UK Chick
11-29-2005, 07:06 AM
Hello!
I have have tried condoms, pills, patches (hate them all) so I am finally taking the plunge and going to get the coil!
So scared (it looks extremerly painful) I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me please?
1) Is it really painful
2) How long approx does it take?
3) Are you protected straight away?
4) The strings. Can your partners fingers or a tampon pull it out? Ouch!
5) And would anyone recommend it as a good contraceptive?
Oh and also are there any side effects?
Thank you so much in advance
Hannah :)
I have have tried condoms, pills, patches (hate them all) so I am finally taking the plunge and going to get the coil!
So scared (it looks extremerly painful) I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me please?
1) Is it really painful
2) How long approx does it take?
3) Are you protected straight away?
4) The strings. Can your partners fingers or a tampon pull it out? Ouch!
5) And would anyone recommend it as a good contraceptive?
Oh and also are there any side effects?
Thank you so much in advance
Hannah :)
Sponsor
ncgal
11-29-2005, 02:04 PM
{Removed} Read posting rules. No websites and the boards are for PEER support.~Modinatrix21
Elaren
11-30-2005, 06:54 PM
Hi,
Deffinitely recommended, I'm surprised they're still so unpopular. {removed}
I've got the copper CuT380A (Paragard) IUD as I really didn't want to take hormones. I't been 3 months now and I'm VERY happy with it. Before insertion the doctor gave me local anesthetic for the cervix, so it didn't really hurt. But after that the first 3 weeks were almost constant cramping and spotting and I started regretting getting the IUD. My first and second cycles were only 21 and 20 days, though I've always had regular 28 day cycles (without any hormonal BC). And they were pretty heavy, but contrary to expectations no more crampy than usual, which in my case is light cramping on a first day. No more cramping or spotting between periods. So, this was the end of side effects. I have no more cramps, spotting, my periods come on time and are almost normal in volume and length.
(My third period was lighter and I noticed that the bleeding pattern has changed from being heaviest on the first day to moderate-heavy-light and over in 3 days, and I like it more this way: not to have the heavy flow from day 1.)
Strings: The important thing is that you don't get them cut too short after insertion, in such a case they will stick out of the cervix as bristle and the partner can feel them during intercourse. It's better to leave them longer (always possible to trim if too long). Mine are tucked up so my partner doesn't feel them (he didn't even know I got an IUD until I told him 2 months later) and don't run the risk of sticking to tampons etc. I just need check them by locating the opening of my cervix, which isn't difficult. And using tampons is OK, though I was told to avoid the long-type with applicator and don't leave them in for too long until blood coagulates.
Read posting rules. NO websites.~Modinatrix21
Deffinitely recommended, I'm surprised they're still so unpopular. {removed}
I've got the copper CuT380A (Paragard) IUD as I really didn't want to take hormones. I't been 3 months now and I'm VERY happy with it. Before insertion the doctor gave me local anesthetic for the cervix, so it didn't really hurt. But after that the first 3 weeks were almost constant cramping and spotting and I started regretting getting the IUD. My first and second cycles were only 21 and 20 days, though I've always had regular 28 day cycles (without any hormonal BC). And they were pretty heavy, but contrary to expectations no more crampy than usual, which in my case is light cramping on a first day. No more cramping or spotting between periods. So, this was the end of side effects. I have no more cramps, spotting, my periods come on time and are almost normal in volume and length.
(My third period was lighter and I noticed that the bleeding pattern has changed from being heaviest on the first day to moderate-heavy-light and over in 3 days, and I like it more this way: not to have the heavy flow from day 1.)
Strings: The important thing is that you don't get them cut too short after insertion, in such a case they will stick out of the cervix as bristle and the partner can feel them during intercourse. It's better to leave them longer (always possible to trim if too long). Mine are tucked up so my partner doesn't feel them (he didn't even know I got an IUD until I told him 2 months later) and don't run the risk of sticking to tampons etc. I just need check them by locating the opening of my cervix, which isn't difficult. And using tampons is OK, though I was told to avoid the long-type with applicator and don't leave them in for too long until blood coagulates.
