Opinions on the IUD

Well I have an interesting story for you. I have a ParaGuard IUD (the copper one) and I found out today that I'm pregnant. My IUD is still there but it has moved and that's how it happened. My husband and I were in a state of shock when we found out but wanted to have another child anyway so we had to laugh. If you really want to get the IUD I would suggest using another form of birth control too such as condoms just in case so you don't end up in my position. Good luck to you!

Have you spoken with the people at Planned Parenthood, or the Los Angeles Free Clinic? I would be suprised if they did not have some sort of reduced pay for a vasectomy. Good luck!

I will help you with a fundraiser if you want the tubal ligation. It's ridiculous that the insurance won't pay for it because it is way cheaper than a fifth baby!

I'd help too... for a fund raiser for your husband to get a vasectomy! You won't have to worry every month... "Will I get my period? Could I be pregnant?" It will do wonders for your sex life ;)

I'd take that mother up on the fundraiser, but i"d go with using the money to have daddy snipped! I have known women to get pregnant after tubal ligation because they weren't told they'd have to have it checked every 5 years. So she ended up with an ectopic pregnancy and had to have an abortion for health reasons.
If you choose the IUD there are two choices... Mirena which has hormones and the copper IUD. Messing with the hormones in the body puts you at a higher chance of cancer because cancer loves estrogen! It's the food source to put it simply. The copper IUD works by causing an inflammation in the lining of the uterus. I had considered the copper one, but knew that i would have to take additional zinc so that my mineral count didn't get out of control. (Zinc and copper balance each other) Plus I just was scared of the pain... I HATE pain! Having an inflammed uterus just didn't sound good.
I went with the diaphragm instead. Not practical for everyone, but I'm kinda sex-phobic now... so it works for me! lol

Hi C.,

Instead of messing with your body's natural function, try considering Natural Family Planning (The Billings Method)! It is the most wonderful thing my husband and I could have chosen for our family. Not only is it free to do, it's an amazing feeling to know that you are working completely WITH your body, rather than against it. My husband and I postponed pregnancy with no problems for two and a half years, and then when we decided to conceive, were able to get it on the second cycle!

Anyway, it's definitely something worth considering. My mother-in-law is a certified teacher and I would happily put you in contact with her.

Best of luck! ~D.

Hi there -

I too wanted something that I didn't have to take like pills and something easy. So with my doctor's help I chose the IUD. The regular copper one. Not with the added hormones or estrogen. Yes, it does hurt. But it's quick. And when you've had a baby, especially natural and you dialted, then it doesn't hurt as much. I even had a cesarian birth, but I had dilated to about an 8, so that helped. The only draw back for about six months is heavy periods. And I'll tell you, they are super heavy. But I hung in there and it got so much better. Now my periods are back to normal. There is some light cramping sometimes after you have it inserted. But that should go away in a day or two. I think mine just lasted through the night.

Sure hope that helps. And congrats to you on your fourth child! Good luck with a happy easy birth.

R.

C.,
I always had trouble remembering to take pills, so I put them by my toothbrush. That way, I took one in the AM when I brushed my teeth. It seemed like a painless way to go. I couldn't get into doing the IUD. It creeps me out.
I did have a tubal lig and am so happy I took the step. Good luck with whatever you decide. It's not easy. But having more and more kids is even harder.
PCM

I have the Mirena which I got about 16 weeks after giving birth to my 3rd child. I love it. I never have a full period only a little spotting, no weight gain or mood swings. I don't have to think about it like taking the pill. I was concerned I would forget my pill ang get pg with #4 which my husband would love but I do not want. My OB told me that if I want to remove it it is easy but for 5 years it doesn't have to be replaced. The cost for me was less than a year of copays for my BCP.
Congrats on being pg- when you are ready I think it is a great choice as it is a no brainer, and the closes thing to being sterilized without getting tubes tide or a vas.
Best-
L.

Both Iud's (Mirena and Paraguard) are very practical ways to ensure 99 % no pregnancy. Look both of them up online to read there particular pros and cons. Call a midwife in your area to ask their opinion. If you have an HMO or Medi-Cal they typically only cover the Paraguard copper one without hormones.

Hi C. I too had alot of probs with the pill.I got a IUD and never again.The inside of my uterus grew to it and they had to do a DNC just to get it out.I would bleed every 2 week and a very heavy flow for 14 days I was bleeding so much they checked my blood to make sure I wasnot low.I would have to use 2 pads and still overflow.Every one is not the same so good luck with what ever you do.M.

