I had an IUD inserted about 3 months ago. I am 25, and I've never had any children. I used to have reasonably painful periods, but since I've gotten the IUD my periods seem to last about two weeks, and the cramping is absolutely debilitating. I just lie in bed hunched up for hours sweating and panting. I have been taking about 800mg of Ibuprofen or Advil about every 2-6 hours for almost 2 weeks out of the month. It's only been 3 months but I've already noticed signs of colon problems (blood where there shouldn't be) I'm scared that this may damage my liver. Does anyone know if one NSAID is better for your stomach than another? Or have any tips to help ease the pain caused by my IUD? I really don't want to have to use hormones, and I want to keep the IUD. But I don't want to hurt myself. And I don't have insurance or a physician, so asking my doctor isn't really the advice I am looking for. But thank you for any advice.
2007-03-28 06:43:25 · 9 answers · asked by Leah S 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I had a bad experience w/ my (Mirena) IUD so I'm going to say as nice as the benefits are, I'm not too sure it's worth it.
I don't think one NSAID is better for your stomach than another. They all can be bad with long term use. I have horrible cramps too and I've found Celebrex works well.
I had mine removed b/c it gave me an infection. I'm having problems trying to conceive now and am praying it didn't mess up my tubes too much to do so. Most people have the opposite affect from an IUD but your situation sounds like mine.
2007-03-28 06:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by Nina Lee 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The IUD is your problem. It has to come out. The risk you take now is not only excessive bleeding, which can be very harmful, but taking too much Advil. Here is the warning from the Advil website...
do not take more than directed
the smallest effective dose should be used
do not take longer than 10 days, unless directed by a doctor (see Warnings)
adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist
if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used
do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor
You are taking way over the recommended dosage (almost 4 times!) and going over the time you are permitted to take it. Over the counter medication is still medication and can have dangerous effects on your body. If you are in that much pain then it needs to be addressed and not covered up.
I also had an IUD and was very happy with it. However I was advised that if I had symptoms such as yours to have it taken care of and taken seriously. You are putting future fertility at risk. Also Advil, like aspirin is a blood thinner and taking too much can cause complications.
Take it seriously, see a doctor. I know that you would like another answer but that it the only one that makes sense.
2007-03-28 07:37:00 · answer #2 · answered by Laura H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an IUD and had to remove it for the very same reasons you are describing. My cramps were so bad I felt like I was in labor every time I started my period. I was bleeding extremely heavy. If this is not working for you then you may have to consider hormones. Call the doctor or nurse who inserted your IUD and ask them for help.
As far as NSAID be careful on the amount you are taking and how often. It sounds that you are taking far too much. NSAIDs can cause colon problems. I was taking large amounts and started having bloody diarrhea. The doctor diagnosed me with Ulcerative Colitis. It turns out that the NSAIDs were to blame for the ulcerations in my colon.
Good luck.
2007-03-29 10:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by tomimegi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It took me 6 months to get over the pain of the IUD.
Really- different people heal at different rates.
It is a freakin' foreign object, so ofcourse your uterus is trying to get rid of it!
I don't know about the advil.... Ibuprophin in higher dosages is used as a local anesthetic (ofcourse, injected because it will otehrwise cause stomach irritation in high dosages!)!
I would try walking. Pacing. That really helped me with my cramps, more than ibuprophin.
Try to make yourself gently walk, pace, rock in a chair... some movement. I know you don't want to and it is really painful, but just walk and do that (corny) meditative deep breathing. It really helps (especially with the deep breathing), eventhough it sounds cliche.
Also, if you are having any fever or chills, you might have an infection and should see a doctor ASAP. The sweating and panting doesn't sound good at all.
If letting up on the painkillers and pacing/walking/deep breathing doesn't help... you really should consider seeing a doctor... and probably see one regardless (the urgent care would take you without insurance).
Also- did your OBGYN prescribe antibiotics after it was inserted? Mine actually gave me a strong dose right before hand (to clear up signs of an infection I had but had been unaware of), and then afterwards treated me with a 2 week preventative dose.... I am generally against antibiotics, but, in this case I thought it was a good thing.....
Anyway, take care- be careful, and good luck with everything....
2007-03-29 18:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jessie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With having the IUD in you there, with your periods pain being so bad. It's not normal, as all lady's go through this.
It's a part of life for Lady's, at that time of month.
You could try pain killers to help with the pain.
I can understand that you may not like to hear this.
But If it's getting worse (more painful, bleeding) for you. Maybe you should get the IUD checked, that it is in OK and doing of what it should be doing.
That it hasn't been put in wrong, or hasn't moved, or it could be doing you harm, later in life u may regret it. Hope that it's not doing any damage to you body there. For if its not normal, something is wrong.
Could be a number of different things.
Best to be safe then sorry.
2007-03-28 07:11:12 · answer #5 · answered by Barry T 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you tried just birth control pills? I used to have really bad cramps and get really sick when I got my period, the same way you are explaining; and I went to Planned Parenthood and there you don't have to have insurance or anything, and they use a sliding payscale, so if you aren't working you can get supplies for nearly nothing. I would at least go in there and ask them about the pain, because it shouldn't be unbearable. As for the Ibuprofen/Advil, I would say that is probably a bit much. Have you tried taking Midol or Premsyn PMS (the cheaper brand of Midol) for the pain? I have found it to help a tremendous amount more then Ibuprofen/Advil. Also a warm bath or even just warm compress on your abdomen should help a good amount. Also, as much as you crave it, try to eat less sugar and salty foods. When you eat these things you retain water, which in turns causes you to bloat and more pain! Hope this helps...
2007-03-28 06:53:53 · answer #6 · answered by kat 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are in that much pain you really should talk to whomever inserted your IUD. I know that is a common side effect with the copper IUD. I have the Mirena and have been very pleased with it. I have not experienced anything like you are describing.
2007-03-28 07:41:21 · answer #7 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My doctor said that take so much advil is bad for your stomach and you will regret it in the long run. I suggest you look into taking out the IUD and/or looking up natural methods of reducing pain.
I think with the methods i would give it wouldnt really help..i think the IUD is your problem.
2007-03-28 06:48:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have an Iud. What your describe is not right. You need to go see a doctor ASAP. Either your Iud isnt position right or maybe an Iud isnt right for you. You shouldnt be taking that much pain killer. It not good for your body. If you dont have insurance or physician try going to a free clinic to get checked out.
2007-03-28 07:21:48 · answer #9 · answered by Jen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