Question

[ladyariadna.livejournal.com]

Crossposted to birthcontrol

I'm getting a copper IUD tomorrow. Does anyone have personal experiences/insight they'd like to share?

Comments

[kyriedj.livejournal.com]

I've had a copper IUD since 1996 and I love it. It was covered by Medicaid at the time and it's nice, worry-free birth control. My ob-gyn inserted it before I had my first period after my son's birth and there was never even any discussion of waiting. When my doc had me up in the stirrups, he showed me the IUD and I said "cool." After he had inserted the speculum, I didn't feel anything else. He said that there might be a little cramping or discomfort, but there wasn't. When I asked him if he was about to insert it, he replied "it's already in."
Ok, maybe he was just incredibly gentle or I was extremely relaxed- I don't know. It's not like I have any lack of sensitivity. Every month, I check the string immediately after my period, just to make sure that it's still there. My doc informed me that the major side effects were lower back pain and heavier periods. I already had major lower back pain, but I didn't notice an increase. The only change I saw was in the heaviness of my periods. Before the IUD, I bled like a stuck pig. Now I bleed like I severed an artery- but it's ok. I deal. It's a fair trade off. Also, I have used tampons ever period that I've had my IUD without any problems.

tips

[trillianxxxx.livejournal.com]

I've had one for nearly 2 years, and without having had any children (yes, there are doctors out there who think its fine to have an IUD if you haven't had any children!).

The actual insertion was pretty painless, just a crampy feeling. I drank lots of camomile tea beforehand to help relax me, and I think it worked well.

I had very bad cramps for two days afterwards though and had to take a lot of painkillers. As well as having more painful heavier periods I had odd pains mid-cycle too, but all this settled down after a few months. I still think it is very much worth it though, now my periods are hardly any different to how they were before the IUD (maybe a bit heavier, but I use a keeper so I can live with that).

Some things I found helpful:
Taking vitamin E and Evening Primrose oil daily - helps reduce cramps and heaviness of bleeding.
Camomile tea - also helps reduce cramps.

Oh yeah, and don't forget to get a follow up appointment so they can trim the threads if they are too long (my partner could feel the threads at first, so I had my doc cut them shorter).

Re: tips

[2allavail.livejournal.com]

what is a keeper?

Re: tips

[trillianxxxx.livejournal.com]

it's one of those life changing, wonderful menstrual products! A re-useable flexible rubber cup that holds more than a pad or a tampon IMO, its also very clean and comfortable to use.

go to http://www.keeper.com for details

[pfc-rat.livejournal.com]

My Mom had one for a while. She had previously had problems with cramping and a lot of bleeding, so the IUD made it worse to the extent that she had to have it removed. Not trying to talk you out of it, but if you're a heavy bleeder or prone to bad cramps, just be careful!