So I've been on the pill for 2 years now and it's KILLING me.
I never really suffered from side effects. But lately, I get breakthrough bleeding during my last week of active pills, I have weight trouble, NO sex drive, and just a lot of "female" problems. My gyno had recommended getting an IUD because it's hormone (or virtually hormone) free.

I want some feedback from those who have an IUD now... good? or bad? and why?
Were you on the pill before you switched?!


Lately, I've been nauseous and just blah. I had gastroenteritis last weekend, but was fine all week. Then my bf got it on Friday, and now is better. I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, and so am a bit of a freak about being sick. BUT I have also been doubling up on pills because of breakthrough bleeding (which Ive done before on doctor's orders)

I'm wondering if this is just a side effect.

I HATE the pill so much ... am I on the right track with the IUD???

I have the paragard IUD and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it !!

I've had it for 3 years now and it's the best thing I ever did !!

I read alot about it first and did my homework. Alot of things I read on the web really scared me and almost made me not get it, but I did and it's the best decision I ever made !!

I was on BC pills for years and was having mood issues, weight gain, never wanted sex, etc, therefore, I wanted all hormones out of my system. The paragard is hormone free, the mirena has hormones.

I read alot about huge amounts of bleeding during your period, irregular cycles, etc.

To be honest, it took my body about 4 months to adjust ...the "horrible" bleeding I read about on line wasn't that bad ....a heavy period for a day or two during these 4 months.

I don't even notice mine anymore and the strings have become so soft I can't even check for my IUD, and my doc says I really don't need to.

Any questions, let me know

I might not be the right person to answer this question because I have a pre existing condition that effects the IUD but I can honestly say that I hate it. I am currently using the non hormonal IUD and taking blood thinners at the same time. My periods are so heavy that I have to change my tampon every 45 minutes and they can last up to 10 days. I never had cramps prior to having the IUD inserted and if I had a choice I would probably find some other form of birth control.

I was previously on the pill and had horrible migranes, mood swings, cramping. Feel like I tried every pill that was out there and it was the estrogen in them that just made my body go nuts. I have had Mirena now for 6 yrs. you have to have it replaced every 5 yrs, so I just had it replaced last year. It is estrogen free, so I have had NO problems with it. - No more migranes, no weight gain (actually lost some), no moodiness, and best of all no periods for 6 yrs now! I am sooo happy that I chose it and will continue to do so. Hope this helps with some of your considerations!

I switched from HBC to the copper IUD (paragard). I have had no problems with it at all. I love that fact that I don't have to take a pill everyday and feel the crazy effects of hormones. I wished I had done it years earlier. Background info on me: no kids, had some cramps in the past. Insertion was a bit uncomfortable, and I have had a few cramps since, but non lately, and nothing debilitating. The length of my periods and cycles is normal too. I think the only slight negative is that my skin is not as clear as it used to be. I am hoping with more attention and time that will get better too.

I would also like to try the IUD. Do you have to have given birth before to get one though? I have asked my gynecologist if I could get the IUD and she tells me only ladies who have had children before can have one. Is this really true?

June,

I currently have an IUD and don't have any children so it’s definitely possible. It’s just that most doctors advise against it because they have to open up your cervix to insert it which is easier to do with women whom have already had children. I would suggest not getting an IUD if you plan on having children anytime soon but if you've made the decision to never have children or at least not in the next 5 to 10 years then I would probably insist that she give you one.