WOMEN: anyone have any knowledge of

[floridafam]

I wish this thread would have been around months ago.

I never even thought of an IUD. I don't know why. It sounds like it would have been a good option for me. I like the thought of being able to have it taken out if you desire.

The slight chance that it decreases your period would have been nice.

I had an ablation (for very heavy bleeding every month) and the Essure procedure (permanent birth control devices placed in the tubes.) Neither seems to have worked real well-still get heavy periods and my tubes weren't closed at my 3 month follow up.

Anyway, I could kick myself for not thinking of an IUD. I guess it is under-utilized.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

Is it supposed to make you not have a period, or is that just the effect it has on some??

I had light cycle's for about a year, then it went down to a couple of days of spotting. So techically I still have the cycle, but VERY lightly.

At 26, I wouldn't do anything permanent. You never know if you'll want more.

 

[jodifla]

I agree....IUDs are terrific! And they do seem to be very underutilized in this country.

I have the Mirena, and couldn't be happier with it. I had a rough first month with cramping, but after that, it's been great.

 

[RachelEllen]

Is it supposed to make you not have a period, or is that just the effect it has on some??

That depends on which type you get. Some of us have been talking about the copper one; some the hormonal one.The copper one will sometimes increase the length/heaviness of your period (not neccesarily perminantly, as in my case). The hormones in the other type will counteract this effect, sometimes to the point of completely stopping periods altogether.

I was trying to get away from hormones, so I went with copper. It also lasts longer. But my doctor told me about 10% of his patients find the increased cramping/bleeding not tolerable with the copper one and asked to have it removed or changed.

I'm also guessing that the reason mine was so uncomfortable to insert was because I've never had kids. But that's only a guess. And it was over in about 2 minutes! (I remember saying, as I gripped the table, this is why I don't want a baby!)

 

[DizznyChick]

i got the IUD - and i love it- its fairly new, i got it in november so im waiting to see how it works out
right now i have cramps when i have my period-never did before and i also get spotting in between and my periods are very heavy
so im trying to be patient to try and let this work
i dont have too many choices-i was a heavy smoker up until last year when i quit and when i was on the pill i would wake up at night with a numb arm
so i stopped the pill
all other birth controls say no smoking so it was always very hard for me
but i; 'll try and stick with the IUD
but i seem to be getting my period alot-the dr said to call her if i get bleeding in between cycles, so thats my next step
but otherwise-its great
you dont even have to think about it-i love it
so i would say try it-and my insurance covered it

 

[jennyf917]

I'm 23 and don't plan on any more kids (I have one DS). I LOVE my IUD. I have had the Mirena for almost 4 years now and have had NO bad side effects except for a bit of cramping after insertion. I love that it is just as effective as getting my tubes tied but is reversible in case I change my mind someday (highly unlikely). My periods are now just 3 days of spotting and involve no cramps. The insertion was uncomfortable, mainly the part where they measure your uterus, but it was worth it and when it's time for me to have this one removed I'm replacing it with another one.

 

[mudnuri]

Here's a swing- might be graphic- so sorry in advance.

I had the Mirena IUD in January of 2005, slight discomfort? Who are you kidding. It is painful. Doesnt last long, but it is painful, then you cramp afterwards. I did take tylenol first.

About 3 weeks later, i had the heaviest bleeding I have ever had. I was under the impression, that I should have roughly the same side effects as I had on depo- (read- no periods)....Serious cramping, and heavy bleeding lasted about 10 days. I went back at the 30 day mark for my string check.

IUD was gone. I had rejected the IUD, and did not know it. Thats what the heavy bleeding and cramping was. Not a good thing!...

I now don't need any BC due to DBF's vascetomy, however the IUD was a good idea at the time, and I wish it had worked...

The makers of Mirena did refund my $$ because I was self-pay, which they normally do not do. They offered me another one 'free' but given that I had already rejected one, I didn't want to go through the pain of insertion, or the discomfort of rejection again.

The thought of the 5 year plan is a good one!......but like I said- not needed now

Brandy

 

[Melissa M]

What convinced me to get a Mirena IUD were the stats. The Mirena IUD is even more effective than a tubal!

 

[southernbella]

Hi, Add me to the I love it list. I've had the Mirena IUD for about 2 years. Sbella

 

[Poohbear123]

I had one in for about....20 years! Had no pain or discomfort, and it worked, as I still only have 2 adult children. However, it was a "lippes Loop" and was suppose to be taken out after 6 years, but I kept mine in and when I had my hysterectomy 2 years ago, it was taken out than.

 

[pigget74]

I am so glad that I found this thread. I have three kids 11, 8 , and 6 mths. THe youngest is our little blessing. I tried the patch about 2 years ago and did well with it--then about 6 mths into it my skin began burning--I was allergic to the adhesive so I went back on the pill. Got sick and had and antibiotic shot and now we have number three. I have had migraines since I was 8 years old (now 28) and since little man was born my headaches have been out of control. My gyno put me on blood pressure medicine and imitrex shots. Instead of having about 3 major headaches a week I am down to about 3 a month--with little headaches in between--about 3-4 a week. These are those dull ones that you can;t get rid of for days. Anyway, my doc now wants me to consider an IUD because he thinks they may be hormonal--even though they are not triggered by my period. I go back early May and we are going to discuss it more. So I am glad to see these responses.

 

[MamaLema]

I didn't listen to all the nay-sayers and went ahead and got it. Let me tell you I think IUD's are the best invention in a long time!!

My only negative experience is that I had a period for 5 MONTHS in a row in the beginning...yes, 20 weeks in a row My doctor told me to stick it out and I did. I love it now.

I think I'm in the minority though because the women I've talked to didn't have it nearly that long.

IUD's get a bad rap because they were different when they first came out and many women were turned off by them and don't want to give them a chance now.

 

[FreshTressa]

I had the regular IUD for 5 years...loved it....no pain upon insertion at all.

Now have the mirena, I think it is causing acne...but I have almost no period...so...almost worth it, lol.