Hi carifairy:

i have been waiting and hoping for this!! I have been on birth control for about a year and half now (the pill) and am struggling with it... The hormones seem to greatly effect me (headaches, cramping, emotional, etc.) I have tried several different kinds, but they all seem to do similar things. I considered other methods of non-hormonal birth control, but none-seemed to be as effective as my husband and I want right now. Before I really consider it seriously ( I thought I would have to wait until I had a baby) do you know if the iud has any side effects or complications? Thank you so much. I am glad you posted this. :)

The main side effects of the copper iud are that it can increase menstrual flow and cramping, but I am perfectly fine with it. My cycles are perfectly normal..

With the hormonal iud there can be irregular bleeding and other problems related to hormone usage, some women notice them and others do not. I believe it just depends on the woman. I am sensitive to hormones, so I have a copper iud. Your best bet for getting one inserted is planned parenthood, they tend to have a more open mind when it comes to insertion of iuds.

It is best to stay in a monogamous relationship because stds can become bigger problems with an ius in place.

Thank you for your input. I have one more quick question if you don't mind... I am allergic to metals, when I wear any sort of copper, silver, nickel, etc jewelry, or have snaps, watch latches, etc in contact with my skin I break out in a terrible rash, not gold though. Do you think that this could be a problem with a copper iud? Again, thank you for your advice. :)

There is a test that they reccommend for seeing if you are allergic to copper, and a doctor could help you with this. Most fake jewelry is a combination of many different metals. I cannot wear fake jewelry, but the copper iud does not cause me any problems.

I've had a mirena ius for over a year and i've not had children but I would totally reccommed it to those who are in a monogamous relationship. I didn't try the copper iud because I have (rather, used to have) very heavy periods but this has stopped them :)

Just wondering...I was told I could have an iud. I have been with my boyfriend, now engaged to b married pretty soon, and we have a two year old son. My doctors told me I couldn't have one, is there anyway around them to be be able to get one???

I meant to say I couldn't have an iud.

You get a mirena iud, it is plastic and gives out a hormone that stays mostly localized in the uterus.

i would talk to another doctor, I don't think they can deny you the right to have the iud. Your healthcare may not wantto cover it as they are a bit more expensive. All in all if you comapre it to taking the pill for 5 years its acucally less. I would really get a second opinion.

Bump

I checked out the websites and it says it is cheaper if you use it for at least two years - even better!

Yes! My health insurance does not cover the iud so I got it at planned parenthood! 335$ for all..... That's pretty good.