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Oh man, Martel and I are King and Queen of sex every which way and how. The first two weeks, if Martel went a little deep and hit my cervix it'd hurt a little. That's it. There's no sexual inparement that I have found, aside from every now and then the string will poke Martel in the penis and we'll have to re-adjust it.
Again, for emphasis: GETTING AN IUD WAS THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! |
I'd recommend asking the doctor not to cut the string at all, actually. Mine didn't - so it's not pokey at all, just soft string that your SO won't be able to feel unless he's looking with his hands, and looking pretty hard! :lol:
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Well I was looking for something a little more in depth but I guess if none of you have problems then that's not possible. Thanks Sage.
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Well, that's as in-depth as my expierence was. I'd say, go talk to your OBGYN about it- s/he'll have more to say on the subject than I will. Also, do a google search- it will turn up more stories as well :D
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Has this happened to any of you ladies?
At the end of my period now (I have Mirena), on the last day or so I get cramps...like first of the period cramps (pretty painful). It's only happened since I got my IUD. I'll be going to the doctor for my yearly exam later this month...but I'm just wondering if this has happened to any of you too. |
Nope, but I've only been on it for about 6 weeks. My first cycle, I got nasty cramps for one day a week before the waterfall of blood (aka my cycle) started. :lol:
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Yeah, for the first six months or so I'd get cramps any time around my period. It's just your body adjusting to having something inside it all the time. But those eventually went away and now my periods are regular and with no excessively heavy bleeding :D
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IUD side effects
OK, so I've had this thing for 8 months now, and for the most part I've been happy with it. But I'm curious if some odd physical symptoms I'm experiencing are side effects:
Breast tenderness. Specifically, hard, sore nipples. All the time. I'm in the middle of my cycle right now, nowhere near my period, and they've been sore for days. Sometimes this happens if I exercise without wearing a bra, but I've been wearing a bra all week, so it's not that. I mean, even the water in the shower hurts them! I read that this can be a side effect of Mirena, but usually only in the first 6 weeks. Weight gain. I am not eating any more than I usually do, and I'm exercising regularly, and I've gained 6 lbs in the last 3 months. That doesn't sound like much, but on a 5'1" frame it's enough to make my pants tight and my belly jiggle a little. This is after initiall LOSING weight when I got the Mirena. Low back pain. It feels like the pain I get when I ovulate, or when I'm cramping, but it's not limited to the time in my cycle when ovulation would occur, nor when I'm having my period. It's random and persistent for days at a time. Anybody else experience this? I've otherwise been pretty happy with it - my periods are moderately irregular but extremely light - really just 4-6 days of spotting, and not much cramping to speak of. Maybe because D is so obsessive about charting her cycle and the symptoms of pregnancy I'm a little paranoid, but could I be pregnant? I know the thing has a very VERY low failure rate, but still not 0. |
Lurkette- do you have the hormonal or non hormonal one? If you have the hormonal one I'd say that could be causing it, if you don't have the hormonal one then I'd say it's probably something else. Remember that sometimes your body just does strange stuff, and you're like "hrmm... that's wierd" but there's not really a good reason for it. I know that I sometimes have random spotting between periods and I've had my IUD for over a year. According to about.com, IUD failure rates are second only to tubal ligation, so I really wouldn't worry about being pregnant.
Take a pregnancy test if you're concerned, and if that comes up negative go see your OBGYN. Breast tenderness sounds like body wierdness, weight gain might also be body wierdness, back pain could be tight muscles. Who knows? *pats lurkett on the back* :) |
Yey, I'm getting an IUD! Hopefully this month but maybe next month since my gyno might be on vacation. She tried very hard to talk me out of it since I'm not married and I haven't had kids but I resisted. Apparently none of the other women in her practice would do it, which is why I might have to wait. I'm getting Mirena (with hormones) :) Thanks for the info girls!
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:)
Hope everything goes well cadre! I was just thinking yesterday how AMAZING it is to have an IUD, and the kind of sexual freedom it represents. I just wish doctors in the US would start getting a clue and prescribing it more as an alternative form of Birth Control. However, I suspect the drug companies would be all up in arms about it if they did. Still, we can have our little grassroots movements! |
While I'm loving the freedom and the complete lack of periods, I'm NOT loving the side effects (namely, the weight gain and boob tenderness - I did some research, and those are known side effects. Damn.), and the fact that to get rid of the side effects I'm going to have to have the thing removed and then find another method of bc. I think for the time being I'll just adapt - exercise more and do some vitamin therapy around the boob tenderness to see if that helps - but I wish there was a "test drive" to see if this five-year commitment was the right thing for you.
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Wait wait wait... weight gain and boob tenderness as side effects? I don't remember Lurkie... do you have the hormonal one?
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Yup - Mirena. And according to their web site, those are some of the side effects people can experience:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/mirena_ad.htm |
Well, I mean it is hormones... just in a different form. Weight gain and breast tenderness are common on any type of hormonal BC. It's not the IUD itself, it's the hormones that are causing the side effects.
I'm sorry you have side effects tho... I hope those straighten out! |
Okay so I'm not getting an iud as soon as I thought. It turns out that my insurance doesn't cover it and at the moment I don't have six hundred dollars to throw at it. I'm gonna try to get the money and hopefully get it in a few months.
Did anyone else have problems with their insurance not covering iuds? I didn't expect that to be an issue seeing as they've covered all of my other birth controls so far. |
I don't know about the insurance thing, but I did go to my local health department and got one for free. That is always an avenue to persue.
