Experience with IUD

I have the Mirana and so does my sister in law. My sister in law said she felt cramping, like when she got her period, nothing more. But when I went in I had a different expirence so I think it's different for everyone. When I got it put in I had pretty bad cramping, much worse than period cramps, but only for a second. Once the device was in and I sat up I felt like I was going to pass out. I laid there for a few minutes before I was able to get up again. It wasn't because I was still in pain because like I said it only lasted while she was putting it in but I think it was just the shock. I know it sounds scary but honestly I think I'd do it all over again because I love it. I don't have a period really (which could be also due to the breastfeeding but is also a side effect of the Mirana) and can't even tell it's there. Much eaiser than any other birth control I've ever used and I like that I can take it out and get pregnant right away - if I wanted to, which I don't LOL Good luck!

I am a mommy of a 6,5,4 and 1 year old all of which were birth control babies. I did not feel that the iud was terribly painful. The day I had it put in I was cramping but it was tolerable. I did get an ectopic pregnancy from it though.

I was into pills before and decided to get IUD so I don't have to take pills everyday which I always forget. Yeah, but it wasn't really that painful. One thing is it gives me heavy periods for 3-5 days.

A little about me:
A happy mother of 2 kids of 16 & 6. Everything is great!

I have the Mirena IUC and it great! Nothing to remember to take everyday at the exact same time. It was no more painful to get than a routine exam. The only side effect that my doctor says affects everyone is random spotting for the 1st 3 months. She was right and that was not the best but now that its over with I don't have to do anything for 5 years! Check it out. http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp

I have a copper IUD. I had a hard time deciding between the copper and the Mirena IUD, too. I ended up finding a few testimonies on the internet for both. The biggest "con" against the Mirena was that if you are prone to acne, the hormone in it will enhance acne problems. I haven't had acne in decades, but it was really bad in my teens. So, I went for the copper IUD. I had it inserted 10 weeks after my son was born last year, and I experienced some cramping for a few hours and mild bleeding/discharge for about 10 weeks. Now, I don't even notice I have it at all, except for heavy flow for 2 - 3 days on my monthly periods.

I got one, a non-hormonal, after two kids. Yes, it hurts a little bit when the doctor puts it in, but with some deep breaths and a two tylenol first, you´ll be fine. (Hey, you have had two babies...right.) And then it hurts the first week after, like a heavy period. I was taking a lot of tylenol. Then it was fine for me. But, the periods are longer and heavier. The bright side is that you don't get any hormons at all and that you don't have to worry about a pill etc. And that you can remove it if you would feel like having a third one.

I worked for ob/gyn's for 14 yrs. Most patients had minor to major pain with insertion and heavier periods. You may want to research what an IUD actually does, it can cause an abortion. What I mean is, an egg can get fertilized in the tube and is now a baby, it comes down to the uterus to implant and finds a hostile environment with the IUD designed to prevent implantation, thus some bleeding is heavier and crampier with an IUD. I am not against contraception, but there are certainly friendlier ones to prevent conception in the first place. But it is ultimately up to you. Take care & good luck!

D.

I've had a non-hormonal IUD for 6 weeks. My kids are the same ages as yours.

The actual insertion wasn't painful at all- I had been nervous about that. I did have cramping and bleeding for about a week after insertion. Other than that it's been great so far!

I had the copper IUD for a few years (I don't think Mirena was around, or not widely used, and I was looking for something non-hormonal anyway). It was great for a while but toward the end I got tired of the heavier periods and cramping. Sounds like that varies per user, so you could always try one of them out. I think they're a great method if your body accepts them well.

Hi T.
I had a IUD and it was fine but my husband keep hitting it and thats painful so give it a shot I tried and it didn't work on me so maybe it will work on you
Good Luck D.

Hi T. -

I have had my IUD for 4 1/2 years and have had no real issues with it. Only inconvenience is that my period is heavier than normal the second day - meaning I have to change my tampon every couple of hours, but it is only like that for about 24 hours. I would recommend using an IUD. Good Luck.

