IUD here I come!!! (Including Updated Info & Malicious Comment From An Anonymous Coward)

[australiafemale]

I have been given the all clear to get an IUD and I want to know what everyone else's experience with it has been.

So if I may ask a few questions?

Have you had any problems?
Unexpected side effects?
Are your periods worse or weird?
Does it hurt? 
Anything else I should know about?

For a little background. I don't take the pill, I have had massive

Comments

[australiafemale]

Thanks for that info & support, after the anonymous poster I feel I need it.

I will be getting the copper IUD. My body doesn't handle hormones so I really hope that doesn't affect my skin, I don't have perfect skin as it is.

I am more upset that I am pregnant than having an abortion. I hate surgery and the whole thing is invasive but this time they will be giving me RU486 the abortion pill so that makes it heaps better. Only a little nervous because it is something new and I don't know what to expect

[pfc_rat]

On my second Mirena now:

Have you had any problems? - None
Unexpected side effects? - No period in 6 years = YAY!
Are your periods worse or weird? - Nope, they're gone
Does it hurt? - The insertion hurts like a motherfuck, but only for the first day, which is virtually a writeoff
Anything else I should know about? - Do your homework, read everything about it, use condoms for STD prevention, if you're not in a monogamous relationship, lie about it.

[australiafemale]

Great I look forward to it! I will be getting the copper one :D

[pfc_rat]

Copper one can make your periods/cramping much worse, just FYI. That's why I chose the Mirena, because I had the periods from hell.

[dodgy_mermaid]

One of my friends had an IUD till recently. I believe she had it removed because, after a few months of near-perfection, she was suddenly bleeding heavily...and didn't stop for two months straight.

I don't remember the details, but from my friend, I got the idea that life was absolutely hellish during those two months. I can certainly imagine!

So sorry, dear, about your situation. Best of luck to you, and take good care of yourself before and after the procedure. Will you be doing the medication or surgery method?

And, if you want to talk to someone about this, email me at corvalen (at) gmail (dot) com.

[australiafemale]

I will be doing the surgery method. It has only recently been made legal in Australia. Stupid Christian convservatives wanting to get in my uterus! I have heard people have had massive bleeding problems but I am still willing to give it a go. Hope I can still play netball the next day :D

Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it. You are very sweet!

I guess I can just give the IUD a go, if horrible things happen it can be pulled out.

[dodgy_mermaid]

Isn't netball similar to basketball? It looks hectic, from the pictures I just looked up. You should definitely take it easy for at least two or three days after the surgery, dear. Between bleeding more heavily than usual, cramping and being full of pain medication, and your body working furiously to heal, you may be very weak.

Best of luck to you.

[selen_aria]

Have had a copper Nova-T IUD since December and am loving it. I've had no problems with it so far and no unexpected side effects. My periods are slightly heavier, but since they were so short and light to begin with, I'm not really bothered too much.

Getting it inserted hurt like fuck, and afterwards was so crampy that I ended up having to call a taxi to take me the 15 minute walk home, whereupon I went to bed and whimpered for the rest of the day. The next day was a little crampy, but nothing two paracetamol couldn't cope with. Haven't had any pain since, and that's a good thing - any unusual pain after insertion can indicate that the IUD has perforated the uterus.

Have a decent meal before you go to reduce the chances that you'll go into shock. Take a couple of painkillers about an hour beforehand. Bring a friend or your partner to help you get home afterwards - certainly don't try and drive yourself! And don't forget that an IUD doesn't protect against STDs!

Take care next Friday - I hope everything goes well.

[australiafemale]

I am getting the copper one too. I have really short light periods these days so having to go back to heavy periods won't be the worst thing in the world, especially if it prevents pregnancy.

Thanks for your support, I think it should go fine.

[ljquin]

I've had one copper and 2 Mirena...the copper can make periods heavier/ more painful. Mirena's the opposite. Insertion for both hurts but is fairly quick. ask for local anaesthesia...I've only had it once and it was amazing. Wear a pad for after insertion.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[australiafemale]

I think I will ask for local anaethesia. I will clench in anticipation otherwise LOL

I am getting the copper one. I think I could cope with heavier periods

Thanks for your help