As far as paying for it out of pocket, it's comprable to paying for birth control. If you pay $20 per pack for hormonal birth control: 12 month supply x $20 per pack = $240 per year So, after two and a half years, the price of paying for hormones equals the price of the IUD. Except that the IUD is good for ten years (at least mine is), so it's 25% of the price of hormonal birth control over time. That's another great thing about an IUD. |
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I would also call your health insurance company and double check. The doctor's office told me it wasn't covered (and it was only $460, by the way, wow $620!!), but the insurance co. told me it was. There was a little back and forth, but I got it straightened out and I'm all good now. All covered, minus the copay, of course. When you talk to the insurance company, remind them that they cover other BC if necessary! Appeal if necessary! You're saving them money in the long run! :)
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Yeah, my boyfriend told me the same thing Justjess. I guess I should try that. But if not, I did get a new job offer that's promising so I can probably get the money in a couple months. :)
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I also want to take the time to stress that it's WORTH the money, even if it didn't average out to be cheaper than hormones. Not having to take a pill every day or change a ring every month or a patch every week, not having to worry about losing your birth control if you go on vacation or whatever, not to mention the AMAZING feeling of being off of hormones... it's LIBERATING!
Having an IUD is incredibly empowering for me as a woman. I feel it's a wonderful symbol of taking charge of my sexuality and not letting anything get in the way of my enjoyment. I hope you're able to share in this feeling soon, cadre :icare: |
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Ooooh, I found a perfect website that breaks down the facts on IUDs:
http://www.arhp.org/files/UnderstandingIUDs.pdf Enjoy! |
For the update, I didn't end up getting an IUD. I couldn't afford to get it from my gyno and the local clinics wouldn't do it. My insurance would not cover it so I ended up back on the patch. Even though it has more risk for blood clots it works better for me than any of the pills that I've tried. If and when I get the money I will be trying again to get the iud. ^_^
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Oh well, cadre. You win some, you lose some! I hope that the patch works out for you!
Keep up the fight tho! We must take a stand in saying exactly how we want our bodies to be treated, and not cave in to doctors who are too behind the times to consider an IUD a valid option for birth control! I would love to get some sort of "movement" going to get the word out on IUD's as valid birth control, but I have no idea how to go about doing that, so I just try to get the word out woman to woman, one discussion at a time! |
I just got my Merina yesterday. Insertion wasn't NEARLY as bad as I had thought it was going to be. I've also never had children. It was kind of like cramp, I suppose.
I went with the hormonal one because they say your period can completely stop. That's a side effect I like :) I was also informed that with the non-hormonal, copper one, the body can reject it easier and you can bleed more. That one I didn't like. So I went with Hormones. Hopefully the cramping will stop soon, but it's only been one day. She left the string rather long, hopefully that won't get in the way of sex once I feel like having it again, LOL... For those of you with Merina, how long does the tenderness and soreness usually last after insertion? This thread has been really nice to read, it's answered a bunch of questions :) |
I don't know about the Merina, but I had rather painful cramping for two or three days, and then for about a month afterward whenever I had sex I'd cramp. I'd guess the effects would be about the same for both IUD's, as one's body is just getting used to having an extra thing all up in it's buisness :)
Yay for the IUD! It's what I'm thankful for this holiday season! |
penis patrol...
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I went to the dr today and I was telling her I wanted to get my tubes tied this year and she highly recommended the Mirena (since no one can seem to find a cause for my cramps). I have been taking progesterone only BC for 7 years to keep the cysts away.
But I have to say Im terrified of the thought of an IUD, septic shock and all that from the 70's. I know they are different now.... now I've found this site that does nothing that lists all these horror stories and Im confused. My dr told me that since Im already on progesterone and my body is used to it I wont have a long list of the side affects some people have with it blah, I think Im better off having the surgery and getting my tubes times |
Shani, the information I read put IUDs especially mirena as being more effecting than tubal ligation. If that's what you want though you should push harder with your doctor.
Just a side note, I saw a commercial today on tv for Mirena. It would appear that they have launched a campaign. |
actually the Mirena literature says its "almost" as effective as a tubal.
Dave and I talked last night and we've decided that we arent gonna mess with it, I've just got too many fears and I read way too much last nite (should never have found the class action law suit site about Mirena lol) then I found out my sisters best friend had had one inserted and her life became a living hell until she had it removed. I am just one of those people that if there is a side effect listed, I will have it lol Im glad its worked so well for some of you, but its def not going to be for me. My child rearing days are def over so I see no problem with doing something permanent |
Well, I'm sure if you tell your doctor that they will understand. If not, find a new one. Best of luck :)
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Hello! I am very interested in getting the IUD. I was on the pill for a year and it made me terribly depressed. I'm 20, I was 18 when i went on it and came off a year ago. Its taken untill now to actually start to regain some normality-libido and general moods. I have been with my bf for almost 2 1/2 years.
How many other young users are there? obviously I don't have kids,and don't want them for a good while yet hehe. Jen xxx |
I'm 28, but I had to fight to find a gyno who would do it here in the States. You might have an easier time of it in England. Just do your research, and make sure you're comfortable with the fact that if you do the copper, you'll have more cramps. Period. (no pun intended).
