what to expect from iud

[pandemon-ium.livejournal.com]

hey friends!

so, i'm currently on hbc (it's called marvelon here in canada, but i'm not sure what it might be called elsewhere). but i just moved across the country and have gotten myself a new gp and instead of asking for a new prescription of the same, i asked for an iud. there are a few reasons for this:

• my cramps have been rather bad (at least, in relation to my own cramps from before) and the idea of fewer periods seems amazing


• i know i'm not getting maximum effectiveness out of my pill because i don't always take it at the same time every day (not that it necessarily matters as i'm not currently sexually active)


• the idea of something that i don't have to deal with every day/every time i need a refill is very appealing

anyway. why i'm getting the iud is not that important. i'm here to ask about people's experiences with getting the mirena placed.

now, i've done my research. i know that taking ibuprofen beforehand is a very good idea; i know that they'll measure then dilate my cervix, then place, and that i should spot after.

i guess i really have two questions:

1. i will be on my period when i go in for the placement. i have a friend who was told it was actually better to be on her period when getting placed (because her cervix would already be partially dilated). my obgyn did not seem concerned either way. i assume it's a doctor-by-doctor thing? or should i just back my pills through that week/until the day i get the iud and skip the period?


2. my obgyn gave me a prescription along with the actual iud prescription to get something (a pill) that will dilate my cervix. i was told to take it the night before (orally if i'm on my period; if i'm not i should insert it directly into my vagina). is it normal to be asked to take something like this before my iud insertion?

thanks for any help!!