Iud Options

[melmak5]

I am 28 years old. I have been gluten free for 1.5 years (woo hooo) and am at the stage where I need to reconsider my birth control options.

1. I was previously on hormone therapy "the pill" because I did not get my period for over 6 months. I was doing fine on it, but did not have a sexual partner and decided to stop taking it after 1+ years.

2. Last year I was on the Nuva Ring - before they figured out I had Celiac Disease they thought I had ovarian cysts. This product was not the one for me. (My body kept pushing it out and it became very uncomfortable)

3. I am very comfortable using latex condoms. But as of late, my period has gone wack-a-do. 30-51 days between cycles causing some level of concern (I just became an aunt because of 1 "oops" and whenever I am late I start to have nightmares about being pregnant)

So.........

I had a nice sit down chat with my lady bits doctor and we discussed IUDs: Mirena (5 year, plastic, hormonal) and ParaGuard (10 year, copper, non-hormonal)

First off, she took some blood and is re-checking that my thyroid is a-ok.

We also discussed going back on the pill, but I expressed my concern for 2 reasons:

a) If I am glutened my body goes nut-so and I am concerned about absorption and efficacy (I know what the studies say about villi damage occurring only after prolonged exposure to gluten - but if I am dealing with 8-11 bathroom trips a day while glutened, I am pretty sure my body isn't absorbing all it should.)

I have also had 2 friends, non-smokers who suffered from blood clots, attributed to their long-term use of birth control pills.

I was pretty against the Mirena, for the hormone reason, but she informed me that its only Progesterone (not estrogen - the hormone linked with blood clots) and that its a very low dose.

So I am now rethinking my stance. That if my blood work comes back and my thyroid is fine and my body is either not ovulating regularly or just likes to make up its own schedule, that perhaps the Mirena might be a solid choice.

GOOD, BAD, UGLY EXPERIENCES WITH IUDS?

Please share!

[melmak5]

*That weird smiley was not intended. Oh sneaky key strokes... you foil me yet again!

[Rondar2001]

I have one (although the non-hormonal one) and have been very happy with it. The first couple of periods were pretty crampy, but after that not so bad. After years of taking the pill and deproprevera (sp?), I have been quite satisfied with it.

[lizard00]

I believe that Mirena is for use after you've a baby, not before. You need to recheck that with your doctor. I was considering it last year, but decided not to do, although I think it would have been my choice.

From their website:

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[Jestgar]

I used Mirena for about a year for period control. Loved it. It stopped 80% of my cramping.

[Jestgar]

I believe that Mirena is for use after you've a baby, not before.

This is the same statement made for all iuds

[melmak5]

The statement about IUDs being "good" or "appropriate" for women only after they have had at least one child has nothing to do with the product itself.

Some of the reasons include...

-Easier Insertion

since the IUD is inserted through the cervix, it is easier to insert an IUD in a woman who has already given birth, since the cervix has already opened

(there are tablet suppositories as well as on-site injections that can make insertion easier - having a baby is not a prerequisite)

-Possible increased risk of STD/STI

The idea is that since the IUD sits both in the vagina and in the uterus, there is an increased risk of certain STD/STIs and thought that women in "stable, committed, monogamous, heterosexual relationships are at a lower risk - since hypothetically the woman and her partner are sexually monogamous.

(I think its important to be aware of this risk, but not ok to deny a woman the right to access a form of contraception because of some mythical ideal that persons with a kid and who are in monogamous relationships remain so.)

-Possible damage and/or scarring

If an IUD is place incorrectly there is the possibility for scarring or an infection to occur.

I think it is really really important to speak with someone who is very familiar with insertion (both plastic and copper) so that s/he knows what s/he is doing.

I think informed consent is very important and denying people access to birth control stinks.

[Mother of Jibril]

I was pretty against the Mirena, for the hormone reason, but she informed me that its only Progesterone (not estrogen - the hormone linked with blood clots) and that its a very low dose.

I'm using the Mirena (after giving birth twice). I was nervous about any kind of hormonal birth control because there's a history of breast cancer in my dad's family. My understanding is that the Mirena gives you a very small dose of progesterone and it's concentrated in your uterus... unlike BC pills, which affect hormones levels throughout your body. Insertion was a piece of cake. I had some problems with abdominal cramps (ugh), but that was before I knew about celiac disease! I wrongly assumed the IUD was the problem.