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hey this is my first time on this site it seems pretty good for info. Ive just decided to use the iud, someone told me u have to be on your period while getting it inserted, is that true? Cant find that info anywhere if you can believe that. Well thats my only question for now, but i know Ill be back.
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Thank you all for your shared experiences. I got an IUD (ParaGuard)inserted today and, while it did hurt (only pain for about 3 seconds) and I have bad cramps right now, it really wasn't that bad. I DID take 800mg of Advil before my appointment, though, so I'm sure that helped.
You do need to be on your period (or just ended) for the insertion - I believe this is so your cervix is more supple/malleable, making the insertion much easier. Good luck and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences! |
where did all the libido go?
I recently entered the world of the IUD. I have been on pills for way too many years and realized that it dried up all of my sex drive and juices. I got the Mirena put in about 1 1/2 months ago....still no desire for sex. Does any one have suggestions about some vitamins or supplements I could take to promote it to come back? I miss it, as does my husband.
Also, my husband keeps feeling the strings when we have sex and complains that they are not comfortable. I heard they soften over time...is this any one's experience--(if so how long do they take to soften?) |
Ms. mooshu - the progesterone may be affecting your libido. Why not get the non-hormonal IUD? Do you have heavy cycles and cramping, etc?
As for the string... that's because the gyno cut it and the sharp ends are poking him. I'm not sure if they could cut it shorter (bad if they cut it too short) - my gyno just left the string long because that way it's pretty much unnoticeable. |
should I be worried?
AS stated above, i went off birth control pills after many years and got the mirena IUD about 2 months ago. For the first time, my period is 4 days late. Is this because my body is just adjusting to the change or should I be worried?
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Many people are affected by the progesterone that way - I'd expect plenty of cycle oddities for a bit. And lots of people end up with very little period at all (did you at least spot?). Spotting may be about it for a cycle from now on (yay!).
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Not what I had hoped..
I am new to this site. I have had an IUD in for the last two years. I had decided on this because of my age, and bc pills make me crazy. I had very high hopes for it..however..
I spot.. ALL THE TIME! It's like having a period 24/7! has anyone else had this problem?? I don't know any good alternatives except a tubal at this point. Even then, I will have to wait until I can take the time away from work. I had read up on it quite a bit before deciding on Merina (sp?) IUD, they say many women stop having periods all together with it..then why do i have it all the time?? Any ideas? |
Yes, the progesterone can affect you that way (the hormone in the Mirena). I'd get rid of it. if I were you. I have the regular IUD (copper only), and I do bleed a lot more with cramps I never used to have, but not constantly. So right now, I'm on the mini-pill, progesterone only, to see if my body will work with that. I bled for 28 days straight. Right now, it seems to have stopped.... It's a bit crazy. I have 6 more weeks of the trial, and I am pretty concerned about how this is going to go. I really want to be one of the majority of women who have LIGHT to NO cycle on this!!
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Wow, I can't tell you how happy I am to hear from you Jess.. well.. ok I am very sorry it had the same effect on you, but its nice to know I am not the only one.
You say you are trying the mini pill instead? Please please let me know how that works out for you. My only concern about the mini is that it is not as high a success rate at the iud. I can NOT get pregnant right now, but i gotta tell you.. i am so tired of wearing a pad EVERY DAY! I had such high hopes for this IUD to work well... cant have it all i suppose.. |
Well, the mini-Pill is similar to the Mirena. Both are mono-phasic 28-day progesterone only sorts of set ups. I'm on the same dose I'd be getting on the Mirena. That's what's caused me to bleed for 28 days straight.
The copper just made me bleed for about 14 days/month. "just"! *sigh* I am afraid that for me... my last option will be stupid fucking no fun condoms. :( |
I feel your pain Jess.. trust me! I am not 16 anymore and having to go back to a condom would NOT make me happy. I am getting a bit tired tho of having a three day window when I am not spotting or bleeding. with summer coming up it will only be worse. I never thought I would look back on the days i was on the pill with fondness...
I thought this stuff was suppose to get easier as you got older??:grumpy: |
Heh, it only gets easier when you get REALLY old. Like, after menopause. :D As long as you're fertile, it's going to be tough.
Btw, are condoms REALLY that big of a deal? I mean, I can understand if they cause yeast infections and other physiological reactions... but otherwise, we find them pretty handy and hardly think about them when we use them (and we're married and on BC!). |
I know what you're saying... I guess my body just hates any kind of modified sex. Condoms... more UTIs. Hormones, migraines. IUD...crazy flow.
Fuck. Or not, in my case. Guess I'll just be celibate for the next 5 years. |
*sigh*...
I guess to most, condoms are no big deal. For me, it is just that using them makes me feel like its a plastic fake and not my man. spoiled attitude i know, but there you go. Plus, dang it all.. I am almost 40! Condoms were for when I was a youngster! I have had the good stuff (minus the condom) and I really don't want to go back to them! BAH! I am going to look into getting the tubes tied next year. By then I should have the time at work to do it. I want my sex life back DANG IT ALL!:mad: |
I joined this forum so I could reply to this thread. I don't have any friends with IUDs so it was really nice reading everyone's opinions and experiences.