HI there,
i am a 24 year old single mother with and IUD, i chose that because i got prgnent with my second while taking the pill...my mother got pregnent 4 years after having her tubes tied so maybe it's something inour genes LOL! Anyway i wanted something effective, sonething i couldnt forget to take, and wouldnt cause weight gain, mood swings...you know that type of stuff. i have to say my doctor sorta tried to talk me out of it becasue i am not married. I explained to me the severity, should i transmit an infection and or STD. Me knowing the kind od women i am i knew i wouldnt have to worry about that. i chose the MARENA. 5 years, plastic not copper. i got it when my son was 5 months, i did not experience any pain during the insertion and or after. he is now 2 1/2 and i honestly have but one complaint...and i dont even know if it's a complaint. I dont really EVER get my period. when i do it's just like blackish brown spotting, not enough to wear a tampon or anything just a lite spot here and there. In my opnion i owuld reccomend it.

Had one for a couple of years - kind of hurts a bit when it's inserted - but it's just for a few seconds while it goes in and then a bit of cramping for a while afterward, and it made my periods more painful - cramping was more significant each month. Also, my partner could feel the string when we had sex, though he said it didn't hurt him, just that he could feel it. I think it made my periods a bit heavier, too. It's nice hormone free alternative - I have a history of blood clots so the pill is out for me, it's also more convenient than a diaphpram, which i've also used and hated because it's a pain to put in. Definitely not recommended if you are going to have multiple partners over time because it can exacerbate infections and lead to PID.

I personally have an IUD. I have the 5 year Mirena. It was the best thing I could have done! The only side effect I had was a little cramping after it was inserted. Other than that, nothing else. I don't have a period either. I may spot around that time of the month, but no flow. I love it! I have several other friends who have it also and they love it as well. I hope this helps.

Hi T.,

My sister had one....yea, "had" .....

She found that it messed with her emotions, and she was feeling like she was "battling" depression. She had it removed within the last month, and IMMEDIATELY felt better the next day!

Physchological? I don't know, her Dr. says that it can have that reaction on some patients.

Just FYI :o)

I have had mine for 5 years.

As soon as I got it put in (son was 3 months), I bled quite a bit. The doctor said because my body recognized a foreign object up there and was trying to bleed it out! lol! That was ok, except, I was missing that time of having no period 1 year after birth that I experienced with my first son! With my 2nd son,I started getting the period as soon as I got the IUD.

As far as the procedure...I don't even remember it. That is how easy it was.

My periods are much more heavy and much more painful with the IUD. I am used to it now. However, every now and then I get random pain that I know it is from the IUD, but the doctors can't confirm this. I know my body and I know it is the IUD poking me. This happened to my sis-in-law. It hurt her so bad, she got it removed.

So...for now I will keep the IUD..until I can figure out how to do the ovulation method. My body doesn't like using hormones!

Yeah, here's a negative side effect: I got pregnant on one.

Let me add that this was 28 years ago, and no doubt the technology has improved.

No other side effects but had to get that one in there.

Hi.....I was done having children when I had an IUD inserted three years ago...copper. Three months later I was pregnant. I know another mom who has a son because she became pregnant wih her IUD. I realize that they are supposed to be effective. I don't want to be negative....maybe we are the 2% that got pregnant. It was no big deal to have it inserted and I never experienced any pain.
My husband now has a vasectomy.

Hi T.:
The IUD has been wonderful for me and I am glad that I made the choice to use it. I was terrible with pills, and was loosing health insurance and I REALLY did not want to be pregnant again. The IUD was not painful during "installation," I felt mild cramping was all. The only difference that I have noticed is that it has made my periods heavier, and I feel more cramps during them. But, I would never consider it extremely painful.

C.

I had an IUD several years ago. It was very painful when it was inserted. It also caused severe bleeding each month. I only used it for about 2 months and had it removed. I switched to a diaphragm. It is a little more time consuming and it does take a little action on your part, but it works well and it doesn't have any hormones. I used mine for quite a few years and never became pregnant when I didn't want to. After my son was born I had a tubal ligation because my doctor felt it would be detrimental to my health to have any more children. Quite honestly the tubal ligation also had side effects including sever bleeding. I really wish I would have continued to use my diaphragm. As they say hindsight is 20/20. Many women don't like diaphragms because it requires that you insert the diaphragm before sex. Some women don't feel comfortable with this. It is important that we become comfortable with our bodies and not only that it is a little more invasive that a tampon, but really not much. To me the good out weighs the bad.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

K. J

Hi T.,

I didn't like having an IUD. I had one after the birth of my daughter and though they say that you can't feel it in there I always did. I also didn't have a period during the time I had it (which was only a few months), but would go through times of having symptoms of a period...bloating, irritability etc... As soon as I had it removed I had a period and relief!!!
I know some women who love it, but it wasn't for me!

