IUD- what do you know? - Page 5 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

SecretoMortal · 01-27-2008, 10:32 PM

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?

JustJess · 01-28-2008, 03:59 AM

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!

Angelope · 02-14-2008, 04:41 PM

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.

snowy · 02-14-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

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!

The Ring is an awesome alternative to IUDs for women who are younger. I've tried Depo and pills, but the ring is definitely my favorite.

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.

cadre · 02-16-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

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!

This is probably good advice, I just feel the need to chime in on the patch thing. From my research it seems that the patch is no more dangerous than some of the monophasic pills out there and the reason it was originally taken off the market was because it was discovered that a greater amount of hormones than expected were absorbed into the body. It has been retested and found to be safe but the slightly higher hormone levels than some birth controls is why it has an extra warning about blood clots, although, the levels are actually not higher than all bc methods. I myself am on the patch and it works great for me, though pretty soon here I'll be switching to an IUD.
/threadjack

abiew · 04-11-2008, 12:58 AM

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!

JustJess · 04-11-2008, 04:02 AM

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.

abiew · 04-12-2008, 04:32 AM

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.

JustJess · 04-12-2008, 08:56 AM

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.

abiew · 04-12-2008, 12:31 PM

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...

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!

abiew · 04-14-2008, 01:25 PM

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!

StellaLuna · 04-14-2008, 03:55 PM

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.

JustJess · 04-15-2008, 05:22 PM

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.

surferlove007 · 04-15-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abaya

Man, this IUD thing is almost tempting, except that almost everyone who has gotten one and posted here said that it hurt like a bitch. Can't they just knock you out??.. I guess it's not a serious enough procedure, but for things like that I wouldn't mind.

Maybe I should coordinate inserting an IUD with having my wisdom teeth out. General anesthesia all around.

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.

JustJess · 04-16-2008, 03:17 AM

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.

abiew · 04-17-2008, 07:59 AM

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.

JustJess · 04-18-2008, 10:10 AM

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!

StellaLuna · 04-19-2008, 12:32 PM

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?

JustJess · 04-21-2008, 04:28 AM

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.

StellaLuna · 04-22-2008, 09:58 AM

*loves JustJess to tiny lil bits

Lindy · 04-22-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abiew

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...

. . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

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.

JustJess: abiew is in Britain. This is how government sponsored "health care" works. Broader but lower quality coverage. We may soon see it here. Uncle Sam has done such a good job

managing Social Security and Medicare that some of us want him to manage the general health care system.

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

Sage · 04-28-2008, 08:05 PM

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?

JustJess · 04-29-2008, 06:03 AM

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.

monkey baby · 05-05-2008, 08:53 PM

I had the Mirina IUD put in a couple years ago. It hurt so much.

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.

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!

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.

JustJess · 05-06-2008, 06:06 PM

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!

monkey baby · 05-09-2008, 09:25 PM

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.

StellaLuna · 05-10-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

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.

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?

JustJess · 05-10-2008, 04:23 PM

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:

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.

StellaLuna · 05-11-2008, 05:35 AM

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!

abiew · 09-15-2008, 12:14 PM

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...

nooly · 11-17-2008, 03:59 PM

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...

JustJess · 11-17-2008, 05:10 PM

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.

nooly · 11-18-2008, 05:13 AM

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.

snowy · 11-18-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nooly

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.

I don't see how a copper IUD would cause emotional problems; it gives off no hormones, unlike traditional birth control pills. In fact, I believe most of the ladies here chose the copper IUD because they felt that traditional BC was messing with their systems too much.

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.

nooly · 11-18-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesnowyowl

I don't see how a copper IUD would cause emotional problems; it gives off no hormones, unlike traditional birth control pills. In fact, I believe most of the ladies here chose the copper IUD because they felt that traditional BC was messing with their systems too much..

what seems to happen with the copper IUD is that it doesn't directly release hormones, but the stress it causes to your system (by being something that causes inflammation of the uterus) causes a reaction in your hormonal system which then has various knock-on effects, not unlike the mirena.
i better just repost what i read since i'm not medical-minded and can't explain it very well!

