Copper IUD but never had children?

**lalala11** · 04-01-2010 08:32 AM

I'm booked into my local family planning clinic under my doctors recommendation. I've been on various pills however since starting BCP 3-4 years ago i've put on 3 stone, lost all ability to sit and watch a film, cry at the slightest thing and don't quite know who i am anymore. My docotrs recommended the copper IUD as i want to avoid hormones. Has anyone else out there had one fitted despite never having children. I'm slightly apprehensive

**rahrah09** · 04-01-2010 11:26 AM

Hiya

I had one fitted two days ago. It was a little tiny bit uncomfortable for about 1 minute and then I had an early night with what felt like strong period pains. The next day I was a little bit achy but nothing major and today I went running!

I've never had kids, and I don't react well to hormones so this was the perfect solution. I wish I had done it before.

You need to have it fitted during your period (last day ideally as its less messy!) At this time your cervix is open so they can insert it will little pain. I would not advise doing it at any other time (if they even offer it!)

It takes a week before you can get back to fun. It works straight away I guess its just so that it has time to settle.

Don't be apprehensive, it really was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be and now there is 4 years of no worry! (some last up to 10 years!)

If I had to do it again... I would take a 600mg ibuprofen before I went in to take the edge off. But really on the pain scale, its more of a dull ache than a nasty pain.

Good luck!

Sara

**Mes T** · 04-01-2010 05:08 PM

I too have an IUD and have never had children. Kids or no kids, it doesn't matter, and it's a little ridiculous that it still does to some docs.

**eleni** · 04-02-2010 03:37 PM

i had one put in a while ago
and it was fine, slightly uncomfortable obviously when they put it in
but apart from that no problems.
it makes your periods slightly heavier and more painful
but nothing drastic.

take some ibuprofen.

i dont get this thing about not having children mattering
nobody ever even mentioned anything like that when i had mine put in.

it doesnt *need* to be put in during your period
i had mine fitted when i wasnt having it
and it was fine
they gave me like a swab thing to open and numb the cervix
which felt like a really strong period pain
and lasted about three seconds
and then you just keep still and let them get on with it
if you have it put in when you're not having your period it takes a week before you're protected so be aware of that.
i had sex like the day after i had it put in, obviously using other protection and it was absolutely fine!

the one i have lasts ten years.

make sure you check the strings periodically (hah)
because my friends fell out and she didnt realise
and now she's pregnant and having an awful time of it.
its unlikely but it *does* happen.

good luck x