I'm pill-free, because I have an IUD

Please Note: Feel free to add comments for others, however, I am no longer personally responding to comments on this post.

I have never liked birth control pills.  For one thing, they make me nauseous.  Because of this, I took to taking my pill at night.  Because of that, several times a week, FOR YEARS, I would have to get back out of bed to go take my pill.  Or I would take two the next day.  Not good for *several* reasons.  One of which was even worse nausea.

Then there's the fact that when I'm on the pill, I often don't get my period.  This is considered a plus, and believe me, it has its obvious benefits for sure.  Unfortunately, it also completely removes the monthly confirmation that you are indeed, not pregnant.  I'm pro-choice, but I'm also pro being on top of these things so that they can be taken care of promptly if that's your choice.  No period equaled a home pregnancy test every few months, FOR YEARS. 

And they're a monthly expense by themselves.

But most important to me, the idea of taking hormones every day really rather bothers me.  I went off birth control pills twice in my life.  Both times I can only describe it as having a dampener lifted off me that I wasn't even aware was there.  Everything felt a little sharper.

It felt like, when I was on the pill, the angst of PMS was spread out bit by bit throughout the month.  So that, I never had PMS when I was on the pill, but I never felt as good - as clear - as I do most of the time without it.  It was always a huge relief to not be taking them.

This last time was soon after I moved to L.A.  I think I knew I had a long life-adjustment phase coming, and one day, I simply wondered why I was taking them.  I certainly wasn't having sex, and I wasn't in any position to deal with dating either.  And I was broke.  And I hated them.  So I stopped.

This time, as the veil lifted, I realized, I didn't want to take birth control pills anymore.  Ever.  There had to be something else, and in the back of my mind, was a thought of getting an IUD.  Which I researched on the Internet, reading websites and bulletin boards.

IUD is an intrauterine contraceptive device.  It is a small T that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix by a doctor (it opens into a T after insertion).  A microfiber string remains out of the cervix so that you can confirm that it is there and in place.  You can't feel a thing unless you're trying to.  The kind I have - the one on the right in this picture - is wrapped in copper and provides the most effective form of birth control, without hormones. Yes, it's more effective, and clearly more reliable than the pill.  And it works for up to 10 years.  Hormone free.

Lest the picture seem too rosy, it turned out that getting an IUD in America was a Herculean task for several reasons.  Firstly, IUDs are not popular in the states because of a faulty IUD in the 70s, the Dalkon Shield, which caused several deaths.  Basically, IUDs have a bad rap in our collective memory.  And because they're not popular, finding a doctor that carries them and does the insertion is a bit of a trick. It was covered by my insurance (completely), but I had to find a doctor who wouldn't charge me up front because he had them in stock already. But now, my birth control is in place, and my monthly expense is $0.

In addition to that, there is a serious concern if you engage in unsafe sex.  Because the IUD goes into the uterus with a string that hangs out the cervix, if you get an STD, the chance of pelvic infection increases greatly.  The cervix ceases to be a natural barrier.  And a pelvic infection can mean that you can't have children.  Because of this, doctors in the United States adher to guidelines that IUDs are not recommended for single women, or women who have never had children and would like to.  If you engage in unsafe sex - ever - an IUD is not a viable choice for you.

It's hard to argue with doctors about this concern.  It's true, and it's serious.  I had to be firm that I - a single woman who had never had a child - wanted an IUD, and I wasn't taking no for an answer.  I don't engage in unsafe sex, but being cheated on definitely enforced their concern and made me feel like a fool for how confident I'd been when insisting on it.  I didn't do anything wrong - in fact, I did everything "right" - and there I was, waiting to find out if one lying man had left me sterile.

It was life-shaking.  But I still knew the IUD was the right choice for me.  Even though I'm not having sex at the moment, it's something I like knowing is there.  Decided.  Covered.  My choice.