Good luck!

The non-hormonal IUD is awesome. Love mine, and wish I had it sooner.

I had the Mirena IUD placed after the birth of my second child and I am glad that I did it. It was uncomfortable when it was placed. I took some Advil (for cramping) about a half hour before I went. I had some mild to moderate, at times, cramping and spotting for about 2-3 weeks after. Advil worked great with the cramping. It has been 5 months now and I don't even know it is there. My periods are very light and last about a week. If I had to do it over I would. I also like the idea that I can remove it if we decide to have more kids. I really like that I don't need to remember to take the pill each morning. Lord knows I have enough going on and one less thing to remember is a good thing. :) Good luck and congrats on the new baby! :)

I have had the Mirena for 2 yrs now. I have never had a problem and the procedure to have it inserted was very easy. There was some mild discomfort when it went in and I felt a little crampy for a day or so. I had a pretty normal period that lasted a few days each month for 3 months afterward and now I just have a few days of light spotting each month. I love it and wish I had done it sooner!

Hi T.!
I love, love, love my Mirena IUD. It is the best thing in the world of birth control as far as I am concerned. I had it put in when my son was about 8 months. I tried the pill while I was nursing, and with being a first time mommy and being sooo busy, I was so terrible at remembering to take my pill. I also wanted something that was non-hormonal, so that when we want to try for #2, I just have it removed, and that's that.

The pain with the insertion is different for every woman. My friend has the same one put in, and she had no pains at all, but I did. Even with taking an Advil a little while before getting the IUD, I had some pretty bad cramping for the whole first night. It wasn't anything that knocked me down, just really uncomfortable. The pains are very simular to early labor pains. I highly recommend that you get the Mirena IUD. It truly is fantastic, and the procedure is super quick and nothing to be affraid of. I think that you will be very happy with it when it's all said and done. :)Good luck!

M.

Hi T.,

The IUD is the best contraception I have ever had. Because I use to have heavy, painful cramping, my nurse practicioner recommended the IUD which releases some tiny levels of hormones in the uterus , Mirena,and it was uncomfortable to have inserted but NOT painful, it has never bothered me, and my period is now so light and pain free I barely notice them!!!
I hope this helps you in making a decision, let me know if you have any questions,
V.

After our second child was born, I went and got an IUD. Did not want to worry about daily pills (and the weight gain associated for me) and other forms, and IUD seemed the best option. It was painless. It took about five minutes in the doctor's office. You do feel some cramping, and it can be a bit intense for a bit, but what is cramping after going through childbirth?

I did NOT get the Mirena IUD. Have known a lot of people with bad experiences from this IUD. I had the ten-year IUD put in and loved having it. Never had to think about anything. About two years ago, when our second child was six, we decided we were done for good. My husband had a vasectomy. I kept the IUD in during the "unsafe period" for about six months, until he was cleared, and then had it removed. It really worked for me. Hope you have a good experience.

I had the mirena IUD and thought it was great!! I had no pain at all. It lasts only for 5 years vs. the copper one that lasts 10. But there isn't the heavy bleeding and pain with the mirena one. But I would definitely recommend it! good luck!

I have a Mirena (sp)and short of my husband getting fixed - you could not take it away from me. Best birth control I have ever used. No pain, no period and this is my second one. Had it since 2001.

Hi
I had an IUD put in about 4 weeks ago. The only painful part that I experienced was when it went in. The dr has to stabilize the uterus and put the IUD in. Other than that, I haven't felt anything since. I would consider this next to the best form of birth control next to abstinence (sp?). I've been on the depo shot, the patch and nuva ring. I also have 2 boys, ages 10 and 6. I just changed because I had a scare of a pregnance with the patch and right now isn't the time to be having a scare. My OB/GYN said I was an excellent candidate because I have two children and I need something w/ a low dose or no dose hormone. I have Mirena (low dose), since I am near my mid-30's.
I hope this helps you with your decision.

S.

I have been using the Copper IUD (forget the name) for 3.5 years and it's been great for me. I don't want hormones either with cancer running in my family. It was only slightly plainful when installed and slightly crampy for me. For the first 3-4 months I had heavy periods with harsher cramps, but then it stopped almost completely; and my periods are very light now with an occasional heavy one. It has been great for me over all. My husband can feel it once in awhile, but not something he complains about.....then again, he better not! I love not worrying any more or having to do anything else. Good luck!

