What's the deal with IUD's? Are they safe?

Question

My OB says they have a new one out that last 5 years, I have heard from a few friends they are not, what is your take on them? Thanks
P.S. I'm currently 5 months pregnant at 31 years old but not wanting my tubes just yet

Jennifer, I didn't ask for your opinion on me having a baby on the way!! My doc asked me about getting my tubes tied TODAY at my 20 weeks appt, and we discussed IUD's,

Answer 1

I myself think they are safe. I currently have the Mirena. So far so good. I had my second child in March of this year and had it placed on my 6 week checkup. I've only had one period since. Other than that it is the best Birth control that I have yet to try. Thanks to the makers of Mirena.

Answer 2

My doctor asked me at my last prenatal visit what form of birth control I wanted after this pregnancy. I have decided to try the Mirena IUD because it's hassle free(no rings, pills, patchs, etc.) and I figure that would be the best thing since I'm going to have a newborn and probably won't remember to take pills correctly. There are a few health concerns with the IUD, but those concerns go with any medication that you take(over the counter or prescription). The IUD can implant into your uterus, come out, or cause infections(usually in women that are not in monogamous relationships).

Do research on different forms of birth control before you settle on on or the other. You may find something else will work better for you. I know that I'm going to try an IUD because I've tried everything else and we are not sure whether we want more children after this one, so my fiance and I decided to try this before any kind of permanent surgery. Good luck and Congratulations!

Answer 3

The old ones were more dangerous than the ones now days. They used to be made out of copper...which caused a few problems for some women. Now, they are mostly plastic, so as far as I know... they are much safer today than they were in the past.

I am 38 weeks pregnant and considering an IUD after birth. I really don't think I want another child until this one (my first) is in school. Besides, I am only 20... I have plenty of time for more kids later. I don't want birth control pills (which I was taking before pregnancy) because I read that they are not good to take while breastfeeding, which I plan to do... and both my husband and I agree that condoms are just not the same when it comes to "sensations"...

Answer 4

Good for you for planning ahead!

I got an IUD put in several years ago at Planned Parenthood because I can't take hormonal birth control. It was NOT the Mirena (which does have hormones) it was the copper IUD. It caused me severe cramps and spotting from the moment it was put in until the moment I had it removed several months later. Very painful cramps. I hated it.

I found out that many many women can't tolerate the copper IUD because it tends to worsen cramps, although women that don't have that problem swear by them.

The Mirena IUD (which does emit very low doses of hormones like the ones in birth control pill) is probably much easier to tolerate and is less likely to cause cramps. It is a good option because it is reversible, unlike a tubal ligation, and the new IUD is very safe. Some insurance companies even pay for it, so check with yours to see, and if not, Planned Parenthood also offers them and its not too expensive.

good luck!

Answer 5

Before I got pregnant, I had an IUD for 3+ years. They are made of plastic (I had Mirena) and coated with estrogen (I believe). I think the hardest part about the IUD was having it inserted. Since at the time I hadn't had any children, I thought it was pretty uncomfortable - but it only lasted a day and then I was fine. After a couple of months, I stopped getting my period. That's something that not everybody goes thru with the IUD, but it's something that is "supposed" to happen - my Dr. was thrilled when I told her that I hadn't gotten my period.

So, 3 years later, I had it removed (much easier coming out than going in) and my period came back immediately and 3 months later I was pregnant (Due in January :)).

I think I am going to one again once my body heals from delivery. It worked well for me and I would recommend it to anybody. I never experienced any pain at all, and it never interfered with intercourse (if that's a concern). And I never had to take any birth control pills that I forgot anyway!

Good luck!

Answer 6

I have the new one that only lasts 5 years and I love it! I haven't had a period (which is common) and It can be taken out at any time. I don't think I would get the copper one that lasts 10 years because I heard that after time in very few cases, women have over time developed allergies to the copper and died. So go for the 5 year one.

Answer 7

My best friend is an OB nurse. She uses an IUD. So it must be. She says she wouldn't use anything else because the risks are greater with medications. P.S. I think I've answered like 4 of your questions. I feel like I know you lol. I hope all goes well with your pregnancy and I'll be checking in on you in 4 months to congratulate you on your baby.

Answer 8

I dont know about IUDs from personal experience but I use the Nuva Ring and its simple and I've had no problems with it so far. it is very easy to use and you dont have to worry about missing a day because you insert it and leave it for 4 weeks and take it out for a week and insert another one simple and no need to go to the drs office for it to be put it you do it yourself:) but as far as i know IUDs are effective and i dont know anyone whos had any problems with them

Answer 9

I'm planning to get one in two weeks. From what I've read, they're safe. They say to expect three months of bleeding at first, which I'm not really excited about, but I am looking forward to not worrying about birth control. I got pregnant on the pill with my third, so that doesn't work for me, and I really don't want to go through surgery right now (I guess I'm selfish). So I'm going to try it and see. Here's the website:
www.mirena-us.com/

Answer 10

They are fairly safe but dont suit everybody. I had one and due to heavy bleeding and bad cramps I had to have it removed. But friends have them and have no problems.