An IUD question
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| Sat, 09-16-2006 - 7:01pm |
Hello--
I've been on this board way in the past asking questions about the pill. I have since gotten married, but I still do not desire to have children. I don't really ever want to have children (I know, I know...I've heard it all) and I have noticed that a lot of doctors do not like to give the IUD to women who have not had children. I read in the FAQ about IUD's down in the other section on this board and it mentioned a higher rate of "expulsion" of the IUD for women who have not had children. Does that mean what I think it means?
I'm just a little tired of having to set my cell phone alarm to remind me to take my pill every day. And if I could get the IUD that doesn't have hormones, I'd probably be happier because even though I'd have cramps and maybe more blemishes on my face, at least I'd be "normal" again (as normal as I could be lol) and my body would be less confused.
I have been on the pill for 5 1/2 years. I am currently on a low-dose monophasic pill, and for the most part, I'm okay with it. I seem to have a decreased libido, but it is dificult to tell it if is because of work stress (I am a high school teacher at a small charter school, teach 5 different classes every day, manage 3 different budgets) or the pill. I have been on this pill for almost 3 years. Otherwise, I am happy with it. But like I said, if I could have my sex drive back but with monthly cramps, I'd be okay lol. My cycle was fairly well-regulated on its own, and as I got older, the cramps seemed to get less bad.
Anyway, I was a little concerned by the "expulsion" statement, and was wondering if that meant what I really thought it did...meaning, the body rejects the IUD. I am in the process of finding a new doctor, and my prescription isn't up until December, so I thought I'd gather some info before I presented it to her as an option and got her advice on it.
I also read insertion can be painful...sometimes a 7 out of 10 according to some...for those that have them, is that true? I can handle a little bit of pain, but not if it is prolonged.
TIA!

By "expulsion" they mean that the IUD comes out.
If you call around, it shouldn't be a problem to find a doctor who will insert an IUD for you since you haven't had children. Especially since you are married it will help. Planned Parenthood is also an option, but they take less insurances. (many will cover it, but not mine) I have a Paragard that I got about a month ago...
Yes, your definition of expulsion is correct. Besides being higher in childless women, it is higher for women who have it done with inexperienced doctors, or don't go for their checkups. So, there are things you can do on your part to prevent it. Many times though, it is rather random and happens more in the first 3 months during your period.
The insertion cramps (actually 2 days after were worse for me) were pretty bad as I had never really had cramps before, but considering it was only 3 days of cramps off and on, and hopefully 10 years of birth control, it's worth it. Ibuprofin (up to 800mg) is best for the pain. Some women will have cramps or spot for a few months after, but I haven't had it too bad. Besides a little spotting and cramps after insertion, I had a couple weeks off before my first period with it (which was 9 days though). Plan to do if on a friday so you can have some time off if possible.
I didn't think the pain at insertion was bad at all--having an experienced doctor and taking pain meds beforehand really helps. It's all over in 10 minutes anyways.
If you have any more questions, ask away. Or, search, as there are quite a few threads about IUDs. I think they may be making a comeback in the U.S. finally!
Hi there!
I'm 26, married, and have never had children. I also have the Mirena IUD! I was lucky that my doctor was very much encouraging me to get the IUD as she thought I was a good canindate. (My new doctor in my new town is not so happy that I have an IUD, but he needs to get over it!)
There is a higher rate of explusion (the IUD coming out) during the first 6 months in a woman who has not had children. So far I'm on month NINE and I still have the IUD! And I love it! My periods are lighter and further apart, it is cheaper, and it is more convienent. I did see a return of my pre-birth control pill acne problem, which is a major bummer. But I'll take it for the convience of
Thanks to everyone for their input!
I just think that, for me at this time, an IUD would be very practical. I wouldn't have to remember to do anything, and my husband is going to be in law school for at least the next three years so we definitely do not want children during that time, and we're not even sure about if we ever want them at all.