R. P
I have a 6.5 yr old boy and a 4 yr old boy.

I did not have problems with the insertion of the IUD at all. I even enjoyed not having my periods for a while. But I began to suspect that my incredible mood swings were related to it (I had the Mirena with hormones) and two days ago I had it removed (which was entirely painless). I asked others about the mood swings here after reading about it on-line elsewhere - see http://www.mamasource.com/request/9794310270481334273?. Perhaps the non-hormonal kind would not have these effects. Good luck with your decision!

Hi

I just had the Mirena IUD inserted last week and so far so good! I did cramp and had some mild bleeding for the first few days, but other than that I have been fine.

Best of luck!

T.,

I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 month old, and I have used an IUD after both of my daughters were born. I absolutely love it. The IUD I have has some hormones in it, I believe (I used the Mirena brand both times). I did not know there were non-hormonal IUDs until about three weeks ago. So I can only speak to my own experience. However, I have loved the convenience of it. It's been so nice to not have to worry about my birth control and just know that it's working anytime I need it.

I found the procedure of insertion to be more of a discomfort than painful, especially compared to the pains of child birth. I experienced some cramping upon insertion, and then cramping off and on over the next couple of days. I have also had some spotting inbetween periods. For some women, an IUD will totally illiminate a period, but for me it just makes them very light (about 2 days with minimal bleeding). These are the only side effects I have experienced and they are completely outweighed by the benefits I recieve. I hope this helps you in making your decision.

I have had the Mirena IUD for the past 4 years and I love it. I hardley ever have a period. I used to have heavy periods, now I occasionally spot but that's it. THe only bad thing about it was at the beginning I spotted for about three months, after that I probably spot about once every 6 months for about a day.
I also don't have the mood swings I had when I was on other birth control.
As far as it being painful I have not noticed that at all. It was a little uncomfortable when my doctor first put it in for about 1 day. Maybe they are referring to the original copper IUD.
So far I am very happy with it!

Good Luck!

Hi T. ~

I wanted to let you know of my experience with the Merina IUD. It does have hormones, but they are only topical, they do not enter your blood system. I had a little bit of pain when it was inserted, and probably because I forgot to take the Ibueprofen that they recommend that you take before you have it inserted. After that day I had no other problems with the IUD. I had no periods (which I think is GREAT!!) and no cramping or anything like that. I had it removed about 1 1/2 months ago to try and have another baby....I will definately have another IUD put in after we have another baby! I have been completely satisfied with my IUD experience! I hope that if you choose to get an IUD that your experience is as good as mine!

Hi T.~
I have had the copper IUD over 5 years ago; I had just gotten divorced and started dating again.. so this came in very handy- but now .. not to scare you... but once sex took place, I bled everywhere- like I mean all over the sheets, and talk about a massive period!! It was terrible, so I went to see the doctor the next day (talk about a messy date) and THEY COULD NOT LOCATE MY IUD!!!! I was crying, thoughts of not finding it and worse, to never be able to have children again.. well, luckily they found it!! I had no meds, and they had to pull it out with a syringe- it was very painful, they told me that should not have happened- and they dont' know why it did.
Well, after 2 yrs of no birth control, I decided to get back together with my ex-husband and try to reconcile our marriage- I have not been able to get pregnant.. I am not sure if these two are related; but I just thought I would put that out there... Good Luck and do lots of google and find out all you can-

I enjoyed reading the responses since I am looking for some birth control options after my 3rd child -- hubby is fighting a vasectomy. I had the Mirena IUD inserted after my 2nd child and it wasn't for me, though. I really wanted a hormone free alternative...but my OB convinced me the Mirena was the best way to go, especially since I really liked the idea of potentially not getting my period. I felt the initial discomfort many discussed below of cramping when it was put in but it was only for a day. The good thing was that I didn't get my period (had it inserted about 2-3 mths after giving birth) but could feel my body ovulating every 2 months or so with only slight cramping. On the bad side, I really never felt particularly good about having it in my body. I also experienced pain during intercourse which my doctor thought was unrelated everytime I asked her to take it out. I put up with it for 2 years until I was ready for #3. Upon trying to dislodge it -- my OB found out it wasn't in the right place. My doctor ended up having to use ultrasound to try to extract it rather than waiting to surgically remove it. I am not against Mirena since so many people love it ...but I only want to add to listen to your body if it doesn't feel right ...I wish my doctor would have helped me understand how to check if it was in place (especially after telling her it hurt) or insisting that it be pulled out earlier. FYI -- my periods resumed immediately after and I was pregnant soon thereafter with no trouble. Hope this helps as you make your decision.

