IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications

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IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« on: March 11, 2007, 09:38:34 AM » by healthybratt

Quote

I have an IUD (mirena) to stop constant bleeding. I want to know why IUD's are not good, and if it will make me more likely to bleed when it gets taken out and if it will affect how quickly I can get pregnant and if it will negativly affect the pregnancy. And if any of this is true, what can I do about it?

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2007, 10:27:06 AM » by Nickole

http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARRIAGE/CCLIUD.TXT

Here's a good Q & A about the IUD, including why it acts as an abortifacient and health concerns with using it. Maybe this will help.

« Last Edit: March 11, 2007, 12:13:38 PM by Nickole »
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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2007, 10:34:40 AM » by sarah_carol

I was going to say the same thing as Nickole. It depends on your personal beliefs, but if you believe that life begins at conception, then an IUD kills a life.

http://tinyurl.com/qcozl

Although it is not known for sure how it works, it is believed that an I.U.D. changes the lining of the uterus to prevent the fertilized egg from being implanted]. It may also slow the sperm down enough to prevent it from reaching the uterus.

Some people have moral objections to contraception in principle. But that is not the issue here. Even those who see no moral distinction between preventing pregnancy through contraception and avoiding pregnancy through abstinence, must still object to any birth control method that relies, even a small percentage of the time, on destroying a life that has already begun.

Also, there are health dangers to chemical birth control including Mirena.

here are some links from natural health website mercola.com about the health risks of hormonal birth control:

http://tinyurl.com/24pgx9

http://tinyurl.com/2xq6yl

http://tinyurl.com/237dvw

Some of the info is on oral BCPs but the risks to your body are just as real w/ hormones from Mirena. It's a very tough decision to make and I hope this helps as you begin to research.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2007, 11:46:19 AM » by lewisquiverfull

I had an IUD for 3 1/2 years. We thought we were finished having kids, and the dr didn't want us to do anything permanant since we were so young. So, this was our best option, in our opinion, at the time.
The IUD made me bleed SO badly. I lost a lot of weight, down to 95 lbs. I had very intense pain in my hips the whole time I had it. Some days it was hard to get off the couch.
We decided in January of 2002 to get it removed, we were taking CCL classes on Family Planning. It took 6 months to get pregnant with our next baby. For some people that's not a big deal, but we have always gotten pregnant the first month of trying.
The pregnancy was fine, baby was fine, and we've had 2 more since then with no problems.
All that to say, I know it is not good for our bodies, I was in lots of pain and I'm not sure what all it did to my hormones at the time. I would not recommend them to anyone, and I would suggest getting it removed ASAP if you have one. But, that is just my opinion now that I have studied it more and seen all sides of it.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2007, 01:45:19 PM » by amy3js

Wow. Thanks for all that info. When I got the IUD inserted, the Dr told me that it would thicken something (mucous?) and prevent the sperm from ever reaching the egg. I did not know that it would abort and already fertilized egg! I guess I will be having it taken out soon.

Sarah_carol- I wanted to check those last three URLs you posted but you have to give your email address first. i was wondering if you have given them yours and if you have had any problems with that? I want to do it, I just don't want to end up with spam!

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2007, 03:21:11 PM » by sarah_carol

curious17b-- I forgot that the Mercola.com website does that now. I entered my e-mail address a long time ago to read their articles, and I receive their weekly or biweekly newsletter (or however often, I forget) and I have not received any other related e-mail at all. They have an anti-spam policy, and it's my opinion that they don't spam.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2007, 05:01:11 PM » by SC

If you decide to go the route of an IUD, you must be prepared to get regularly checked by your Dr. I know of a case of a woman who had one inserted and just went on about her life, neglecting to get checked. She became pale (ghostly white), thin (quickly), weak and slept most of the time. Finally, one day she fainted and her family thought that they should probably take her to the emergency room to be checked (you think!?). Anyway, the ER doctor determined that her IUD had perforated the lining of her uterus and was causing gradual internal bleeding. He said that in her weakened state if she had caught a cold, it could have killed her.

