How safe are IUD's?

eng_nurse · May 2, 2004

Yikes! 6 weeks of antibiotics. A friend of mine told me she saw a 28-yr. old girl die from sepsis related to an IUD. That is really scary and getting pregnant when you think you have an adequate birth control method would be quite a shocker too.

TinyNurse, RN · May 2, 2004

I had heard IUDs were bad try or suggest a depo provera they rock.

Papercutz · May 2, 2004

I had heard IUDs were bad try or suggest a depo provera they rock.

I've been researching another birth control method and i understand there are some pretty bad side effects from the depo shot; depression, decreased libido, headaches...

mitchsmom · May 2, 2004

suggest a depo provera they rock.

yep, I've heard even worse complaints about Depo than the IUD!

I don't think there are any ideal options for birth control. You sort of have to pick whatever is the best of the bad for you.

BabyRN2Be · May 3, 2004

I've been researching another birth control method and i understand there are some pretty bad side effects from the depo shot; depression, decreased libido, headaches...

YES!!! I've had bad endometriosis for the last 10 years, since my bf and I are talking about getting married and pregnant one day, I don't want to go the hysterectomy route. I tried Depo-provera for endometriosis and I had side effects from... you know where! Migraine headaches had me in the ER at least once a week. I will NEVER use Depo-provera again. I've heard of other people having trouble from DP.

Actually, we had this discussion over the weekend. I'm curious, does the insertion of an IUD hurt as bad as it sounds?? It sounds like a wicked procedure. Since it causes heavy periods, will they recommend it for someone who has endometriosis?

Karen_tn_37211 · May 3, 2004

When I had my IUD put in it didnt hurt at all. Of course I was having my period when it was inserted. I've heard it hurts like hell if its put in at any other time of the month. I havent had any problems at all with my IUD. I love it.

Papercutz · May 3, 2004

I also had my IUD inserted during my period and it was absolute hell. I was on my probationary period at work and i had to go in the next day i was in agony despite pain pills.

When I tried to explain what the insertion felt like to my boyfriend I used the analogy of it feeling like being stabbed with a hot butter knife. sorry to be graphic.

maybe it all has to do with the person inserting it...

alysmom · May 6, 2004

I see quite a few people have mentioned problems with heavy periods with their IUDs. I just had my Mirena IUD inserted yesterday. It was painful, but only momentarily. It wouldn't deter me from getting another one someday. Apparantly most women using Mirena experience lighter and shorter periods, (because of the low-dose of Progesterone it secretes into the uterine lining) and some women stop menstruating completely after a while. This is a great bonus for me as I hate periods! I'm hoping I get to be one of the lucky ones who can stop spending money on sanitary supplies. Also, I love the fact that it's a no-hassle BC solution.

Another great bonus is that fertility returns immediately after removal. No need to wait if you want to become pregnant.

So far I've just been feeling a bit crampy, like at the start of my periods. Not enough to even need meds though.

So far so good!

MarySunshine · Sep 10, 2006

Can I re-open an ancient thread in order to say that I'm getting a Mirena IUD inserted tomorrow and I'm petrified. I may just have to call and cancel because I feel ill at the thought. I can't even stand getting a pap smear! And there's a good number of women that have miserable experiencess with the side effects. Help? :uhoh21:

Karen_tn_37211 · Sep 10, 2006

I've had my IUD for 4 years with no problems. My periods are heavier but they still only last 4-5 days. I would recommend going ahead and trying the IUD.....chances are you will LOVE it. If not, you can always have it removed.

AmyB · Sep 10, 2006

I've had mine for 7 years and love it. No hormones. No hassle. Fabulous.

jannrn · Sep 10, 2006

I am really surprised no one has mentioned the Mirena IUD more... I have had mine for 5 years and am set to have it replaced. I couldn't stomach the thought of heavier bleeding and cramps with the copper IUD but the Mirena is just the opposite, the little bit of progesterone that slowly gets released keeps the uterus from building up a nice cushy landing pad for a fertilized egg, that is why most women don't have periods and very little cramping (if at all) with periods. In fact, I'd have a hard time knowing where I am in my cycle if I tried! I'd have to go by moods, really, it would be the only indicator!

My SIL had major difficulties with painful periods and endometriosis until she got her Mirena and she loves it, no more problems! (and no tubal or hyst, my brother got the snip!)