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IUDs?
One of our favorite subjects here!
SO, I went to my OB today - wasn't due for my annual, but I've been having a lot of spotting for the past 6+ months or so, especially after sex, so I figured I'd get it checked out. I was especially encouraged my one of my best friends, who was having the same problem and it turned out to be moderate dysplasia.
Anyways, the good news is my cervix looks okay, and my OB thinks it is my BC pills so she is switching me to a different kind. I also asked her about an IUD, so that I wouldn't have to take the pill. I asked about Paraguard specifically since it is nonhormonal and one of my problems is that I feel my libido is really low. She said she wouldn't recommend it for me, since with that people tend to have heavier periods and more breakthrough bleeding/spotting (which is the problem we are trying to rectify). She did say that she would recommend the Mirena, and that even though it is hormonal with that you still tend to ovulate, whereas with the pill you don't ovulate at all (libido is tied to an increase in the hormones in your body when it ovulates, is pretty much what she told me).
I asked her if it hurt a lot to put in, and she pretty much came straight out and said yes. She said when she had her first one put in pre-kids she had tears running down her face. She mentioned that sometimes she anesthetizes, but that the injection hurts pretty much as bad as the insertion of the IUD, sometimes worse so she usually doesn't do it.
I guess I was just taken aback a little bit by her honesty & bluntness. When people ask me if what I am going to do is going to hurt them, I usually try pussyfoot around it and say, "Well, it isn't going to feel good" or "Well, it's going to be a bit uncomfortable". I mean I'd never lie to a patient when I know it's probably going to hurt, but I usually don't come right out and say "Yeah, this is going to hurt a lot." Not that I see her honesty as a bad thing, just more surprising. Although maybe leading the patient to think that something is going to be super painful, and then doing it and having it only be a little painful, makes you look good, haha.
Anyways, anyone with an IUD have any input on how their insertion process went? I'm such a baby when it comes to people being all up in my lady parts with inanimate objects. (And yes, I realize how that sounds.)
Re: IUDs?
Maybe I have a good doctor, or maybe I have a higher pain tolerance than I think, but I didn't think it hurt THAT bad. It was definitely uncomfortable, and there was a LOT of pressure and some pain. My doc told me that it hurt to, she's had some people pass out (apparently a by product of moving things around down there), I did feel a little woozy, but didn't find the pain to be unbearable. It did hurt, but no where near what it seems she's describing.
I have noticed, that my periods are pretty heavy since having it (i've had 2 so far). My cramps have come back with a vengence as well, but it comes, last 4 days (2 of which are fairly heavy and with cramps) and then the last 2 days are fairly light. I had a LITTLE bit of spotting, after my last period (i'm just finishing a cycle today so we'll see what happens) not even really enough that i needed a panty liner, just enough that i'd notice after going to the bathroom.
And my libido seems to have returned, at least a little bit, which has made for a happy hubby.
I wouldn't let the thought/expectation of pain deter you....
EDIT: I should mention mine is a copper, non hormonal.
I had a mirena for 4 years, just had it pulled in the spring.
Going in wasn't horrible, it was uncomfortable and there was a moment with a very sharp pinching sensation. I actually had mine put in by the GYN in the office I work in on my lunch break and was back to my nursing duties in 45 min.
I had spotting for about 6 months where I wore a panty liner, it came and went. I didn't have an actual period for over a year and then when I did get them they were super light. I actually only ever needed to use a panty liner when I had my period.
After it was pulled, which wasn't too bad I had to have a round of provera to kick start my period and one long irregular cycle. now they seem to be evening out to about 36 days, but I've been always been irregular.
The IUD's that were pulled were due to a braided string in the design which allowed for bacterial microbes to be harbored causing PID. This was in the 1970's and early 80's. The design has be revamped.
Good to know, thanks!
You'll have to give us on the edge a play by play after =] Good luck, hope it all goes well!