until they've been checked out for STDs.

The Paragard IUD is good for 10 years. Once it's in place, it can possibly be dislodged or expelled, but that is highly unlikely. Tampons can still be used with an IUD, but menstrual cups like Instead or the Keeper usually aren't recommended. The strings can sometimes be felt, but if the doctor doesn't trim them too short, then they shouldn't stick out and be an issue.

If you have insurance, they will likely pay for the IUD, if not, then you can contact Planned Parenthood. The full retail price is several hundred dollars, but Planned Parenthood might charge less for that.

I have a Mirena IUD, so I don't know exactly how the Paragard does on cramps, but I've never heard anything about it reducing them.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 10:56pm
Hi blondie121984, welcome back!

I agree with Kellyann_25 an IUD might be the thing for you if you are in a long term monogamous relationship. If you haven't already seen it there is a very good post in the FAQs about IUDs that you should read.

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2004
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 11:01am
I've been w/ my BF for 2 years now, and have no plans of breaking up. I'm curious as to why it would be more common for an IUD to be expelled if the cervix is smaller (from not having any children). Could you explain that to me please? Also, I've read on here a few times about women "losing" their IUD and having to go through what their doctors called "common" surgery to have them removed! What have you heard about that? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2004
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 11:18am
Jill, if you don't mind me asking, why didn't you decide upon a copper IUD? I know you've had a similar bad experience with hormonal BC in the past. What made you choose the cervical cap instead?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 11:53am
From what I've heard, the reason expulsion is slightly more likely in childless women is that the uterus is smaller and more likely to cramp and try to reject the IUD as a foreign object. There are IUDs being developed that are smaller and more likely to stay in place for childless women, but they are not available in the US yet. Expulsion happens in something like 5% of women.

I have heard of something happening where an IUD can somehow end up outside the uterus, but it's extremely rare.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 2:27pm
I have two primary reasons: First I find the concept of an IUD is too invasive for me, at least for now. IUDs are very safe so it's not particularly rational I know, but that's just me. And second, I need the physical protection of a cap because of the some of the ways DF and I have intercourse and I can't wear the cap I want with an IUD, because the strings. If this isn't already TMI and you have other questions about my reasons you can e-mail me at the address in my profile, ok?

      Jill