One great thing about it is that if I decide I want to have children, I can go to the doctor and get it taken out and could potentially get pregnant that night.  There's nothing that has to leave my system.  There's nothing in my system that could harm a baby or me. I like that.

Also, removal is - I hear - much less invasive than the insertion.

The insertion - which I thought would be a breeze - was a little taste of giving birth.  The doctor opens the cervix for a split second, the IUD goes in, and although many woman (particularly if they've given birth) feel nothing, I felt the single most exucrutiating pain of my life.  And then I was horribly cramped for the next 24 hours.  Like I could only lay in bed and groan, and I REALLY should have had someone there to drive me home.  I had thought I was going to make my salsa lesson that night!  Not so much.

It takes three months for your body to adjust and accept the IUD. It's hard to imagine, but it is particularly susceptible to falling out during this time.  I also had THE WORSE PERIODS OF MY ENTIRE LIFE.  And my skin went crazy.  It was like puberty on crack.  For months after I had really bad periods (definition of careful what you wish for), and I thought that they would simply be like that forever, but coming up on one year, I can now report a complete absence of any monthly cramping. Though I am still having a very "healthy" cycle to be sure.  And I get PMS, usually one to two days a month, although sometimes it's worse, and then the next month, no PMS.  I'm pretty good at telling that that's why I feel crappy, and I just try to lay low if I can.  Or I just work through it.  The PMS is really a function of not being on the pill, though, as opposed to being a result of the IUD.

And once, the month that I got the IUD, I had a small uterine contraction during yoga class.  Yeah, that was disconcerting!  But apparently, just my body adjusting and perfectly normal.

I'm sharing this, because I think that IUDs are a really great form of birth control.  I went through a lot to get to this point, but I now have a method of birth control in place that effects me not one bit and costs me not one cent and lasts for years until I choose to have it removed.  It's not for everyone, but it is an option.  A good one.

If you have any questions I can answer about my IUD experience, I am available to you.  If you live in Los Angeles, and you're looking for a doctor, I know a great one in Glendale.  Simply e-mail me.   

UPDATE - I've started an IUD FAQ here.

Tag:  iud, birth control

Comments

[Sunny]

I had the Mirena inserted this morning. I also had my first baby 7 months ago (naturally too!)-- it still HURT badly. The procedure itself was pretty uncomfortable but managable. As I was walking out of the doctors office, I almost passed out. I was sweating even though it was cold outside, I was seeing dark spots, I could barly walk. And I had to drive myself home! (Should have had someone drive me). I literally layed in my car for 15 minutes before I got the energy to drive. When I got home I cramped up a lot and took some tylenol. I wish I would have taken some a day or two leading up to the procedure. Well, hopefully this pain goes away soon! But I do really think it'll be worth it in the end.

[Katie]

Talya, I am so with you. I've only been on the pill for about a year (I'm 24) and I hate the fact that I have no drive. I know I've only been on it a short time compared to some, but I waited to have sex until I was married, and now it's driving me nuts that I just don't care about sex. I want to feel frisky again! :-) I started on Ortho and switched to Loestrin a few months ago to see if it would help, but it hasn't. Now I'm reading the stuff about libido never returning and it's freaking me out. I want to go off hormones, but the idea of having and IUD inside me isn't very appealing. Still, it's an option I might consider. I'd even be fine (maybe!) with the fertility awareness stuff, but my husband is incredibly paranoid about getting pregnant and it scares him too much. (And I can totally understand...we're definitely not ready for kids right now.) Anyway, I'm also interested in finding out others' experiences with libido returning/not returning after hormonal methods.

And finally, does anyone on here have a nickel allergy? I've read that sometimes copper IUDs can cause problems for those with nickel sensitivity. I'm very sensitive to it and that would definitely be a factor in my decision on where to go from here... Thanks!

[Allison]

thank you ladies so much! i had my baby about 2 months ago and just wasn't sure what to do about birth control... and hubby's getting antsy ;) you've really helped me decide to go ahead with the iud. you all are terrific!!

