Considering Paragard (copper T IUD)

[calikaye90]

I got my IUD (paragard) in place two days ago i wasn't expecting to be getting it in that day and i did not take any medications. I have not had a child nor have i ever been pregnant i was thinking i was going to have to fight to even get one... my reason for choosing paragard is the same as yours i really don't handle hormones well and after 3 years of the pill and yeast infections and mood swings i was done. Thank god i had read up on Paragard and Mirena before the appointment because my gyn said okay well if you'd like we can put it in today... surprised but thankful i didn't have to fight i said yes. The Gyn and Nurse warned me of the initial cramping how it might last a while and may be worse for me since i had never had a child nor had i taken meds. the process of getting it put in feels like a pap lots of pressure thats uncomfortable but doesn't hurt... then the last step getting the IUD to the other side of the cervix caused one SHARP pain then two decreasing cramps throughout the day i felt a little crampy but after three hours of working on my feet i went out and sang some kareoke. it's different for everyone i got lucky and haven't had any major cramping... but i will let you know if that changes. As for the bleeding i can't give you any info it's that time of the month (they said it would be a little easier to implant during your period) so i really can't tell.

[Momomorgan]

I love my IUD (non-hormone). I've had it in for nine years and will probably have it swapped out for a new one next year. I had heard of the relatively new Essure method but discovered that if one has a sensitivity to nickel (I do) it is contraindicated. As I have been brushing up on my current options I began to wonder about something. My IUD is the copper, non-hormone type. Does the copper wear out? Does anyone know if it actually becomes ineffective after the ten or twelve years and why? I've been unable to find any solid information in regard to "why" it must be removed.

[mercedesmom]

After years of struggling with the pill and other b/c options, I decided on the Paragard. My CNP at the obgyn had discussed with me prior and she has inserted hundreds of them successfully. Yesterday morning I had my Paragard inserted. The uncomfortable part lasted less than 2 minutes. I was expecting the worse but it was NOT so bad. I give credit to my CNP who was experienced and made it bearabale. I've read other postings of women who say they experience pain and heavy bleeding and clotting. My CNP says that is most likely due to the inexperience of the person inserting the IUD and poking the cervix or causing other damage. Today is my 2nd day and again I feel well and have no cramping or discomfort.

[Mes T]

Got my copper IUD 8 days ago. Insertion was painful but brief and totally manageable. First 4 days I had light spotting as well as cramps for the rest of the day of the insertion.

By day 6 everything was back to normal, and I was able to have sex without problems. The string was left long and the boyfriend didn't feel a thing!

Well, that's the cliffnotes version of the experience I guess. BTW, I'm 23 and have never been pregnant.

[2Bpositive]

So, far so good!
I can't beleive all the horror stories. Especially during the insertion. I did not have any cramps during or after insertion. I only took 3 Advils 1hr before insertion. I didn't feel a thing other than a tingly sensation. Before I knew it, it was over. I have mild bleeding, but that is it. I still have no cramps. I'm hoping it goes well for me. I consider myself to be very healthy. This is day 3with the IUD. So, far so good, fingers crossed!

[2Bpositive]

After years of struggling with the pill and other b/c options, I decided on the Paragard. My CNP at the obgyn had discussed with me prior and she has inserted hundreds of them successfully. Yesterday morning I had my Paragard inserted. The uncomfortable part lasted less than 2 minutes. I was expecting the worse but it was NOT so bad. I give credit to my CNP who was experienced and made it bearabale. I've read other postings of women who say they experience pain and heavy bleeding and clotting. My CNP says that is most likely due to the inexperience of the person inserting the IUD and poking the cervix or causing other damage. Today is my 2nd day and again I feel well and have no cramping or discomfort.

I think it's important to go to a Dr. who has done them alot and is very experienced with inserting IUDs. My first gynecologist that I talked to about IUDs totally gave me all the negatives about them. She was really like not wanting to talk about them. So, when I went to a different gyne, she said that the other gyne may not liked inserting IUDS and that may be why she totally swayed be from getting one. But, like I said this is my 3 day and no pain. I have even done my cardio workouts that are HIIT (high intensity cardio) Still no pain.

[Mes T]

Good for you!! That's great that you don't have any pain. I'm tired of only people with horror stories posting around message boards and then freaking everyone else out.

Just an update, had my first period with my IUD, and it was pretty darn heavy flow for about 4 days straight. But, it was still manageable, and if all goes according to plan, it should get lighter in subsequent months. I did have some cramps though, but it wasn't anything I wasn't prepared for anyway. And I got lots of attention from my boyfriend, yay!

Loving this thing so far.

[2Bpositive]

Ladies, I hope you don't mind that I post my updates when I get a chance.
Today is day 4. I still have not cramps at all! Maybe a twitch here and there, but NO CRAMPS! Bleeding has subsided. I've been wearing a panty liner since this afternoon and no blood. So, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that everything is o.k.
One thing that happened that was totally normal for me was that I felt the clear liquid spongy stuff that I expell a week after the end of my period, so I think this is a good sign my uterus is accepting my Paragard. I just may give it a name if it all goes well. I have my hopes up that it will. I haven't had any sex yet. DH wants to wait a few more days.....he says he doesn't want to hurt me. He is soooo understanding

Mes T: You are 18 days ahead of me so, please keep me posted on your IUD progress. I too want to hear positive news! I can't wait till I get my first period to see how I manage on the cramps and bleeding.

[S2009]

Hi. I actually joined this website just to kinda share my story since I haven't really read about this reaction yet. I got my IUD in Febuary of this year and had it removed today. Getting it inserted was a bit painful but I was on pain killers. I had the usual heavy period flow with cramps but it was tolerable. Heres where it got weird. From the first time I got it, I noticed that sex with my boyfriend was a little uncomfortable. He had to go alot slower then normal and couldn't go deep without hurting me. It wasn't too intrusive at first but slowly got worse. It eventually got to the point where certain positions felt like it was pinching me and it hurt REALLY bad. He's on the "bigger" side so I wondered if he had moved it somehow in the past few months. I went into the doctor today and they said that it was in the correct position so they weren't sure why I had pain. I decided to get it removed because I got sick and tired and having to be so slow and careful during sex and I know my boyfriend didn't enjoy always having to be worried about hurting me. He also said that though the string wasn't intrusive or uncomfortable, it was definitly weird feeling it inside me and I know that effected our sex as well. I haven't had sex yet but I am looking forward to it being normal again. I have heard alot of success stories though so I believe if your trying to avoid hormonal birth control (which I am SO sensitive with) it is worth a try. But painful sex? No fun.

[2Bpositive]

S2009
I'm sorry to hear that you had to have your IUD removed.
Hope that you can come back and give us an update to let us know if you are feeling that pinch. Did it just get worse and worse throughout the months? Did you rule out anything else that might have caused you that pain other than your IUD.

So, far today marks my third week since I got my ParaGard. I have no problems with it. I"m on my period right now. Yes, I have noticed a heavier longer flow. I'm hoping that it will subside by Friday. I have an appt for my follow-up visit on Friday. I have not had any cramps at all. I'm hoping that this will be the case in future monthly visits for me. I'm also crossing my fingers that my body will except the IUD. So, far so good.