I had a copper IUD for years before we had our son. Putting it in hurt alot - but I got another one with hormones after my son was born and that was just uncomfortable and after 4 months my periods totally stopped but I still got PMS.
The copper IUD can give you an allery to copper - like cheap silver jewelry will make you have a little rash where it touched you...ALSO, if your man is kinda big you may feel the occaisional poke during sex if you aren't completely "ready" if you know what I mean...he will have to improve his foreplay game;)
I struggled with the hormone IUD, got bad mood swings and depressed - birth control pills did the same to me, so if the Pill made you a little nutty be careful.
The best part about both types of IUD is that you don't have to plan anything or fumble around with protection or worry about forgetting it. You do have to check yourself every month to make sure it's still there.
that's my 2 cents...;)

I had the Mirena put in last September with little to no side effects. It was not painful. However, the day after I was sick, bad flu like symptoms. Other than that, it has been wonderful! I highly recommend it although every BODY is different.

I had that non hormonal kind and it came out- I had no problems before a very big cramp and some bleeding- more like spotting and I could feel the stings had moved when I checked. I went to my Dr and had it removed...it was uncomfortable, but over quickly with no lasting pain. After our second baby I had the minirva- small amt of hormone- and it was more painful going in, but again when the procedure was over there was no lasting pain. I would do it again- so it was not that painful. I love it- its been almost 2 years- I have very light period, if at all, and was able to lose the baby weight-almost. It is great not having to think about birth control at all.
E.

I used the Mirena for almost a year. It wasn't super painful but more like a jolt and cramp/pinch. I'm a no epidural girl of 2 so it was manageable. Nothing you can't handle as a woman and mom. I did cramp for a few days after but motrin helped that. I was still nursing at the time and still had no cycle(got preggers that way before!) and it almost seemed like it brought on a cycle with spotting from a foreign object in my uterus. Don't know for sure though. Anyways, I had it removed after a little under 1 year cause my hubby's vasectomy took:)a waste cause they last 5. AND the little sucker slipped out of place. But all in all, I spotted and cycled inconsistently with it in. Of course au natural after almost 20 years of birth control is nice. Also, try the Billings method if you want to plan more babies and no hormones. Its way easier to read your body after 2 kids.
Oh my Gawd!, I almost for got the last baaad thing, my honey could actually feel the string at times and he's the one who told me that it was out of place. I just thought it was more cramping.

T.,

I have the Mirena IUD and LOVE it. It was painful to have it inserted but have not had any pain since then (except for some minor cramping for a few days after insertion). Now I don't even know it is there.

I am someone who can not take the pill because of the hormones. I have tried every kind and all other birth control options. I have had no side affect from the IUD. I have only had it for about 4 months. They say you can have spotting for 6 months after insertion but I have had none.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with you decision.

I've had two IUD's and am going to get another. I had no problems with them, and loved the convenience of them. You don't have to worry about it at all. The first one I had for eight years. No pain, no problem.I don't remember how long I had the second, but during my period, it did slip down and I was able to pull it out( I wondered what was poking me, and upon investigation, out it came). The doctor said it was because the blood clots had dislodged it.We were planning to have another child, so it was ok. This was 25 years ago. I would recommend them to anyone. I am going to get another not for birth control, but to help make my periods lighter. I guess they are commonly used for that in us older women. As I said, I would recommend them to anyone, the convenience is well worth it.

I have nothing but praise for the non-hormonal IUD! I had one for 7 years & only just had it removed when I was ready to start trying to get pregnant. It does hurt a bit when they install it (only takes a few seconds to do so) & the pain feels like menstrual cramps. I had bad cramps for about 1-2 weeks afterwards, but then they completely stopped. After that, i never had to worry again. Everyone is completely different. My girlfriend got one right after she had a baby & never had any cramping at all. its completely worth it as this type of IUD lasts for 10 years & if you decide you want to try for another baby you can start immediately after the IUD is removed. Not to mention, you aren't pumping your body with unhealthy hormones.