Due to an immune disorder, I was discouraged from using contraceptive pills. Therefore, I opted to get an IUD. My IUD was inserted six months ago. For the first couple of months I was uncomfortable, but now I feel fine.

I have been considering this option also, as my husband and I have three boys and think that is enough for us. My sister got and IUD about 1 1/2 years ago and thought it was great to begin with and then the last couple of months she has had real bad periods and like every 2 weeks. This is the only bad story I have heard about it, this may have something to do with our family history of PCOS(poly cystic ovarian syndrome)so I will be doing a lot more research before I decide what I am going to do. I have heard a lot of positive feedback on the IUD, just this one incident that I know of personally.

The IUD was, for me, perfect. I had one for a couple of years before deciding to have a baby and would happily get another one if I space my next pregnancy 2+ years out. I had the Copper T and absolutely loved the freedom and ease of this type of birth control. My periods were not heavier, just a tad more pre-menstrual fullness (not even cramping) a day or two before starting. After all you body has done birthing 3 (soon 4) kids, I trust you and your husband have considered a vasectomy? A tubal ligation is major surgery for you- a vasectomy is a breeze. Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!

I tried the paragaurd IUD for close to a year, and for me it wasn't great. I bled almost all the time. I couldn't stand it. But, I traditionally have very heavy periods, if you have lighter periods, this might not be a problem for you. It was very easy and painless going in and going out. GOod Luck.

Have you checked if your insurance will cover a Vasectomy? It usually does. That would be my recommendation as I have never used an IUD, but a close friend of mine has a beautiful baby girl who she conceived with an IUD in place. It was not an easy pregnancy as the IUD had to be removed, etc.
Good luck.

Hi, I have an IUD that is called Mirena. It lasts for 5 years and then you need to replace it. I love it! It just took moments to be put in right in the office visit and didn't hurt at all, just a slight cramping kinda like a Pap exam. It releases a small dose of hormones which I think is great because usually women need a little to help with mood swings etc. I have no period at all with this IUD. I also know another person who has it and she doesn't get a period either. I hear that it will eliminate or at least lighten the period for most people. It is the best decision I made for birth control and am very happy with it.

I got pregnant twice with an IUD, I lost one when the IUD went up inside, and my first baby was born just fine.
What I did want to say though, is that you ought to check with planned parenthood on the vasectomy. My husband had his through planned parenthood and it was like $50.00.
Mind you this was like 20 years ago, but I bet it is still resonable.

Hi C.,
Congrats on having another baby! I got an iud inserted, it was the 10 year one. There is also a 5 year one i think it is called Mirena. One uses hormones and the other doesn't. Anyway, I had the 10 year one only for about 6 months when I got it removed. Common side effects include very heavy periods, which I experienced. My doctor said that if after 4 months they were still heavy that they wouldn't get better. So, I gave it two more months and I'm talking my periods were extremely heavy. So, I had it removed. But, everyone is different and it is just as easy to get it removed as to put it in, so you can try it and see if you like it, lots of people do.

Hello! I just got the Morena IUD a few weeks ago. I was a bit surprised at the amount of pain I was in after it was inserted, but I believe everyone reacts differently to this. The cramps and bleeding slowly declined over two weeks. Now there are occasional cramps and bleeding. I'm waiting for my first period. I'm hoping the side effects will disappear as they do for most people, but in the meantime I am so happy not to have to think about taking the pill. The pill and the IUD have the same rate of protection (99%), but the way I forget to take pills, the IUD has got to be better. Good luck with your decision!

I have had much success with the IUD & haven't had any issues. I am on the Mirena brand for 5 years & don't have to remember to take any pills. My husband & I are undecided on a 2nd child so this provided us the best option while we make a decision. My insurance covered it without question 100% & we had it placed at about 3 mos after I gave birth. Periods are quite light & you hardly notice them. The only con I see is that there is a very thin wire that is attached to the end of the IUD that your husband may or may not feel, so your Dr. can have it cut down if need be. I never told my hubby about this & it has never been an issue! Otherwise, I would HIGHLY recommend it!

