Paragard IUD and never been pregnant?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2007
Paragard IUD and never been pregnant?
7
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 10:15pm

Hello everyone,

I am 38 y/o, married, and do not want children. I have recently gone off bcp's after 20+ years. I was starting to get weird side effects and really low libido. I am thinking about getting an IUD (Paragard - no hormones) but I've never been pregnant. I am interested in finding out if anyone else has an IUD who has never been pregnant and how awful the adjustment was. I've read all the literature about painful insertion, heavy periods and cramping for the first few months, but want the real "scoop" as to whether or not I should even attempt getting one or am I setting myself up for months of misery. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2007
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 8:26am

hi,
I just got my paragard 2 weeks ago. I was pregnant about 8 months ago but had an abortion.
the insertion was just awful. really bad. but a lot of people say it's not. I'd talk to your gyno about anesthetic, or insist you need something to relax.
lets see, the first 5 days I had A LOT of cramping and a lot of spotting. about a weeek after insertion, I got my first period. it was extremly heavy compared to my naturally light periods. the cramping was rather intense. my bleeding has finally stopped, and I feel pretty good today.
I understand the first few months are hell. I do hope after that time, everything will be much better. I am slightly concerned about becoming anemic, which is a side effect that no one told me about and I didn't even consider until I started bleeding so much and reading a little more.

I chose this because I don't like hormones. and honestly, I think it's probably better than getting the tubes tied. I'd say if you doon't have heavy periods and can handel a few months of crappy periods, you should strongly consider it.

Anita

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2007
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 9:53am

Thanks for your input. Sounds encouraging. Yeah, the bleeding part will be tough. When I was on the pill I got my period maybe twice a year, but when I was off of them it was never really heavy anyway. I've had tattoos, so I consider my pain threshold to be pretty good, so we'll see. But, yes, if I do it I will ask for pain killers.

For you, make sure you take iron pills and if not vegetarian eat some rare steak now and then! It does help.

Thanks again.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2004
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 1:41pm

I would advise against paragard. I am 21 and have had my Paragard for almost a year and have never had kids or been pregnant. Tried every BC in the book before IUD. There is only one upside to it and that is don't have to worry about condoms or bcps. I chose paragard because I didn't like the hormones and didn't want to gain weight.

Insertion is horrible. INSIST that you get some STRONG pain medication not just advil like they gave me. Periods are HORRIBLE. I have to wear a tampon and pad at all times and have to change it at least every 2 hours. I have ruined a few pair of pants... Not to mention they last 7-9 days AND sometimes I get them every 2 weeks. Cramps subside a little after the first couple of months but not much. The crazy heavy cycles has made me moody and has made my skin break out like crazy... ugh.

All in all life has been pretty miserable with it. I actually made an appointment with my doc to get it taken out and possibly replaced with the hormonal one. My doc told me that its a very very low dose and I should've listened. I have a friend that has that one also and she has hardly there periods.

Take my advice go for the hormones!!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2007
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 6:10pm

that's funny you say that, I actually posted about my experience on here last week. I got my first tattoo 5 days after the iud (on my sholder/spine) and it was NOTHING compared to that IUD. I don't want to scare you tho, the iud only takes a few minutes. and I do believe it is worth it.

I am vegetarian, and I've never been anemic before. I like to think my diet is really good, we will find out!

goood luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2007
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 6:17pm
txpeach182,
I'm so sorry to hear that it's not working out for you. that sounds really awful. but I don't think that is typical for everyone. of course I am optimistic that it wont work out that way for me, it may very well. it has a lot to do with the individual, and there is not any good way of knowing. unfortunately, hormones can also be very undesirable for certain individuals, and even a dangerous option.
I do hope it gets better for you
Anita
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 11:35pm

Hey!

I've had my Paragard for 5 months. I'm 20, no kids, not married.

I guess I'm overall happy with my decision, but I wish there was a perfect B.C. method. The pill wasn't for me because I've been having to switch migraine meds all the time and they tend to interfere. (anti seizure for preventatives and strong pain stuff) Not a chance I wanted to take.

Insertion wasn't too bad--but I have a high pain tolerance. I had cramping and spotting for a few days. The thing is now that I get my periods on a 28 day schedule, but they last up to 10 days when you include the heavy spotting, and I still get light spotting in between the periods. Also get pretty bad cramps when I never used to get them. The flow was horrible the first 2 months (like chaning a tampon every hour, and being afraid to leave home because of accidents). But, it really subsided to maybe 50% more than I got cycling naturally.

But, for the price and the ease of use I'm happy with it and things can probably only get better from here on. (maybe less spotting and cramping) If things continue or get better I'll probably keep it until I have kids. The only downside is the spotting effects our sex life. On the pill I only had a 4 day period!

I think it is worth a try if your doctor thinks you're a good candidate. I would reccommend against it if you usually have heavy periods or cramps, as it will make them even worse. If you don't like it after 3-6 months (the adjustment period average I've read) then you can always get it taken out.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 01-24-2007 - 9:33am

Hi there, I had a Paragard for about a year and after reading those posts I wanted to share my experience. I have 2 kids but both were c-sect so I never have been fully dilated- my insertion was a bit painful, I did make some loud noises in there on the table- not gonna lie, but it lasted literally 2 minutes and afterward I was totally fine-

 Jenn 

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