Need Some Input on Getting an IUD

HI K.!
I have an IUD and I love it. The only downfall was that I spotted for a couple of months afterwards. It was very light spotting. I only needed a mini pad. Now, I get my period every 6 months or so. Neither my husband or I know it's there. Needless to say, I'm very happy and recommend it!

I also love my IUD. I have paraguard-the non-hormonal one. I spotting for about 3 weeks then my first period was very heavy but no cramps. I love the fact that it is non-hormonal and neither of us know it is there. It is a great option for us since we do not want any more kids, or at least for a long time. Without indurance my midwife said it's about $500 so if you plan on keeping it in for 5-10 years than it is still the most cost effective.

Hi K.! I also have the Mirena IUD and have generally liked it overall, but it does have some draw backs for me, personally. I have had it since July (my daughter was born in April); I had a really tough postpartum recovery, and didn't want to go back on the pill because it really messes with my body. Anyway, I really like the IUD because it is something you don't have to think about and it is comfortable, etc. But, I have had some consistent cramping, especially when I ovulate, and I have noticed that my periods are not as heavy, but they last a lot longer. (I went from about 5 days to about 9 days!) My doctor told me this will lessen with time, so I guess it is just an initial inconvenience. My insurance covered the entire thing, but it wouldn't be cheap if you had to pay out of pocket, so you may want to check into that. The only other thing is you have to meet a certain criteria for the IUD because it can increase your risk of certain things if you don't meet the standards. You doctor should have literature about the IUD and its criteria...good luck!

I have an IUD in and LOVE it!!!! I have had it for about a year. I have 2 kids very close in age and didn't want any more surprises. The IUD cost about $800 with our insurance, + Dr's fees and such. I no longer have periods, and don't even notice that it is there. My husband can't tell any difference with we have sex. I have recommended them to SO many friends. It is a hassle free way to be safe. I would never remember to take a pill each day!!!! Hope this helps!

K.,

I am currently have the Mirena IUD & it has been great! I have very light or no periods at all. The first few weeks I spotted very little everyday but I think it was just my body getting adjusted. It was a bit more expensive than the pill but way more convenient & well worth it. I have 3 kids & needed something reliable but not totally permanant. I have know too many people to get pregnant on the pill or patch & I could not take that risk. It is very easy to remove if you want to get pregnant again. Take care!

My widwife and I talked about while I was still pregnant and gave me information about Mirena. I looked through everything with my husband and checked with my insurance to see if they would cover it - which they did. I just had to pay for the office visit - and nothing else until I want to take it out. This was a great option because I just had my first child in July and am not ready for another one yet, I was not good at remembering taking the pill everyday, and my hubby hates condoms. Now I don't even have to think about it - and my periods only last a day - if that. There was some bleeding the first couple days after I had it put in, but not much since then. My husband and I both love it!

I have a Mirena IUD and LOVE IT. It is by far the best birth control we've ever used. I had it put in almost a year ago, and I had minor spotting during my period times for about 3 months, then nothing since.

My insurance wouldn't cover the pill, and our boys were only 4 and 1 so we just didn't want to get pregnant yet, so I called our insurance to discuss options, and she told me that an IUD was covered 100%, I just had to pay the copay of $15. The actual cost of the IUD, according to the paperwork I got from the insurance company, was $525, plus the cost of the insertion which was $218.

CAll your insurance company and see what they cover, most will cover the IUD now at whatever % the rest of your coverage is, like 80/20, or 90/10, or you pay a fraction of the cost, insurance picks up the rest.

I would highly recommend an IUD to anyone looking for birth control for more than a year. I know that if we end up having another baby I'll probalby get an IUD again, unless my husband decides on a vasectomy! :)

Good luck on your decision.

A few years ago I tried the non-hormone IUD and I hated it. I bled constantly and had horrible cramps with my periods. My OB told me to give it at least 6 months for my body to adjust, well I gave it 9 and couldn't wait to get it out. From there I tried several different options from every kind of birth control pill to the the Nuva Ring (which I really liked but it made me gain weight). Reluctantly I tried the MIRENA IUD - I wish I would have just tried this to begin with! I LOVE IT!!! The hormones don't seem to affect me at all, my periods are practically non-existent, and there has been no weight gain. It is so nice not to have to worry about birth control - I highly recommend it!

I think you should know exactly how an IUD works. Know how it controls not getting pregnant... or in some eyes aborting it. You need to feel comfortable with the option of Not having to use it when you are ready to be done.

I had an IUD placed when my daughter was 11 months old. I had been receiving Depo shots, but was tired of going to the clinic every 2-3 months. After exploring our options, I did decide to have the IUD. The biggest drawback for me was that I spotted for 2-3 months after it was put in, but my dr. tells me that is because I was having the Depo shots, and it takes some time to get back on a normal cycle after going off the shots. The cost of mine was about $850.

I have the paraguard IUD and love it. It's the one without any hormones which is what was going to work for me. Had it put in last April, my daughter was just over a year. So I've had it just shy of a year and love it. I forget it's even there.

I have an IUD (the 5 year) and am getting ready to get it out. I LOVE the fact that I did not have to even think about birth control because I was not taking my pills when I was supposed to. I am, however, part of the small percentage of women who still have their period with an IUD. You don't know if you are part of that percentage until you put it in, so, oh lucky me! Also, I am 41 and I am not sure if the problems I have had during my periods is due to the IUD or the fact that my body has changed with age and having 2 kids. (I have increased flow and severe headaches to the point of nausea.) So, as I approach the end of my 5 years, I am not going to get another one put in.

As for cost, it was $1000 out of pocket 5 years ago. (Our insurance is pretty sucky too!) Now, this is comparable to the Pill, but instead of being spread out over time, it's a one time shot. So, if there is any question that you will be getting pregnant in that time (and since you are 23, that is definitely something to consider) it is NOT very cost effective.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

K.,
Hi, I'm M.. I had an IUD and LOVED it. I did get my period with it, due to the fact that I'm still nursing my son. I didn't want to take birth controll and after talking to my dr about all my options and a little research I decided it was the best way to go. It's easily put in with little risks all in all it takes like 10 min. And you only have to check it once a month yourself to make sure that it's still in the right place. Other than that theres no messing with it or remembering to take something on time.
I do have insurance however they didn't cover the cost of an IUD, don't ask I'm not sure why. But I paid $800 for the IUD it's self and another $200 for the insertion. However it's totallly worth it in my opinion. I've deffinetly recommended it to all of the moms in my moms group and even my sister. I wish you the best of luck.

I had an IUD and it ended up causing me an increase in my menstrual symptoms. I had really heavy periods, longer too. I also had a lot of spotting in between. My cramps were bad as well. I stuck it out for about 6 months and couldn't handle it anymore. Then, I got pregnant with #4 and got my tubes tied. I really wish the IUD would have been an option for me. I think it is worth giving it a shot to see if it works for you.

well i had a iud but i allso got rill sick and still had a baby u wood put on alot of weight wen i star it i was 190 and now i am 225 so now i am off and doing good .but its all in being a women we love it .and i have 3 kids now so i am doing good .