Periods, period. A whine...

[Karma007]

Okay, so last month I had an IUD installed (inserted?) and while I was warned of some 'moderate' cramping when my period started, so one mentioned the SEVERE cramps!. They're bad enough that I can probably tell you exactly where the IUD is placed. What's odd is how sporadic they are. This started yesterday am, then stopped in the evening (in sync with bleeding like a stuck pig. WHen the cramps stop, so does the bleeding). It started again a couple hours ago. I have a call in to my md, just to be sure I'm okay.

I've always had easy periods, so this is totally new to me! Does anyone have a miracle cure? Other than chocolate, otc drugs, heat and the like. I was going to go the the gym after work, but wine is sounding better.

I can handle a fair amount of pain, and my periods have never been more than uncomfortable. This is really bizzare. Thank goodness I have a desk job.

[Blueberry]

I'm glad you called the MD. Do you have the one with or without hormones? The one with sure shouldn't cause that much pain. Don't know about the other one. My body turned mine around and was in the process of expelling it when I had it removed. Definitely worth a call.

CA

[Karma007]

I got the Paraguard, non-hormonal, and I'm suppored to go in for a check up in two weeks. I'm hoping to get in today or tomorow b/c this feels unholy.

[Karma007]

Okay, so the clinic (I'm a temp-no insurance-yay) scheduled me an appointment for next week, and said that if I believe the IUD has oerforated the uterine wall, to go to the ER. I love this country. I'm hoping it's just a passing thing. Please pass the ibuprofen and merlot

[Tuckervill]

I lived through 8 months of that terror with my last IUD (+/- 16 years ago). It was horrible. I had it yanked out. The first one didn't do that.

eta: Mine was right where it was supposed to be, not being expelled. My uterus just didn't like it.

Karen

[Andrea]

I've got the same IUD... when it was "installed" () I immediately got the most horrible cramps I've ever experienced. Since then, I've definitely had heavier bleeding and worse cramps (the cramps also start days ahead of my period). I take some ibuprofen and try to keep moving... they seem worse when I am inactive, though they are also sporadic like you're describing.

[kermit]

Four motrin! Thats the ticket. I was actually told by my doc that Motrin works better to supply oxygen to the uterus easing cramps. It helps me with my horrendous periods. No IUD for me. Feel better!

[Karma007]

Thanks! I fell better, just knowing that I'm not losing my mind. I't just so odd how it comes and goes. I was fine all evening, then as I finished my walk today, they're back. I'm safely tucked away at my desk with a heat wrap, and a handfull of motrin. Thanks for the unput!

[badger]

I have the paraguard as well, and like you I never had any problems with periods before. It was exceptionally painful and the periods lasted a long time (7-8 days) and sometimes had the "afterthought" bleeding - as in I thought I was done after 6 days but wasn't quite done.

That was 4.5 years ago, and eventually it does stabilize. My cramps are back to just being a nuisance, and the bleeding's no worse than what it was before and back down to 6 days.

Not sure what you can do to curb the pain other than the OTC stuff and waiting it out, but it's a good idea to get it checked to see if it's still in the right place.

[shootingstar]

Well, it is good there are several contraceptive methods. When I was 16 yrs. old, I saw a film segment ..in geography class (unbelievable) that was partially on population control and our use of natural resources. The film showed tastefully, insertion of IUD into a women...

That image stayed with me and my involuntary reaction of belly queasiness I remembered. At that time, I vowed never to use IUD.

And I haven't and at my age, after reading these experiences of some difficulties, I'm happy with my contraceptive choice after being with my partner for many years.

[Urlea]

Sorry to hear you are in such pain!

You may find this site helpful...

http://www.tcoyf.com

The forums on the site are fantastic. I'm pretty sure those with IUDs even have their own thread.

HTH and that you feel better!

[badger]

for me, an IUD was more or less the last resort. But it turned out to be the best, easiest to remember, and by far the cheapest.

I have a weird sensitivity/allergy to the spermicide where I get nasty nasty UTIs. So my experience with condoms, diaphragms, and even a cervical cap was the same as they all used spermicide (at that point I knew it was the spermicide).

I was depressed for a good part of my 20's and I think it was partly due to the pill. I went back on it again in my early 30's and I went psycho, so no more birth control pill.

That left me with rhythm, which wasn't an option at all, and IUD. I had the grossest feeling whenever I thought about a piece of metal up my uterus, but I got over that and I don't really even think about it anymore.

[Karma007]

Despite the eco-unfriendlyness of it, my new best friend has been one of those disposable threma-care heat wraps. I've bee wearing one at work for 2 days.

Honestly, your feedback has helped so much. Thanks. I'm glad to know I'm not going nuts.

[WindingRoad]

I have the Paraguard IUD too and it was hella uncomfortable when I had it inserted and I was crampy for about 2 weeks after. The periods will be very strange at first: longer, heavier and crampier but they do start to get better. I've had mine for a little over a year now and so far so good. Aside from my period stopping then starting I'm doing well with it. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this? You are more likely to expel the IUD in the beginning because your uterus isn't used to it yet so it's good you are going to the doctor soon.

I too used this method as a last resort due to migraine headaches from hormonal birth control. I think it has worked out for the best. Considering my state during a bad migraine compared to crampy. I can deal with crampy but I can't lock myself in a dark, silent room for a whole day if you know what I mean.

Let us know how things turn out. Best wishes and try to take it easy and not get too freaked out. It's most likely something simple but you are smart for being careful.