Quote:

The main problem for most women experiencing side effects of the copper IUD is that it causes inflammation. It is a foreign body in your uterus, that's part of why it works, but really your body doesn't want it there because it's interrupting your body's attempts to make you pregnant.
Inflammation is a natural and good process to a point, we'd die without it. But ongoing inflammation, as from the IUD, will cause chronic stress on your body. This leads to increased stress hormones in your body, particularly corticosterone.
Guess what chronic corticosterone does ladies...drumroll...suppresses your immune system, so you feel like crap and makes you gain weight in your torso. THat'd be the spare tire everyone refers to.
Foreign bodies cause immune responses including inflammation.
Uterine inflammation = increased bleeding and stress = increased stress hormones = depressed immune system, spare tire, and a whole host of other problems may be associated.
Keep researching, everyone should know everything they can about their bodies.
If you just got the IUD, unless it's unbearable, give it a few cycles. Most women normalize because the body kind of accepts the presence of it and stops fighting. Some people just keep fighting and it gets them in trouble. There are other things that may help, and I can repost them if requested.

anyway i'm just back from getting my IUD fitted and it was far less unpleasant than i expected. it was more like discomfort than pain - i think i am pretty lucky, whatever way i'm set up that it didn't hurt much. or maybe i was expecting it to be so bad after reading scare stories that i was waiting for the real badness to start and didn't notice that it was actually being done! i'm relieved anyway, i was a bit nervous about the whole thing.

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.

nooly · 11-18-2008, 04:45 PM

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.

ally_cat · 11-22-2008, 05:59 AM

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.

kayess · 11-23-2008, 08:28 PM

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.

nooly · 11-28-2008, 01:25 PM

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!

mixedsubstance · 12-18-2008, 07:43 PM

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.

01-28-2008, 03:59 AM	#162 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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! __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

02-14-2008, 04:41 PM	#163 (permalink)
Angelope Upright	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.

04-11-2008, 12:58 AM	#166 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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!

04-11-2008, 04:02 AM	#167 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

04-12-2008, 08:56 AM	#169 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

01-27-2008, 10:32 PM	#161 (permalink)
SecretoMortal Upright	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?

04-12-2008, 04:32 AM	#168 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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.

04-12-2008, 12:31 PM	#170 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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... 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!

04-14-2008, 01:25 PM	#171 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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!

04-14-2008, 03:55 PM	#172 (permalink)
StellaLuna Psycho Location: hiding behind wings	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. __________________ Screw tradition!

04-15-2008, 05:22 PM	#173 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

04-16-2008, 03:17 AM	#175 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

04-17-2008, 07:59 AM	#176 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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.

04-18-2008, 10:10 AM	#177 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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! __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

04-19-2008, 12:32 PM	#178 (permalink)
StellaLuna Psycho Location: hiding behind wings	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? __________________ Screw tradition!

04-21-2008, 04:28 AM	#179 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

04-22-2008, 09:58 AM	#180 (permalink)
StellaLuna Psycho Location: hiding behind wings	*loves JustJess to tiny lil bits __________________ Screw tradition!

04-28-2008, 08:05 PM	#182 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	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? __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

04-29-2008, 06:03 AM	#183 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

05-05-2008, 08:53 PM	#184 (permalink)
monkey baby Upright	I had the Mirina IUD put in a couple years ago. It hurt so much. 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. 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! 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. Last edited by monkey baby; 05-05-2008 at 09:04 PM..

05-06-2008, 06:06 PM	#185 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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! __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

05-09-2008, 09:25 PM	#186 (permalink)
monkey baby Upright	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.

05-10-2008, 04:23 PM	#188 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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: 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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

05-11-2008, 05:35 AM	#189 (permalink)
StellaLuna Psycho Location: hiding behind wings	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! __________________ Screw tradition!

09-15-2008, 12:14 PM	#190 (permalink)
abiew Upright	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...

11-17-2008, 03:59 PM	#191 (permalink)
nooly Upright Location: UK	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... Last edited by nooly; 11-17-2008 at 04:20 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

11-17-2008, 05:10 PM	#192 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	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. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

11-18-2008, 05:13 AM	#193 (permalink)
nooly Upright Location: UK	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.

11-18-2008, 04:45 PM	#196 (permalink)
nooly Upright Location: UK	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. Last edited by nooly; 11-18-2008 at 07:26 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

11-22-2008, 05:59 AM	#197 (permalink)
ally_cat Upright	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. Last edited by ally_cat; 11-22-2008 at 06:08 AM..

11-23-2008, 08:28 PM	#198 (permalink)
kayess Upright	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.

11-28-2008, 01:25 PM	#199 (permalink)
nooly Upright Location: UK	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!

12-18-2008, 07:43 PM	#200 (permalink)
mixedsubstance Crazy Location: Where the wild things are.	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. __________________ Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!? Without energy, there would be nothing.