I've had an the Paraguard since January. The insertion wasn't bad, a little worse than getting cavities filled, but it didn't last long. The main problem with me is the spotting. Right now I'm not supposed to be bleeding of course, but I am. Sometimes it is more watery than menstrual fluid, and my biggest anxiety is having an embarrassing accident in an inconvenient place. I wear pantyliners frequently, I don't like them very much as they make me feel sweaty and nasty down below. Maybe someone has a suggestion for ones they like. I much prefer wearing thong underwear most of the time as I find them more comfortable, but with my current problem, it seems foolish for me to buy anything other than black butt-buckets (granny drawers). I also enjoy my black skirts and pants very much! Nothing like hazard insurance against the overflow! The cramping is random and annoying, but on the upside it's a nice announcement for a spotting episode. It's been 8 months now and these side effects have not subsided. Some months are better than others. My periods are heavier than they were before, I can overrun large tampons in hours on day 2. It can get exciting. :rolleyes: Overall, I'm glad I did it. All of this is much less inconvenient than an unwanted pregnancy! |
I had an IUD inserted 3 months ago and there are a few things I am concerned about. I had the string trimmed, because my boyfriend could feel it during sex, but now the doctor cannot find the string. She doesn't seem concerned about this, though, although I find it somewhat unsettling. I have had spotting and cramping for the past months, and now I got my period 2 weeks early, and the blood seems darker than usual. On top of that, I now seem to have a UTI, for which i just took some Cipro. How would I know if my IUD perforated? I read an excess of dark blood at a random time is a sign of a miscarriage...? I know there are all kinds of symptoms in the first couple of months of an IUD, so I don't want to stress out, on the other hand I want to be safe. Unfortunately, I can't even talk to my gyno on the phone, she requires that one make an appointment to discuss anything, and then I have a 50$ co-pay! Is there a free gyno hotline of some sort??
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Mirena or copper?
Cramping and spotting normal with both. It sounds like you have the Mirena, actually... Don't stress yet about the spotting and darker blood. Your cycle is heavier, especially at first, with IUDs. Use your common sense - how much is an "excess" to you? Were your periods light in the past (thus this seems like a lot)? Did your gyno do a sonogram to make sure the placement was correct? If so, let her worry about the string. She'll find it when you need it! I wouldn't necessarily associate the UTI with the IUD - different tracks, after all. However, the extra moisture with the extra bleeding might have done it - make sure you change tampons/pads regularly so that it's not too moist down there. |
Ever since I got my IUD, I rarely have red blood when I get my period...it's always the darker color. Your cycle will fluctuate quite a bit for the next few months, it's very normal.
As for a miscarriage...from what I've been told by friends/family who have had them (I suspect I had one several years ago as well) ...they are very painful. If it was a miscarriage...you'd know. As far as the perforation goes, it usually happens during insertion and rarely after insertion. I haven't read anything about it hurting or anything, so I don't know what to look for as far as signs for a perforated IUD. I'm surprised your doctor trimmed the strings because it is important to feel for them after each period. |
I was conceived while my mom was using an IUD. She didn't tell me for a long time because she didn't want me to feel like I was an "unwanted" child. Let's see, I must have been conceived about the first week of February, 1976 since I was born in early November. Mom told me just a few years ago. She thought the IUD was called copper seven but couldn't remember for sure.
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bleeding?
Hi everyone,
I just got a (copper) iud a couple weeks ago and after having sex for the first time have been getting a LOT of bleeding (more than on my period), as well as really bad cramps, which have now lasted about 5 days and counting. My period isn't due for another week or 2. My doc said that my period has probably just come early because of the iud. Has this happened to anyone else? Does it eventually calm down? |
It does calm down eventually. However, you should expect longer and heavier periods for some time. It is a gradual decrease in severity, but in the beginning, I had cramps like crazy. If there are no contraindications, take some Advil - I find it extremely effective in battling cramps. I also bled a lot more - different blood color and amount, but also, lots of pre-and post-cycle "spotting" - quotes are because it was pretty heavy for spotting for some time.
This last time I had 5 days, minor cramps, and nothing else interesting to report. But of course... it's been 10 months since I got the IUD. |
My sister just dealt with getting one removed that had been installed incorrectly. She had intense pain and heavy bleeding for a month, during which time her doctor said she was fine, then after 6 months she was in incredible, unbearable pain. No one seemed to diagnose her properly - she thought the whole time it was probably the IUD. Finally they did an ultrasound which showed the IUD punctured her uteris. 2 weeks later, they finally did the surgery to remove the thing. Horrible ordeal. Though she doesn't need birth control anymore. :(
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Hello all.
I joined this forum, primarily so I could reply to this thread. It looks like a neat place though, so perhaps I will stick around. I have an appointment to get a copper IUD inserted tomorrow. I'm scared to death, but the truth is, the pill scares me more. I am only 29, and am a relatively healthy weight, but high blood pressure, stroke, and blood clots run in the family. I myself have high blood pressure, and although I don't smoke, I am around smokers a good bit. This is enough to convince me that I just don't need to be on the pill anymore. That, and it just seems to make me a basketcase lately. This leaves me with a few options, none of which I like. The IUD seems to be the least displeasing of them, though. I have a tilted uterus, so I'm a little concerned about perforation; I've read that it is more likely to occur in a woman with a tilted uterus. I just don't know what else to do. None of the hormonal birth control methods are a good option for me, and I really would like more kids one day. Does anyone have any information about IUDs in individuals that have a tilted (retroverted) uterus? |
I don't, personally, but do some research, and discuss it COMPLETELY with your doctor before you do it. For the most part, they're not that bad. It's a day with really bad cramps, frankly (bring your cramp med of choice - advil works really nice for me). My mom expelled hers spontaneously, but no perfs or anything, and that's my only negative anecdote that I have any direct knowledge of.
