Use of IUD- opinions wanted

Nurses General Nursing

Published

  1. Are you satisfied with your IUD?

    • 6
      Yes, even with the side effects
    • 13
      Yes, and I've had no complications or side effects
    • 1
      No, the side effects outweigh the benefits
    • 6
      No, it was horrible

26 members have participated

I have not had good luck with 'the pill.' We've explored other options and I really think the IUD is for us. I'm planning to get one next week. I have no children yet, but my husband and I are planning to have them in about 3 years (when nursing school is over). There seems to be somewhat of a stigma in the US about IUD's but they are used very commonly worldwide.

I was just wondering if any of you had any experience with them, whether as a nurse or as a patient. I figured you guys would leave out the myths and stick to the facts.

Thanks!

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My gyno & CNP DO NOT place them for anybody anymore. My gyno has actually done lots of removal surgeries over the past few years of IUDs placed by other drs-- in some cases the iud had perforated the uterus and moved out into the abdomen. They especially would not recommend one for anyone that HAS NOT BEEN PREGNANT simply because the uterus hasn't enlarged and there is an increased risk.

I trust both of them--i've trusted them with my life and my childrens. my gyno is a highly respected and skilled surgeon. When I developed a pre-cancerous condition in my uterus (at 31 yrs old)- he did a lap supra-cervical hyst and only took the diseased uterus & nothing else. & my practitioner is wonderful and very intune with patient's needs. I believe they are knowledgable and not just spouting myths....

A friend recently tried to get an iud from her practitioner as well and they refused since she has not been preg. She instead got a diaphragm & is happy with it. She doesn't want to take hormones and she's allergic to latex so condoms are out. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but I hope you get more input and can make an informed decision.

Good Luck!

ps- i just realized that you're in oklahoma too! howdy!

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Specializes in Surgical.

I personally have had no problems with my IUD, it is a nice form of birth control for me. Nothing is without risks, to each his own.

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I didn't like the IUD, for me anyways. As it caused me to have a cervical infection and it was painful during sex, the cervical infection then ended up leading me to drop out of school and having to quit my job, since no one could figure out what was wrong . I can't use the pill since it makes me sick, Norplant wasn't a good way to go either and since Depo has the same side effects as Norplant, that left me with an IUD. For some people they work great for and their bodies can handle it, if it is something you feel comfortable with, then by all means go with it. Just pay attention to the signs. I ended up dealing with mine for over a year. I wish you luck on whatever choice you decide is best for you.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I have had my IUD for a little over 2 years, since the birth of my second child. The pill does not work for me (that's why I have 2 kids!) and it caused a lot of terrible side effects. I don't need any more hormones than I already have!

I am very happy with the IUD. It was quick and painless, I don't have to worry about birth control, I have no more side effects from the hormones, and it's good for another few years.

I did notice that my periods were heavier and irregular for quite ahile, but that could also be due to having my second child and breastfeeding thrown into the mix...I have not been as regular since I had my first. The last few months my periods have been shorter and lighter than they ever were and have been more regular.

I have recommended the IUD to all my friends, and I'll keep using it as long as I have no problems!

Jen

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I just had an IUD inserted a couple weeks ago- so far, so good. Insertion hurt quite a lot for a very short period of time- my uterus is retroverted so it wasn't a straight shot getting in it. I work in LDRP and IUDs are a very popular option with the OB/GYN practice I work with most and go to myself. The nurse practitioner at my OB/GYN has inserted literally thousands of them! I got the Mirena progesterone-implanted IUD, which is what my sister went with after the birth of her 4th child. Neither of us are able to tolerate the pill, but neither of us have had any problems with Mirena. And you can't beat the effective rate- 99.9%, more effective even than male or female sterilization.

So, my experience- a few minutes of really ouchy pain, and then I had mild cramps for a couple days (not even as bad as period cramps). I had it inserted during my period and am still spotting, which I expected. So far, I am very pleased! I wish I'd known sooner that it was an option for me! (Up until this year I had my PCP do my annual exam, and only went to the OB/GYN after overhearing one of the OBs saying that they do insert IUDs in women who haven't had kids; I always thought they wouldn't). Everyone I know who has opted for an IUD loves it, I don't know anyone who has gotten one and didn't like it.

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i have used an iud since the birth of my second child and he is almost 10. i just had it changed last year. i have had absolutely no side effects or problems. there is an iud that has hormones imbedded in it - mirena? can't

remember the name. it is actually what i have. with it you have very light to nonexistant periods. i do remember with the literature i read it is not recommended to have an iud if you have never had children. i am not even sure a practitioner would place one unless you had.good luck with your decision.

tracy

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

After 10 yrs experience as an office Ob/Gyn nurse my advice would be:

Yes - if it is the Mirena

No - if it is any other type

The Mirena causes a decrease in menstrual flow versus the traditional IUD's which cause increased flow and cramping. Good luck with your decision.

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I am on my second IUD now. I got pregnant 8 years into my first. (was supposed to be good for 10 years). I can't take the pill or any hormone based birth control, so I still consider it a good option for me. When I got my first one, I had extremely heavy periods and severe cramping for several months. Once your body is used to it though you should not even notice it. Good luck!

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It is Mirena, by the way.

Thanks so much for all of your opinions. I truly appreciate it!

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