The "T" Shaped Contraceptive (IUD)

Hi K.,
My name is N.. I am 26 and have an eleven month old son. My doctor recommended an IUD after I had my son because I told him I did not want to have another child for atleast three years. Getting it placed was simple and not painful. It is great not having to worry about taking the pill and I like the fact that it is hormone free. The only negative things are that my period is longer and sometimes you can feel it. Regardless, it is the best birth control I have used.

I have had both types of iud and in my experience, the one with the hormones is much better. The one you are talking about is the copper one and it was not that great for me. I would randomly have severe cramps and when I had my period, the cramps and the bleeding were much worse, which was really bad for me because both were naturally bad for me anyway. Of course, every body type is different but I would more recommend the Mirena (hormone coated iud) over the other. Hope this helps.

I had the copper IUD that lasts 10 years. I had it inserted Feb of 2004 and just had it removed June of 2007. I would recommend it and I have. For me, it was pretty much painless to have it inserted. I did it before work one morning and was able to go about my work day as usual. The only thing I noticed was that some months I would bleed very heavily. Usually those months I didn't bleed as long. I think it's great because you never really have to think about it and you can't screw it up!! I tend to be rather forgetful at time. I hope this helps you out a bit.

Smiles,
E.

No it is not painful to have it placed, nor is it uncomfortable for you. However, it may be uncomfortable for your husband. The "string" is not string you would find on a tampond. It's a wirey like string and it sticks straight out of the utarise (sp). Because it is sticking straight down it will poke him. You might wanta try something else.

Hope this helps,
P.

I just had the Mirena (hormone) one inserted a week ago, and yeah it wasn't really comfortable, but the pain was really minimal and short lived- all in all much less of a pain than the pill :)
I bleed for the 24 hrs following insertion, and I am bleeding again since yesterday, but that might be my period. I'm not sure because if it is it would be my first post-baby period. But whatever it is it is super light with no cramping!

I hope this helps, good luck!!

Just like to say i had it for 5 yrs, just got it taken out.
it wasn't that painful getting it in but i suffered from alot of cramps and heavy bleeding, and sex well lets just say it's been better without it. But it has been the best contraceptive i have ever had, no hormones is so much better for you.

I had the Mirena IUD placed about 2 months after my daughter was born. I did alot of research prior to it. I got pregnant on the pill with my daughter so I wanted to use something more effective. However, the best part is not only is it 99.99% effective it is cost effective as well... If you dont plan on having kids for at least another year it probably pays for itself w/n a year of being on the pill. When I had it placed it hurt and the information you find on the Mirena website says that will happen. They have to pull down your uterus and dialate you to insert. My doctor made me stay in the office for a little while after words bc it does make you a little dizzy. If you have had a child and experience contractions that is similar to how it feels (or so thats what my GYN told me since when my daughter was born I never went into active labor) I have 4 words - I LOVE MY IUD. Many people have mixed reactions about but everyone is different too... The day I got mine I did have some bleeding and some cramping but nothing that a little tylenol didnt cure, I had mine inserted and later that evening went to the beach for the weekend without any issues. I am paying out of pocket for mine and it cost me about 600.00 with insertion (make sure your insurance co. covers it, or see what you would be resp. for) but it is the best decision I think I have made. They are good for 5 years depending on the kind that you get and can be removed at any time! Hope this helps!

Hi K.,

I got an IUD placed about three months ago. I have a very good OB/GYN and it really didn't hurt that much. It felt like a pinch when he was placing it, it is done the same way your yearly visit goes. It can be done in one office visit, everyone had a different tolarance for pain, so it might be a little bit more uncomfortable to some. Not sure what the other response your recieved is saying, my docotor's visit was not that drastic, I was in and out withing 20 minutes. I will tell you to take some pads with you, because there is a little bleeding for a day or so after. It can be a little pricy in the beginning if your insurance doesn't cover it, but it more then pays for it self if you have been speending money monthly or tri-monthly on the pill. Before I had the IUD I was on a low hormone birth control pill, and well, I now have a six month old son. I was looking for something more reliable and the DR. suggested the IUD. The one that I have can stay in place for 10 years, is hormone free, the name is Paraguard, also called the copper T, www.paragard.com, here is the web address if you want to check it out. I paid for it out of pocket and it cost $400 to purchase it, but it is one of the best decisions I have made. I love it! I would discuss it with your OB/GYN, they are your best place to find all the answers. But for all three months that I have had it I love it. I don't have to worry about taking a pill everyday at the same time or replacing a patch or ring once a week, and it give me freedom, if you know what I mean. Hope this helps!!!

T.

I have the same thing - and I love it!! The only complaint I have is that putting in tampons isn't as easy, it's kind of difficult to get it in the right angle. But I would definately recommend it.

I have a non-hormonal IUD and it's the best birth control I've ever used. The insertion did involve a little pain, but not too bad. The first couple periods I had after were extra crampy and I had some spotting in between, but after a few months, it was smooth sailing. Long term, 24/7 birth control without all the hormonal side effects is fabulously civilized.

Good morning K.,

I have an IUD and it has there for almost two yrs. When it was placed it was alittle painful but not too bad for me. The only down side is that I had bleeding for a couple of weeks not heavy though. Know I have a period that is light and sometimes I do get cramps but it is not to bad.

L.