IUD vs. The Pill

[foolonthehill.livejournal.com]

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!

Comments

[liquorlyles.livejournal.com]

I just got my IUD put in yesterday, I really recommend checking out the community iud_divas.

I haven't had problems with mine, although it was extremely (abnormally according to my doctor) hard to get it put in I love it now. I had severe cramping while getting it in and it took about an hour but after that my cramps felt like period cramps and they tapered off today. I haven't had problems with it falling out yet, or anything of the sort. There hasn't been any evidence supporting weight gain on the IUD either.

[neaira.livejournal.com]

As IUD's aren't hormonal, they wouldn't be linked to weight gain. Generally doctors don't like giving women who haven't been pregnant IUD's as there's a greater chance it will be expelled, and a greater chance that you won't have enough room in your uterus for it.

But it's worth a shot to ask!

[teddybear115.livejournal.com]

go to IUD_Divas for more info...they are great

[paperstar19.livejournal.com]

I was on HBC for a couple of years before I got my Mirena IUD inserted this January, and I couldn't be happier that I switched. Although I didn't have any big problems with side effects on the pill, the IUD has less (Mirena) or no (Paraguard) hormones, so the that is a concern for you, it will probable help you out. Also, it's way easier not taking a pill everyday and forgeting about BC for the next five years. Plus they are more effective than any other contraceptive, other than abstinence.

The only side effects that I've noticed we the complete disapperance of my periods (yay!), and a little bit of a moustache, but not enough for anyone to notice, except my sister and I (even my boyfriend, whom I live with, didn't notice). Paraguard can make your periods heavier and more painful, but many women feel like it's a small price to pay for getting the artificial hormones out of your body. There is also some post insertion cramping and spotting that I was suprised to find out lasted almost an entire month, but the ease of my Mirena has already more than made up for it.

If you are young, nulliparous (you haven't given birth), unmarried, and you live in the United States, it is in fact true that you might have some difficulty finding a doctor to do the insertion for you. There are some concerns that your uterus and cervix are too small or that if you're not married/in a long term monogamous relationship (which for some doctors is one in the same) the possible increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease when you aquire an STI. I am only 20 and it took me about six months of persistence to get mine, but it was well worth it. If your doctor is not being helpful, by all means go elsewhere.

As everyone else has said, iud_divas is a great resource. If you are seriously considering an IUD, they can arm you with information for your doctor and prepare you for the insertion. Good luck!