So, after reading through this (extremely helpful) thread, I decided that I just HAD to try out this IUD thing.
I'm 23 years old and have never been pregnant. I went in yesterday, and to be honest my nerves got me a little bit during the insertion part. I kept thinking about people who commented that it was really painful... and when I felt the first stab of sharp pain, I cried out and began freaking out a little internally, expecting the pain to get worse...
But actually it only lasted seconds, and I would say that the pain was like a brief, bad pap-smear. Nothing too shocking, just uncomfortable, and for a VERY short period of time. It ended just as quickly as it began. I got NO pain medication beforehand, and I also was NOT on my period. Even with those two factors, the pain was extremely manageable, and afterwards I actually apologized to my doctor for freaking out.
Immediately afterward and for the rest of the day, I had moderate cramps. In the past I've had cramps VERY rarely, so this part was a little depressing, but I took it easy and took some Advil, and by the next morning I felt almost perfectly fine again. I have been having spotting since yesterday, but I guess that's normal, not just for the first day but for the first few weeks or even months.
My doc recommended I refrain from sexual activity for two weeks to let it settle in. As far as I know, that's an unnecessarily long time, but I guess I'll try to follow his guidelines. Might as well!
I ended up getting the one without hormones. I was on birth control (switching brands often for various reasons) for a few years and eventually the hormones made my hair fall out... which is NOT cool... So, after getting off the pill and seeing how incredibly happy and recovered my body was, there was no way in HELL that I was going to start putting hormones back in there. Seriously, if you have the option, I would recommend an option other than hormones for every single woman out there.
By the way, the doc and I agreed that at least for now, we should leave the string long. I'll just have to tuck it away later, like someone recommended in this thread (fantastic idea, by the way). Apparently they use the string to remove the IUD... So, if it's cut short, they have to do something different, and I just imagine that THAT might be pretty painful.
Well, that's my experience thus far... I'll try to report back here regularly!
Edit: BY THE WAY. Just read a post above me about health service in England. I currently live in South Korea, teaching English, and the healthcare here is much like it is in Europe. I can go in whenever I want, for however big or small a problem I have, receive EXCELLENT care, and not worry about being in debt!! A few months ago I received blood tests and x-rays in one visit and ended up paying about $10 for everything put together. Unbelievable. I don't think I could ever live in the States again, to be honest. The costs there are a JOKE.