I had the copper IUD, called Paragard. This one can stay in for up to 12 years. For me, it was fairly unpleasant- I had a constant and painful period, and I got PID with the insertion (maybe why it was so painful all the time). The insertion was fairly painful but taking it out hurt worse for me. HOWEVER! This is NOT a usual response. Getting an infection only happens in a small percentage, I was just one of the unlucky ones. I would definitely consider getting another IUD if I'm sexually active with men in the future. It did feel very empowering to know that I could have spontaneous intercourse any time I wanted and not rely on anybody else or my own memory. Plus, if you do keep it in long term, it is very financially worth it, especially compared to the pill.
I have had four friends with IUDs that report great success. Three friends have the Mirena and say that their periods are light/nonexistent with little/no pain. I have one friend with a Paragard who does have heavy periods, but not very painful and still finds it preferable to hormonal birth control or none at all.
I guess everybody has a different experience. I had a bad one, but I don't think that is very common. And, even though my experience was bad, I would absolutely do it again, because I think it was a fluke to get an infection.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 03:07 am (UTC)I have had four friends with IUDs that report great success. Three friends have the Mirena and say that their periods are light/nonexistent with little/no pain. I have one friend with a Paragard who does have heavy periods, but not very painful and still finds it preferable to hormonal birth control or none at all.
I guess everybody has a different experience. I had a bad one, but I don't think that is very common. And, even though my experience was bad, I would absolutely do it again, because I think it was a fluke to get an infection.