Iud

[abejita]

I will be 37 in a couple of weeks and have been thinking of changing birth control methods. I currently use nuva ring and have for many many years with any issue. I am considering changing to an IUD (haven't decided which one)

Anyone have any words of wisdom, advice or experience?

[hebe]

I had a mirena coil fitted after having dd (I was 42). It's fine, my periods are much much lighter and I don't have any discomfort. I did have several months of spotting after having it fitted though. I know plenty of women who have one and don't get any periods at all.

[abejita]

I originally was leaning toward the copper IUD, because I was first attracted to the no hormones. But the heavier bleeding and cramping concern me about the copper. I've never had cramping and I really don't want to start now. I've also gotten used to not having periods because I usually just leave my nuva ring in for four weeks instead of three...so the possibility of no period with mirena is attractive as well.

[maillotpois]

I went the other way - I had an IUD (copper t) for 10 years after having DD. I then switched to nuva ring and almost died as it caused me to have pulmonary emboli. So I am not a fan of nuva ring or anything else with hormones.

I loved the IUD. No problems with it, no cramping and no near death experiences.

[abejita]

That is another reason I started looking into low or no hormone birthcontrol. Although I do not have any other risk factors, age is going to be more or a concern. What made you decide to switch from IUD to nuva ring?

[badger]

I used to sing praises about the copper IUD, but I'm kind of wanting it out now. I got the first one replaced last August, and I was told since I had one before, I shouldn't have heavy bleeding and such that I did when I got the first one in. Wrong. It was heavy and crampy for the first 3 periods like it was the first time I ever had an IUD. Once my period went on for like 3 weeks, just in time to have my next one! It's finally starting to settle down, but it still takes me a while to get to wearing white panties, if you know what I mean (sorry, TMI).

I was thinking maybe I should've tried Mirena, but I was bonkers on BC pills, so I shied away from hormones. That and the fact it's $300 if I didn't like it and only lasts 3 years. This will be my last IUD, I won't be getting another one when this one needs replacing (I'll be 45 anyways!)

[maillotpois]

What made you decide to switch from IUD to nuva ring?

No particular reason. My IUD was 10 years old and it was technically time for a switch. I had taken birth control pills before, but the new "safe" low dose hormones are apparently worse.

[Ambikes]

I've had a copper IUD for about a year now. I'm 29, and I've never been pregnant, so my GYN recommended the smallest of the copper devices that's available here in Canada. I don't think you can get it in the US.

My experience thus far has been kind of frustrating. I can handle the heavier flows, but the cramps and back pain and generally feeling yucky around my period are wearing me down after a year. I feel stuck as far as birth control goes, though, because I get terrible mood swings when I'm on the pill (as I was for close to 10 years before the IUD). So, I'm sticking with the IUD for now because it seems like the best alternative, but I can't say I've been terribly happy with it.

In my case, being a cyclist has actually exacerbated the side effects of the IUD. The cervix tends to be in a low and open position right before and during your period, and I get MAJOR cramps from cervical irritation caused by the IUD threads (I think) if I ride my bike during this time.