How safe are IUD's?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hi Everyone,

One of my professors was talking about IUD's and saying she recommends them as a form of birth control. I have heard about the negative things about them like death from sepsis.

How safe are they and would you recommend them to your pt.?

Thanks! :)

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Great job, everyone, on keeping this thread anecdotal and non-political! Just remember, medical advice is not given or taken here at allnurses.com. Thanks so much for your cooperation.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I've never used this method, but my SIL had one for 12 years. Once she decided she was ready to have babies, she was unable to conceive. The doctor told her it was likely due to her IUD. And now she's 50 and they're not together any more... too bad really because my brother would have been an AWESOME dad.

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I am in my ninth year of my copper IUD, and I love it. I know many people have reported painful cramps, but I never have any cramps, and I am just a bit heavier with my menstrual flow than I was before. It hurt momentarily when it was inserted, somewhat like mild contractions, but it was totally worth it and I would do it again.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

My periods tend to be heavy even on BC pills, i don't need anything to add to it.

The idea of the IUD, i just couldn't use it myself, probably from what i've seen at work. Granted, that's not what happens to everyone, but, it's a factor on what i've decided for myself.

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Marie, what do you see at work? *gulp*

Thanks for the stories and advice, y'all! I'm kindof partial to "all-natural" approaches myself and I used Fertility Awareness for over a year with great success. Unfortunately, I am now switching frequently between day and night shift with absolutely no rhyme or reason to my sleeping pattern and I am not comfortable with that degree of unpredictability. One factor in my decision is cost: My insurance will pay for this IUD after a $20 co-pay. That's pretty good for 5 years worth of birth control. Another factor is that my husband and I want to spend a year backpacking around the world -- IUD seems like the easiest choice when you're in the jungle/dessert/middle of nowhere far away from home! I'm still nervous as heck but glad to hear of some good experiences.

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Many years ago, I got pregnant with a Copper 7 IUD. Doc insisted on removal. He said leaving it in could cause serious infection. I miscarried two weeks later. Got pregnant a month after that and had dd #3.

I also got pregnant using the pill, condoms, and a diaphragm. Dh called me Fertile Myrtle. Six kids in all.

We warned our kids about the hazards of casual sex. We told them, "Every chance we took has a name."

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Specializes in Peds.
many years ago, i got pregnant with a copper 7 iud. doc insisted on removal. he said leaving it in could cause serious infection. i miscarried two weeks later. got pregnant a month after that and had dd #3.

i also got pregnant using the pill, condoms, and a diaphragm. dh called me fertile myrtle. six kids in all.

we warned our kids about the hazards of casual sex. we told them, "every chance we took has a name."

i was the same way as i told steph in an earlier post so i won't repeat. i forgot the fertile myrtle thing. when warning our kids (5 between us) about the possible failures of birth control we also jokingly named them our: new boat, new motorcycle, rv, and new cars.

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Specializes in MICU.

I've had my Mirena IUD for 2.5 years. I love it! After a few months, my period stopped... sweet. I am way too sensitive to the systemic hormones found in BC pills, but the hormones in the IUD don't bother me.

The only side effects I've noticed: for the first few months, there was some cramping when I orgasmed (eeek! sorry if that was TMI :uhoh3:!) and I notice that my breasts are sensitive (like, a little sore) all the time, kind of like how they would get sensitive right before your period.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

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i have had an iud for 3 years so far, no probblems but...

:angryfire my cramps are hell!!!:angryfire

my cramps have gotten alot worse also and period is much heaver and longer. but i have 4 great kids and don't want any more so benefit definately out weigh the risk

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I've had a Mirena IUD for 2 or 3 years now (luckily my OB/GYN keeps track of the details, lol!) I don't have kids. I choose an IUD over other BC options because I wanted something foolproof, and the Mirena IUD is over 99% effective.

I'm probably heading into the realm of an overshare, but here's my little IUD story. Insertion was really uncomfortable, but I have an extremely retroflexed uterus so the practitioner had to go in at a funny angle. I had light period-like bleeding for about 3 months after insertion and continue to have monthly periods with cramping now. Pre-IUD, my periods were about 5 days long with a light day, 2-3 heavy days, a light day, a nothing day then another light day (and every single month the light day after the "nothing" day caught me by surprise, lol!) Now my periods tend to be longer but they are so light that most days I only need a panty liner, if even that. On my one "heavy" day I use one or 2 of the junior-light tampons and that's it. I have cramps for a couple days now where before I had one VERY crampy day. It was a good decision for me, not perfect for everyone but I definitely recommend it personally to anyone who asks!

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

I have had 2 ParaGard IUD's.. One for four years after daughter #1 and now again following daughter #2. I have had this one for almost 2 years. I got pregnant with baby 2 11 days after removal. I have had no problems. Insertion is mildly painful, and i lost the strings on IUD #2. Ultrasound confirmed placement, and I have been very satisfied.

Although preferences vary, personal choice often depends on available alternatives. For me, latex and spermicide are issues. I also had my period for an entire year while using depo. For me, this was a hormone free, reliable choice that ultimately is very cost effective.

:) Ivanna

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I have had my IUD for about 6 months now. The first couple of months my period was much heavier and I had horrible cramps. But now I think my body has got used to it since my period and cramps are back to normal. I didn't get the Mirena because my body doesn't react well to hormones. I will probably keep the IUD in for about 5 years until we decide we want another baby (and I am done with nursing school and working for a year or so).

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