[laurie]

i just got my paragaurd copper iud..... yikes! any advice on how to ease the transition? i have not had a child, yet now i feel like my first might be a T...

[shelley]

I had the cooper Iud put in Nov. 28 2008 after givinig up the depo shot (crazy weight gain). I am on my period (i think) all but 5-6 days out of a month!! I know it takes time for my body to adjust but this is really putting a damper on my sex life with my husband not to mention, I feel unclean all the time. I finally made an apt to have it removed in 3 days but I can't help feeling like my body is still getting use to it. Am I a quitter? Should I try to wait it out?

[Kristin]

I had the paraguard inserted yesterday, and I too felt a great deal of pain. I was told it would be a lot of pressure but It hurt pretty damn bad!! I was thinking i must not have a high tolerance for pain, but after reading I guess im not the only one. The cramping has subsided somewhat....The reason i had chosen this IUD was because i cant take hormones, I currently have this strange condition called nodosum caused by my BC pills....horribly swollen and red ankles and big red splotches on my legs...i think it came about by me forgetting the pill and then doubling up....just to let others know it can happen and not so fun. I love the fact that im protected now, but ihave to say I wasen't prepared for the placement. I too wish i had someone drive me there, i was told my by doc when an organ gets "messed with" your BP can drop making you feel woozy and dizzy which is what happened to me. Ive never had children so i think that plays a part too. Anyways good to find this forum and good luck to you all!

[KimSC]

Hello everyone,

Had a Paraguard IUD inserted back in Jan 08 and wanted to say it was only mildly painful. I did not take anything prior to insertion and was not on my period, it ended about 2 days before my appointment. The doctor was reluctant to do it, wanted me to come back in a month but I insisted before I chickened out.

My experience was only a slight pinch that lasted a few seconds and only mild cramping the first day. I had a little bleeding for 2 days and since then no cramping at all not even with my period. They are a little longer but only the first was heavier and the rest have been pretty normal.

From reading this post I can see it is a very different experience for everyone, as with any birth control method. I am 45, had one child over 20 years ago via c-section and hormones at my age was just plain scary so I went with the Paraguard and could not be happier.

My husband has never felt the strings and I have no problem finding them when I do my check every month. So my experience with insertion was fantastic overall and my periods other than a couple of days longer are the same as they were before the IUD. No weight gain, no acne, or hair loss so far, I think it is perfect for me personally.

[selena clary]

Hi,I had the para guard inserted when my daughter was 10 months old. I had been on the depo shot since I was 16 years old. all of the sudden I started bleeding everyday for 2 months straight. I had to find an alternative. A classmate at the time had one so i did some research, and decided to have it inserted. now i would swear by it but, after my period comes i get this strange odor that does not seem to go away. I have not had any type of odor before I got the IUD. Could this odor be from the IUD? I am one step away from having the IUD removed.I am not sexually active right now because my husband is over seas.

Thanks,
Philly

[Chel]

I've had my Copper T IUD for 10 months now. It was somewhat painful during insertion when she probed my uterous to confirm the ultra-sound findings that my uterus was the right size. Later she told me that I have an anterior uterus: one which is not upright but leans backwards towards the spine, often with a bend in it. She told me it was one of the normal shapes but also informed me that the IUD was not all the way at the top where it "should" be. She assured me that it shouldn't be a problem, however I was a little unnerved that she didn't tell me BEFORE she put the IUD in that my uterus is not shaped in a way that allows the IUD to be at the top of my uterus. Hmm... is this why they call it a medical "practice".

I haven't had too many problems with the IUD, yet I am still considering removing it sooner than planned. I've felt the plastic end just on the inside of my cervical opening once, and the strings sometimes have cut the tip of my husband's penis, usually during the time of the month when my cervical fluid is drier (in otherwords not during menstruation or leading up to ovulation... check out Toni Wescher's "Taking Charge of your Fertility" for more info on your cycle, etc). I thought about going to the Doc for these things, but they haven't been a problem since, so I didn't think it was neccisary.

