IUD experiences--please share
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IUD experiences--please share
| Thu, 06-08-2006 - 3:35am |
Hi everyone! I am thinking about having ParaGuard Copper IUD inserted soon but I have some questions for anyone who's been there/done that. I need your honest experiences with the IUD. What did the insertion feel like? Was it terribly painful and/or bloody? Was the bleeding after it was in worse than usual during your period? Was the cramping really bad during insertion and worse than your period? Has it ever fallen out? Do you find it easy to check the strings on it? Thanks in advance for your help! I really appreciate it! :)

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I have a Mirena IUD, but some of my experience at least is relevant.
I was scared to death about the insertion, but I took about 4 ibuprofen (800 mg) before and it went pretty well. First they have to use a device to measure the depth of your uterus, it was kind of a strange sensation but over quickly. Then they insert the IUD, and there was another strange crampy sensation that was over quickly. They trimmed the strings, and that was it. I have a little cramping for probably two or three days that was controlled with taking ibuprofen. I was still on my period when I got my IUD inserted, but there wasn't much in the way of bleeding after. A little spotting for a week or so. Cramping hasn't been any worse during periods, and checking strings is easy.
I had non-hormonal IUD for almost a year, here are several posts in which I've explained (almost) all the questions you've asked and probably more. :)
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=13187.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=13472.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=13509.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=13744.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=14422.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=14676.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=15873.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept/?msg=17312.1
Threads are just the ones started by me.. I have replied to many other posts and there are tons of other ladies who have asked questions and shared their experiences.
You can check out one advanced search I did from this link (newest posts first):
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/find/results.asp?webtag=iv-bhcontracept
I hope that helps!
Hands, Hands, Fingers, Thumbs! Which do you use?
I got the paragard IUD inserted in April of this year. So far, it has been awesome. Prior to using paragard, I had the minera IUD and compartively, the insertion of paragard was less painful. I don't know if that is because the second doctor was more skilled or what, but it really wasn't bad. I took two ibprofeun beforehand, and I think that really did help (I didn't do that the first time). So in general, I had cramps for a few days after the insertion, but nothing that couldn't be controlled with a little advil. It definitely didn't stop me from going about my regualar life (which was a 3 hour drive immediately after the insertion) for a weekend trip with my family. I had it inserted during my period and as far as I could tell, it didn't last any longer than normal, no spotting for me.
Since then, my cramps haven't been any worse than they were when I had nothing. My period was heavier/longer though. It lasted a full week, whereas I was used to 5 days, but there wasn't any pain. I haven't had any issues with the IUD falling out or anything. As far as checking the strings, I have been a bit of a slacker on that, so I'm assuming it is still there, I should look into it one of these days... I never checked when I had the minera though, and never had a problem.
>> How soon after the ParaGaurd IUD is inserted does protection against pregnancy start? <<
Jill
I had a paragard IUD inserted last August and wish I had done it sooner. I love it. There's nothing to think about once I got past worrying that it was going to come out. My periods are a bit longer than they were before, but certainly not painful or particularly heavy. I have noticed that my heaviest day of bleeding is usually day four now when pre-IUD, it was day two.
I believe that the IUD is effective as contraception immediately, but my doctor wanted my boyfriend to use a condom for the first month to minimize the chance of me getting an infection. She also put me on a 10 day course of antibiotics after insertion.
The doctor trimmed my strings very short. When I asked her about checking them, she told me I would probably not be able to feel them and that she would check them at the time of my yearly exam.
My doctor also told me not to use a tampon for the first two cycles. I actually waited a third cycle before I did. But, now I use a tampon just like before.
I did have to avoid my usual work out schedule (3 - 4 times a week of moderately high intensity aerobics) for a month per doctor's orders. I was only able to walk for exercise during that time. However, all is back to my usual routine now.
Good luck with your decision. I hope it works out for you.
Well, I have never had any other "procedures" per se; however, the insertion really is not that big of a deal, in my opinion. My sister had a colonoscopy and that was definitely a much bigger odeal than my IUD insertion was. Things I could sort of compare it to though... I'd say it is less scary/painful than going to the dentist and definitely much less painful then the migraine headaches I used to get. I know the sensations of those things are all different so it doesn't really translate that well, but hopefully that gives you some point of reference.
I wouldn't let the insertion worry you too much, it's really a very short procedure. Just let the doctor know you're a little concerned about it beforehand and I'm sure he/she will take extra care to make sure it goes quickly and smoothly.
I had the copper IUD inserted this past April.
There was *barely* any pain,, in fact,, I wouldn't even use the term pain.
YOu're in the speculum so your discomfort level is there anyway,,, then, it felt just like a pinch inside.. and a big cramp.
I have a ? about IUD that I'll post separately..
Good Luck.. I think its a fabulous form of birth control
Set it & forget it!! =)
I have the Mirena IUD and love it! I had it inserted during my period back in December. I will be honest... the insertion was VERY PAINFUL... but it was well worth it! I have loved the IUD ever since. It just felt like a very very intense deep cramp in a part of my body I've never felt before. My blood pressure dropped and I got very lightheaded. My friend drove me, thank goodness, and as soon as I got home, I curled up in bed and went to sleep. I took a nap and was feeling much better later that evening. When I woke up the next day, I felt normal. Like nothing had ever been done. My period actually slowed and stopped as well.
I may have had such a hard time with insertion because I've never had children.
I have also had the colposcopy and biopsy and the pain of the insertion was very similar to the pain I felt during the biopsy.... but more intense.
I was concerned about expelling the IUD the first couple months, but that didn't happen. I continued my work out schedule and all that... and it never came out.
Since having the IUD, I love not worrying about taking a pill. My husband and I can have sex whenever we want, no worries. The Mirena IUD has lightened my periods... which is very nice. I do, however, experience more cramps than I did before the IUD was inserted. I start to have cramps the week before my period, which I've never had happen until now. But it's not so bad.
It's also saved me tons of money! I was spending $420 a year on birth control pills. With the IUD, I only had to pay $130 and it's good for five years... talk about savings!
megan
Edited 6/11/2006 5:25 pm ET by stpattysgrl
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