Thread: IUD

My doctor wants to insert an IUD because I've been having heavy periods. I had an utlrasound which showed a cyst and a small fibroid. She said an IUD would slow down my periods and after about 6 months, my periods will stop. Does anyone know about IUDs? Are there side affects? I'm getting the IUD put in next month. She said IUDs last about 5-7 years and this is the only one I would need because I'm 43 and will be going through menopause about the time the IUD stops working. Any suggestions?

Thank You,

Bernice

This is my experience with the IUD

I have had the Merina IUD since Oct 12th. I had a miscarriage and decided that this was a good option because I wasn't looking to become pregnant again, and I have endometriosis and the IUD is known for slowing, and ultimatly stopping flow all together thus, helping with the cramping that I had with bad periods.

Before the merina I had cramps that would cause me to vomit, and shake from the pain. I've lost 2 jobs because of periods since I was 17 years old. I thought this thing was a godsend and life was going to be "normal" again.

When I went in to get it , I read alot of things about women having a terrible time with insertion, and since I see a specialist, they numbed me for the insertion. (yeah!!) No pain, not even the whole week after. I didnt bleed for 2 weeks, but when I did- it was TERRIBLE! I didn't have alot of blood, just a whole lot of pain. This pain was much worse than the regular cramps that I usually had- which were horrible to begin with!!

I signed up for this? What the heck?

Since October, I have had bleeding more than 25 days per month, cramping, and an all around bloated feeling. I have cystic acne on my face and neck- something I have never expericenced before, and I have a weird body odor in my arm pits. Before insertion, I honestly could have gone with out deoderant- not the case now. I need to shower 2 times a day.

I have had bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections continually.

My boyfriend CAN feel the IUD, in fact it leaves a scrape on the side of his penis after intercourse. Please don't let them tell you that your guy won't feel it. My girlfriend also has the merina and her guy can feel it as well.

I have fibroids and cysts on my ovaries and I am very aware each and every day where my ovaries are. They ache now- but never did before.

Needless to say, because of the endo- i am scheduled for a hyterectomy on March 5th. The hysterecomy has NOTHING to do with the IUD.

In a nutshell, my IUD experience has been terrible. I know others who have it and don't have periods and love it.

I hope that you are one of those people. Just keep asking questions and get feedback from people no matter if it is for, or against, the IUD. Knowledge is power- just make an informed decision.

I wish you the best of luck!