Even so, I wonder about things like whether of not my IUD is becoming embedded in my uterous (which is possible) or moving lower or higher in my uterous... or really anything else that might cause harm to my womb and make childbearing impossible in the future (a horrifying thought for me).

I read about all the positive things on a site like this and really struggle to know if the benefits are actually outweighing the hazards.

Anyone have insights? Does anyone else have an anterior uterus position or an IUD that seems to move around?

I'd love to be able to just get an ultra sound and know where it is and if it could maybe be moved higher... except that might hurt or be damaging... but my ins. doesn't cover that.

ok, enough of me... lets hear your thoughts.
thank you sincerely,
Rae

[felicia]

i just had my paraguard inserted today. i hope i will not gain any weight.

[Latonya Jackson]

Hi, I've had my IUD now for 2 years and i enjoy not having to take pills and besides i have a lighter period.

[Kelly]

I have a had a history of horrible pregnancies. . . I was VERY fortunate to get two wonderful boys out of the six horrible events that was pregnancy in my life. Two more ended in somewhat early miscarriages and the last two ended in fetal demise around 20 weeks. Both episodes nearly killed me and gifted me with 3+ week hospital stay because of it. . . That last time, to add insult to injury, my doctor perforated my uterus (understatement, rather he ripped a huge hole in it the size of my palm and then spent four days telling me I was being childish for screaming in pain until an angel sent general surgeon showed up and discovered the error. So I got a huge scar running down my stomach to fix the idiotic doctor's mistake. . . But, I don't hate the scar, the angel surgeon made it to make sure my boys still had their mother) so needless to say, with a bad history ANYWAY and uterine scaring to boot I had to accept that my childbearing days were likely over.

I went to Planned Parenthood when the cost from the OB's in my area was outrageously high for an IUD. My hubby and I own a restaurant and thus would never qualify for Medcaid, but don't currently have medical insurance for us due to the cost being near $700 a month. . . I wanted to let people know that this is a very good, understanding organization that provides a valuable service to our community. Nearly everything they do is dirt cheap. You can get a pap for $25 and to my AMAZEMENT an IUD for $300 out the door and they are experts in this field, it is not like going some shifty clinic at all. . . A very good option for people who don't have medical insurance and cannot qualify for medicaid.

I haven't had mine put in yet. . . I am waiting for the results of the pap, but I doubt it will hurt much in comparison to child birth, torn uterus, etc. . .

I will let you know how it goes. . .

[Heather]

WoW! I'm a bit nervous to have my IUD inserted now after reading all this! I am only 21 and it's very rare that I will ever be able to have children, however I still have stage 3 endometreosis. I have been on the Luperon shot for over a year now, but my insurance won't cover it anymore becuase it is so expensive. I don't do well with pills, so this is my last option. My biggest issue is weight gain. I can deal with anything else but weight gain. I'm having the Mirena inserted in 2 weeks...any feedback??

[sharon]

I am 33 years old. I have 3 children. I do not want anymore. I actually have my tubes tide. I have anemia really bad. My gyn told me one more period and I will be having a blood transfusion. Before I left she gave me the depo and a prescription for iron pills. That shot hurt really really bad. I got the shot a week ago and I am still kind of sore. I do not want to go through this every 3 mths. The pill did not work for me because I forget to take them and I end up having several periods a month. She suggested that I take the IUD. She says that it slows down periods. Can someone help me with this?

[Amy]

I had my IUD inserted today. It was a paraguard. I am 27 and have never been pregnant. It hurt so badly that I screamed and scared some ladies in the waiting room. However, I was told by the Dr that if you have never had a child it will hurt more. Now its over with and I have some cramping however, I think I made the right choice.

5 min of pain
5 years of freedom!

[Liz]

Wow, since Typepad added multiple pages for comments, that's an annoying navigation that you can't go straight to the end - Sorry about that!

Obviously, I haven't kept up with all the comments, but thank you, everyone, for sharing and commenting to each other as well.