I don't want to make you more nervous, but please keep in mind - if you were to get perfed, that could interfere with having kids one day. So please do discuss this thoroughly with your doctor, ok? |
Thanks JustJess. I had a discussion with my doc a month ago about it, when I decided to do this. I had forgotten to mention to him that I had a tilted uterus, because I didn't realize it might matter.
I decided to go ahead to my appointment anyway, and we discussed my situation. He said it was not a problem, and he just took the position of my uterus into account when he inserted the IUD. I have an Rx for Motrin 800s, and I took the advice in this thread and took some before going to my appointment. I have to say, the doc did a masterful job. I've honestly had pap smears that were worse. a couple of seconds of pressure/discomfort, and that was all. Right now I do feel a little crampy, but no worse than normal while I'm on my period. I guess I am still concerned about infection and other possible problems, but I am hopeful that this will turn out to be a better option for me. This thread has been invaluable to me in helping me make a descision. I'll try and return the favor/contribute by keeping others posted on what kind of experience I have. Thanks again! |
Wow, this forum has been amazing to my inquiries about getting an IUD. I do have a question however;
I'm 18 and I've been with my boyfriend for about 4 years now (we are each other's firsts and have had no problem committing to each other, now and for life hehe) and just recently we had a little condom incident that ended up in a Walgreen's pharmacy at 12:00 AM for a box of Plan B. I spoke to my mom about this and she told me we should tell my gyno about getting an IUD. How likely is it that some gyno will actually be willing to do it? I'm not a big fan of the idea of medicinal birth control (I'm tempermental enough as it is, I don't want to further intensify my already emotional rollercoaster hehe). Besides the incident, I'm not a big fan of condoms period. So, how likely is it I'm going to find someone who'd do this for me? |
Since you're 18, not very likely at all, frankly. There's a lot of old-fashioned thinking out there about this. However, do talk to your gyno - they can surprise you. And your recent condom concerns would definitely be an argument in your favor. However, I am betting the dr will focus on trying hormonal BC first. Tell them your concerns about emotional effects - but there are lots of people for whom hormonal BC actually HELPS the roller coaster become more like a nice train ride. I was on the Pill quite happily for many years before I had to change my methods, and I did start taking it at your age. In my *personal* experience, the plain ol' vanilla monophasic (no change in levels of hormones day-to-day) 28-day pill pack was the best. Depo provera gave me constant bleeding, and the Patch is scary with blood clot side effects. The Ring is other option I'd consider if you don't envision being good at a daily pill thing.
Good luck! |
Question that actually hasn't been asked/answered already
Awesome thread! The most helpful information I've found on the whole entirety of the Intarweb concerning IUDs. Thank you for that, ladies! I'm getting a Mirena IUD in about 2 and a half weeks and I have a retroverted uterus. I was wondering if any of you ladies that have already gotten one do as well and if it caused any problems.
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A couple bits of info related to getting an IUD as a younger woman: try Planned Parenthood. They are much more willing to give younger women IUDs than other sexual health service providers. Additionally, a lot of student health centers on college campuses are more willing to provide IUDs to younger women, as that is the population they serve. While I decided to go on using the ring versus switching to an IUD, the student health center definitely gave me that option. |
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Ouch - still
I had an IUD fitted (copper, and I haven't had kids) 10 days ago and it's still causing me enough pain that I'm taking 400mg Ibuprofen three times a day - has anyone else had anything like this for this long. I've been to the nurse and she just said to persevere. The spotting has stopped, but I just don't know whether it's normal to have pain this long.
I was on progesterone pills right up to the fitting and I had the mother af all periods 2 days after it was put in but now it's just like a not-so-dull ache continuously. Any thoughts? PS REALLY good advice pre-fitting on this forum! |
Start to wean yourself off the high doses of ibuprofen. It can cause a rebound effect with the prostaglandin inflammation pathway thingie in your uterus. It will be uncomfortable, for sure. And if you're not a crampy person in the first place, it will feel like the world is ending (like me). IT DOES GET BETTER. I was really bad the first few days, but then it receded to manageable levels of discomfort.
Check with the Nurse Practitioner or PA or MD at the office. RNs are super awesome, but I would prefer to check with someone who has been diagnostically trained when I'm nervous. I can understand that being this much in pain after 10d would make you nervous! So call them and let them reassure you. :thumbsup: |
Thanks for that Jess, it was really reassuring - The nurse actually advised I keep taking the Ibuprofen.
Anyways, after weaning myself onto 200mg for a couple of doses, a looooong soak last night, and then off them today I'm feeling pretty much normal. It's wonderful 'cos the progesterone and COC pills made me so anxious and nauseous. I haven't felt like me since this time last year! One other question - has anyone else had a kind of poking sensation from inside on either side? The strings are in place and it's not painful but the Dr said it was probably just 'cos I'm small and the arms may be rubbing on the bottom of my tubes - would be nice to see how common that is, just out of interest. Oh and Angelope - I'm retroverted but I'm a bit of a 'sensitive' sort so I wouldn't worry.:thumbsup: |
You know what else worked for me for cramps (when I get sick of taking drugs for them) - those Thermacare thingies or a heating pad. I know it's getting warm out, but the heat really soothes and relaxes my pissed off uterus. The Thermacare thingies are great for getting the help while not being stuck at home while you get it.