So, if you are thinking that an IUD is a good way to be done with exams and checks, think again.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2007, 09:02:20 PM » by amy3js

Quote from: SC on March 11, 2007, 05:01:11 PM

My reason for having an IUD had nothing to do with avoiding checkups, it was to stop hemorrhaging. But thank you for that info. I know that IUDs can preforate the uterus, but I'm not sure how common it is and what the symptoms are. That is one thing to look into now. I have just recently become aware of the negative side effects of hormonal BC and since my Dr didn't see the need to inform me of any of this, I will need to learn some more. Which is exactly why I posted here! Lots of good info!

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2007, 10:11:17 PM » by SC

Quote from: curious17b on March 11, 2007, 09:02:20 PM

Quote from: SC on March 11, 2007, 05:01:11 PM

Sorry, curious17b. I just popped in to add this tidbit in relation to what I knew someone else had experienced thinking it might be of help to someone who was considering IUDs. I didn't suppose you were or were not trying to avoid exams. The 'you' I used was directed towards anyone who reads this.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2007, 03:35:44 PM » by amy3js

Quote from: SC on March 11, 2007, 10:11:17 PM

Quote from: curious17b on March 11, 2007, 09:02:20 PM

Quote from: SC on March 11, 2007, 05:01:11 PM

Lol. Sorry if I cam across mad (now that I reread my post it kinda sounds like I was- but I wasn't). I have been examined so many times that I don't even flinch when they hand me that little gown anymore. Which is one reason I would like to get it taken out and kind of handle my issues on my own. The exams are beginning to be a little ridiculous. And I really did appreciate the info, the Dr really didn't tell me anything about preforation. Or anything else negative for that matter.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2007, 01:05:09 PM » by Kymdenise

Here's a little FYI.. my mom was a delivery nurse for about 15 years, and she delivered a baby once that was holding the IUD in his little hand! The baby and mama were fine, and my mom laughs about it to this day.. God has a way of stickin' it to us sometimes! Wink

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2007, 01:48:50 PM » by amy3js

HaHaHaHa!! What a mental image that gave me!

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #12 on: May 02, 2007, 03:27:42 PM » by Mom2FourBlessings

Quote from: Kymdenise on March 15, 2007, 01:05:09 PM

I worked with a guy once who was a twin and well he or his brother one were born with the iud in their hand.. Cheesy

I had a copper iud after my 3rd and well it caused and autoimmune dissfunction, (I was sensitive to the metal) to the point that now 5 years after it was removed, (I only had it 3 months) I still have an allergic reaction to pressure, like tight shoes, shoulder straps on bras or back packs, etc.. tight waist bands.. they all cause huge welts under the skin that look like really large bee stings.. no telling what else it did to poison my system.. Sad

DH insisted I go with the mirena this time, but we were told it thickened cervical mucous and prevented sperm from reaching egg.. I have had it 8 months I haven't menstrated yet, as I am still nursing full time.. but the more I read on it the more we realize it could act to abort a fertalized egg, so it will probably be removed soon.. I can't do oral bc so I guess back to our old tried and true timing method.. LOL
Anyway I appreciate this thread it has been helpful..
Well gotta run, speaking of mama milk, I think I know a 9 month old who wants some RIGHT now.. LOL

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #13 on: June 16, 2007, 06:38:05 PM » by Question

I have had a Mirena (hormone) IUD for 2 years. I had it removed because I want to get Pregnant. 2 days after removing it my period started and was VERY heavy for 7 days. Then I continued bleeding very lightly for another 7 days. First question: Is that much bleeding normal after removing an IUD? 2 Question: I was told that miscarriage is more likely to occur if I get PG the first couple months after removing the IUD because the uterus lining is thinner? Once I get PG I am trying to decide how long I should wait to tell people.....so, at what point am I most likely to be past the stage of having a misscarriage?

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2007, 09:44:36 AM » by Question

Bump.....Any Opinions out there?

