Leaning toward getting Paragard IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Leaning toward getting Paragard IUD
3
Thu, 08-17-2006 - 9:20pm

Hi everyone! I'll be 40 next month and have 4 children, all girls. I did tell DH that I would have loved to have had a boy, and when telling him I got teary-eyed. My oldest is 14. I do not want anything permanent, which is why I could not bring myself to get my tubes tied when I had my c-section in November (baby is 9.5 months). Over the course of my life I have used BCP, depo shots for several years, and earlier this year tried the mini-pill but went off of it for suppy issues with breastfeeding. I had 3 periods when I was having those supply issues and have not had one since April. I have taken pregnancy tests periodically and all are negative. I really need to use something other than the non-hormonal OTC methods we are currently using (or more often NOT using). I have been reading a lot and checking some old posts on this board today. I realize the risk of pregnancy is 6-8 in 1,000 with the Paragard. And, I have also read of an increased risk of birth defects if a pregnancy continues with it in place. I don't usually have bad periods or cramping. And, I am probably going to go through menopause in the next few years anyway. My sister is 7 years older than me and is well into it. My mother was about 2 years older than I am now when she went through menopause.

From what I've read, there should be no problem in getting pregnant after one is removed. With that said, how likely is it to really cause a fertility issue once it is removed?

I read the thread where DH and SO's felt the strings during intimacy. Was there discomfort for them? Did it hurt them, or was it just a nuisance?

I plan on calling the dr office in the morning and have them get the ball rolling with insurance co, figuring out how much I have to pay, etc. (got flex insurance account I've got to use this year, anyway.) And, I've told DH that for 3 weeks prior to that appointment there will be no nooky-nooky until after it's in, so I can be sure I'm not preg.

One more question: I found a copper bracelet. How long should I wear it to make sure I have no allergy problems?

Thanks to all who takes the time to read this far and answer!!!

Sallie




Edited 8/17/2006 9:58 pm ET by lemonewton
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Fri, 08-18-2006 - 11:15am


I'd ask your doctor, but I've read that it doesn't at all. The contraceptive effects are reversed as soon as the IUD is removed.


I've only had mine for a week so my strings haven't even softened yet. It is supposed to get better after time as they soften up and curl around the cervix. My boyfriend can feel them, but they don't hurt him. He said he was actually comforted by feeling them so he knows the thing is in there! Also, he says that it felt much better than using a condom. From what I've read, the strings will usually poke if they are cut too short. Mine are about an inch and a half long. Having a doctor/clinician who does a lot of insertions will help with this. I went to Planned Parenthood.


A lot of doctors like to put an IUD in when you are on your period because it is easier to insert and to make sure you are not pregnant, so you'll have to talk to yours about this and see when they will want you to come in.


That's great you may be able to get insurance to cover some since it seems like you won't want it in as long because of menopause. It's a high upfront cost at first if you pay cash. I had to, and it was just under $600. (including insertion)


A week would be really safe, but if you are allergic, you'd probably get rash/hives within a day or two. A very good idea on your part!

My experience with my Paragard so far has been wonderful. I had moderate cramping with insertion and a few days after, but the spotting and cramping has since stopped. Before getting it, I never used to get cramps or heavy periods, so I'm hoping I won't have too hard of a time with it. My boyfriend and I are joking about when I will get mine removed because I'm 20, and can't see myself having kids until I'm 30. (Paragard's lifespan) He's thinking more like 6-8 years from now.

Good luck and feel free to ask anymore questions. =)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 12:32pm

Thanks for responding. I had my consultation with my Dr. couple of days ago. Their nurse called me back this morning. It's not, nor is insertion covered on my insurance. They pay for BCP but not this. The fee for Paragard and insertion is gonna be $800. WOW! Thankfully I do have a flex-medical account, so I'll get my money back. But, that initial layout is gonna be a killer.

Thanks to all who read

Sallie

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2006
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 7:26pm

i currently have a Paragard IUD and i love it. this is actually my second one. i had my 1st one put in after i had my 1st child. i had it taken out shortly before dh and i decided to ttc our second child. we had no fertility issues after having it removed. it only took a couple months to get pregnant after removal.

as for feeling the strings, with my 1st one dh said he could feel the strings a lot of the time. he said it didn't hurt. it just felt strange and a little uncomfortable at times. that was the 1st few months that i had it. the longer it was in the less he felt it because the strings start to get softer the longer you have had it. with the one i have now i don't think he has felt it. he hasn't said anything about feeling them this time so i am assuming he hasn't felt them.

now, as far as the changes to AF. my dr told me that i would most likely have longer, heavier AF with more cramping. i have found that to be not totally true. my AF is heavier than it was before the IUD but it lasts the same amount of time as it did before and i actually have less cramping.

hope that helps.

-Amanda