Are you sure your insurance doesn't cover vasectomy? My husband just had one and it was fully covered by our insurance (I guess they figure correctly that the one vasectomy is a lot cheaper than paying for birth control for me for the next 15 years that I will still be fertile). My OB/GYN loves the IUD, and has tried to talk me into it for years. I don't like hormones and the way they make me feel, and the newest IUD releases hormones. I have heard though, that the good news is that your period is very very light with the IUD. I have a friend who had it and got it removed because she hated it, but I have another friend who loves it, so I think it is very personal. Good luck!

The doctors and midwives where I work LOVE the Mirena and so do a majority of the patients. It's convenient and so much nicer than having to remember to take a pill daily. With everything in life a small percentage of the population will have difficulties but it's a very small percentage. Yes, some gals get pregnant but again a much smaller percentage than those using pills, condoms, foam, rhythm etc. And pregnancy carries risks as well. Having a tubal has risks. Again, a small percentage. Don't focus on people's horror stories, just be aware that complications can occur. You have to decide what will work for you and your husband and having 10 children in 14 years would be a big challenge as well! Talk to your doctor and I'm sure he/she will be able to explain your options, pros and cons. I bet you'd love the Mirena. And down the line, if you decide you want another baby, you still have that as an option. Good luck.

I have a copper Iud and so far it works great. I did have a very long period for about the first month but now it is fine. I have yet to get pregnant so must be working right. I think it is a better option than taking the pill. or other birh control options.

I have the Mirena IUD and I love it. I have had it for 2 years now and I haven't had any problems. This one does have some hormones though. So if that is a problem for you, you may want to condider a different one. The Mirena is good for 5 years. I rarely have periods and when I do it is really just a day of spotting. I chose this one because I heard you have less bleeding than with the copper T. It is fairly uncomfortable when you have it placed and you will have some cramping that day. I would also make sure your doctor is experienced in placing them.

This is a little off the subject but....
Have you actually talked to a financial counselor at the hospital where you are delivering? A lot of time you can get a pretty decent quote for "cash pay" procedures. Maybe they could work you up a quote for the tubal ligation that is manageable for your budget. At the hospital I work for we give 50% off if you pay prior to the procedure and write off the rest of the balance. Just an idea. I don't know much about the IUD because I had a tubal ligation right after I had my second child (and I mean minutes after!). But I do know that the cash price of a tubal ligation is a heck of a lot cheaper than the price of another child. It might be a good idea since you do have time, to get quotes from various hospitals where your OB/GYN has privelages. I don't know, just an idea.... Good Luck to you whatever you choose and have a happy last pregnancy! Take Care!

I've been using the Mirena 5-year for about 2 years now and I love it. I chose the Mirena (with hormone) b/c my periods were very heavy and irregular and my obgyn said this one would help regulate both. Not to mention the 10-year copper one could cause even heavier bleeding. I love this form of birth control! Insertion was fairly easy and was no more uncomfortable for me than a normal pap. You may have to push yourself just a bit harder during workouts especially in the beginning to see weight loss results, if that's a goal for you. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints.

I've had one in place for 3 years, love it! No worries, no hassles. The first 2 months I had heavier than normal bleeding during menstruation (this is common). Since then no issues. Added bonus ... it is good for 10 years. I would have used one earlier if I had been aware of its ease and cost effectiveness.

Well C.,
I have had one experience with an IUD. He is my 15 year old son, Greg.
Never had any cramping, bleeding, etc. Just didnt work.

Please do not get your tubes tied. I had mine tied and what doctors do not tell you is that you can get Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. I lived a nightmare for 21 months. I had long heavy painful periods, no libido, I was dry and itchy, depressed, I had constant pain in my sides and heavy fluid that would come out of me for 5 days during ovulation. Please google Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. You will be in shock. Doctors do not acknowledge it and will tell you that they have never had a patient with it. They are afraid of lawsuit.

The only way to stop PTLS is to have a tubal reversal which is something I did not know exists either. Who new you can have your tubes put back together since all the literature that doctors give you says that it is a non reversible procedure. I had my tubal reversal surgery on February 29th and feel %100 normal again.

There are so many other non evasive birth control choices out there. If your insurance will pay for a tubal ligation please do not consider it. Feel free to ask me any questions.

D.