Now, about the hormone part of it all: the Mirena IUD releases a small amount of hormones which as I think I read helps thin the uterine lining so periods are lighter--but is it not enough to regulate acne like the pill? I didn't have *terrible* acne when I was younger, but it has been nice to not really have to deal with it much. I still have occasional breakouts, especially when stressed, so will this not be regulated as much anymore? Also, I was one of the women who gained weight while on the pill even though they say it doesn't happen. My weight started creeping up one summer in particular when I was working outside in the heat, sweating and lifting all day long. I wasn't gaining muscle, either. It was all fat. I felt the ortho-tri-cyclen I was on was a big part of the problem. My weight has not fluctuated much since getting on a lower dose pill, but it has still proven VERY difficult to get any weight loss at all (I'd like to get back to where I was 5 years ago when I started the pill, it was a healthy weight) so will I find that with the IUD, my chances of having an easier time losing weight might increase? I'd take that over better skin anyday! lol
I'm going to call my sis right now and get the name of her doctor--mine left and I had a "sub" last year...really nerdy guy even though I asked for a woman (he gave me the speech on why it is called a "pap" smear and all this history while he was inspecting me, then had the nerve to comment on how there was more mucus than he thought was normal. I explained it was about 2 days before my cycle so he needed to back off!) I was really unhappy with that experience so I wanted to switch to someone more my style. I will make an appointment soon to speak with her about all of this!
Thanks again! You all have really helped solidify my feelings on this. I just feel like there are a few things I have lost by being on the pill...my sex drive being one of them...and I'd like to get them back if possible!
Hi fuzzylogic,
I got my copper IUD on August 1st, and have had no problems since then. However, I have also not yet gotten my period, but since I was on the pill for 11 years, maybe my body is still adjusting to doing things on its own. I took an Early Pregnancy Test from the drugstore and it came back negative, but maybe I should go to the doctor...who knows.
Anyhow, I will not kid you, the insertion was painful for me - it wasn't a ripping or tearing pain, but it was an intense cramping pain from the instrument they use to measure your uterus. Afterwards, I would advise you plan *not* to go back to work. My appointment was at 9:30 in the morning, and I had a 3:00 meeting. After the appointment I had to lay down in the clinic for a long while before I felt good enough to leave and get back to the office for about 2:00 pm. If it weren't for that meeting, I would not have gone back in.
But things have been fantastic since then. I feel my mood and perspective on life have improved since being off the pill, and I have not felt depressed (I literally used to get a lump in my throat when feeling depressed). Have had a little upsurge of acne which I'm still trying to deal with, but maybe as my hormones readjust that will improve.
Are you thinking of the Mirena or the Copper? Let us know how it goes!
fuchsia
Just wanted to give my short experience with the IUD--hope it will help any women who are considering it, as I did a lot of research prior!
I have been on and off HBC for years and decided that I was more like "myself" when I was off, so I researched the IUDs. I had one doctor who would not give it to me as I was 26 and with no previous pregnancies. I found another doctor who recommended the Mirena as I tend to have very painful periods without HBC and the Mirena should help with this. I was reluctant because of the hormone, but the amount that gets into the blood stream is VERY little, I'm not too concerned. Also I had been taking Nordette which contains the same progestin as Mirena and my side effects were tolerable. I figure that the Mirena releases about 20 micrograms into my uterus and the pill had 150 micrograms so I'll be okay.
Insertion was a few days ago and it was TERRIBLE. Yikes. I had a shot of pain reliever/relaxant and if it did any good I couldn't tell. I would ask for a anesthic on your cervix (or a general anesthic for that matter!)
I had it inserted on the 4th day of my period and within 48 hours there is no bleeding whatsoever. I still feel a little crampy, but I've been taking it easy until I feel up to activities again. I can say that the procedure was worse than I was expecting, and the recovery has been better than I expected.
There are a lot of boards out there with women swearing the Mirena has caused them hair loss, weight gain (like 40 pounds!), IBS, moodiness, constipation, dizziness--you name it. I would just try to make an informed decision, and hopefully it will all go well for you! Good luck!
I haven't read any other of the responses yet so forgive me if I repeat.
For me...I am 27 and child free. Don't want them ever. Thankfully I have a wounderful and liberal gyno who has no issues with anything I choose to do. She would have been fine with sterilazition if I opted for that. I choose to have a Mirena IUD inserted. This was done in Feburary. I will tell you it hurt like H-E-double hockey sticks!!! I didn't think I could take it it hurt so bad, but the time it took to have that tought it was over with. So far I love it and will probaly have another one put in when my 5 years are up(hopefully by that time I won't remember how painful it was!!!. Be prepared for it to hurt really bad, but it only last a few moments. Afterword I was a little crampy for the rest of the night. I woudn't have been able to run a marathon, but if I had had to go back to work, it wouldn't have been an issue.
My only advise to you on finding a doctor is look for a straight gyno and not an OBGYN, in my expierence they lean to the more liberal side.
Good Luck with your decision!!