IUD and BC users

keb270

I know there was a lenghty thread about this before, so I apologize in advance for not paying more attention then. I have been on the pill for about 8 years now and have noticed a steady decline in my sex drive since then. I know some of you mentioned that you changed to an IUD and have had a better experience. You would mind sharing a little more info about what kind (copper?) and side effects etc? I am planning to talk to my obgyn next week about this and wanted some more information. TIA

S2BMrsO

If you're having issues with hormonal BC, I would go with the copper IUD. That is what I got when I was six weeks post partum. I can't do hormonal birth control. It screws me up royally. So far, I have had absolutely no issues whatsoever! After insertion I spotted for a few days, and I get a little bit of cervical irritation from the IUD string, but it's honestly nothing to complain about from my end!

If you have any other questions let me know.

ChooGirl

Here goes nothing... 

I got the Paragard (the copper iud) almost a year ago, and now I LOVE IT. The insertion process was pretty painful (because 1. I apparently have a tiny uterus and 2. I've never had a child, thus, my cervix has never dilated), and my recovery took nearly three weeks.

Insertion is fast and it feels like a strong menstrual cramp, which usually subsides before you leave the office. My pain continued because my uterus was so small and it needed to stretch to accommodate the iud. During that process I was at risk for involuntarily expelling the device (and getting pregnant-- yikes) or continued pain (which would lead to removal). Thankfully, after a few weeks, I woke up one morning and felt like a normal human being. Sex drive back, zero pain, zero worry. My only negative side effect is slightly longer/heavier periods (4-5 days, with 2 days heavy). Totally worth it.

Highly, highly recommend for long-term, low-maintenance, birth control. 

keb270

Thanks so much ladies! I really appreicate the information!

S2BMrsO

ChooGirl:

Here goes nothing... 

I got the Paragard (the copper iud) almost a year ago, and now I LOVE IT. The insertion process was pretty painful (because 1. I apparently have a tiny uterus and 2. I've never had a child, thus, my cervix has never dilated), and my recovery took nearly three weeks.

Insertion is fast and it feels like a strong menstrual cramp, which usually subsides before you leave the office. My pain continued because my uterus was so small and it needed to stretch to accommodate the iud. During that process I was at risk for involuntarily expelling the device (and getting pregnant-- yikes) or continued pain (which would lead to removal). Thankfully, after a few weeks, I woke up one morning and felt like a normal human being. Sex drive back, zero pain, zero worry. My only negative side effect is slightly longer/heavier periods (4-5 days, with 2 days heavy). Totally worth it.

Highly, highly recommend for long-term, low-maintenance, birth control. 

Yep... agreed. I have the ParaGard too.

My insertion wasn't painful at all though due to just having had a baby. My midwife, who inserted it, told me I would probably still feel cramping, and I didn't.

I'm sure it varies with each woman though.

penaltyshot

Sadly, my gyn is against giving IUDs to women who've never been pregnant, so I'm stuck with BC (she gave me loestrin, which still isn't helpful). Good luck to you though!

ChooGirl

penaltyshot:

Sadly, my gyn is against giving IUDs to women who've never been pregnant, so I'm stuck with BC (she gave me loestrin, which still isn't helpful). Good luck to you though!

Did your doctor explain why? I'm just curious because I worked at several ob/gyn offices in college (I was pre-med) and I've never encountered a doctor who was against them if the patient was in a committed relationship...

Savy _05

I work for an ob/gyn, and from what i have heard from our patients everyone LOVES iud's, we use mirena, it does use hormones but is progesterone only, it does not contain any estrogen, therefore eliminating any estrogen related side effects, As for a great side effect of the hormones, progesterone keeps you from building up a lining, so typically no period!  In our office we prescribe cytotec (a vaginal pill to dilate the cervix, making insertion much more comfortable)  If your leaning more towards a pill both Yaz and Loestrin are great, they both have only 4 day placebos, meaning usually very little to no period, everyone seems to like them, but of course neither option works for everyone. Hope the info helps a little. oh and ps the ads on tv about yaz are bogus.