vaginapagina | IUD vs. The Pill (Reply)

I am new here *wave* and already have a question for you wonderful people.

I have been on the pill since I was a bout 17, and I am going to be 25 this September. I have never really thought about venturing away from the pill (though I did do a little stunt with the patch but that was quick). Recently I have been thinking about talking to my doctor about getting an IUD.

My problem is that I don’t know anyone that has one, or has had one, and was wondering if those who have or did have would mind sharing their stories with me, what sorts of side effects did you experience? Did it work well for you? Is it something that you plan on keeping even after you need to get a new one? Did it ever “slip out” (that’s my biggest worry)? How was the process of getting it inserted?

While I have been doing some research around the net, one thing that I don’t see listed as a side effect is weight gain. Is that a side effect that no one wants to talk about? Does this generally have more or less hormone in it then the pill?

I know these are all questions I could ask my doctor, but it will be a bit before I run out of my pill and wanted to learn a little before that time comes. Any help or advice would be great! Thanks!