Is the IUD for me?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2004
Is the IUD for me?
2
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:20pm

I was on a bunch of different pills for about 7 years and this past January I went off the pill hoping to get pregnant. A few things happened in our lives and we decided to put off trying for a baby untill next summer. So in stead of going back on the pill I decided to give the IUD a try. I decided to do this so that I dont have hormones back in my body a year before I try to start a family. I figured if I have the IUD for a year and have it taken out July '05 I can start trying right away.

The IUD has been hell for me so far! Right away on my first checkup, a month after having it put in, the doctor sent me for an ultrasound to make sure the IUD was still in place because she couldnt see the strings. The ultrasound came back with good news that its sitting where it's supposed to be. My periods have been really heavy and the cramps have been so bad that all i can do is lay still with a hot water bottle and not do anything. I even brought myself to take a T-3 to take away the pain. I *never take pain medicine unless I absolutely have to. I can't say my periods were all that bad when I wasn't on the IUD. In comparison to the pill which makes everything easier! My periods were short and light and I hardly had cramps at all while on the pill. Now I'm beginnig to wonder if the IUD is like this for everyone? Or am I one of the few who just shouldnt be on it? Has anyone had these problems on the IUD then had it removed and felt much better?

The only thing is, I still have 8 months to go before we were planning on having my IUD out and starting a family. I don't want to go on the pill again for only 7-8 months just because then I have hormones in my body all over again and I've been fighting acne since going off the pill (in january) and Im finally getting somewhere with it! I don't want my body to be a yo-yo on hormones....

Tell me what you think might be a good idea:) All input is appreciated!
Thankyou:)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 2:50pm

Hi vicky0830, welcome!

I'm sorry your IUD experience hasn't been as easy as you had hoped. From what members have posted the first few cycles can be crampy with heavy bleeding, especially for women with a copper IUD. You didn't say how long you have had your IUD but unless there are serious complications I think you should give yourself at least 6 months for your uterus to adjust to the device. I hope things become easier for you soon.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-04-2003
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 11:58am
Hi Vicky,

I'm sorry to hear you are having such a horrible time with your IUD. I have to say, that from all the posts I have read on here, I don't think anyone has said that they have had as much pain and cramping as you are saying.. I do know that my stepmom told/warned me about exactly what you are saying.. At least that is what it was like for her when she got the IUD. She ended up taking it out because she couldn't stand it. I know it was 20 years ago and the IUDs were a bit different then, but she still had those symptoms.


I definitely suggest talking to your doctor and see what s/he says.


At the same time, I would say maybe look into getting a diaphram or cervical cap instead of going on BC pills. Those are non-hormonal and work well if you use them properly. Or, maybe you could just use condoms until you decide to trying to conceive. It isn't *that* far away..


Good luck and let us know how it all goes and what you decide.