Need IUD help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Need IUD help!
5
Thu, 10-05-2006 - 10:56pm
Well its been at least 3 plus years since I have visited this bored, so let me just give a run down of my birth control confusion! I was on the pill from the time I was 16 till early 20's and then I did the patch for a year and then the nuva ring which was great! I wanted to stop using all hormonal bc because my mom had two strokes in her pretty early in life and the first one was because of bc so to be on the safe side I got the IUD put in a few weeks ago I figured 10 years I am 26 now so that will last till I am 36 and I am really undecided if I want kids. The insertion was really painful but the two days after were fine and then the next two days were so horrible I was taking stuff to help the cramping but it would not touch the pain. Since then its been fine except tonight I should not get my period for another 5 or so days but I am having the same cramps and they hurt so bad! I dont know what to do I am hoping it will go away, but now I am thinking that when I do get my period it will be really bad again. Any words of wisdom for me???? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2000
Fri, 10-06-2006 - 1:13pm

I think an increase in crampiness is a side effect of having the IUD. I know that I have more cramps at different times of the month since I've had the IUD. I think it's just the uterus getting used to the foreign object inside. I just take some advil and it helps with the cramps.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Fri, 10-06-2006 - 10:09pm
((HUGS)) I had the mirena IUD for about 3 years before I had my tubes tied...so I can only tell you my experience.The first few months (after insertion) my periods were heavier/longer coming every 2 weeks and lasting 14+ days....now that doesn't happen to everyone let me assure you but it might not be all that uncommon to start your period so soon after having it put in.Cramps-It hurt being put in for me too-and cramping came and went for a few weeks mega doses of ibuprofen worked for me.If you're really hurting I'd put a call into your dr-maybe they can get you something to help...After a few months my periods went back to coming just once a month and got lighter and lighter.At about 1 year I basicly spotted for a week for a period.It got lighter and light to where at about 2 years I was spotting for 1-3 days for a period.Cramps were the same way--got easier to deal with the longer I had it....Advice--hang in there....The first few weeks are the hardest after getting the IUD....I know those cramps are killer so if what you're taking isn't helping see if you can get a prescription or something....((HUGS)) good luck....
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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2006
Fri, 10-06-2006 - 11:07pm

I'm sorry. I recently got an IUD, Mirena, horrible cramps the first day and a few cramps for the next few days. Spotted for about 3 weeks. I've only had it for about a month so I can't say much there. But overall I like it. I know the way my body reacts to progestrone only bc so I don't really expect to have a period.

You must have the Paragaurd IUD, which is known to increase cramping. It seems all the advice your getting is from Mirena users. I would say if it is barable stick it out at least a few months and see if things get better. If not you could consider the Mirena IUD instead. It contains hormones but only progestrone. It helps reduce cramping associated with an IUD and in some cases takes your period away completely. I could be mistaken but I don't believe progesterone is associated with an increased risk in stroke, I think it is just estrogone. Somebody may come on here and correct me though. If you do decide to switch IUDs make sure you take ibprofen (like 600mg) an hour or so before your apointment (I forgot to do this... hense the horrible cramping) and also see if you cant get a local.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 10-07-2006 - 12:28am
Thank you all for your replys and advice. Yes I do have the Paraguard I figured since it lasted longer and no hormones that was the way to go. I have not had any cramps today so that is better there was one last night where I was balled up on the floor. Hopefully this will not happen at work! I did not get my period yet I do expect it to be here on Tuesday so we will see if the cramping comes back, I will try to use my stand by of Tylenol.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2006
Sat, 10-07-2006 - 12:45am
I hope it gets better.