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #15 on: June 23, 2007, 09:59:03 PM » by AZmama

I had the Mirena for 3 yrs. I had very light periods, if any, after the first yr. 2 days after I had it removed I started bleeding like I have never bled before. Worse than after either childbirth. Lots of large clots. I was really concerned. The doc wasn't. Just said "Call back if it doesn't stop in 10 days" Shocked

Well it didn't stop. The doc put me on 10 days of Provera to stop the bleeding.

I expected to get pg right away, as I did both times before. It took 14 months. I charted most of the year, and did not ovulate the entire time. I don't know if that was because of the Mirena. Who knows?

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #16 on: June 25, 2007, 11:14:45 AM » by Question

The first month after I had it taken out and I had a period I got What I am almost sure was a positive result from an ovulation test. I am testing again this month so I will see how it goes.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #17 on: June 25, 2007, 04:03:02 PM » by OikourgousLady

From what I have read, I thought a possible side effect of an IUD is increased bleeding. Maybe I am remembering wrong as I don't know where I got that info from. I do know that I read in a book called(can't remember the exact title) something like "1001 Healthcare Questions Women ask their Doctors" by an OB/GYN whose name I can't remember either! I know that is not too helpful...Any way the author said an IUD should not be considered unless a woman has had all the children she wants or doesn't want to have any. This, he said is because an IUD causes so much scar tissue and damage to the uterine wall the implantation may not ever be possible. He said that an IUD should be thought of as non surgical sterilization. I will dig that book out for reference if any want wants me to. I realize this may not answer the original question exactly except to say that it seems an IUD could do more harm than help if they really do damage the uterine wall that much. -Andrea

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #18 on: June 26, 2007, 06:13:26 AM » by panmamma

I am a little concerned. We are trying for #4 (the past few months), and charting my temps (though haven't yet this month..oops!) I am taking vitex and that moved my temps up alot.
I had an IUD for 18months or 2 years.......in April had it removed. I had lots of yellow gunk (sorry for TMI) and seemed to be in a constant state of infection, though the only signs of it were the yellow gunk. I did bleed some, and a few times I coughed too hard while sitting (actually using the bathroom) and that seemed to have scratched something or did something. I was bleeding and went to the dr for it!!
Now I am wondering how much damage I did to my uterus? I wonder if it's possible to get it back into shape? I know if God has for us to have another child, it will happen. We will keep trying obviously, but there are things you wished you knew ahead of time.....

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #19 on: March 05, 2008, 07:36:57 PM » by ShabbyChic

Can anyone tell me anything bad about Mirena specifically? Not IUC's in general, but Mirena. I've done research on the non-estrogen IUC and want to know specific stories of side effects to the hormone levonorgestrel, pros, and cons like AZmama's.

Thanks.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #20 on: March 05, 2008, 08:25:30 PM » by Roehrmomma

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Warnings

Ectopic Pregnancy

In large clinical trials of Mirena , half of all pregnancies detected during the studies were ectopic. The per-year incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the clinical trials was approximately 1 ectopic pregnancy per 1000 users per year. The rate of ectopic pregnancies associated with Mirena use is not significantly different than the rate for sexually active women not using any contraception.

Clinical trials of Mirena excluded women with a history of ectopic pregnancy. Mirena is not recommended for use in women with a history of ectopic pregnancy or conditions that increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Women who choose Mirena must be warned about the risks of ectopic pregnancy. They should be taught to recognize and report to their physician promptly any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Women should also be informed that ectopic pregnancy has been associated with complications leading to loss of fertility.

Intrauterine Pregnancy

In the event of an intrauterine pregnancy with Mirena , the following should be considered.

Septic abortion

In patients becoming pregnant with an IUD in place, septic abortion—with septicemia, septic shock, and death—may occur. If pregnancy should occur with a Mirena in place, Mirena should be removed. Removal or manipulation of Mirena may result in pregnancy loss.

Continuation of pregnancy

If a woman becomes pregnant with Mirena in place and if Mirena cannot be removed or the woman chooses not to have it removed, she should be warned that failure to remove Mirena increases the risk of miscarriage, sepsis, premature labor and premature delivery. She should be followed closely and advised to report immediately any flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge or leakage of fluid.