I have read a few stories about young women having problems with the IUD getting embedded in their uterus... otherwise, I agree with what you said about the politics of birth control.

[lizard00]

This is the same statement made for all iuds

Gotcha

The first time I ever looked in IUC/IUD was last year when my son was almost 3 and I didn't want to be on the pill because of the hormones. I read about it, but would have no reason to know otherwise.

I'll put that in the "file".

[I hate gluten]

I love my IUD. I could never take birth control in the past due to major migraines no matter how low the dose, but my IUD has been great. All politics aside, it is your decision and good luck.

[Bell]

It's not necessarily true that IUDs are only for those who have given birth. I chose to have the paraguard even though I've no children. It wasn't PARTICULARLY uncomfortable to have put in - though obviously not much fun either. However I did then get Bacterial Vaginosis, which i think happens fairly commonly after the procedure.

My periods have always been irregular, but after the iud they got less, and seemed to have completely stopped now. I had to have the iud checked a few months ago and the pain was Absolutely Flipping Excrutiating. I don't know whether my insides are seizing up because of lack of menstruation or what, but I would advise you to look very carefully into your choice - it's not always easy to know how your body will react.

[Jestgar]

I would also ask your doctor what drugs she plans to use to insert it. Mine, in her words, "numbed the heck out of my cervix". Made it a pretty unmemorable event. I had read other's experiences where they were told to take 4 advil before coming in. This also might be sufficient, so think about what your feelings are towards drugs, and ask.

[HiDee]

I chose the paraguard because I didn't want the hormones but I've never had irregular cycles so you may need the hormones to help regulate that. I like the paraguard because my husband and I don't like condoms and as soon as I had it removed I got pregnant, no waiting for your body to adjust like sometimes with the pill. It does create a little extra mucousy discharge but nothing a new pantyliner everyday can't handle.

[munkee41182]

I haven't had children or been pregnant and I have the Mirena...I love it! My periods are regular (although longer than when I was on BC....they're about every 35 days now instead of every 25).....and my periods are barely anything. Wear a liner for 2 days and you're as good as new! I will say, the first period I had after I had it inserted I thought I was pregnant. My body was gettnig use to not being on all the hormones and my breasts became really swollen (like 1 cup extra swollen).

[melmak5]

I am going with the Mirena and have an appt. this afternoon.

I am a little nervous (I often get panic attacks in doctor's offices) but I think I will be ok.

I was prescribed a suppository to soften my cervix, which I took last night.

I have advil in my system (cramps were so bad they woke me up a few times last night with bad pain) and a meal prepared for when I get home and snacks at the ready. Someone mentioned a heating pad would be a really welcomed addition to some sofa time, so I am going to pick one of those up before I had over.

I am really excited about the idea of a somewhat more regular period and making my womb an inhospitable place!

[melmak5]

I did it!

It was more painful than I expected and I did get a little dizzy, but I am feeling fine now.

I am pretty excited for the cramping to subside and to see how I feel.

[Jestgar]

Glad you made it through. Did they tell you that it could be three months or so before your body completely settles in?

[emcmaster]

I have the Mirena.

I would say I'm really happy with it because it is painless, has given me zero periods since insertion, is affordable, and is worry-free.

But I developed bad cystic acne from it and am annoyed enough that I will most likely not be getting another put in when it is time to take this one out (in 3 years).

Instead, my husband will be getting snipped.

[melmak5]

Jestar - no, that was not something that was explained, but I have a follow-up apt. in a month to check on it and me.

My body has been completely wacky lately in terms of my period, so while this isn't going to regulate it, I am excited about not worrying every month about being late.

emcmaster - I am sorry to hear about your acne, is there a correlation with your IUD?

Overall, I am pretty happy with this decision, even though I am experiencing some strong cramping still today, its tolerable.

The insertion process was more painful than I expected and I nearly passed out at one point. (got dizzy, sweaty and cold feeling) In the middle of it I said: "What ever you are doing, could you please stop it right now" through gritted teeth." She explained that she could not stop, that she was in the middle of inserting it and that it was almost done. I grabbed onto the side of the table and tried my best to breath. It was only a few seconds of really sharp pain, followed with cramping that began to ease up.

