Pill to IUD Transition Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2006
Pill to IUD Transition Question
6
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 5:12pm

I am currently taking the Mircette/Kariva birth control pill. Lately, I've noticed that the skin around my mouth has discolored slightly to a brownish color. I'm not sure if it's simply winter dryness (I've tried Aquaphor but it won't go away) or hormonal. Even worse, my temper is unpredictable and raging not to mention when I have PMS I can cry myself to the point of exhaustion from depression. It's awful for me and my poor fiance. I'm happily in the process of planning my wedding and know that these unhappy feelings are from the pill. And I'm in therapy so I know it's not depression or wedding related....I can tell it's chemical. I've tried other BC pill options.....ortho-tricyclen worked for me in my 20's but I can't seem to find a good fit now (I'm 36). I've looked into the IUD and see that it's a viable option for me.

My question is can I have the IUD inserted right away once I stop taking the pill? I'm expecting my period next week and want to get off the pill as soon as possible.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 7:45pm

How it normally works is this - you will need an appt. to discuss the iud and probably a pelvic exam then the doctor will schedule the insertion. The only thing I have ever heard about the scheduling of insertion is that it should be during or near your period. Mine was inserted a few days after my period ended.


Good luck!

 Jenn 

Mommy to Megan 1/20/01 & Sean 11/11/03

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 10:11pm
If I remember right I took the pill up until the day I had my IUD (mirena) inserted.....It's been about 3 years so.....good luck.....
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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-22-2005
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 10:14pm

Hi mama 2 meg, I was like you taking BCP and wanted to get off of them, I went to the Dr. on a Tuesday she scheduled me to come in a week later on the following Tuesday because I would be on my period and I haven't taken a pill since. You can just stop. I actually stopped taking them two days early, to make sure I had my period when I went because the IUD is easier to insert when your on your period. My dh and I just made sure we were extra careful until the IUD was inserted, I was on my period for most of the time I was off the pill so it didn't matter. I am so glad I stopped the pill and went with the IUD. I have the paragard, if you have anymore questions just let me know.

Brianne

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2006
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 8:39am
Good to know....and thanks for the reply. I going to make an appointment today. I'm nervous about the insertion because I hear it's painful but hopefully it will be over with quickly! So in the past three years you haven't had any issues or problems? Any complaints? Were your periods noticeably longer, heavier or crampier? Sorry to get so personal.....!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2005
Sun, 03-19-2006 - 2:45pm

I was on the pill for many years before my doctor took me off of it last summer. She thought it might be causing my elevated blood pressure which is seems it was. I decided to use an IUD (paragard) as my form of birth control. I have never had children (nor do I plan to). The IUD was inserted during my first "non-pill" period. The insertion hurt a lot (big pinch) for a split second. Other than that, I had minor discomfort, if anything. My periods were never much heavier or longer than I remember from the pre-pill days. So, I didn't have a major adjustment to it. The dr. did put me on antibiotics for a week after insertion. And, my boyfriend and I were told to use a condom for the first month. I also was told to not use tampons for the first two cycles. Now, I'm now in my 8th month with it and love it. It's great to not have to give a thought to bc.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2006
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 11:03am
As far as I know, you should be able to go straight from the pill to the IUD.
When I got my IUD, I was told by my Dr, the only reason I was a candidate was because I had already had a child. I actually got it after my second child. You may not be able to get it immediatly because most Dr's offices don't keep them in stock and have to order them. Mine took two weeks to come in. Aslo, my insurance wouldn't cover it so I had to pay for it out of pocket and it was $450, plus the office visit to have it inserted. I use the Merena, which releases hormones and lasts for 5 years.
I hope this helps!