Explanation of the 3x3x3 Method

[spellfae.livejournal.com]

Hello there.

This was crossposted at IUD Divas. I am NP, 24, and I have had my Paragard IUD for about 3 months now. I am dating and I'd like to get freaky soon without all the bleeding and stuff. As such, I tried the 3x3x3 method, as I understood it, this past Monday. My bleeding was MUCH less than I ever imagined that day, and I was pretty happy. but now it's Wednesday and I'm bleeding pretty badly. Even though I'm still using the method. Was I just spotting on Monday? Should I take more ibuprofen? Like, I'm seriously confused.

So! I think it would be helpful for noobs like myself and others if those in the community could answer the following and make this thread a FAQ page or something.

What are NSAIDs?
What is the 3x3x3 method?
How much does this method decrease cramps, bleeding, etc?
Can this method shorten my period, or does it just decrease symptoms?
How many NSAIDs should I take in a day?
Which is better for longer term/short term use? Advil or Aleve?
Which does a better job of reducing bleeding/cramps? Advil or Aleve?
Any alternative medications I can/should consider?
Side effects of 3x3x3 method, if any?
Any herbal alternatives?

Comments

[dkwgdk.livejournal.com]

Okay, so the 3x3x3 thing doesn't work for me, because my body is all "I will bleed when I damn well please," but here is my understanding/experience. It's _only_ my experience, though.

What are NSAIDs?
*Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. They include Aleve, Advil, aspirin, and the generic forms of these meds.

What is the 3x3x3 method?
*3 ibuprofen/advil tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days.

How much does this method decrease cramps, bleeding, etc?
*For some people it decreases cramps and lightens bleeding. Doesn't do it for me. It can also stop spotting for some folks.

Can this method shorten my period, or does it just decrease symptoms?
*Not sure

How many NSAIDs should I take in a day?
*Drugs.com suggests that 3200mg of ibuprofen is the largest amount you should take in a day. They suggest only 1000mg of naproxen (Aleve). You should NOT take both at the same time. Both drugs tax your liver, especially at high doses, and can upset your stomach.

*Which is better for longer term/short term use? Advil or Aleve?
I can't take the 3x3 dose for more than a couple of days without giving myself stomach pain.

*Which does a better job of reducing bleeding/cramps? Advil or Aleve?
Aleve (naproxen) is the only OTC pain reliever that worked for my cramps.

Any alternative medications I can/should consider?
*You probably shouldn't take aspirin for period pain because it thins blood and could make you bleed more. Some people find Tylenol works for them, others don't.

Side effects of 3x3x3 method, if any?
*Stomach pain

Any herbal alternatives?
*I learned about cramp bark on this comm and it is -fantastic-. I take cramp bark pills and they fixed my cramps without any of the stomach discomfort I got from Aleve and Advil.

[spellfae.livejournal.com]

why should we only do the 3x3x3 for 3 days? is this method for before or during the period? does that make a difference?

What if you have no cramps but are bleeding way heavier than you ever have in your whole life!!??? (like right now) I"m filling up overnight super plus pads and tampons in 3 hours.

[dkwgdk.livejournal.com]

Mostly I think people use it to stop bleeding that's lingering too long. However, if you're bleeding much more heavily than normal, even if you don't have cramps, you should see a doctor.

(When I was having periods without the Mirena, I had slightly more bleeding. It was not a sign of anything immediately wrong, but I ended up getting the IUD to help manage the inconvenience. If it's not normal for YOU, though, do please get in touch with a doc.)

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Vitamin E can help decrease bleeding and cramping too.