She informed me that the insertion was easy.

I glared at her for a second and she calmly replied: "It was easy in the sense that it went in quickly and there was no problem."

My RNP was fantastic and talked me through it and explained that the cramping and pain/pressure around the cervix was "sort of like what a labor pain is like" and I looked at her and said:

"Oh hell no! I don't know how anyone ever has babies. They are so scary and expensive and they are going to hurt at least that much. No, no."

She laughed a bit and said "everyone has their time. Its different for different people."

I said, "Yeah well, I guess the are cute for a reason. Or else people would never have them!"

[munkee41182]

I developed more acne after I went off the pill and had an IUD put in - I'm chalking it up to decrease in hormones that was helping with the acne. I feel like i'm 14 again!

I also felt dizzy after, the doc said that I didn't need a ride home, I'm glas my H was with me when i had it in. I went upstairs, took 4 advil (per doc order) and crashed into bed for about 2 hours, got up, ate and my head felt a whole lot better!

[melmak5]

I had a similar problem with acne post-going off the pill.

(I was put on it when I was 20 because I went 6 months without a period and everything else "checked out ok" and so the solution was hormones)

I stopped taking it a few years later and got recurring pimples on my face and butt (ahhh, sharing is caring).

It took about 6 months for it to stop happening. I still get a few zits around my chin about a week before I get my period, but its a lot better now.

Hormones are crazy and amazing things.

[Jestgar]

The insertion process was more painful than I expected and I nearly passed out at one point. (got dizzy, sweaty and cold feeling) In the middle of it I said: "What ever you are doing, could you please stop it right now" through gritted teeth." She explained that she could not stop, that she was in the middle of inserting it and that it was almost done. I grabbed onto the side of the table and tried my best to breath. It was only a few seconds of really sharp pain, followed with cramping that began to ease up.

When I had mine done I asked if it would hurt. She said "no, because I'm gonna numb the heck out of cervix" She did, and it was great.

[melmak5]

Yeah, that is my only regret - not asking for the numbing agent!

I was not feeling great this morning, but I am fine now.

I am actually pretty excited!

[3groovygirls]

Oh geez, you already got it. I'm not even sure I should share my experience. I HATE IUD's and will NEVER EVER get one again.

Let me just say, be very, very aware of your body when you use it. If you ever get ONE even slightly positive pregnancy test with it get it out.

I had an IUD and I was a few days late once, I took a HPT, it was very lightly positive, so light I thought it was a false positive. Before I could get another I'd get my periosd. I mentioned it to my OB she did an ultrasound to make sure it was in correctly. She said it was just a fluke.

No. It wasn't.

About a year later I got pregnant with my IUD in. It was HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE! They couldn't remove the IUD b/c when my body relized it was pg the string got sucked up into my uterus. let me tell you how much that hurts having them look for it. Then I had to have ultrasounds every week to check the pregnancy b/c the rate of miscarriage is VERY high when you have an IUD in. It's a 50/50 shot the ENTIRE pregnancy. Talk about stressful.

Finally I got to 8 weeks, a heartbeat everything looks good the IUD had moved away from the baby we thought we were good. 11 weeks I find out the IUD had done in the baby and I'd miscarried. Of course just once I got comfortable and used to being pregnant. So then I had a D&C to get it removed.

Of course miscarriages happen to "everyone" and in the big scheme of things it isn't that bad.. BUT I can't imagine if I had lost the baby at 16 or 20 weeks. 11 weeks was bad enough. It just caused such a tear in my uterus. The horrid thing is, everyone assumed I was HAPPY I miscarried b/c of course I had an IUD b/c I didn't want to get pregnant. Um, yeah, but it's a bit different than that, you get used to it, start to get excited and by 11 weeks think you're ok, etc.

Anyway, I know youhave it in, I'd just say be very aware of what's going on. Apparently I'm a statistical freak!!!

Linda

[emcmaster]

3groovygirls, sorry to hear about your experience. What a nightmare! What brand of IUD did you have?

I rescind my earlier statement about not having another Mirena put back in. I think the acne (which has been more under-control lately) is worth not having a period.