I do do my best to keep up with the emails as well.

A couple responses to the most recent comments:

Amy - "5 min of pain / 5 years of freedom" You said it, sister! And I have a copper IUD, so hooray for 10 years of freedom! :)

Sharon - Mirena may slow your periods; not so much with Paraguard, from my experience. So talk to your doctor about the different kinds of IUDs!

I've had no weight gain from the Paraguard, although I do get the munchies before my period.

And everyone, as always, if you have a serious question or cramping or bleeding that's concerning you - Never hesitate to call your doctor! That's what they're there for.

Good luck, all.

[Janie]

Hi, I ran into your blog because today I attempted to get a Paraguard. I am so disappointed in myself because I only got as far as the doctor measuring my uterus before it was too painful. I knew it wouldn't feel great, but I thought I could handle it. I nearly jumped off the table when she inserted the probe!

I took the recommended 4 ibuprofen tablets, but that did nothing! Hello--give me some narcotics or knock me out! That felt so bad! I wish I had read your blog prior to my appt. Then maybe I would have known what to expect. My doctor led me to believe it was like period cramps, nothing more. Strangely, I expected to have cramps the rest of the evening (from the dialation) but I feel fine except for a lot of bleeding.

I did schedule another "attempt" for next week. My husband can come with me and maybe just having him there will help me through it.

Any suggestions on how to get through the insertion would be great. I really want to do this because then I can stop using the diaphragm...every month I pray that I'm not pregnant. We do want kids, but I'm about to start my doctorate and the timing would be so bad right now.

Thanks again!

[Julie]

I got my IUD a week ago but am still having slight cramping and discomfort at lower abdomen and need to take a painkiller. Is it normal and would it go away soon?

[Liz]

Julie, I had cramping for a while after insertion - basically like the worst period EVER. That said, never hesitate to call your doctor if you have questions. Good luck!

[dawn]

This blog entry and comments helped me make my big decision.
Combined pills make me a crazy woman and mini pills kill my sex drive and make my hair fall out and gain weight.
I had my copper t inserted this afternoon. I have had one baby vaginally. Opening my cervix didn't hurt at all. There were a few painful moments that I breathed through though but on a scale of 1-10 for pain 10 being worst it was maybe a 2-3. I have only got mild cramping right now. Nothing obscene and no bleeding (yet) I took my last pill yesterday and haven't had a period for six months so I know my body is going to go crazy.

Thanks for putting up a realistic account. It's hard to wade through all the horror stories. (no matter what I was prepared to risk it all in an effort to get off these pills from hell.)

Thanks again.

[Nate]

My wife is thinking about getting an IUD and I just had basically one question. What is the better choice, a copper IUD or the other hormonal one? She is the one who will make the final decision obviously but I just want us both to know the facts. I love my wife to death and I have heard of good and bad about both. Thanks

[Damia]

ok,i am thinking about getting the copper IUD, i havent seen a doctor YET but i will soon. my concern is that my bf and i have really rough sex, and i was wondering if that would dislodge the IUD.

[dog-lvr]

I got my copper IUD (Paragard) almost a month ago. I have never had children so the insertion process was extremely painful. I left saying I would never do that again but now, weeks later, I think I would. The reason I got the Paragard is b/c I wanted to be completely hormone free. If you are a chronic headache/migraine sufferer, going off hormones is the #1 thing to do. My life has improved ten-fold with little to no headaches (once every couple weeks versus daily when I was on the pill). The first week I had painful cramps. I just got my first period and it is extremely heavy-hoping it will stop soon. The cramps aren't bad. Finding the string was difficult so my husband helped me and I even went back to the doctor make sure it was still there (couldn't quite wrap my head this thing being inside me and actually staying in place.) The ob said everything was fine and not to worry, and added that childbirth would be the same pain I had felt at insertion x 100! Oh gosh!
Anyways, overall, getting this IUD has improved my life beyond expression. No headaches for longer periods and a few cramps? I'll take it! :)

[Janie]

Hello, I wrote on May 9th when I attempted to get a copper IUD and was not able to due to the pain.

