I U D- would you reccomend it?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2007
I U D- would you reccomend it?
11
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 1:58am

I have decided that I am done with hormone based birth control and would like some firsthand information about copper IUDs. The IUD's history of safety as a long-term and reversible birth control method appeal to me.

I do have my concerns though. I have a very irregular period when I am not on birth control pills.For example, I once did not have my period for 5 months straight, had a normal menstrual cycle for two consecutive months, and then I had my period every 2-4 months--very very odd cycle. I am concerned that I would not be able to tell if I got pregnant when on IUD due to my naturally irregular period. I have also never given birth and have heard that chances of IUD expulsion are greater in the circumstance.

If you have used or still use a copper IUD what do you like/dislike about them?

How painful is it to get put in? I have read that it feels like "cramps", but have a hard believing that. It seems like the insertion of the IUD would be more unpleasant than cramps.

Are the strings a nuisance? Can your partner feel the strings during intercourse?

What are the strings made of?? Are they thick, thin, like fishing string, tampon strings???? I have no idea!

How often do you have to check the strings?

Is it easy to tell if the strings have changed length or shifted? Does the IUD shift/ string length change occur often? How often does the IUD have to be adjusted?

How much is it to get an IUD? Are IUDs offered at clinics, like Planned Parenthood?

Please share any IUD experience you have ever had with me. It would really help me in my decision. Thank you for your time.

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 8:30am

Well I have the IUD Mirena and it has hormones but I can help with some of your questions. I love it and would recommend it to women.

<>

I love that I don't have to remember to take anything each day. I love that it's VERY effective. I love that it lasts for 5 years (10 in the copper's case). There isn't anything I dislike about mine. It was uncomfortable to have put in, like a pap. I took some ibuprofen for the discomfort. There was spotting off and on for about 6 weeks. Some women spot off and on for up to 6 months with this one. I don't know if it's the same with the copper one, I would guess it is.

<>

Since you have not had any children it might be painful. I know there is a lady here that has the Mirena one and said it did hurt but that it was worth it.

<>

The strings aren't a nuisance and my DH can not feel them. There are a few that mention they do feel it though.

<>

Lol now that you say it they are kind of like fishing string. They are very thin and slightly off to the side of my vagina. You have to reach pretty far up to feel them.

<>

Most doctors recommend checking them after you have a period. I checked them alot when I first had it put in because I was paranoid.

<>

The IUD should never need to be adjusted. The rate of expulsion is quite low, even for women who have not had children.

<>

The IUD cost me about $500, my insurance payed for most of it. Even if you had to pay for it out of pocket the copper one you're interested in is good for 10 years. That's a good deal and cheaper then the pill. I'm not sure about PP. I'm betting Jill will know that answer.

Feel free to ask any questions you have.

-Mel

I'm not sure about your periods since I have the hormonal one and it's not unusual for women to stop having a period all together with it. As for being pregnant and not knowing it well the only thing more effective is sterilization. If not having a regular period would make you nervous I'm not sure if I would recommend it for that reason.


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2003
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 9:02am

I am getting the Mirena IUD put in on April 9. This may or may not help since you are interested in Paraguard, but it is going to cost me $90-100. My insurance covers 90% of the cost, so my co-pay is $90-100. I am not sure since the first time they told me to being $100, but then when I called the billing dpeartment they said $90... so it is not clear :) Planned Parenthood in my area has the IUDs, but since my insurance covers it, I am just getting it done in the doctors office. Before my insurance covered it, I think they said it was like $400, but I have since found out that was the cost of the IUD, and not the insertion.

From what I have been told, the hormones in Mirena work differently than pills and other forms of BC because it is localized and that the side effects are not as bad, so you may want to look into both IUDs at first. They both have their own pros and cons, so it is about finding what is right for you.

My doctor suggested the Mirena IUD for me to help make my periods lighter and less painful. I have a very limited selection of BC. It is basically IUD and/or condoms that I can use. I have never given birth.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 11:27am

Hi lpsnell, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2006
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 12:10pm

Hello-

I got the Paraguard in December, this past year. I am the mother of two great kids, and was looking for reliable birth control, as DH and I have decided no more kids.

The Paraguard is GREAT!! The insertion was a lot like bad period cramping...it was a little uncomfortable. My first three cycles after the insertion were definitely more painful, but that has seemed to subside. I remember thinking to myself, during the hard cramps, that if I could get through the little pain, I might have 10 years of fabulous birth control, and once again, DH and I would be able to enjoy a spontaneous sex life....anytime, anywhere!! With two kids...this is a HUGE bonus!

DH has never felt the strings, at least he never says he does. My doctor said I could check the strings, but that really, I needn't worry about them. He trimmed them upon the insertion of the Paraguard.

The cost for my Paraguard was $800. I have private insurance, that covered not one penny. I thought it was well worth it! ( I also live in Los Angeles....costs could be higher here...have expensive Beverly Hills Dr as well)

Good Luck!! I recommend the Paraguard wholeheartedly!

mom_owenski

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 8:10pm
I had the mirena for over 3 years and the first 3-4 months were the worst (heavier periods that lasted longer and came like every 2 weeks).but after that was over it was a breeze!! I loved it.By the time I had to have it taken out my periods were basicly 1-2 days of spotting if I had a period that month.LOVED IT....good luck
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2007
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 1:33pm

Hey guys, sorry I am new here, but I had the Mirena IUD and I absolutely loved it. I usually only had a period for 3 to 4 days and it was light with little to no cramping, but when I had the IUD inserted, I didn't get a period at all, and my doc said that it was normal and wouldn't hurt me in any way. I am actually getting ready to go get another one through planned parenting because I have no insurance and they are $800 here where I live. Hope this info helps. Would definately recommend an IUD to anyone.

GL

Mattsmom

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 2:25pm
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am trying to get one inserted next month.
Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-05-2004
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 8:06pm

Hi Holly,

I don't know if you had yours inserted yet but I just had paragard inserted today. I've never had children and i thought measuring/insertion was painful. But I wanted to tell you that if your insurance won't cover the "device" you can order it directly from Paragard (go on their website). They told me it would cost $475 if you ordered directly from them and they will send it to your doctor, it takes about 2 days from when you order it for it to get to your doctor.

Unfortunately my normally awesome insurance wouldn't cover the device, just the insertion. But it cost $400 from my doctor which was better then if i bought it from paragard directly. Just ask your doctor before hand how much it would cost you.

Good Luck!

Amy

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 9:12pm

Hi Amy.
Thanks for the update. It is good to hear that it isn't horrible miserable. I hope that you are not too uncomfortable with cramping and such.

I am planning to get Mirena because I do ok with most hormones other than Depo and Mircette. Mirena has the same hormone as Norplant which I used successfully. Luckily my insurance does cover. I have with office visit only.
that stinks that yours didn't.

Please keep us posted on your condition. I hope that you love your Paragard!
Holly

Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2007
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 10:50am
iud
im 22 and have had an iud for two years and just had it removed after having my son i weighed 112 lbs. which was great for my post-partem visit as soon as i had my iud in i had no periods but weight gainand severe cramping from time to time. im much happier with it out. so good luck. erica

Pages