Long-term effects and congenital anomalies

When pregnancy continues with Mirena in place, long-term effects on the offspring are unknown. Because of the intrauterine administration of levonorgestrel and local exposure to the hormone, the possibility of teratogenicity following exposure to Mirena cannot be completely excluded. Clinical experience with the outcomes of pregnancies is limited due to the small number of reported pregnancies following exposure to Mirena .

Congenital anomalies have occurred infrequently when Mirena has been in place during pregnancy. In these cases the role of Mirena in the development of the congenital anomalies is unknown. As of September 1999, 32 live births following exposure to Mirena were reported retrospectively. All but 2 of the infants were healthy at birth. One infant had pulmonary artery hypoplasia and another infant had cystic hypoplastic kidneys. (A sibling of this infant had renal agenesis with no Mirena exposure.)

Sepsis

As of 1999, four cases of Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS) out of an estimated 1.3 million Mirena users were reported. All four women experienced the symptom of severe pain within hours of insertion, and this was followed by sepsis within a few days (of insertion). All recovered with treatment. Since death from GAS is more likely if treatment is delayed, it is important to be aware of these rare but serious infections. Aseptic technique during Mirena insertion is essential. (GAS sepsis can also occur postpartum, after minor surgery, in wounds and in association with other IUDs.)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Mirena is contraindicated in the presence of known or suspected PID or in women with a history of PID unless there has been a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy. Use of IUDs has been associated with an increased risk of PID. The highest risk of PID occurs shortly after insertion (usually within the first 20 days thereafter) (see Insertion Precautions ). A decision to use Mirena must include consideration of the risks of PID.

Women at increased risk for PID

PID is often associated with a sexually transmitted disease, and Mirena does not protect against sexually transmitted disease. The risk of PID is greater for women who have multiple sexual partners, and also for women whose sexual partner(s) have multiple sexual partners. Women who have ever had PID are at increased risk for a recurrence or re-infection.

PID warning to Mirena users

All women who choose Mirena must be informed prior to insertion about the possibility of PID and that PID can cause tubal damage leading to ectopic pregnancy or infertility, or in infrequent cases can necessitate hysterectomy, or can cause death. Patients must be taught to recognize and report to their physician promptly any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. These symptoms include development of menstrual disorders (prolonged or heavy bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness, dyspareunia, chills, and fever.

Asymptomatic PID

PID may be asymptomatic but still result in tubal damage and its sequelae.

Treatment of PID

Following a diagnosis of PID, or suspected PID, bacteriologic specimens should be obtained and antibiotic therapy should be initiated promptly. Removal of Mirena after initiation of antibiotic therapy is usually appropriate. Guidelines for PID treatment are available from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta,Georgia. Adequate PID treatment requires the application of current standards of therapy prevailing at the time of occurrence of the infection with reference to prescription labeling.

Actinomycosis has been associated with IUDs. Symptomatic women with IUDs should have the IUD removed and should receive antibiotics. However, the management of the asymptomatic carrier is controversial because actinomycetes can be found normally in the genital tract cultures in healthy women without IUDs. False positive findings of actinomycosis on Pap smears can be a problem. When possible, confirm the Pap smear diagnosis with cultures.

Irregular Bleeding and Amenorrhea

Mirena can alter the bleeding pattern. During the first three to six months of Mirena use the number of bleeding and spotting days may be increased and bleeding patterns may be irregular. Thereafter the number of bleeding and spotting days usually decreases but bleeding may remain irregular. If bleeding irregularities develop during prolonged treatment appropriate diagnostic measures should be taken to rule out endometrial pathology.

Amenorrhea develops in approximately 20% of Mirena users by one year. The possibility of pregnancy should be considered if menstruation does not occur within six weeks of the onset of previous menstruation. Once pregnancy has been excluded, repeated pregnancy tests are not necessary in amenorrheic subjects unless indicated by other signs of pregnancy or by pelvic pain.

