Need happy IUD stories

kristen80

I'm getting the Paraguard tomorrow and am really nervous about the pain  (.  Really, I've given birth to 2 kids and shouldn't be scared of anything at this point but I can't help it. 

Also, if you've gotten one, did you take any pain meds prior to the appointment?  Wondering if I should take some Tylenol before going...I've done this before waxing and it helps tremendously so who knows.

danieleandwayne

Well, I have a Mirena IUD and when I got it inserted back in 2007, I had not only not had a child, but I had not had a period in 6 years. Soooo, for me it hurt more than I expected it to (probably part of the problem) and I have walked around with a broken rib without knowing it. That being said, it only hurt for a few minutes, I controlled the worst of the pain by breathing through it nice and long and slow, and then I took some Motrin afterwards for the cramping. Apparently, my cervix was as tight as a Pharoah's tomb entrance (doctor's quote).

But my sister, who had hers put in after two kids said it was a piece of cake and said that her period cramps hurt worse than the IUD insertion.

Same for a couple other friends of mine who've had them inserted after having kids-- plus one friend who didn't have kids but routinely got her period...

maeghan21

No experience, but id say I would be nervous too. Your lady parts have been through enough, no need for pain! Goodluck!!!

MainelyFoolish

I had a Mirena inserted about a year and a half after Helen was born.  I took 600mg ibuprofen before the appointment.  My cervix was still loose enough that they didn't have to dilate it to get the IUD in (I was also having my period at the time); it's my understanding that the cervix dilation is the part that can really hurt.  The whole procedure didn't feel any worse than a pap smear for me.  I had some mild cramps for a couple of days afterwards.

I love having the Mirena.  I never have to think about birth control and I basically don't have a period anymore.  My doctor told me that the Paraguard usually causes heavier bleeding -- good luck with that. 

BeyondTheSea16

I also have Mirena and I'm not sure what the difference is between them.  I love having it, but, I'm not going to lie, getting it put in was no picnic.  I got it about 8 weeks after giving birth and did not enjoy having another dr. poking around down there.  I have mild cramping for about a week after and spotted a little the night it went in.  OTHERWISE, I really do love it.  Also, since I'd already met my insurance max for the year, it only cost me a copay of $40, which I figure is less than BCP, even knowing I won't have it close to the 5 years its good for.  Was definitely the best option all around, but a little tylenol can't hurt :-)  Good luck!

meganmarieCA

I have no advice, but I want to commend you on being such a nice wife that you even need to think about birth control.  I'm not there yet.

 

MA&CB

I have the mirena too...it was uncomfortable, but not awful.  She numbed things up a couple times during the process.  There were a couple deep cramps, but otherwise the insertion was not painful.  And definitely worth it, I love it!

kristen80

MainelyFoolish:

My doctor told me that the Paraguard usually causes heavier bleeding -- good luck with that. 

Yeah only time will tell how my body responds.  Basically I'm choosing the non-hormonal version since I'm bfing (and plan on doing so until Katie is in the 12-18 month range) and in the past I've had horrid side effects from hormones, like weekly migraines that last 3 days...something I'd trade any day for heavier periods!

 

MainelyFoolish

kristen80:

MainelyFoolish:

My doctor told me that the Paraguard usually causes heavier bleeding -- good luck with that. 

Yeah only time will tell how my body responds.  Basically I'm choosing the non-hormonal version since I'm bfing (and plan on doing so until Katie is in the 12-18 month range) and in the past I've had horrid side effects from hormones, like weekly migraines that last 3 days...something I'd trade any day for heavier periods!

 

FYI, Mirena only contains progestin (no estrogen) like the mini-pill, so you can continue to breastfeed with it.  Also, the hormone is localized to the uterus so it does not have the same systemic effects as oral contraceptives.

MA&CB

MainelyFoolish:

kristen80:

MainelyFoolish:

My doctor told me that the Paraguard usually causes heavier bleeding -- good luck with that. 

Yeah only time will tell how my body responds.  Basically I'm choosing the non-hormonal version since I'm bfing (and plan on doing so until Katie is in the 12-18 month range) and in the past I've had horrid side effects from hormones, like weekly migraines that last 3 days...something I'd trade any day for heavier periods!

 

FYI, Mirena only contains progestin (no estrogen) like the mini-pill, so you can continue to breastfeed with it.  Also, the hormone is localized to the uterus so it does not have the same systemic effects as oral contraceptives.

Ditto, I had no change in supply and continued BF'ing from the 10 weeks I had it inserted until 14 months.