Well, I went back to the doctor yesterday with my husband and the procedure was successful! This time, my doctor gave me 2 Xanax's to take prior to the procedure. I was still quite nervous and held onto my hubby, but the pain didn't seem nearly as bad as the first time I attempted the procedure. My doctor even had some minor problems dialating me but the pain still was not bad at all. When she was finished I had no cramping. I expected to have some cramping last night and even now, but so far it is as if nothing happened! I'm so glad I tried it again. I'm happy to be hormone free!

[paula mead]

my daughter is 19, I've had breast cancer and we don't want hormones, as my breast cancer was hormone receptor positive, as was my aunt's. SO, my daughter is sexually active with one partner, and we are thinking about an IUD, but I have to say you guys have scared the crap out of me. Any comments? We're going to be speaking with a doctor today

[mayra]

hi am 18 I just had my second baby january 2008 I had an IUD put in a month in a half after and am having such a bad time with it. I still havent stoped bleeding and when I dont bleed I have so much vaginal fluid I have to have a tampoon on. I havent been able to go one day without one. am thinking of removing it. please if u had this problem give me some advice you can email me at mayra_leyba@yahoo.com THANKS

[Helen]

Here's my story: When my Mirena was inserted it was it painful for me! My Doctor inserted it without giving me any pain meds and I wasn't on my monthly period..that night was painful, lots of cramping for me...I have experienced intensive cramping during my normal cycle time... so bad I have to take pain meds... I also notice my PMS has worsen!! I get extremely fatigued,low energy and headaches.
my breast are very tender... Yes, I have always had PMS the week before my monthly, but my symptoms have worsen! I am thinking of getting my IUD removed.....Everyone body/hormones are made up different... I don't think this is good for me?? any feed back on hormones??

[Dulce]

Hi, I got the copper iud inserted 2 months ago. everytime i shower i would feel the string. It's been around 2 weeks since i havent felt it. I'm afraid it came out without me noticing anything.has this happened to anyone?

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for all the information about IUDs...I feel Paragard copper IUD is the best for me,, since i had 2 children.. I would like to know if there is any other side effect using the copper IUD besides heavy bleeding during menstrual periods....and do we have to get the threads checked by a doctor or we have to do it ourself.....
thank you
Sarah

[Courtney]

Here we are, three years after you posted this blog, and you're still helping people. I just had my Paragard inserted 2 days ago, and I thought I had read everything I needed to know on the internet... until I read your blog. I was so focused on the medical aspects that I neglected to look at the human side of things. Goddess, I applaud you for very so very matter-of-fact about it, and so helpful to other women.
I'm a 23 year-old who never wants children, but can't take hormonal birth control because: a)I smoke, b)family history of strokes, and c)migraines. It's nice to know that there are plenty of other women out there in the same position I am - fishing for a string ;)

[Barb]

Had a Paragard inserted about 18 months ago. At a perimenopausal age and no thoughts of future pregnancies ever, just wanted a no-nonsense, hormone-free method to get me to the other side of menopause (whenever that may be). Best decision I ever made.

Locally, I found the Planned Parenthood doc had recently inserted enough of these for me to consider her competent. A great many OBGYN's in private practice have never inserted one. They are not well-publicized. Think of all the profits to be lost if the Pill suddenly went out of vogue, and you will begin to understand why most practitioners, who depend on pharmaceutical salespeople to keep their practices well-stocked with samples, and who bring other perks to the docs, have no reason to be interested in promoting or inserting IUD's.

Easier to be sued over a perforated uterus than over a script. No one else to blame when the doc perforates the uterus due to incompetence. A competent professional should be able to do this without incident. Make sure you've got one. Just ASK how many IUD insertions they've done in the last 5 years. If you don't get a satisfactory answer, visit your local Planned Parenthood office and explain your concerns to them.