Embedment

Partial penetration or embedment of Mirena in the myometrium may decrease contraceptive effectiveness and can result in difficult removal.

Perforation

An IUD may perforate the uterus or cervix, most often during insertion although the perforation may not be detected until some time later. If perforation occurs, the IUD must be removed and surgery may be required. Adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses and erosion of adjacent viscera have been reported with IUDs.

It is recommended that postpartum Mirena insertion be delayed until uterine involution is complete to decrease perforation risk. There is an increased risk of perforation in women who are lactating. Inserting Mirena immediately after first trimester abortion is not known to increase the risk of perforation, but insertion after second trimester abortion should be delayed until uterine involution is complete.

Ovarian Cysts

Since the contraceptive effect of Mirena is mainly due to its local effect, ovulatory cycles with follicular rupture usually occur in women of fertile age using Mirena . Sometimes atresia of the follicle is delayed and the follicle may continue to grow. Enlarged follicles have been diagnosed in about 12% of the subjects using Mirena . Most of these follicles are asymptomatic, although some may be accompanied by pelvic pain or dyspareunia. In most cases the enlarged follicles disappear spontaneously during two to three months observation. Surgical intervention is not usually required.

Breast Cancer

Women who currently have or have had breast cancer should not use hormonal contraception because breast cancer is a hormone-sensitive tumor.

Risks of Mortality

The available data from a variety of sources have been analyzed to estimate the risk of death associated with various methods of contraception. The estimates of risk of death include the combined risk of the contraceptive method plus the risk of pregnancy or abortion in the event of method failure. The findings of the analysis are shown in Table 2.

Just type in Mirena Side effects. Several pages came up.

Em

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #21 on: March 05, 2008, 08:50:17 PM » by Becks

Wow! That was a great post by Roehrmomma. Thanks for all that great information.

This post will probably not answer anyone's questions, but it puts a face on the issue at least. My face that is, hope you don't mind. Grin

I noticed in a few posts folks mentioned that their doctor's didn't inform them of all the risks of IUD's. The same thing happened to my parents too. After having 2 babies 11 months apart they were looking for a break. Their doctor said an IUD was the most effective birth control and they gave it a try. The company that made the IUD knew they had a product that could wick an infection up inside the mother, because there was no cap on the tail string, but they kept manufacturing and selling them anyway. Angry

I am an IUD baby. Grin

I was born two months pre mature at 3 lbs. I had a heart murmur and due to the nature of my birth have mild Cerebral Palsy. I spent two months in the hospital getting my systems up to par where I could function on my own at home. My dad still gets tears in his eyes when he remembers my birth and all the emotions it conjurs up. (I love him more and more every time he does that.

)

I praise God for my birth and my life. I am so glad God went to so much trouble to bring me into this world. I'm content with my slight limp and thank God that it has never affected my ability to have children and carry them to term. I feel truly lucky and blessed. Grin

My mom felt God's hand on her during my delivery and had complete peace she was supposed to carry my pregnancy to term even though there were great risks to her at the time. The IUD had in fact allowed an infection to be wicked up inside her and she was quite sick which is why I was delivered early.

I'm sure it's obvious that I have very strong feelings about IUD's in general. I know a lot of others have posted good information about the risks of a fertilized egg not implanting as well as the risks of using artificial hormones.

I am, however, aware that this is a personal decision and I don't want anyone to get the feeling that I have ill will towards them in anyway. I just wanted to share my personal story in hopes that it may help someone.
I hope I don't sound like a ranting and raving bitter woman. That's not how I feel about it at all. I like my birth story and have peace that this is the way God wants me to be. But I think my parents would have chosen differently if they had known the risks to me and my mom and known they could have avoided them.