I can feel the string, but I don't remember feeling anything else... perhaps b/c you're small and all that, the inflammation of your uterine walls is enough to have them touch? Did the doctor do an ultrasound after placing the IUD to check on the placement? Retroverteds are harder to do than anteverteds. |
I'm in Britain - the NHS doesn't bother with stuff like ultrasounds! You're in, you're out, deal with the pain. At least it's free, that's why they're happier to do it for younger women here 'cos it's cheaper for the state than the pill in the long run! Sad but true...:rolleyes: but they do at least make sure you're reasonably stable with your partner first (prob because STI's make it less cost effective!)
I'll dig out the hot water bottle then...It's mainly when I sit hunched over (like if I'm writing) for a long period of time. It's getting better slowly, and to be honest just getting off the progesterone is worth it. Thanks for the tip! |
Just to let you guys know, I found the explanation for my ongoing pain...Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder!
Went today to the specialist after a VERY uncomfortable night and she immediately said that the pain centred over my ovaries and that it was PID. 2 weeks on 2 packs of antibios and I should be fine, even after the first dose the pain is markedly reduced. Lucky catch tho - seeing as the nurse just told me I was a 'sensitive type' and it would settle down! Just proves the theory - if in doubt, moan! |
Well, it's been about a month-- and I love my IUD! No cramps, no bleeding, no crazy. Yay! The Mirena is my new friend. :thumbsup:
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Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.
That nurse should be shot. PID is no laughing matter, so please make sure you take every last bit of those antibiotics. And get yourself to a real gyno for follow-up. There are a lot of negative possibilities after PID, and frankly, you shouldn't really be having an IUD anymore. Talk to your gyno. Before the antibiotics are finished - you may need to remove it before they're done, so that you don't leave yourself open to yet more PID. I don't want to be an alarmist, but you can end up infertile and shit like that from poorly controlled PID. Please get useful help... that nurse is a putz. |
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Man Abaya, I know this post is old but so true. My pain thresh-hold is super low. The only way I would get an IUD would be for them to knock me out. My colposcopy hurt like a bitch so I can only imagine how the IUD would feel. I've been reading the thread a good bit and I've been back and fourth with myself about getting one. The money isn't an issue...it's just if I want to deal with it. They seem really complicated, the strings might be uncomfortable, they might puncture your uterus, etc. That stuff freaks me out beyond belief. I'm debating about switching from the Nuvaring to some other kind of BC. IUD is freaking scary. Not to mention I already hate going to the OBGYN as it is. |
I've had both a colposcopy and the IUD. If you can handle the colposcopy, you can handle this. Not happily, but you can. And it's not *that* bad - cramps, remember? Just cramps. To me, pretty heavy ones, but to a normal gal, probably just a bad day.
The string isn't uncomfortable. Just tell them you don't want to cut it. Punctures are a possibility, but not that common. In the US, the doctor inserts the IUD after doing a thorough ultrasound. And another one afterwards. So they *know* the placement. There's a fair amount of research to be done before you take it on, but really... we should be doing that for ANY birth control we go on. Point being... if you want it, and it makes sense for your life, you should do it. But there's no good in doing it if it really does scare the bejeebus out of you. I'm just trying to let you know that your fears are reasonable, but manageable should you choose it. |
It's OK, I went back today with general discomfort and the big top Dr did the full once over, pregnancy test et al. She said that I hadn't actually got PID (well done on the communication there...) but the antibios were a precaution 'cos the symptoms could be and they wanted to be sure.
In short I have still got pain 'cos my uterus is a grumpy old thing that needs a rest. Panic over. Jeez, I wish they'd not tell you things they're not sure of.:rolleyes: |
Jesus Christ on a pogo stick.
I hope you never have to go to that stupid doctor or that nurse again. I'm glad it's not PID. May you be cramp-free soon! |
abiew-- good luck, darlin'. And yikes.
So I have discovered my one teeeeensy problem with my Mirena. And it really bugs the hell outta me. Ratbastid's getting "poked" by the strings. My doctor left them uncut, and told me when I go back to see him in a couple weeks to tell him if there are any problems, but that the strings should curl themselves up pretty well. Not well enough, I guess... it's embarrassing for me and kinda kills the mood a bit on this end. >_< I mean, bright side is, I know it hasn't been expelled. It's just a bit frustrating to have to switch positions because my birth control has to say a big how-de-do to my boyfriend in the middle of happy fun time. Daaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmit. Anyone else had this issue? |
Once, we did... go check out a pic of the vaginal canal, and then do what I did: tuck the string into the posterior fornix. It's behind the cervix... there's a pocket there that he can't hit without pulverizing your cervix.
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*loves JustJess to tiny lil bits
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But the main reason for this post is to say that I was conceived, early in 1976, while my Mom was using a copper IUD. I'm glad that it happened. :) But let's hope that they work more effectively now. Lindy |
Wow-o, glad to see this thread is still going strong!
