Choosing IUD for Birth Control Method

Updated on September 12, 2007
J.Y. asks from Southaven, MS
14 answers

i just delivered my 2nd child a month ago and since it wasn't done C-section my doctor wouldn't do a tubal and said that i would have to reschedule to have that done. he then recommended the IUD. just curious - do any of you use or have any first hand knowledge regarding the IUD method of birth control? i am going to have my 6wk checkup next week and am considering setting up to have the IUD implanted.

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So What Happened?

i mentioned getting the mirena to my doctor and he sent me home with some information to help me decide if that is what i want.
he also sent me with another form of BC - the nouvaring.. seems to be working well for me.. so i may stay using that

thanks all for your input :)

More Answers

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H.F.

answers from Nashville on

I got an IUD inserted at my 6-week follow-up appointment (back in Jan.) and have had no problems with it. She did cut the strings shorter than she should have so I had an ultrasound 4 weeks later to be sure it was in the correct place (which it was). I haven't had an "actual" period- just a week of spotting- which I love! I went for my annual check-up in July and she said all is well. I would highly recommend it because it is so worry-free and not permanent (we don't want any more children but since I'm under 30, my doctor wanted me to wait a year for us to do a permanent surgery). If my periods stay this way, I may just replace it in 5 years! I have a Mirena IUD and went to their website to research it first, which answered so many questions. Hope this helps!

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R.F.

answers from Johnson City on

Mirena just look it up , i have had it twice now - right after the 6 week of my now 4 yr old and well i had it taken out last june and we had our 3 child this may and of course i got it again . also you shouldnt gain weight on it !!! either way check it out .

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D.T.

answers from Memphis on

Hi, my name is D. and i have a 2 year old son, after giving birth me and my husband decided we didn't want anymore children, however we didn't want to make a permanant decision at that time, i spoke with my OBGYN and he recomended a IUD called Mirena, i have a friend who had had one put in a year before and she loved it. I had the IUD installed a few months later in the office, it did hurt some during the insertion but no more than a really bad cramp, but it was the best decison we have ever made, the IUD is good for five years, you just go as normal once a year to the OBGYN for a checkup and other than that it like nothing is there at all. One of the other great plusses is you do not have a menstural cycle after the first few months, you body doesnt go through the processes that we cause a need to have one. You can remove the IUD at anytime but after 5 years it will need to be replaced. I love it!!! If you have any other questions just let me know.

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H.F.

answers from Nashville on

I know that with some people it cause's them to gain alot of waight.. I know i did i was 125 when i got it then i started hurtin real bad in my stomic and back and nothing would help then i started putting the Ib's on so when my time was up and i could get it out it come out then i was at 185Ib so just think long and hard about it.. good luck

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M.E.

answers from Clarksville on

I had one after my first child it seemed to be the best choice for me but as some of the other girls said it does seem to depend on your body there are alot of pros if your body accepts it but for most there is more bad than good for example you or your partner have to check for placement before intercourse everytime or you take the risk of getting pregnant anyway most complain of cramping for awhile after insertion and if your like me your body will recognize it as a foriegn object and reject it i had mine replaced twice before i threw in the towel and went with a different method if it works it's a great option if not it's so much more trouble than it's worth. One of those trial and error things you know? Good luck!!!!

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M.M.

answers from Memphis on

I chose to go with the IUD after my last child was born. That was 7 years ago. Other than my periods lasting a little longer some months, I have no issues with it. It lasts for 10 years, there are no pills to remember or drug interactions. I don't even know that its there. I would highly recommend it if you are unsure if you want more kids.

Good luck!

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C.R.

answers from Chattanooga on

I had my IUD inserted after my 3rd child for the same reason you are considering. I Love it...I have not had any problems with mine. It did not bother me when the doctor inserted it and I love not having a period. And the good thing is if you ever change your mind about having kids you can just have it taken out. Good luck!

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T.M.

answers from Memphis on

I got one after the birth of my first child because I wanted to wait a while to have another. When I was ready to have my next one, I had it removed and in one month I was pregnant with my second. After he was born I got another one and have had Absolutely no problems. It has been the best choice for me. I would think that an IUD would be recommended more often.
T. (Beth & Joye's Mom)

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V.B.

answers from Clarksville on

Hi J.. I chose to have an IUD just a couple of months after my 3rd child was born because that's what the doctor and everyone else recommended. But it doesn't always work out for everyone who has it. The same day the doctor inserted the IUD, it perforated my uterus (went thru it). It was floating around in my abdomen for 2 days until the doctor could get me into same day surgery to have it removed. It was pretty painful. But the doctor also said it only happens to about 1 in 1,000 people, it was her first time every seeing it. Not trying to discourage you though, alot of people I know have one and say that it's great. Just thought I would give my input. :)

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R.B.

answers from Memphis on

I had one after my second child also. I have really bad migraines and birth controll makes them unbearable so i went with the copper ring. it is good for 7 or so years and loved it. however the device started to fall/was to low and i had to have it reoved... this only happens in about 3% of cases so it's not a really big problem. i was planning on having another inserted when i found out i had endometriosis and had to have surgery to remove it and now will start the new arm thing. i'm not sure what it is called, but it is only progestorone, is good for 3 years and you will not have any cycles with it. i can't give you any negatives on it since i'm still waiting for that but the IUD hurt like crazy being inserted and the next 2 cycles were very misserable - after that it was great and again i was planning on having another one until other health matters came into the picture.
Hope that helps.

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L.R.

answers from Knoxville on

I chose an IUD and have been very happy with it. I reccomend it for the time you have to schedule a tubal ligation becasue this is reversable. There are a few side effects but not enough for this to beproblem. Your periods can be heavier, the first few definatly will and can be a bit more painful, but your body works it out so you don't even notice.
Good luck

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J.B.

answers from Nashville on

I have had it for the last 4 years and I absolutly love it!!! I do not have a period...so good bye cramps...YEAH!! The only draw back for me was that it did hurt and hurt for awhile. I am a big advocate for the IUD especially if you do not want to get pregnant in the next 5 years and you can always have it removed when you are ready for the next one.

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M.R.

answers from Memphis on

I've mine now for 2 years after our second child was born. I didn't have any problems when my dr inserted it. It was a bit incomfortable but I compare it to a regular routine check-up. Periods were still heavy for 2 - 3 mos but that could be because of the birth as well. After that, a few spottings every now and then (I guess to let me know that my body is still working normal). I don't have the hormonal changes or any weight gain. Another plus, my insurance covered the whole procedure and therefore, I don't have to pay for these darn pills that I usually forgot :) - As others said, do your research and talk to your doctor. Btw, the IUD can be taken out anytime. You do not have to wait for 5 years.

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R.

answers from Nashville on

I have the mirena iud. I think they have their plus and negative sides. I have had mine for 3 years now, and I don't have a period, I haven't gained weight with it. but I have noticed that I guess when I would normally have a period, I still get the mood swings and hormonal change. I would just say to do your research because everyone is different and their bodies react differently to them.

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