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Thank you.
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IUD questions
Hi ladies, I'm usually just a lurker, but I have my annual appointment next week and I'm considering an IUD.
I don't have any children yet, and I'd like to keep it that way - can you only get Mirena if you've already had a child?
What is the procedure like? What is the healing time like? Can you feel it afterward?
I'm just hoping that some of you who have (or have had) an IUD could give me some insight.
Thanks!
Re: IUD questions
I have the Paragard IUD and LOVE IT!(I didn't want Mirena because of the hormones) The insertion was relatively easy for me, but then again I have had 2 kids. Most doctors will insert one into a woman that hasn't had any children. If your dr. doesn't check around for one that does.
Healing time?? It isn't surgery or anything. I had cramps for about a day then nothing. I just had a period(first one after childbirth and IUD insertion) and it was pretty heavy. But other then that I don't ever feel it.
I just got my Mirena about two months ago and I love it. The insertion was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I had pretty bad cramps for the rest of the day and if I moved a certain way or sat a certain way I could feel it (my doc said this was normal.) My first period after I got it was very light and a few days longer than normal. And I haven't had another period since, which is awesome!
Also, I haven't had children and my OB said it wasn't a problem at all.
Thank you OP for posting this, and thank you to anyone who replies.
I'm also considering an IUD (if insurance will cover it) and I don't have children yet.
I have Mirena and never had children. Its just harder for them to get it in is all..
Mirena is awesome, either very light period for 2-3 days each month or none. You or at least I still get PMS and cramping but I have endometriosis so I am different. I love the no period thing. As far as the protection part that is great too. The best part is no pill everyday, what a drag.
The hormones stay in uterus not in blood stream, but I hear some people do react, so its possible.
Healing time was implantation in morning, rest of day with heating pad and advil, back to work next day.
First period, I dont remember....regular timing I assume.
I've had my Mirena for about 2 years, and I love it! I have never been pregnant. Like others said, it just depends on the doctor whether or not they're willing to give it to you if you haven't had a child. I went to a NP at Planned Parenthood, and she was really great.
I was thinking the insertion was going to be awful, but it really wasn't all that bad. It was definitely pretty uncomfortable for about 10 seconds. Afterward, it was just like mild period cramps.
I got the Mirena basically because I kept forgetting to take the pill, and I love that I don't have to worry about it. I have "periods" still, if you could call them that, which consist of mild cramps light spotting for 2-3 days once a month. I used to be anemic from my periods, even on birth control pills. I just had a CBC done a few days ago and my numbers are great! I knew they would be because I have been feeling so much better.
I can't say enough good things about it, really.
Thanks so much for the info!
I have to say, Mirena is looking better and better
Procedure: like a regular annual exam, only a bit logner and a tiny bit more painful. Not as bad as I was expecting though!
Healing time: none. I wasn't sore or crampy at all.
Pre-child- depends on the doc. Some docs won't do it, but if you look around you should be able to find one who will.
Remember to check your strings every month!
Kristi and Kerry June 21,2008
What does that mean?????
Don't forget to call your insurance company. I thought they would cover the Mirena, but they didn't. I got stuck with a $700 bill! Even better, when I went for my next annual, they told me that a vasectomy was only around $100 and was covered by mine, as well as, most other insurances! Oh, if you do get it, some of my friends' husbands say the strings bother them. Your doc can cut them shorter, but my husband doesn't feel them because mine fold around the side of my cervix.
The procedure wasn't just uncomfortable-there was a sharp cramping and pain that took my breath away. They say it is different for everyone, and I have a retroverted uterus, which has caused a few problems for me. Just go through all of your options, and check with your insurance first!
I got Paragard in October (didn't want Mirena because I wanted a non-hormonal option, and Paragard is good for 10 years, compared to Mirena's 5) and am pretty happy with it; I have never had children.
Total cost for mine (IUD plus insertion fees): about $900; I paid a $20 co-pay and that's it. Can't complain about 10 years' worth of birth control for $20
Insertion: my doctor told me to take 4 Aleve before the visit, then he gave me a local anesthetic, so the insertion wasn't bad at all--just some cramping when it went in, then nothing until the Aleve wore off that evening. I cramped off and on a lot for the first month or so, and had some spotting.
My periods are heavier now (typical with Paragard, but not so with Mirena), but I don't care much about that.
See strings dangling out of cervix? They need to be checked every month to ensure the IUD is still in place. Also, dr. removes IUD by pulling the strings.