I inspired my best friend and now roommate Kathleen to get an IUD, and she had a Mirena placed 3 weeks ago. She has had a great experience so far and has loved having hers, aside from the cramping (which is to be expected.) Just another gal joining up with the IUD crowd! Also, in response to Lindy's note, isn't the whole point of the IUD that "they" are not really sure how it works and so you can still be fertilized and what-not? Just that they prevent implantation of the fertilized egg? |
There are two theories on how it works, and no, they are not sure exactly how it does function:
1: the copper ions help create an inhospitable environment for sperm - thickened cervical mucous, etc 2: the existence of the IUD creates an inflammatory response in the uterus, which again means it is not sperm or fertilization friendly, nor implantation friendly. You can actually use the IUD as emergency contraception (much like Plan B) - note I said "contraception" which means against fertilization and implantation, NOT aborting of a zygote. |
I had the Mirina IUD put in a couple years ago. It hurt so much.:eek: Kinda like reverse birth. My DR was a little upset when he found that the nurse had not given me anything first. He said he would normally give you a valum (sp) or some other type of relaxant first. It hurt just for the first day, very little spotting.
I was told to refrain from sex for at least 2 days, but didn't and it must have shifted. My boyfriend could feel it poke him quite often and I ended up getting pregs a few months later. It was very high risk and the IUD ended up terminating the pregnancy.:sad: The IUD came out along with everything else. They did put another one in immediately and it didn't hurt. Mostly because they had me doped up and I was still a little dilated. This time we waited a month, it's in the right position now but he still gets poked every now and then depending on our position. Once, I tilted my pelvis a certain way during sex and I thought I was going to DIE it hurt so bad. I had to just lay there in a ball and cry for a while. He was scared, but everything was fine after that. I still have it now and everything seems fine. I don't really have periods (maybe light spotting every few months) yet I still have the emotions and the cramps right on schedule. (that part sucks) My recommendation would be to request some sort of pain reliever before you go, wait at least those 2 days before sex, and if your guy is "well hung" be wary of certain positions. Make sure he knows to back off when needed. this works great!:thumbsup: I am planning on getting it removed soon because I want to have children in the near (in a few years) future and am a little concerned about post IUD conception. I've read of women having problems trying to conceive once it's removed. We will see. Has anyone had it removed yet and found any problems? Have you conceived yet? I would like to know. I'm getting up there and my clock is ticking away at me. I don't want to have problems when my SO and I try for children. I was known to be sort of the "fertil mertil" since I got preg the one time the condom broke. But I was very young then and our bodies change with age. |
Monkey - the IUD does not affect your fertility once it's removed. You could conceive immediately. Those stories are likely inaccurate or are failing to mention other complications.
I'm sorry you had such trouble the first time! But it seems to be working will for you now. Moving the string around can help a lot if it's bugging him, but very little helps if he's hitting your cervix. Cheers! |
Thanks Jess.
It has been bothering me a lot lately. I guess I will keep it in until just before we get married. If we conceive then it won't make much of a difference. We want to ttc as soon as we get married so win/win. Yay! Oh.... Ya, he is hitting the cervix so we just have to watch the angles and force sometimes. |
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Well... I went back. My doc said tucking it wouldn't do any good, since my uterus is tipped backwards and the string, instead of curling like it should, "sticks out like a cowlick." He trimmed them up inside my cervix (managing to NICK THE FUCKER ON THE WAY, thank you, owowowow) and we shall see if that helps. Kids, don't let anyone nick your cervix, mkay? |
Your doctor is officially an idiot. The direction of your uterus does not determine the curling of the string. The direction of your uterus, and even your cervix, doesn't affect you having a posterior fornix. See where I mean? It's on the backside of your cervix, between the external os and the vaginal wall.
Look at this picture: http://www.babyovutest.com/retrovertedUterus.gif You want to have the string longer than your external os so you, oh, i don't know... can confirm it's there!!! And when he removes it, it will suck a LOT because he'll have to go into your cervix with something to get the end of the string and pull it out. Did he cut the string at all in the first place? That's the only thing I can think of for a reason it would stick out too straight and wouldn't go into your posterior fornix. I am so ready to kick some idiot doctors' asses right now. |
Jess, baby, calm down. It's really okay. He didn't cut it in the first place, but the IUD made its way all the way up to the top of my uterus and the strings stuck right out. I can tell the IUD is in because I can actually feel it-- not a bad sensation, just something in my body going, "Hey, lady, you left something in here. Did you mean to do that? Yes? Okay, then, but I'll remind you later." He also gave me the preview of 'going in after it' to remove it and it wasn't bad at all. Don't kick his ass, Jess! He's the only doc I trust!
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hello, its me again - you guys are the fountain of all knowlege so here's another poser - one of my strings has disappeared. just one, the other one's still there and as long as ever. I know it's not just me not finding it 'cos I'm quite adept at that. Just wondering if that's happened to anyone else?
I've had a little pain, but it's gear-up-to-period time so that's to be expected. Stella luna: I know what you mean about 'feeling' it - I get that just before my period, depending on if I lay on one side more than the other at night. Peculiar but reassuring in some way... |
hi everybody, i read this thread because i'm going to the family planning clinic to get an IUD as emergency contraception tomorrow (if they decide i'm suitable i guess - don't know what their criteria actually are - i live in britain btw). i went to get the levonorgestrel pill today and the doctor suggested that IUD was another option, more reliable and can then be retained as my primary form of contraception for maybe 10 years. having read more about it online i'm a bit surprised by how casual she was about recommending it but i guess the in-depth spiel is for the family planning clinic to do.