Read posting rules. NO websites.~Modinatrix21
mandeline04
11-30-2005, 11:38 PM
I also have the paraguard iud - i have had it in for about 7 months now. I used ortho evra patches for almost 2 years before deciding to get the iud. {removed} I decided to get my iud because i had been experiencing breakthrough bleeding for several months on the patches.
Overall the insertion of the iud wasn't too bad....I've had a child though and several of the doctors will not put an iud in unless you've had a child. The worst part about it is they pull your cervix back with a tenaculum and it's somewhat painful but only for a couple seconds. Just about as you feel the pain it's over with, and thats it. You should probably expect to have some bleeding and spotting for days or even weeks after the insertion. I never had heavy periods then after getting my iud i've had very heavy periods with horrible cramping and big blood clots since then. I often get very sharp "pinching" type pains inside of me and cramp and have lower back pain throughout the whole month when i'm not even bleeding. I've actually been considering having my taken out due to all the problems i've been having but haven't had the courage to actually do it! haha! I do'nt mean to be so discouraging at all - I have several co-workers that have iuds and absolutely love them and have no problems at all. Some people's bodies however, just react differently and I'm guessing I'm one of those unfortunate ones. My boyfriend cannot feel the iud unless in certain positions during intercourse and it doesn't bother him. I really hate that i've had all these problems because i love everything about it except for the problems i'm having and the bad just outweighs the good. Good luck tho!
Overall the insertion of the iud wasn't too bad....I've had a child though and several of the doctors will not put an iud in unless you've had a child. The worst part about it is they pull your cervix back with a tenaculum and it's somewhat painful but only for a couple seconds. Just about as you feel the pain it's over with, and thats it. You should probably expect to have some bleeding and spotting for days or even weeks after the insertion. I never had heavy periods then after getting my iud i've had very heavy periods with horrible cramping and big blood clots since then. I often get very sharp "pinching" type pains inside of me and cramp and have lower back pain throughout the whole month when i'm not even bleeding. I've actually been considering having my taken out due to all the problems i've been having but haven't had the courage to actually do it! haha! I do'nt mean to be so discouraging at all - I have several co-workers that have iuds and absolutely love them and have no problems at all. Some people's bodies however, just react differently and I'm guessing I'm one of those unfortunate ones. My boyfriend cannot feel the iud unless in certain positions during intercourse and it doesn't bother him. I really hate that i've had all these problems because i love everything about it except for the problems i'm having and the bad just outweighs the good. Good luck tho!
sk27
12-05-2005, 01:47 PM
Good luck ukchick and let us know how you go. I have been online for ever trying to find out when the nuvaring will be available in the uk. I am using the patch and I hate it! I had it on my back and its gone all red and sore. So my advice for you is keep an eye out for the ring and ask your doctor for info when it will be available.
galinaqt
12-05-2005, 02:46 PM
I was on IUD and have 2 weeks menstrual periods worse 5 days normally and they were very heavy with blood clots and cramps. It is very unpleasant procedure to put it in and take it out. After I took it out I could not get pregnant until I got professional help, even though me and my spouse don't have any problems. I don't know if it was the couse or not. I love patch but I've heard warning that they are dangerous and switching to something else now. Stirngs should not be an issue, but I use pads not tampons anyway.
Anon1
12-10-2005, 11:19 AM
I have had the Mirena IUD (one with hormones) for about 4-5 months now. So I'll give you my experiences.
1. I would not say it was really painful. I was really worried about that before I had it done and while it was not pleasant, it was not unbearable. I had about 12 hours of pretty intense cramping and had to take ibuprofen.
