Cycling, IUDs, and Cramping

[Ambikes]

I had a copper IUD inserted in March of this year. I hadn't had any abnormal issues with it until last weekend. After a 30 mile ride (about 2 hours for me), I had uterine cramps. They felt just like menstrual cramps. Since my period was due to start soon, I thought it may just be that. However, four days later I haven't started my period and I've been having intermittent cramping that seems to be caused or worsened by riding my bikes (I commute, mountain bike, and road ride.). The longer I ride, the worse the cramping. I'm not sure whether the amount of time I'm spending in the saddle would have caused this problem pre-IUD because I'm riding a lot more this year than I ever have.

I'm heading back to the doctor to make sure the IUD is still in the proper place. If it is, I really have no idea what to do. I don't want to make the choice between cycling or writhing in agony for days every month

Does anyone else with an IUD ever experience this type of cramping issue?

[bunny_ninja]

I have a copper IUD too. It took at least 6 months for it really to find it's place in my uterus. I think this is just coincidental. BTW - stock up on superplus tampons and pantiliners

My period was so bad initially that I also had to take an iron supplement.

[GLC1968]

Wow, that sucks!

I had the Mirena (the hormonal IUD) for the first 4 years that I rode. I actually got it about four months after I bought my first road bike - so the timing was almost identical. I never had any cramping issues related to biking (though I did get monthly cramps on occasion) even as I began to increase my ride length.


I hope you get it figured out soon!

[bunny_ninja]

I can't handle hormones at all - so I have the copper too. from what I understand - there may be less cramping with the hormonal one?

Anyhoo - don't stop cycling! and I doubt you'll have to remove it. It really does take a while to chill out in there...

[Ambikes]

Thanks for the support!

Aside from the expected side effects of heavier cramps and bleeding, the copper IUD has been working well for me. My symptoms were actually getting better with time, so this latest episode was definitely a step in the wrong direction. Hopefully my body will settle down soon.

I guess it's always something when you're a woman. Since I can't do hormones either, this was the best choice for me. When I was suffering with cramps the other day, I suggested to the boyfriend that he get a vasectomy since he's the one that says he never wants kids. He didn't think that was a good idea for some reason

[Dianyla]

My first copper IUD took at least a year to settle in, and I would often get cramps and spotting with any kind of physical exertion. I always thought of it like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Interestingly, when I had a fresh one put in this past year, the 12-year old one that came out was actually somewhat skewed, permanently bent into a specific shape. Most uteruses are not perfectly symmetrical.

[GLC1968]

I guess it's always something when you're a woman. Since I can't do hormones either, this was the best choice for me. When I was suffering with cramps the other day, I suggested to the boyfriend that he get a vasectomy since he's the one that says he never wants kids. He didn't think that was a good idea for some reason

I used to think my IUD was the best birth control I'd tried...until my husband got his vasectomy. It wins best BC ever, hands down!

[trista]

There is usually more cramping w/ the copper IUD compared to the Mirena. More cramping, heavier periods, and more intense cycles are not uncommon w/ the copper.

I started w/ the copper IUD and kept it for about 18 months. the cramping was HORRIBLE. Really heavy periods that did not subside. I had it removed, and didn't do any BC for awhile b/c we decided on baby #3.

After baby 3 was born, I went with the Mirena. Awesome. No cramping, no periods, no nothing. I don't even notice it's there. I've had it for 2 years now.

Anyway, back to the OP, definitely have it checked. It's not uncommon for the side effects to get worse over time, so the cycling may be just coincidental. You might have gotten the side effects w/o the cycling. Hopefully it didn't shift out of place.

[badger]

I had mine changed last month. Just had my first period after insertion and it was heavier and cramps lasted longer.

My last period, although it was short, was horrendous in terms of cramps. So I was bound and determined to not let that happen again, so started with ibuprophen a day before expected date, and took red raspberry leaf supplements to tone the uterus, and yarrow tincture when I started my period to hopefully lessen the cramps and bleeding. It did last 2 days longer than what it was before and slightly heavier, I'm going to try shepherd's purse next month.

But in all honesty, I can't wait to get this taken out. I always feel weird knowing there's this metal thing in my body.