it all sounds rather alarming but at least i know about different sides of it now. i'm quite young (25) and have had no kids, but i've never had problems with painful or heavy periods (just a little occasional cramping) so i hope that means insertion won't be too painful. as regards spotting/inconvenient bleeding and having to wear pads all the time - maybe using a menstrual cup would help? i've been using a mooncup for my periods for the past year and a half or so now and it's so much better than tampons or (ugh) pads. it sits inside yur vaginal canal just below the cervix and collects the blood - no leaks (unless you let it overfill) and you can't feel it once it's in. from the sounds of it you would need to change it quite often for the heaviness of bleeding a lot of you have described. thanks for all the info though. i may be back here later tomorrow bitching about the IUD fitting. -----Added 17/11/2008 at 07 : 20 : 22----- PS i'm in a monogomous relationship of 2 and a half years now; the need for emergency contraception came from a split condom on friday night. i was only seeing him for the weekend and we immaturely but irresistibly took the opportunity to go bareback all weekend...i didn't realise that the effectiveness of the morning after pill decreases quite sharply (to 58 % apparently) if you delay til day 3. will be doing my research in future... |
You'll be pretty crampy tomorrow - ibuprofen is your friend in this case. (Advil, Motrin, whatever y'all call it over there.) And once you have it, it'll take a few months to adjust to it. It sounds like you're doing the copper IUD - this means more cramps and heavier bleeds, even for those of us who never had much before the IUD. It's ok, it'll get better - and for 10 years of contraception, I'll take a few months of discomfort! I recommend some backup for your mooncup for the first 6 months - I'm not kidding about the heavier bleeds, and the first couple days were rather daunting to a barely-bleeder like myself.
Good on you for taking responsibility for the mishap, and I wish you luck. I also strongly encourage you to not forget about doing that extra research - in this case, ignorance is definitely not bliss. |
going to have it done in a few hours....feeling a bit anxious now cos i've been reading loads of horror stories about bleeding, emotional problems, bloating and weight gain (not to mention acne and facial hair). most of what i've read is at the first site listed when you google 'weight gain copper iud'.
i'm already pretty unhappy with my body and don't know if i can handle a further significant deterioration. guess i'll have to wait and see how it affects me - but it sounds like you have to wait a long time to really give it a chance. i'm already pretty stressed and down for the last couple of years so i don't know if i can handle 6 months of misery on top of that...may just get it removed in a couple of weeks. |
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I haven't heard many horror stories personally--I don't have an IUD, but I know a number of people who do, and like them very much. They're making a comeback here in the United States among younger women who are tired of dealing with hormonal birth control and its bevy of side effects. I would definitely get one if I weren't in the group contraindicated for use of the copper IUD. I would have to get a Mirena. |
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i better just repost what i read since i'm not medical-minded and can't explain it very well! Quote:
but i can't use my mooncup for my two next periods - it's back to horrible pads for two months. haven't used pads since i was 16 and can't say i've missed them :P -----Added 18/11/2008 at 01 : 59 : 54----- i've been doing a little more reading now that i know what type of coil i actually had fitted (the Nova T380) which is standard in the UK and apparently much smaller than the Paraguard (which i understand is standard in the US?) which may explain the lesser discomfort. it lasts five years, not ten, but...well..it would be tricky to keep using the same condom for five years, eh? for other ladies living in the UK, if you google 'nova t 380 reviews' (i'm not allowed post links yet) you can find other womens' experiences of this coil, which is apparently the only one on offer from the NHS. i'm starting to feel quite crampy now, but pretty lowlevel, and i have a stockpile of ibuprofen and a hot water bottle in any case. |
so i've tried to start a thread about contraception on a message board i frequent. unsurprisingly it's turned into a little boys' playground of period jokes and dismission. guess i should have known better than to try.
-----Added 18/11/2008 at 10 : 26 : 25----- i haven't started bleeding yet, should i expect to bleed over the next few days? i have a little brown blood when i wipe myself but no actual leaking. |
Has anyone tried the birth control implants that get put under the skin in your arm? I'm thinking about trying that (currently on pills) and am curious about side effects-I know Norplant was taken off the market in the US, but Implanon was recently approved. It sounds like it could be less painful to insert than an IUD, but Norplant apparently had some really bad side effects; I'm wondering if this new implant is any better.
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Yes, I had the same response to the copper IUD as Just Jess. Except that my cramps were so unbearable for the first 6 months that i had to take a prescription pain reliever (ponstel). I even was so much in pain that I went back to my GYN so that she could make sure nothing was wrong. Apparently i am just very sensitive because I have never had children, my uterus just was very unhappy with the darn thing, hahaha. However, I hung in there, and almost magically, at the 6 month mark, the pain went away. I do have much heavier and longer periods, 1 year later, but the freedom from traditional bc methods is worth it to me.
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well, i'm 10 days in, no problems so far - a little cramping, some bleeding (not sure if i'm actually having my period right now or if it's just bleeding while i get used to this thing - the first day of my last period was november 9th so it's conceivable (no pun intended) that this is my first period on IUD). i've put on a little weight but i've been eating quite a lot of fatty food and bread, pasta, for the last two weeks (which i don't usually do) so don't think i can blame the coil. i felt a little tired and listless for the first week but back to normal now - normal for me is kind of tired and listless anyway, so.... :P
it certainly hasn't affected my libido, in fact i think i'm a little hornier than ever - didn't think that was possible to be honest! |
Well, I went to go get mine a couple months ago....but after 20 min. of agonizing pain (felt like contractions all over again), come to find out my cervix was too curved. So all that for nothing. It would have been nice to have and not worry about $ for a Nuvaring every month.
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