I feel with the other advice you may be getting a negative opinion on IUD's. Let me reassure you that myself and all my girlfriends have them and are all very happy. Most of us opted for the paraguard as it can stay in for 10 years - by then we figure we'll be going through menopause so wont need anything after that. One friend does have the low hormone one which is only good for 5 years, but she is happy with it. Side effects have been minimal. I found my first couple of periods after having it placed were heavy and crampy but now they are light and a breeze to go through. As for the Mama whose husband can feel the string, my Dr is always asking as she said she can cut it shorter if need be - simple fix but not one we've needed. Go for it and believe me it is a very easy option vs condoms or the pill. Good luck on your pregnancy too.

try planned parenthood for vasectomy...it was cheap for my husband...but the reversal was really expensive :)

Will they cover Mirena? When I went in for my class before my tubiligation, they spoke very highly of Mirena. It is similar to the IUD, and it last for like 6 years. Plus it has a lot of positive side affects. The teacher really raved about it.

After my first child I opted for the IUD in order to space my children out and like you I am horrible when it comes to taking any kind of pill. I was given 2 choices a 1 year IUD and a 3 year IUD. I chose the 1 year due to finances at the time and I knew we wanted our children 2 years apart so it would work out...Well 10 months later I was pregnant with an etopic pregnancy. Come to find out (i'm also bad at reading release forms) this can be a side effect of the IUD. I had no pain with my etopic pregnancy other than mild craping, so I was very shocked when my OB/Gyn wouldn't let me leave the hospital after my check up that day. I went in for surgery that night to have it removed. I have since had 2 more beautiful girls but the emotions of that day are still felt.

Congratulations on your 4th baby :-)
I had the Mirena IUD inserted about 5 months after my daughter was born. The procedure was a little uncomfortable, but after giving birth, you can handle anything, right? :-)
The first four periods or so I had a lot of bleeding and some cramping and I thought I was going to be spending a fortune on tampons. But now - 8 months later - I am LOVING it. The periods are soo much lighter, less cramping. Much better. I would really recommend it, especially if you think you might want another one in a few years. This IUD lasts 5 years - so that is lots of time to decide if I want to do something more permanent or have another baby :-).

Hello C., I have had an IUD Mirena since 2003 after my 2nd child was born. I love it!!!! Since I am a busy mom of 2 I forget easily and having an IUD is a worry free way to make sure we don't have anymore surprises!!! I just recently had my original IUD removed 2 weeks ago and a new on inserted and would recommend it to anyone. I have never had a problem though there are side effects I have had no problems at all!!! I have a web site you can go to and view more info on the Mirena it is www.simplymirena.com I wish you the best with your 4th child and give you kudos for having 4. I have 2 and I'm not sure if that's it,but the Mirena has given me that opportunity to wait awhile to see!!!! For me it's been a 5 year+ guarantee!!!! If you have any questions feel free to contact me again once the baby is born by then I should be the Mirena spokes person!!! HA HA HA!!!! Best Wishes!!!

well, i have had it now for about two months or so. the only real complications we (my husband and i) have had so far with it our that he can feeli the stings from it sometimes while inside me, which goes away with time. the other is that i had that side effect where i bleed for about a month to two months after getting it. (brought back memories of having a baby and the aftermath.) but then it is all fine and swell. we havent had a single problem other than that. i would recomend it for anyone like me who cant remember to take a pill regularly. i love mine.

I have a Paragard IUD (copper, no hormones). I got it almost 3 years ago now. I love it. No worrying about remembering to take a pill. I have 4 boys, and the last was conceived on the pill. So, I was scared to use that again, my GYN recommended an IUD. She helped me choose the one that was right for me. I did have heavier periods, and more cramping than usual for the first few months. That has subsided. I do still have a day or two of heavy bleeding, but nothing that isn't manageable. I would recommend it to any of my friends, especially if remembering to take a pill each day is not their strong suit.

Congrats on the pregnancy.

I had the Mirena and asked a question about it a year or so ago on here because I had a terrible experience with it. http://www.mamasource.com/request/11077044277958672385

Most people love it and have NO issues, but I was in the 1% that did have issues. (weight gain was a big one.. almost 6 months of spotting after insertion... mood swings.. no sex drive... and once I got it removed we had problems TTC)

I don't do well on hormones at all and even the tiny amount in the Mirena caused side effects.

