How to get an IUD? - Birth Control Message Board

CapsFan · 05-21-2003, 12:12 PM

I'm currently using NuvaRing, which I really do love. However, I take medications that interfere with hormonal birth control and can cause birth defects, and will have to take these meds for the rest of my life (or until they come out with something better).

My husband and I do NOT want children. We're firm on this point. However, he refuses to be "neutered" and I'm not sure I want surgery either. And having to use condoms every time is just getting on our last nerves.

My gyno said that since I haven't had a child I'm not eligible for an IUD according to the manufacturers. She said they decided that women shouldn't get an IUD unless they've had a child since there's a higher chance of expelling it or having complications. I got the impression she did not agree with this decision.

Has anyone without children successfully had an IUD inserted? Is it worth asking my gyno again, especially now that I know I'm stuck with these meds?

Pandabaire2 · 05-21-2003, 06:03 PM

Hi there,

Your doctor is correct that the IUD is in fact intended only for women who have had children already - the main reason for this is that the IUD can in fact facilitate ectopic pregnancies, thereby making your reproductive system at risk for possible fertility loss.

This being said.......you are STILL a perfect candidate for the Copper Paraguard T IUD because of 3 factors....
1) your on medications that can cause birth defects and I'm assuming you need this medications for life important reasons (their not just meds for like clearing acne - something that's not necessary for you to take)
and
2) you and your husband have discussed the fact that neither of you wants children in the future.
3) it doesn't contain any hormones like the Mirena does.

Taking these 3 issues into account, your doctor should have no problem putting an IUD inside of you unless they just have a personal problem with it. Contrary to what your doctor says, lots of doctors are fitting women who have not had children with IUD's. I'm not exactly happy about this myself as I suffered an ectopic that was facilitated by IUD use and lost my left ovary and tube. I though am married with one child and did not plan on having any more. It gets me very upset to see magazines like "Glamour" and the like promoting IUD use in very young women who have not had children....they never tell the risks involved with this type of birth control for the women who eventually WANT kids in their futures.

Again though...weighing in your situation - you are a candidate for the device with good reasoning as long as your aware of the risk of possible pregnancy and risk to your reproductive system. If this doctor won't put one inside of you, I would seriously go to another one to have it done. With the explanations you've given to have one, I don't see why they shouldn't put one in. Good luck.