[Hopeless Dork]

The copper IUD is about my only hope for birth control. I've been lucky for almost a couple years now on no BC method other than Rhythm/Withdrawl (condoms during ovulation period)... But I know its time I get on something a little bit more reliable.

My biggest fears are the heavy periods, excessive bleeding, cramps and a minor worry over whether or not the string would interfere with my boyfriends experience.

I'm 30+ and smoke, so hormonal bc is out of the question for now... I keep reading this post trying to find some kind of reassurance to go on ahead and get it over with :P

Ugh will they ever come up with a safe, reversible birth control method that is no fuss, no muss, no pain, no side effects, no health risks? Me thinks they aren't trying hard enough !

[AmandaKaelyn]

3 years In...

Wow, what a great thread here! I am a big advocate for the Paraguard T as well. I have never had children and I got this because taking any extra hormones for my body made me have some intense mood swings 2 weeks out of every month. I was pretty much miserable on BC pills. My gyn suggested this method and Ive had mine in since Dec 06. Looking back, I don't even remember it being painful with the initial insertion...guess every women is different though. I will say that I do have a "slightly" heavier period...which I don't think will go away at this point. That being said pre-IUD my flow was moderate-heavy anyhow. I can live with that side effect. I also had one Bacterial infection that went away with antibiotics. I just wonder why more women aren't using these??! I realize there are risks...but isn't there with everything?? Isn't pumping hormones in your body everyday for years and years worse? Oh and no pain during sex...(Welll...that is when I was having it) My previous boyfriend said sometimes he could feel it but hardly and he probably wouldn't have noticed it if he didn't know it was there...(Im referring to the nylon string). Anyways, hope this helps anyone on the fence about getting one! I have another 7 years before I need to worry about birth control again...and hopefully I'll be thinking babies by then

[Mes T]

Amanda, I currently live in Korea and apparently in Asia, the IUD is the most popular form of birth control! It seems that it's horribly unpopular in the States, though, and I'm not even going to start going into that right now because it just makes me angry. The US can be a backwards place, I tell ya.

My biggest fears are the heavy periods, excessive bleeding, cramps and a minor worry over whether or not the string would interfere with my boyfriends experience.

Darlin', GO FOR IT! Worst comes to worst, if you get every side effect in the book and they don't go away, you just get the IUD removed. 10 minute visit to the doctor. The way I see it, you've got nothing to lose, and potentially everything to gain.

Reading through this thread and some others, it seems that most women (who bother to post about IUDs) have slightly heavier periods but report that it's no big deal and is worth it. I think partners being able to feel the string is pretty rare, and if you tuck it in behind your cervix... there's no way anyone could feel it! As I said in my previous post, my SO and I have tried nearly every position in the book, and no strings have been felt. I don't think he even feels them when he fingers me.

[35yrold]

Hello all again Well it has been 6 days since I had my paragard inserted and I'm just finishing up my first period and from what I read in many places it really hasn't been that bad for me. It does seem to be a bit heavier but the doc said that it seems like that because the blood is thinner? (sounds weird that I've never heard anyone else say that but whatever lol) I did have more cramps than usual but it was ok with ibuprofen. I understand that every woman is different but I am a HUGE baby when it comes to pain and I'm also a bit of a hypochondriac so if there's a side effect I GET IT lol. But I just can't believe that it could be this easy. With all of the hormones & terrible things out there that can give you cancer and the stress that comes along with worrying about bc it seems like this is just beyond worth it. I don't know anyone that I wouldn't recommend this to. I am so glad I found this forum! I can't wait to see my boyfriend next week! There's no worries about bc and there's no side effects like there would be with hormones!

keeping fingers crossed

[2Bpositive]

I'm just starting my period, all normal signs. Having a moderate to high blood flow during my period isn't a pain at all. I don't have any cramps during my period just minor back ache. It was worth it for me. I haven't had any problems. I'd say the same thing that Mes T. go for it. Yes, there will be some discomfort at first, but it will go away.
By the way does anyone who does have an IUD use a menstrual cup? I've been using a menstrual cup since I got my IUD.

[Mes T]

I don't, but would if my periods were lighter. Does it get messy at all when you take it out?

[2Bpositive]

No, it doesn't get messy once you get the hang of it. It's sorta cool that it comes out with your menstrual flow inside the cup ( I know gorss). I've read some ladies have accidently pulled out there IUDs because they didn't release the suction from the cup. That is why I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them.

[SusanO]

Had it for a while now...

I got the copper IUD in January 2007. While there was some initial cramping, I can't say that I've had any serious issues since. I'm single, have hypothyroid and (hate to say it) a smoker (got a marathon to run in October, I have to quit sooner than later - but I digress). I chose to go with the IUD because I wasn't good with taking meds, I hate taking meds for anything (joke's on me cuz I was diagnosed hypothyroid on the same visit) and I wanted the "most natural" BC I could get.

The copper IUD pays for itself in 2 years and is good for 10. The cost-effectiveness was another plus. I always had a heavy period. Since I've had this thing, the only difference I've noticed has been that my period comes and goes for a few days before it comes on full force. Occasionally, it comes and goes for half a week before I'm due to get it. I've also noticed that I have more...what...lube?...since I got it....to the point that I need to wear a liner because of random "gushing." I do need to see my doctor to verify that this is normal (another thing on the list) but it hasn't really complicated my life.

The hypothyroid was the major issue when considering the copper vs. the plastic with the progesterone. I didn't know what progesterone was at the time. I wanted the one with no hormones. Doctor said that the progesterone was isolated to the uterus to relieve some of the cramping which is common. The plastic with progesterone is only good for 5 years before the need for removal.

I said that I didn't know what progesterone was then. I am more educated now. To make it simple, if your estrogen hormone receptors are an airport terminal, then estrogen is a jumbo jet while progesterone is like a small regional plane. That's how it was explained to me. This can be good - especially for someone who's hypothyroid. Still, I'd rather close down the airport. For me, no hormones are better than little hormones. Traditional BC pills shut me down, made me insane and made me angry. Given the choice, I'd sooner pay for this experience than paying more money for that one.

Good luck!

[Mes T]

Susan, was your doctor talking about the Mirena, the one with progesterone? I had always believed it was a little bit of both that and estrogen, guess I got that confused.

My personal suggestion is to also stay away from the hormonal one as it seems to cause more problems than the regular copper one.

I've been a bit more "lubricated" as well since getting mine, but in my case I think it's just because I got off the pill, which in some women causes dryness.

[sarahlee20]

factor 5 Leiden and the copper IUD?

Has anyone ever used the IUD while having blot clotting disease?I have a blood clotting disorder called factor 5 Leiden. I discovered i've had it since i was 16. I was tested before a surgery at 16 ..Which is why i am not able to use hormoanal birth control due to it would cause my blood to clot. The last year and a half with my fiance i've used condoms/spermicidal gel. It's worked great and it doesn't lessen the passion we have for eachother. I was just curious if any has used or had success using the copper IUD while have the blood clotting disorder? Much feedback appreicatedIn the future I may have it put in.