It is a wonderful form of birth control if I did not experience the rare side effects and SOOOOOOO easy. I wish I did not have the issues I did because it was very very easy and effective. After this next baby is born in 2 months I have NO idea what I am going to use for birth control... I might end up in the same situation you are! :)

Go to planned parenthood they might have a way to help you afford his vasectomy. Krissy

Hi C.,

I use Mirena. I have it for 3 years now and think its great! Less worry about getting pregnant. You have extremely light periods (spotting). It is a little heavier if I have more stress in my life the month before. NO cramps! I highly recommend it.

I had my only children at 39years old (Twin girls).

I used to be on the IUD myself. I had a great experience with it. The only down side is when it needs to come out( you experience severe cramps). The other down side to the IUD is it increase the chance of getting cervical cancer because of the copper in it. I had it in five years and never received an abnormal PAP smear. It is important to remember what type of IUD you have ( some are 5 years and others 7 years) and the month and year you get the IUD put in. Your OBYGN will always ask you those two questions.

Hi C., I have a child who just turned two in March, I had an IUD ( copper T) and I had really bad cramps with it and my bleeding was heavy most of the time. I think I had trouble with it though because my body doesn't do well with out the hormones. The copper T does not contain hormones but the other ones do. I had it taken out because I couldn't stand the really bad cramps and the heavy bleeding I was having. My bleeding was heavier with the IUD in.I heard that the other IUD's are really good just not the copper T. When you have it put in it does hurt a little and you can have some cramping afterwards but for most people the cramps stop after a couple weeks, some people it is a couple months. You can have it taken out at anytime if you need too. Just remember to that the IUD works a lot different from birthcontrol. It still allows you to get pregnant but it doesn't allow the egg to stick to the lining of your utrus because of all this and the trouble I had I decided to go back to the pill but I am one of those people that doesn't have trouble remembering to take it. I hope this helps.

Hi C., I have two girls (ages 3 and 5 1/2) and I got an IUD after my second child. I love it! It is no maintenance, and you don't have to remember to take a pill everyday, or have the hormonal effects of the pill. The only downside of it is that it makes my period longer and heavier, which my doctor said is a normal side effect of it. But all things considered, I think the pros definitely outweigh the one con! I would definitely recommend it as a good alternative! Good luck, and hope this helps!

I have the 5 year Mirena IUD and LOVE it!!! It is so nice to not have to worry about birth control. My major pro (but can be a con too) is that I, like a lot of woman who use this IUD, don't have a period. I haven't had one since I found out I was pregnant with my last child 3 years ago which is wonderful. One might worry if you don't get a period, that you are pregnant, or won't know if it happens, but I haven't had that. Like I said, this doesn't happen to every woman, my sister uses the same thing and gets one every month.

Personally, I love it...L.

I would not trust an IUD. See if you can make payments to the hospital, save up or change insurance companies. Maybe the local womens clinic, Family Planning, can help you defray the costs?
E. H

I don't always get on here every morning, but I had a feeling I needed to this morning and that is when I saw your post. I actually have a story about IUD's for you. This just happened this past week...
My sisters friend is in the hospital in town from a complication from the IUD. Her uterus has been punctured by the IUD and she now has a blood clot too. That just doesn't sound fun to me. I know this doesn't happen to everyone, but I just felt I needed to let you know about this.
Congrats on baby 4! I have 4 and I love every one of them. I am actually trying to get pregnant with my 5th. My daughter is an only girl in a family of 3 boys. She really wants a sister and I don't feel that I am done yet so it was an easy decision to make to try for a 5th. Anyhow, congrats again and good luck with your decision! You will know what is right for you!

Hi, I am stepmom to 2 children and we have a toddler, so after having this baby girl, I had all I could handle at least for now and decided that the IUD sounded good for me. It has worked well. However the 1st 3 or 4 months of having it in I did have bad bad cramps during the time of my period. Before this I didn't really have cramps, or if so very light ones if I ever did. So it was pretty bad, but I guess it just gave me a similar experience to people who get cramps monthly. Then after that initial time I am back to normal and rarely get cramps anymore. I guess my body was just adjusting to the change. And I chose the copper one so that I don't have to mess with the hormonal one and it is supposed to last longer, up to 10 years.
Best wishes to you!

Hi C.,

I have had an IUD since my second child was born 6 1/2 years ago and have found it to be very effective and convenient. The downsides have been more intense premenstrual cramping and a longer period. Overall, I feel that the benefit of using this method has far outweighed the inconveniences. Good luck! A.