My insertion went smoothly, only the mildest of cramping, and some additional, but very controllable, bleeding for a few days. I'm perimenopausal so stable periods aren't any guarantee, but I think the IUD caused a little instability for about 6 months. Very manageable. And for those of you ladies who have never given birth, let me say this: cramping from a cervix dilated to the size needed for insertion does not equate to childbirth, it provides a vague hint. Yes, it will be uncomfortable. No, it won't last. Yes, you will live through it. Go ahead and whine, put yourself to bed for the rest of the day, or do whatever you need to do to get through a day of discomfort. For the next ten years if you choose, you're going to be free of daily hormones that may wreak havoc with your natural systems, free of worry over unwanted pregnancy, free of last-minute fumbling for condoms, spermicides, or diaphragms, free of morning-after pills, free of additional expenses for up to ten years following.

It's a pretty sweet trade-off. Look into it, read up on it, and don't let anyone scare you off without a real good reason. Are there risks? Yep. Are there risks with the Pill? With condoms? With natural family planning? With unprotected sex? With driving a car? With walking out your door in the morning? Yep. No guarantees in life. You take your best guess based on as much information as you can reasonably gather, and then you make a decision, and keep moving forward.

[Tara C.]

I had a baby 8 wks ago, was thinking of Mirena until I heard about Paraguard. I read story after story of horror concerning mirena mostly good stories concerning paraguard. Also every human being I know who had Mirena said horrible things most having had theirs removed and one having had a perforated uterus!!! A lot of pple suggested taking ibuprofen, I took 4 200mg tabs an hour before my appt. I actually got it put in today. I told my doc I was nervous he told me I'd be fine. It hardly even hurt. I felt the smallest "pinch" and hardly any cramps when he inserted the opening device into my cervix. I even had to sit on table a couple of minutes while him and the nurse figured out had to load the device since they were used to doing more Mirenas. I still haven't had any pain since returning home. It has been 10 hours now. I also should add that I had my baby boy by C-section, previous little girl by vbac, and first girl by c-section. Good luck, I would def choose non-hormonal paraguard over mirena!

[Tami]

I just got my IUD in today. reading your experience helped validate the cramping that i have and helped me relax a little about it. they always tell you the bad things that can happen so it freaks you out and make you feel like you made the wrong choice. Thank you for putting this out there.
thanks! ~ Tami

[JoeyK]

Greetings. I recently got the Paragard IUD last week. I need some advice because I have never had children and I am deathly afraid of this thing falling out! I still have mild cramps and I feel like my uterus area just cannot relax. I feel like maybe I'm being paranoid and my body is just adjusting, but I am nervous because the length of the strings is not consistent. I felt the strings after the procedure, then two days later I couldn't find them at all and now they are only 3 or 4 inches in! My OBGYN said she left the strings longer on purpose so I could find them and that she would trim them in 4 weeks to a decent length, but since every day the strings have been different I am so scared. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[lizriz]

The first few weeks can be very strange, but if you're concerned about the strings I'd suggest you call your doctor's office. It may just be settling in.

[Arielle]

I had my Paraguard inserted yesterday afternoon, and yes- the insertion hurt! all day after comming home i was having afwul cramps but they've become less and less. its been about 24 hours now and im almost totally back to normal. I'm only 19, and ive never had any children. I went to a planned parenthood clinic and i didnt have any trouble as far as being "talked out of it" goes. the nurse practioner made sure i understood the risks of STDs and unsafe sex but ultimatley understood that i wanted it because i really dont want kids with in the next 8 to 10 years. for anyone looking for an office offering paraguard or mierena along with real knowledge about both go to your local planned parenthood office!!

[Beth]

Thanks for the info! I admire the way you write - you sound just like me at times :) I know I shouldn't let it scare me, but I'm glad you informed us of the possible pain of the device. I'm not ruling it out just yet, but it does make me contemplate other options. *Sigh* I guess this is the bright side of me not having sex right now...lol.