2. It only took a couple of minutes from start to finish to get it inserted.
3. My doctor told me to use other protection for 1 week. I've read others who said they were told they were protected right away. Either way, it is not very long.
4. My strings are cut pretty long. They usually curl back behind the cervix and *I* even have a hard time reaching them. I don't think a tampon or fingers could accidentally pull it out. Most doctors tell you not to use tampons on your first period.
5. Oh, I would definately recommend it. I love not having to take the pill. I also love not having the mood swings and hormonal side effects I had with the pill.
I spotted for about a week after I had the IUD inserted. Not much fun but then it was over!
My first period on the IUD was pretty bad. Lots of cramping and lots of bleeding. And it lasted about 10 days :eek: But since then they have decreased dramatically. Now I pretty much just have a few cramps and a day or two of spotting. I am hoping that they stop altogether!
Hope that helps answer your questions a little.
1. I would not say it was really painful. I was really worried about that before I had it done and while it was not pleasant, it was not unbearable. I had about 12 hours of pretty intense cramping and had to take ibuprofen.
2. It only took a couple of minutes from start to finish to get it inserted.
3. My doctor told me to use other protection for 1 week. I've read others who said they were told they were protected right away. Either way, it is not very long.
4. My strings are cut pretty long. They usually curl back behind the cervix and *I* even have a hard time reaching them. I don't think a tampon or fingers could accidentally pull it out. Most doctors tell you not to use tampons on your first period.
5. Oh, I would definately recommend it. I love not having to take the pill. I also love not having the mood swings and hormonal side effects I had with the pill.
I spotted for about a week after I had the IUD inserted. Not much fun but then it was over!
My first period on the IUD was pretty bad. Lots of cramping and lots of bleeding. And it lasted about 10 days :eek: But since then they have decreased dramatically. Now I pretty much just have a few cramps and a day or two of spotting. I am hoping that they stop altogether!
Hope that helps answer your questions a little.
UK Chick
12-10-2005, 03:15 PM
Hello Everyone
Thank you so much for all your posts. I couldnt get an appointment until January, but I am still umming and arring (not sure how you spell that!!!!). I am not liking the sounds of all the cramping though!
What is the ring? I have not heard of that one before but it sounds rather intersting! There should be more choices of contraception that does not involve hormones!
The IUD that has the hormones in, does that not give you mood swings and stuff? I thought it would due to it containing hormones!
I am so confused, I dont know what to do!!!!
Thanks again for all the responses!
Hannah :)
Thank you so much for all your posts. I couldnt get an appointment until January, but I am still umming and arring (not sure how you spell that!!!!). I am not liking the sounds of all the cramping though!
What is the ring? I have not heard of that one before but it sounds rather intersting! There should be more choices of contraception that does not involve hormones!
The IUD that has the hormones in, does that not give you mood swings and stuff? I thought it would due to it containing hormones!
I am so confused, I dont know what to do!!!!
Thanks again for all the responses!
Hannah :)
caliente
12-10-2005, 03:58 PM
i have had my Mirena IUD for six months now. it has hormones, but has not made me moody at all like the birth control pill did.
1. for me, insertion was extremely painful, but dont go by my experience. i have a VERY difficult cervix that would not open. my body is definitely not normal lol! my difficult cervix is also the reason why i had to have a c-section when i had my daughter, even after having been induced for a week.
2. my doctor told me that a normal insertion takes about 5-10 minutes, which is what she scheduled me for. instead, my insertion took about an hour and a half because she couldnt get the IUD past the cervix and wouldnt give up until she got it in. but she told me that she's done hundreds of insertions and i was the only one that took longer than normal.
3. my doctor told me i was protected immediately, but to wait a few days to make sure the IUD got settled in.
4. my strings are cut longer, but they softened, curled up, and tucked themselves behind the cervix. i have a very hard time finding them. when my partner didnt believe that i had gotten an IUD, i made him feel the strings and he had a hard time finding them too. i was amazed because he is in the medical field and has done many pap smears, so he's very familiar with the cervix. i have been wearing tampons with no problems whatsoever.
