Anyone have a Paragard IUD?

[moni_stout]

After being on oral contraceptives for the last 17 years, I have decided that I no longer want to use contraceptives with hormones. So today I had a Paragard IUD put in by my doctor. First off, I have not had any children, which apparently makes insertion a tad more uncomfortable. Holy crap it hurt! I almost told the doctor to forget the whole thing, but she kept reassuring me that it was almost over. They gave me two Advils and had me lay down for a while. At first they just let me get up and leave, but I had lost all color and they were concerned that I might pass out. I laid down in the exam room and then headed out for my drive home. I wish that my husband would have come with me to drive me home, it felt like the longest drive in the world.

The purpose of my post is to find out if anyone else has had experience with the Paragard copper IUD? I am nervous after 17 years of the pill. I have read that periods will be heavier and more painful, but will this subside with time? Has anyone had a good or bad experience? Any problems with acne after using the Paragard?

Thanks,
Monica

 

[amyg]

I've had mine for 2.5 years. They said longer periods would happen for a year but I swear it's only been in the past few months I've noticed them getting a little shorter. *Definitely* better than it was the first several months!

I love it. Yes, the insertion was ridiculous. I knew DH was glad he didn't see the pincer thing. Holy crap. I did make him drive me, which I was glad about! He wasn't around for the 2 appointments I had where they were removing Norplant so I made him at least come with me to this one!!

My acne remains its usual self, which is annoying but still better than any of the kazillion side effects I experienced with every single other type of birth control. LOL, I went down the doc's list "have you ever used..." and checked off every single one!!

I also had trouble with my left hip flexor for a few months after insertion, and cramping which I never had previously. That's all over with now, too.

I guess I was willing to stick it all out since I knew none of my other options had worked!

You can also try a search under IUD since I know I've posted about mine in the past. HTH!

 

[spyrosmom]

I've had mine for 6 yrs or so now. BC pills gave me headaches. I have had 1 baby, when they put it in, it was uncomfortable, but not bad. I think I spotted for a day or so. As far as periods, I have always been heavy and some months are really bad and others not so much. I have noticed though that when it is bad (every few months) I get cramps in my back, which I had never had before. Although I will take a day or 2 of cramps instead of constant headaches. I also like that I don't have to remember to take anything, or go to the pharmacy for a refill of anything. I'm afraid that at the end of the 10 yrs (they can only leave it for 10 yrs) removal is going to hurt. But, no babies, so it must be working!

Nan

 

[Sherri C.]

I've had mine for 5 years and wish I would have gotten it years earlier and not taken the pill which caused at least a pimple a month. I can't say I haven't had a pimple since I got the IUD, but it's definitely not one or two every month! My periods are much heavier than they were before (I was really light before), but I guess I'd rather have that than acne... (can't believe I'm posting this for the whole world to read ) By the way, having it put in kind of reminded me of having a baby, so now you know how that feels!

 

[suzcomn]

I have had mine for nearly 6 years and it is the best ever. I don't remember it hurting more than a slight pinch. I had it put in 2 months after my 2nd baby was born. I've never had any cramps since having children, and this was no exception. I don't remember periods being heavier either. I do remember having more discharge during the month for about 2 years. When this one has to be removed when it is 10-years old, it will be replaced at the same appointment! I don't understand why this form of bc is talked about so little, since it is hormone, pain (for me) and hassle-free.

 

[moni_stout]

Thanks so much everyone for sharing your experiences. They are very encouraging to read. I agree that a few pimples and cramping will be worth not having the side effects of hormones. I go back in five weeks for an ultrasound to ensure that it is in the correct place. It will be very strange to not be taking a pill every night!

Thanks again,
Monica

 

[Kimenem]

Not to highjack but I've been wanting to come off the pill after 17 years as well. I'm afraid that my body is so used to it, I'll have bad effects from coming off, like hair loss which may not grow back. I was looking into Mirena. Did any of you consider this option?

 

[moni_stout]

Hi Kimenem,

I did consider this option, but the whole reason I wanted off of the pills was to stop the hormones. The Mirena has hormones similar to the pill. I too am very curious how my body will react coming off of these hormones. If there are any strange reactions I will post to this thread to let you know.

Monica

 

[ShyWolf]

Just wanted to add that after going the gambit of BC pills, quarterly shots, Norplant, this IUD was the best thing I ever had for BC. While it was in place I can recall no heavy cramping and I felt such freedom until my body started rejecting it and had to be removed I was so upset that they had to remove it; but I would recommend this IUD to anyone.

 

[bitmover]

Monica,

I sent you a private message -- just want to make sure you actually see it. I'll add here that I have no experience coming off the pill....

-Beth

 

[hula_girl]

The biggest 'side effect' of paragard is that if your periods are normally heavy and crampy when not on contraceptives, it 'could' make it a bit worse.

Coming off of hormones doesn't usually have many side effects except to say maybe you don't remember what your body was really like before the hormones. If anything the hormones have kept your body at a fairly steady state and now it has to adapt to what your body would have been doing all along.

The mirena is really popular because it has a low hormone in it. most women on mirena stop having periods, or have very very light ones, after about a year. whereas with paragard you usually continue having regular periods. it's all an individual thing though.

Shelby
eta: the stigma for iud's comes from the dikon shield(sp?) in the 70s which was recalled due to lots of uteran perferations. but we're far from that now!

 

[janiejoey]

I had an IUD inserted many years ago. It was terrible, very bad experience! But then again, technology is different now (I'm assuming). Insertion at the time is awfully painful. Pay close attention to your body and be aware of what it's telling you.

Janie

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