'm wondering if anyone here uses the copper iud (not the mirena).. I have a history of blood clots so I cant use any hormonal birth control, I got pregnant using the diaphragm so that one's out, and I hate condoms.. so that pretty much leaves me with the copper iud as about my only choice. I have a 5 month old, and am due in Jan. w/ my 2nd, and I know I dont want another anytime soon!
If you use or have used the copper iud, how did you like it? What were the side effects (if any)? Is insertion/removal painful? How effective is it? Thanks :)
I got my copper IUD at 7 week pp. It didn't hurt insurting, probebly becuase my uterus was still a bit larger than usual at the time. But, it did cause more bleeding.
For the first year I found way WAY heavier periods. Some complain that they're more painful too, but not me. I find certain sex postions (doggy style) to be a bit irritating of my cervix.
All in all, I'm pleased with it. No fuss, very easy BC. Not a bad price over here either. I paid $50 for it.
It's supposed to statistically be as good as getting your tubes tied too.
That's the part I always wondered about....
When BD and I have sex, he taps my cervix no matter how we are positioned... And I could see that really hurting!
But I do like that it's hormone free.
I too cannot do the hormone root, and am currently using condoms.... sort of, and crossing my toes and fingers!
I had the marina, but got it took out. I was fed up of the spotting and bleeding.
I had to use pads for almost 4 months :x :x
I was using the pill for a while untill I get the coil fitted, I am getting the copper one in. Just need to make an appointment to get it done. I will do it one day.
So it can make your periods significantly heavier and possibly more painful?? Has anyone else experienced this?? This kinda worries me because I already have really heavy and rather painful periods :( I can't imagine them actually being WORSE..
heavier and more painful bleeding is one of the most common side effects of the copper iud. my midwife didn't recommend them to folks with heavy periods, but she did say that the heaviness started to decrease the longer you had it in.
i know that some folks worry about heavy metals in their bodies ... particularly if you're sensitive to them.
I never had heavier periods when I had it after my 1st son. I didn't have cramping either. I hope it's the same this time.
I love my copper IUD. I had a very heavy period/painfull cramps prior to having my baby and have not since having my baby - I got the IUD put in about two months post partum. It's hard to say what is normal post partum stuff and whether any of it has anything to do with the IUD, but I'm really glad to be going with this form of birth control. Some sex positions can be a little less comfortable than they used to be because of cervical pressure, but again, I'm not sure whether that's the IUD or normal postpartum stuff.
one of the biggest advantages of mirena, the iud with hormones, is that most women experience LESS bleeding/cramping, especially after the first 3 months.
also, keep in mind that preventing unintended pregnancy by using a copper IUD (which might not be "perfect" cuz some women do have heavier cycles especially in the begining) is really important.
like the annoyingness of heavier cycles, might be a lot better than the annoyingness of an unintended pregnancy and abortion or labor and delivery!
i dont have any experience with an IUD but i would say that i might try one after this baby bc i hate tried the shot and hated it..... i had irregular periods that where very long and also tons of spotting in between them... i also felt bloated. i felt very emotional and had very sore breasts from the pill... i also got pregnant possibly on the pill, or within the 2 weeks of being of it after being on it for over a year.................... so i can say i dont really trust it.... i think any form of reliable contraception is wayyyyyyy better than an unwanted/unplanned pregnancy....... as someone else said... i would much rather have painful or long periods than get pregnant again before i am ready.
I also have a history of blood clots and had got pregnant while I was on the pill. They didnt find out until after that I cant use anything with hormones it b/c of my blood clots. 2 months after my baby was born I went in to get the copper iud and it actually fell out right after they put it in, and mine was very painful b/c they had to dilate my cervix to get it in. The office has to order the copper ones so they only had that one, so even though I am not suppose to have hormones they went ahead with the mirena. They told me that even though it is hormonal that it doesnt have enough to effect the blood clots. I personally dont trust the copper one, I know that they are the same thing just one non hormonal and one not but my mom had the copper one in when she got pregnant with me and so did my friend.
After a month of having the mirena in I stopped completely with having a period, it has been in for over a year and that has been how long since I have had one, so in my opinion even though you arent suppose to have hormones I would still go with the Mirena b/c the amount of hormones in it shouldnt be bad for you, and its so much easier never having to deal with a period
oh ouch, that pp reminded me. The nurse pulled out my first mirena on accident and did a second one immediately after. I just had my first semi-real period on mirena. Before I'd just spot one a month but this past week I actually consistently bled super lightly. It's kind of nice to have a period again. Especially one that doesn't require pads or tampons.