5. i absolutely LOVE it. even with the pain i had during insertion, it feel that it was well worth it. as soon as i have to have it taken out (after 5 years) i will have another put in.
after my insertion, i had very mild cramping for a day, and no spotting. my first few periods were lighter and shorter than normal with no cramping, but i would spot for a few weeks afterwards. but now after having it for six months, i no longer get a normal period. all i get is a few days of light spotting, no cramps, and thats it. i'm assuming that within the next six months, my period will stop altogether.
overall i think it is the best birth control method for me. hope this helps, and good luck. :)
1. for me, insertion was extremely painful, but dont go by my experience. i have a VERY difficult cervix that would not open. my body is definitely not normal lol! my difficult cervix is also the reason why i had to have a c-section when i had my daughter, even after having been induced for a week.
2. my doctor told me that a normal insertion takes about 5-10 minutes, which is what she scheduled me for. instead, my insertion took about an hour and a half because she couldnt get the IUD past the cervix and wouldnt give up until she got it in. but she told me that she's done hundreds of insertions and i was the only one that took longer than normal.
3. my doctor told me i was protected immediately, but to wait a few days to make sure the IUD got settled in.
4. my strings are cut longer, but they softened, curled up, and tucked themselves behind the cervix. i have a very hard time finding them. when my partner didnt believe that i had gotten an IUD, i made him feel the strings and he had a hard time finding them too. i was amazed because he is in the medical field and has done many pap smears, so he's very familiar with the cervix. i have been wearing tampons with no problems whatsoever.
5. i absolutely LOVE it. even with the pain i had during insertion, it feel that it was well worth it. as soon as i have to have it taken out (after 5 years) i will have another put in.
after my insertion, i had very mild cramping for a day, and no spotting. my first few periods were lighter and shorter than normal with no cramping, but i would spot for a few weeks afterwards. but now after having it for six months, i no longer get a normal period. all i get is a few days of light spotting, no cramps, and thats it. i'm assuming that within the next six months, my period will stop altogether.
overall i think it is the best birth control method for me. hope this helps, and good luck. :)
starsofglass
12-10-2005, 04:03 PM
Nuvaring is also a hormonal kind of anticonception. Because of the low level of hormones, side effects are usually less severe/frequent. It's very easy to use too.
It's a little plastic ring that you insert into your vagina yourself. You leave it there for three weeks, then take it out and a week later you insert a new ring. In between rings you get your period.
It's a little plastic ring that you insert into your vagina yourself. You leave it there for three weeks, then take it out and a week later you insert a new ring. In between rings you get your period.
ADHDMOMOFTHREE
01-12-2006, 07:49 PM
i have had my Mirena IUD for six months now. it has hormones, but has not made me moody at all like the birth control pill did.
1. for me, insertion was extremely painful, but dont go by my experience. i have a VERY difficult cervix that would not open. my body is definitely not normal lol! my difficult cervix is also the reason why i had to have a c-section when i had my daughter, even after having been induced for a week.
2. my doctor told me that a normal insertion takes about 5-10 minutes, which is what she scheduled me for. instead, my insertion took about an hour and a half because she couldnt get the IUD past the cervix and wouldnt give up until she got it in. but she told me that she's done hundreds of insertions and i was the only one that took longer than normal.
3. my doctor told me i was protected immediately, but to wait a few days to make sure the IUD got settled in.
4. my strings are cut longer, but they softened, curled up, and tucked themselves behind the cervix. i have a very hard time finding them. when my partner didnt believe that i had gotten an IUD, i made him feel the strings and he had a hard time finding them too. i was amazed because he is in the medical field and has done many pap smears, so he's very familiar with the cervix. i have been wearing tampons with no problems whatsoever.
