IUD and Instead

[fairis.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking about getting an IUD like the copper T, but I love my Instead softcups. I've heard that IUDs have strings that come out of the cervix that you have to check. Can these get pulled by menstrual cups? Does anyone know if it's ok to have an IUD and continue to use mentrual cups like the Instead soft cup? Thanks!

Comments

[dkwgdk.livejournal.com]

I have the Mirena IUD and I used to use the DivaCup. The Instead fits right up against your cervix but the Divas sit slightly lower. It's true that menstrual cups can sometimes cause IUDs to dislodge -- you have to be really careful to break the seal created by something like the Diva Cup before you remove it, and you want to be sure you're not accidentally grabbing your strings when you remove it.

I seem to remember reading that because they sit higher up, Insteads are really not a good idea with IUDs. However, many folks continue using their Diva Cups with their IUDs. (I'm basing this on info from over at IUD Divas, if you want to check that out, too!) I expelled my first IUD a few days after it was put in, but I wasn't using a cup during the expulsion. The little bugger just popped out. Because of this experience, I'm not using a DivaCup now. However, the Mirena has really reduced my bleeding so I can get by with tampons.

[fairis.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info. I have tried several brands of bell-shaped cups, but they really don't work for me. :( Instead is the only one I will use. Maybe IUDs are not for me. I would like to know if anyone has been able to use both succesfully though.

[eatswithfork.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure Insteads even have a warning in/on the package that you can't use them
with IUDs :/

[eatswithfork.livejournal.com]

PS from what I understand, bell shaped cups are okay with IUDs if you release suction before removing it but Insteads and diaphragms aren't because they slide against your cervix to insert and remove, possibly tugging strings with it.

[kaberett.livejournal.com]

iud_divas have an IUDs and menstrual cups (http://iud-divas.livejournal.com/tag/iuds%20and%20menstrual%20cups) tag that might be a useful resource for you in addition to the answers you get here :-)

The summary seems to be that after the first few weeks with an IUD there is no particular risk involved in using a cup. Certainly I used a cup (Mooncup UK) while I had an IUS (Mirena) without problems; I did take extra care to always break the seal thoroughly before removing the cup, and I did check my strings regularly, but that was all. Anecdotal evidence seems to be strongly in favour of "it's fine".

[kaberett.livejournal.com]

(And for what it's worth, I have to physically place my Mooncup over my cervix, otherwise it will slide up one side and end up with the blood going everywhere BUT inside it.)

[dkwgdk.livejournal.com]

The Mooncup looks identical to the DivaCup, must be the UK version. I wish I could get over my string phobia...I miss the DivaCup! [Honestly if I hadn't expelled the first one I'd probably be way more chill about it.]

[songspell.livejournal.com]

I have a copper IUD and use a Diva Cup and have not had any problems with it. I have tried Instead cups (they don't fit me very well and leaked... a lot) but I also had no IUD-related issues with them.

[kuradi8.livejournal.com]

I have had a long series of IUDs over the years and have been using menstrual cup (including Insteads occasionally) for the past 3. Personally, I think you're either prone to expulsion or not. I think the number for whom cup use (of any kind) is the final straw is very small.

When it comes to cups, some say you can use them with an IUD, others say you can't, others say to ask your doctor. I think that's their legal departments talking, not their medical advisors.

Some doctors say not to use internal products for the first cycle after you have a coil inserted. Afterward, use your best judgement.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

I've both had IUDs and used Insteads, though not at the same time. For me, I know there was no way for me to remove an Instead without the back of the rim scraping along my cervix. That did end up being very close to where my IUD strings ended up hanging. I can't say for sure, since I didn't use them both together, but the possibility concerned me enough that I didn't use Insteads for the duration of my IUD-having-life.

[razrbladplygrnd.livejournal.com]

Ask your gyno if they can cut the string shorter, and if that makes any difference. :)

IUD

[rikstar.livejournal.com]

I've never used a cup myself but I can tell you that a month or so after getting my copper 7 IUD, the sting was safely secured (wrapped around the cervics) and my gyno had explained to me that the more sexually active I was the less noticable to string would be. I would assume that it wouldn't get caught on anything considering that it's really more like fishing line than string. The IUD is amazing and works great! the copper 7 is by far the best birth control I've found because it doesn't have all those nasty synthetic hormones! so I hope you get one!! really you should ask your gyno about the cup issue while relating to the IUD. Good luck! :)