Questions re: IUD - Birth Control Message Board

UK Chick · 11-29-2005, 04:06 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

ncgal · 11-29-2005, 11:04 AM

{Removed} Read posting rules. No websites and the boards are for PEER support.~Modinatrix21

Elaren · 11-30-2005, 03:54 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

mandeline04 · 11-30-2005, 08:38 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!

sk27 · 12-05-2005, 10:47 AM

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.