Hi there, I recently had my dr insert the IUD Mirena and I have had no bad side effects so far. Its been about 10 months and the only major difference has been that my periods have been a lot lighter, practically non-existent since I've had the IUD. Although, I never had very heavy periods before the IUD, I was on the pill before and after having my third child, my husband didn't want to have a vasectomy and I waited too long on a decision to have my tubes-tied, and I knew I didn't want to get back on the pill. So, after talking with my doctor and he telling me the benefits of the IUD, I am glad I made the decision. You don't have to worry about remembering to take a pill because it just stays where it is. And you don't even know its there, you don't feel a thing. And if you decide to have more children its a simple procedure to have it removed.
Whatever you decide make sure its the best decision for you and your husband. Good luck.

Dear C.,
I just got an IUD about 2 weeks ago. I have a very good friend who works at an OB/GYN office. She told me that it is a very painful procedure. I received a call from the Dr.'s office telling me to eat and take Motrin 1 hour before. I didn't...ran out of time, plus I'm too pridefull. But, TAKE THE MOTRIN girl! Let's just say it actually brought tears to my eyes. I got the Mirena. I cramped for two days after. It wasn't bad cramping either. They say you can spot for 2-3 months after. You have to go in while you are in your first 5 days of menstration, that is pretty gross in itself. Well, it stopped my period, and then about 3 days after I started spotting. Some days it's alot more than others. For the most part it was cool. And knowing I don't have to worry about birth control for 5 years is kinda worth it.
Well, good luck to you. Hope your pregnancy is healthy. And don't worry about what others say about how many children you have. As long as you are taking care of them, and they look taken care of, then who cares. Have a nice day.
Late,
J. C.

C., I'm not sure what your financial status is. But the state offers a program that if you qualify you can either get the IUD or a tubal ligation at no cost to you. I work in a private ob/gyn office in Mission Hills, Ca and we offer the program. I'm a new member with Mamasource and I'm not sure if you can contact me. H. M

Oh man...

I had a horrible experience with the "Copper Seven" IUD, years back. I have known many others to have had things go terribly wrong also. But mine was very serious.
The IUD moved and slipped, tearing through the muscle wall of my uterus. It simultaneously allowed an ectopic pregnancy(pregnant in the fallopian tube).
When the IUD was slipping, it dropped me to the floor in pain. I had about 10 of these episodes happen and was becoming ill. I had dark circles under my eyes and a low grade fever always, which is a sign of serious trouble---worse than a high fever that will pass getting well. I didnt know all this.
I collapsed on a ski slope one day and was taken to the hospital. The ectopic pregnancy and uterus tear required emergency surgery. They werent sure if I would have the right ovary still funcioning. They crossed their fingers about the uterus healing to conceive when I wanted to.

My advice? Dont do it. I realize some have had no problems, but problems are common, and dangerous. In the first place the Inner Uterary Device is "telling" your body it's pregnant in a way by having something occupying your uterus, and that is so wierd and wrong to me. It's a foreing object and, being very medical(my dad's a Dr.)I know that the body will try and rid itself of a foreign object.

I'm sorry if I'm ruining one of your options. I'd so much rather have you keep your health. And just a little tip;secret;smiley comment:
Each baby is a gift from God...SO meant to be here. If you are practicing birth control with this or that, and still conceive, that is a miracle and blessing in itself! I am 46 years old. I have a 2 yr old! My only other child is a 15 yr old girl, and I thought she was going to remain my only child! On birth control, here comes baby Lillie!
I am a single mom now. Have been most of my childrens' lives. Divorce when my teen was a baby and a split after 7 years with baby-daddy. I have never been happier. I'm not saying you should have a baby. I'm just bringing to light that it's not the worst thing that can happen in a trade for your health.
Write me back and tell me what you are deciding. Remember, Dr.'s will give you many positives about the IUD, but statistics show the reality.

Take care,

Wendy

I've had several IUDs, and I think they're great.

Biggest cons:
1. The first one hurt - I cramped a bit for six weeks. Never had a problem after that tho'.
2. The big risk, and the reason doctors are often reluctant to give them to young women, is an increased risk of infection and infertility. Basically, they're not great unless you're in a monogamous relationship, and if you don't want any more kids anyway, the infertility risk is almost a bonus.

Biggest pros:
1. No remembering pills, no hormones, no latex, no mess or fuss.
2. Long term, effortless birth control.