5. i absolutely LOVE it. even with the pain i had during insertion, it feel that it was well worth it. as soon as i have to have it taken out (after 5 years) i will have another put in.
after my insertion, i had very mild cramping for a day, and no spotting. my first few periods were lighter and shorter than normal with no cramping, but i would spot for a few weeks afterwards. but now after having it for six months, i no longer get a normal period. all i get is a few days of light spotting, no cramps, and thats it. i'm assuming that within the next six months, my period will stop altogether.
overall i think it is the best birth control method for me. hope this helps, and good luck. :)
If you've only have the thing for 6 months, i would go get it checked via sonogram, just to be safe. The insertion should not be that painful. just a bit of cramping. My doctor said the same thing yours did and that my cervix was real small. mine was painful, and 2 years later, i'm finding out that when it was inserted, it went all the way through my uterus and punctured my bladder. if i can say anything about the IUD, it's GET IT CHECKED!!! I didn't know and now have to undergo a hysterectomy and bladder reconstruction later this month. A simple sonogram will determine if it is in place. If it is, great, but if it isn't, you'd rather know sooner than later, trust me.
1. for me, insertion was extremely painful, but dont go by my experience. i have a VERY difficult cervix that would not open. my body is definitely not normal lol! my difficult cervix is also the reason why i had to have a c-section when i had my daughter, even after having been induced for a week.
2. my doctor told me that a normal insertion takes about 5-10 minutes, which is what she scheduled me for. instead, my insertion took about an hour and a half because she couldnt get the IUD past the cervix and wouldnt give up until she got it in. but she told me that she's done hundreds of insertions and i was the only one that took longer than normal.
3. my doctor told me i was protected immediately, but to wait a few days to make sure the IUD got settled in.
4. my strings are cut longer, but they softened, curled up, and tucked themselves behind the cervix. i have a very hard time finding them. when my partner didnt believe that i had gotten an IUD, i made him feel the strings and he had a hard time finding them too. i was amazed because he is in the medical field and has done many pap smears, so he's very familiar with the cervix. i have been wearing tampons with no problems whatsoever.
5. i absolutely LOVE it. even with the pain i had during insertion, it feel that it was well worth it. as soon as i have to have it taken out (after 5 years) i will have another put in.
after my insertion, i had very mild cramping for a day, and no spotting. my first few periods were lighter and shorter than normal with no cramping, but i would spot for a few weeks afterwards. but now after having it for six months, i no longer get a normal period. all i get is a few days of light spotting, no cramps, and thats it. i'm assuming that within the next six months, my period will stop altogether.
overall i think it is the best birth control method for me. hope this helps, and good luck. :)
If you've only have the thing for 6 months, i would go get it checked via sonogram, just to be safe. The insertion should not be that painful. just a bit of cramping. My doctor said the same thing yours did and that my cervix was real small. mine was painful, and 2 years later, i'm finding out that when it was inserted, it went all the way through my uterus and punctured my bladder. if i can say anything about the IUD, it's GET IT CHECKED!!! I didn't know and now have to undergo a hysterectomy and bladder reconstruction later this month. A simple sonogram will determine if it is in place. If it is, great, but if it isn't, you'd rather know sooner than later, trust me.
caliente
01-13-2006, 12:35 AM
oh, no no! its not that my cervix was small, its that the opening of my cervix is almost completely sealed shut. my OB even said its nearly a miracle that i ever got pregnant in the first place. every OB/gyn that i've ever seen (six in all) have said that my cervix is definitely NOT normal. it affected my daughter's birth... i had preeclampsia and had to be induced, but after a full week on pitocin, my cervix would not open up at all (it normally takes less than 24 hours!). thats when they had to do the c-section. i have a very naughty, stubborn cervix lol
but, i did have an appointment today and had my IUD checked. my doctor said its perfect and beautiful lol :)
but, i did have an appointment today and had my IUD checked. my doctor said its perfect and beautiful lol :)