Who can tell me about IUDs?

Question

I have been thinking of getting an IUD put in. I like how effective it is and how long it lasts. But the more I think about it the more questions I have. Does anyone out there have experience with them? Here are my questions:
How do they put it in you?
You know how it has that string that hangs down? Well, since it gets exposed to your period and other discharge for 5-10 YEARS doesnt it get rotted and gross?
And speaking of the string, how often do you need to feel for it to make sure your IUD hasnt moved around or fallen out or something?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Ok, you came to the right place. There are 2 kinds of IUD's. There is Paragard, which is the copper lined one and has no hormones in it. Then there is the Mirena, which has hormones and can stop a woman's period completely (but not for everyone). The Paragard is good for 10 years. The Mirena is good for 3-5 years. To put it in, you have to have a pap smear and be counseled on the risks vs. benefits. Then, it is put in on an outpatient visit. The doctor will insert the speculum, which is the same thing they use to do a pap. Then they may or may not attatch this thing called a tenaculum, which clamps down around the opening of the cervix to help keep it open enough. It is usually inserted during your period so that the opening is open and it won't hurt as much. Then they measure your uterus to make sure it is big enough to hold the IUD, then they insert the IUD. It is very crampy and feels like the worst kind of menstrual cramps. Usually you have to have had a child for them to put one in, because they are expensive and last so long. If you decide to have a kid, they can take it out today and you can get preggo tomorrow. This makes it the best form of reversible long term birth control available. I had one in and I cramped for about 5 days on and off, and it hurt the first few times of making love to my husband. Also, for the first 4-5 months, I would bleed a full period's length after making love, so I went through lots of tampons and pads. But now it is the best thing, ever. I don't have to worry about taking pills, patches or rings, and I can virtually forget it is even there. My husband does not feel the strings inside of me with his member. You are supposed to check the strings after each period, but I usually forget and that's no big deal. The strings are made of like a fishing line material which get softer over time, so they don't get rotted. Hope all this helps!

Answer 2

I have an IUD, the one that lasts for 5 years. I haven't had any problems with it, and I have had it since March 2004. When you go to the gynecologist, they will open up your cervix with a tool and place the IUD in your uterus. It is somewhat painful when they do this. As for the string, it will not rot, as the string is made of nylon, the same thing as fishing line. Most of the time, and your doctor will explain this to you, a woman who gets an IUD usually does not have her period. You may spot, but sometimes you may have nothing at all. If you have a heavy and painful period, the IUD would be perfect for you. It eliminates cramping and stops the flow. As for checking the string, you just need to check it at least once a month to make sure it is still in place. Your doctor will go over everything you need to know.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small string hangs down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. The IUD is not noticeable during intercourse. IUDs can last 1-10 years. They work by changing the the the lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes affecting the movements of eggs and sperm and so that fertilization does not occur. IUDs are 99.2-99.9% effective as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Answer 4

I don't have too much more to add then what has already been posted. I have the Mirena and love it. No more painful heavy periods. My husband has never once felt the strings. It isn't really a string it is more like fishing line. You check it once a month that is all.

Answer 5

I'm not exactly sure how they put it in i think its just like a pap smear they just kinna stick it up there. As for the string, it does not get gross because you have fluids in your private area that cleans it out so you dont get an infection so those fluids will help keep that string clean. You should check the string after intercourse and after your periods

Answer 6

My sis-in-law had one. We begged her not to do it, but she was 22 w/ 4 kids. It was horrible. She bled almost continuously. She kept getting pregnant & the IUD would cause the pregnancy to abort at about 8-9wks. This caused horrible fall-on-the-ground cramps & heavy bleeding for a few days each time. After the 3rd one, she had it taken out. Now she is 26 w/ 8 kids (2 foster), but no more miscarriages/abortions. She would tell you that the IUD wasn't worth it. Use the Pill, use a condom or just keep your knickers on.

BTW, I agree that it is about the most disgusting form of birth control I can think of. The point of it is to irritate the lining of your uterus...gross!