want to switch from pill to iud - Birth Control Message Board

Leelee28 · 04-13-2008, 09:43 PM

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???

thesedays · 04-15-2008, 12:49 PM

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

eavabug · 04-29-2008, 04:58 PM

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.

Ducky74 · 05-07-2008, 04:46 PM

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!

arychel · 05-15-2008, 10:22 PM

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.