Thanks for letting me share.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #22 on: March 05, 2008, 09:08:28 PM » by jhandrh

Thanks for your story, Becks. I will second the fact that patients are NOT told about the risks of IUDs. At a dr appt 7 wks after having my 3rd baby, the dr asked me what i was going to do about birth control and right away recommended Mirena. I told him right away i was not doing an IUD and he jumped in with, "you know they don't cause abortions, in spite of what the pro-life groups say." i didn't feel like getting into an argument over it and i also would be uncomfortable w/ it anyway because of risk of infection. i just am not comfortable w/ a foreign object in my body for years on end--even if it were not a question of abortive possibility. i said this. Right away he also pooh-poohed my concern about infection too--"that rarely ever happens, and you don't have any risk factors for it." i still didn't bite so he left it alone. but it makes me wonder what kind of kickback they get for prescribing this stuff and why they have to keep the risks so quiet. we are still deciding what we're going to do long term, but i do know an IUD it's NOT going to be.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #23 on: March 05, 2008, 09:47:48 PM » by cinmama

I just wanted to chime in about the Dr. connection with these devices. While i have no hard evidence they are getting some sort of reimbursement, i strongly believe they are.

My ob really pushed this type of BC pretty hard. When i expressed my concern about them, particularly the abortifacent issue, he stated there were studies that said there was no evidence of that. I then asked him if it was, in fact, a possibility. He replied, "well, i suppose it is.... but there is not evidence to support it." Huh? Of course there's no evidence: no pregnancy = no evidence. Right?

Just my .02.
cm

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #24 on: March 05, 2008, 10:01:04 PM » by Roehrmomma

One site I looked at said that some people believe (ME) that life begins at conception and others believe it starts at implantation. The latter is what the IUD stops SO if a person believes it is not a baby til it 'hooks up'' to you uterine wall...COULD say no pregnancy. Angry

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #25 on: March 05, 2008, 10:01:41 PM » by prairiechild

Here is a whole forum devoted to the side effects of the Mirena IUD.

http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=713

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #26 on: March 05, 2008, 10:07:25 PM » by cinmama

Quote from: Roehrmomma on March 05, 2008, 10:01:04 PM

Good point, Em.

In my case, the conversation with my doctor, I was specific that i believed fertilization was where life begins, and therefore preventing implantation would not be an acceptable option of BC. He still insisted that it prevented even conception.

I have no idea how they could know that? Huh

? But i guess the point is to be specific in you questions, because not everyone believes the same way.

cm

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #27 on: May 22, 2008, 04:05:59 PM » by Rikki

Thought I'd post this story here too-
I had the Mirena IUD after both pregnancies and would not recommend it.
The good thing was that as soon as it was removed I was able to get pregnant, but it did have side effects. I had no period (you may be thinking "WHooo hooo no period!" but it's not healthy!!) and I had a hormonal imbalance the whole time which led to breakouts and slight facial hair.
Then after about a year I started to have a sharp pain on my left side, almost where you get menstrual cramps. I didn't even connect that it could be due to my IUD until a few months ago and I started researching. I went to curezone.com and searched Mirena and there were SEVERAL stories of people with side effects, and strangely most everyone who had problems had them on the left side of their body. I knew I had to get mine out! Especially because the pain had almost become unbearable. It was very random pain, no clue when it would come or go - but it got BAD. So I made my appt to get it taken out. It costs $100 to get it taken out if you get it out before 3 yrs, so I planned on that. When I got to the dr. office and explained to my gyno what was going on he told me there was no way that the IUD was causing this pain, and that the pain was probably from some sort of infection and convinced me to test for all the possible kids of infections. He said it could also be a cyst in my ovary, or indimitriosis, either things an IUD supposedly helps. He said if I got it taken out the pain would more than likely get worse, not better, and there was no proof or record of anyone having pain like I had from the IUD. I told him I wanted it
out anyway but he could still run all of the tests.
Long story short -- after a bill of $580 Shocked

(all the test he convinced me to do) ALL OF MY TESTS WERE NEGATIVE!! And, over a month later and I have had NO PAIN since having it removed.
I have no idea why I was having the pain and no clue what it was. But I know it was GONE after having it removed. My skin is clear and hormones are balanced. I am now using the lady comp and will keep everyone posted on my progress! Wink

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #28 on: May 22, 2008, 04:23:31 PM » by amy3js

When I had the Mirena in, I also had pain in my side and while...well... Roll Eyes

. I also had worse cramping than usual and no periods the entire time I had it. I'm also concerned that it MAY have given me a cyst, but I can't be sure of that. I have had it out for almost a year now and I am not yet pregnant. I'm not sure that is entirely because of the Mirena, but I'm sure that didn't help.

