Experience with IUDs

[Anonymous]

My Dr is currently recommending an IUD for post-baby protection. My husband and I will probably start trying again in two years for number two. Thoughts/experiences using an IUD? I've only ever heard negative things about them but the Dr thinks it's the best option.

[Anonymous]

I was really excited about it and thought it would be a great option for me (don't want more kids). The placement was really painful to the point that I was nauseous and dizzy for a long time afterwards. I was uncomfortable for weeks following and ended up having to have it removed because it was placed incorrectly. I think this might be an unusual experience, but if you know you are going to start trying again in 2 years, I don't know if I'd bother.

[Anonymous]

I have been very happy with my mirena which I've had since 6w pp. I was able to breastfeed for years without issue and I really love not having a period. I experienced lots of symptoms while on the pill prior to having children but don't have any with the iud

[Anonymous]

OP, there are a few threads on this in health and medicine you should check out, but here's my personal anecdote FWIW.

I had a Paraguard copper IUD put in a little over a month ago, and I'm pretty happy with it. I was nervous as all get out, because I'd likewise heard tales of endless painful periods and cramping, and the idea of insertion was scary. I opted for this over Essure sterilization.

Insertion turned out to be not too bad, and I found I'd wound myself up over nothing. I'm on my second post-IUD period, and it's definitely heavier, longer, and a little crampier, but nothing unmanageable. This is supposed to mellow out in a few months. I find I don't even think about it when I'm not menstruating, and that's a lovely thing.

[Anonymous]

I love mine! Paraguard. I did not find the placement to be painful, and though my periods are somewhat heavier, not having to worry about anything makes up for it.

[Anonymous]

I have one - the Mirena, not the copper one - I too found placement incredibly painful but it's been no fuss ever since. The first couple of hours were like being in labor! Then mild cramping for a couple days and nothing since. Not even a period (but I'm still breastfeeding, fwiw)

[Anonymous]

15:49 again. Wanted to add that I had mine put in at Planned Parenthood, where there they do this a lot and are very good at it.

[Anonymous]

I've posted on here about my experience, including in the health and medicine forum, but short story: insertion was ungodly painful, the mirena perforated my uterus and I had to have it removed via laparoscopic surgery. I wish it had worked because it does seem like the best option. We are currently back to pull and pray.

[Anonymous]

OP Here--I was under the impression that you still had periods with an IUD. Is that accurate? And, anyone have one removed? What's that like?

[Anonymous]

Tried insertion of Paraguard 4 months pp - didn't work. Cervix tightly closed. Now baby (last one) is 18 mo and I'm going to try again bc I'm getting bad PMS symptoms on the pill and don't feel like shopping around for a new one. Lots of friends have good things to say.

I'm surprised your doc suggested it between kids. We used condoms between - annoying but didn't want to mess with hormones/insertion when planning another pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here--I was under the impression that you still had periods with an IUD. Is that accurate? And, anyone have one removed? What's that like?

you definitely have them with Paraguard (non-hormonal). Not sure about Mirena.

[Anonymous]

I've had the Mirena for about a 1.5 years. I got it about 8 weeks pp, and I didn't find the insertion to be more uncomfortable than a pap. I was able to breastfeed for a year without any difficulty. I've liked it a lot more than other birth control for two reasons: I don't have to remember to take something (which would have likely been an issue with the mini pill in combination with sleep deprivation). Also I don't have the negative sexual side effects that I did with the pill and nuva ring. I do have light periods and I had some spotting in the beginning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tried insertion of Paraguard 4 months pp - didn't work. Cervix tightly closed. Now baby (last one) is 18 mo and I'm going to try again bc I'm getting bad PMS symptoms on the pill and don't feel like shopping around for a new one. Lots of friends have good things to say.

I'm surprised your doc suggested it between kids. We used condoms between - annoying but didn't want to mess with hormones/insertion when planning another pregnancy.

NP--My doctor absolutely recommended it even though we were open to more kids. If you want to space them at all, condoms aren't reliable. Just check out other threads about "oops" pregnancies. While I haven't tested it, my doctor said I could get pregnant immediately after removing an IUD.

[Anonymous]

I got the Mirena when DC 1 was 12 weeks and I didn't trust myself with the mini pill. I loved it. No issues bfing or anything. It wasn't super comfortable, but not that bad. Just had it removed to ttc and that was super easy.

[Anonymous]

Ask your doc why he or she recommends it over Nexplanon. The implant has a lower failure rate, 3 years protection but immediate return of fertility, can be used while breaatfeeding, and my take on it is - if something goes wrong, it isn't in your uterus where it can do some real damage.