? about iud.......

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
? about iud.......
5
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 8:28am
I just had my baby 3 1/2 weeks ago. I started having sex 2 1/2 weeks post partum, we are using condoms - which I hate and don't trust. I refuse to take the pill - I know too many people who have gotten pregnant on it. I was on the shot 2 x in the past, and I don't want to take that again either. I think I am going to try the IUD this time. I have talked with my doctor about it and he suggest the Mirena since I have very nasty periods and the hormones in it may help. Is it your experience that it does? Also, are they painful to insert and take out? What are your experiences with them??

Amber

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 9:17am
I've had a Mirena IUD for over three months now. My periods are virtually gone now and have been since the very first one after I got the Mirena. I had problems with every other type of birth control I've tried, but this has been wonderful and I wish I'd gotten one a long time ago. Once it's in place, there's nothing to think about or remember. You're just continually protected. The lighter periods has also been wonderful. Mine are so light now that it's nothing more than spotting.

Insertion wasn't bad at all. I've never had children so I was expecting serious pain. When the doctor finished and told me it was in, I couldn't even believe it. I felt nothing more than a crampy feeling when he inserted it. Even if it had hurt, the insertion was over in literally like two seconds anyway.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 9:32am
Thanks....do u have to check for the string constantly??? Or do you?

Amber and Jayden 10-12-04

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 9:39am
Not constantly no. I was checking daily the first month, since if an IUD is going to be expelled, it's most likely to happen not too long after you got it. It's advised to check like once a month or so.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 1:44pm
Congratulations on your new baby!

I got my Mirena inserted about 7 weeks ago (8 weeks post partum). I didn't think it hurt at all. I took 800 mg of Motrin about 1 hour before and every 6 hours for the next day, but I honestly didn't feel a thing! I have had one follow up appt to check the strings and I check for them every couple of weeks myself.

So far I am loving my IUD. The only downside for me has been the constant spotting. I think my period is lighter; however, I don't know exactly when I've had my period because I bleed/spot every day and have since about a week after insertion (hardly any spotting occured that day or for the first week). I am hoping this will subside soon; my NP says that this irregular bleeding should stop by the 3 month mark.

Other than that I am very happy and would recommend this form of BC!

Take Care, Laura Mom to Elizabeth (10/97), Cameron (9/99), Claire (4/02) and baby Charlie (7/15/04)!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 5:41pm
I've had the mirena for over a year now...it was mildly painful to have inserted--lots of pressure even though my dr used a deadening shot "down there"...The first three months I had 2 periods each month--lasting 16+ days and coming 2 weeks apart.I had cramps off and on-not constantly-the first few months too....some were pretty strong-ibuprofen takes care of them-now I basicly get a little twinge around that time of the month....After that they settled down to just once a month-they were heavier for a few more months but got lighter and shorter each month.I went from using a double pack of kotex overnights pads to using a few pantiliners each month.Now if I have a period I basicly spot for a few days....