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Re: IUDs: Pros, Cons, Complications
« Reply #29 on: August 15, 2008, 11:35:00 AM » by hi_itsgwen

I will share my experience in the hope that it will help someone else make a better choice. My hubby and I opted to get the IUD which my GYN pushed aggressively as being "99.9% effective at preventing pregancy, and even higher success rates after it's in for a year."

We opted for the non-hormone one. I think the one I had used copper wire wrapped around the stem. The doctor said that they 'don't know how it works, but it does.' She also assured me that it doen't cause an abortion, that it only prevented ovulation/fertilization. She also told me that women in Europe wear them for up to 30 years with no complications. Anyway, my husband and I opted to go this route, as it would be hormone free and sounded bulletproof.

I cramped a lot after I got it, but I toughed it out. Fast forward to over a year later:
I started spotting every weekend for 2-3 weeks. I kept thinking that my period was starting, and then it would stop again. I made an appointment at the Ob/Gyn, and hubby came home from work to watch the kids.

When I arrived, they did the whole pee in a cup and weigh thing, and put me in a room to wait on the Dr./Midwife. She came in and said "Your pregnancy test is positive." I was so excited! The only times that we've heard those words have been very happy times, and even though we hadn't planned for this baby, I couldn't help but be overjoyed. They put me in a room to wait on the ultrasound, and I called hubby to tell him. A half hour later, the ultrasound tech is showing me a little ball of cells that is right on the IUD. There is no heartbeat.

I think my heart stopped beating at that moment too for a little while. I was devastated. I am usually very composed, but I couldn't stop crying. I had to call my husband and tell him. I could barely speak I was sobbing so hard. It took me about a half hour to compose myself enough to drive home. The doctor scheduled a DNC, and a week later (the week of Thanksgiving) I had 'the products of conception' removed surgically. For weeks, I would have to go into my room alone and just cry and pour my heart out to God. My husband and I both felt so guilty. I finally came to a point with God that I felt peace, and was able to leave it in the past, but it was one of the darkest times in my life.

Since then, I have often wondered:
Who paid for these tests that 'prove' that the IUD is 99.9% accurate at preventing pregnancy?
Is preventing pregnancy the same to some researchers/doctors as preventing live birth?
Did my miscarriage get reported to a study?
How many women miscarry with an IUD and flush out where they think it's just a period?

All went back to normal. No more IUD...we used the barrier method that had worked so well before. I had really light periods, which I thought was really nice. A year or so later, we wanted another baby. I got pregnant the first cycle (which is typical for us), but I felt REALLY pregnant. I became an overnight Dolly Parton with major hormones. My first OB appointment, they became concerned over my low progesterone. I had this before with my first pregnancy, and all was fine, so I wasn't very concerned. But I started spotting, and then I started feeling normal again...as in not pregnant. We lost the baby. It was then that I started doing research, and realized that the progesterone was what regulated the lining of the uterus. A thin lining won't support life in those first critical weeks. Hence the light periods after the IUD were not a blessing, but a deadly combination for baby #4. I asked the young woman Dr. who saw me at the appointment to confirm the miscarriage if I could miscarry naturally. She leaned in and whispered "Yes. I don't blame you. I've seen too much." So I went home and my body and I greived the loss together over the next two weeks.

At a follow up ultrasound, there was an egg just hatching from my ovary. God encouraged me and gave me hope with this amazing glimpse of how fearfully and wonderfully we are made.

We waited a few months to let my body recover, and got pregnant with our baby girl who was born last January. God is good, even when we are foolish.

Hope this helps someone out there.

-Gwen

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