Have you ever used an IUD?
by Rachel Sarah
Filed under Sex
When we read about the woman who Tweeted about her abortion recently, we thought what many blogs are now saying out loud, such as Babble.com: “Oh No She Didn’t: Woman Live Tweets Abortion.”
When we researched a bit further, however, (bear with us here, beyond the hype) we realized that this story raises some important questions.
You see, 27-year-old Angie Jackson is the single mom of a special needs four-year-old son. She lives in Florida with her boyfriend — and she says that after a difficult and life-threatening first pregnancy her doctors advised her to not get pregnant again.
That’s why Jackson was using an IUD to prevent pregnancy — but it failed. She discovered that she was pregnant when she was three weeks along — which meant it was early enough to choose RU-486, commonly known as the abortion pill. That’s when went on to Tweet about her experience, because she explains, it was her “attempt to demystify abortion for other women.”
What people chose to reveal (or not) is strictly a personal choice. – no judgments @Singlemommyhood.
We do applaud this single mom for talking openly about birth control.
And if you’re a single parent who’s sexually active, you’ve definitely got a birth control plan, right?
On that note, IUDs seem to be a theme lately among women bloggers we follow. Angie Jackson isn’t the only woman blogger talking about birth control out there. Rebecca Woolf from Girls Gone Child posted a series at Babble.com recently about her IUD — and why she hated it.
Then, there’s Martini Mom, the engaged single mom who let her IUD lapse…. and now she’s blogging about expecting a baby with her new partner.
Frankly, we *know* far more about condoms, the Pill, diaphragms … So, we’re honestly more than a little curious.
Have you ever used an IUD? Are you using one now?
Do you love it or hate it? (Or somewhere in between?)
Do you recommend this birth control method to your friends?
Of course, Dads, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this one, too.
~~~
(Photo courtesy of Liz Henry via Flickr)
|
Ultimate go-to guide for single mothers. The Complete Single Mother is the only comprehensive and best selling self help book ever written for single parents. It’s packed with savvy advice, sisterly comfort, as well as reassuring answers to all your single mom challenges. |
|
Read the book! Single Mom Seeking is a tell-all about how to date and remain a dedicated and involved parent. It’s a spunky, sexy, and moving chronicle of the humor, pitfalls, and rewards of balancing it all — single-mom style. |
No related posts.
Twitter @ http://kbhotmama.blogspot.com
Wow, thanks for the link! Now, for a confession: I blogged about my unexpected conception (you can read it here: http://tinyurl.com/ybh2fqz) and through some poor, late night editing, I made it sound like my aging IUD “let one through.” I panicked more than a few women with that (including the lovely T at T’s Quest). What really happened is that my IUD expired, I had it removed, and opted to not have another inserted. There were a few reasons for this: cost (my health insurance is pretty much crap) and the fact that we were planning on having a baby together someday relatively soon… (just not quite this soon!). So, as I wrote on my blog, we were supposed to be using alternate methods of birth control, but we weren’t 100%. And now here I am, good and pregnant (and happy about it).
That said, I LOVED my IUD. I know a lot of women suffer side effects with IUDs, but I didn’t at all. And that is HUGE, because I suffer horrible side effects with all other types of birth control I’ve tried. I’ve been on every pill known to man, and they all make me vomit my guts out. I tried the ring, and that was SO much worse (no vomiting, but migraines and depression and exhaustion and, finally, an infection). For me, the Mirena IUD caused zero side effects. My periods got lighter, but didn’t disappear like some women’s do.
However, I’m a woman who’s struggled with concerns about birth control my whole life. I don’t like the idea of screwing with my body’s natural hormones, and I don’t really like the idea of a piece of plastic inserted in my uterus for 5 years either. I don’t like or trust condoms (and my inability to insist on their use with The Man is what got me pregnant!). I’ve used hormonal birth control more as a necessary evil, really. So, although I loved my IUD, it’s unlikely I’ll have one inserted after the baby is born. I think we’re going to go the vasectomy route. If that wasn’t an option, and I was back to needing to choose reliable birth control for myself, an IUD would be my top choice.
I’ve recommended it to my friends who asked, with one major caveat: it’s expensive up front, so if it *doesn’t* work out for you and it gets removed shortly after insertion, you’re out a lot of money (assuming you have insurance like mine). But all my friends who’ve had IUDs love them too, and have been side effect free.
Martini Mom´s last blog ..The abridged version
Twitter @ tsquest
Yes, Martini Mom did scare the bejesus out of me when she became pregnant. Thankfully, she straightened it out for me and let me know she was IUD-free at the time of conception.
I have an IUD, the Mirena, and I’m about to have it replaced. I love it and always have. From my understanding, many doctors insert the IUD without anesthetic and therefore cause LOTS of unnecessary pain. My doctor gave me a shot of Novocaine in my cervix before inserting it 5 years ago. I had some mild cramping but otherwise, it was fine. I do still have periods but they are really light. I only use pantyliners during my periods.
I will have this one replaced for another 5 years of birth control that I don’t have to think about. That makes me a happy single momma!
T´s last blog ..Tipping Point
Twitter @ kerriwall
I also LOVE my hormonal Mirena IUD
I’ve had it in for almost 5 years, and haven’t really had a period the whole time (except for the first 2 months). When I had it put in I was a single mom with a steady boyfriend. He is gone, but I am still wearing it. I haven’t had sex (or even a kiss… *sigh*…) for over a year, but when this one comes out this year I plan to get a new one put in because it is the most effective birth control available where I live (Canada). Of course, if I do hook up for some adult fun I will also use a condom, but I absolutely do not want to be pregnant again. I’m not a fan of “screwing with the body’s natural hormones” as martinimom put it above, but with a Mirena the dose is very low – much lower than you get with a pill or other method. Thanks for the excuse to brag about my IUD!
Kerri´s last blog ..If I Pretend the Mother of my Child Doesn’t Exist Will She Disappear?
Twitter @ ewokmama
I used the Paraguard IUD. I surely didn’t get pregnant but omg the cramps were bad and the periods were long. Finally after a mess of a period that was going on 11 days, I went and had it taken out. I had had the thing for a year at that point. I loved certain things about it – it was easy to get “installed” because I went in during my period, I loved that I didn’t have to think about it and there were no hormones to worry about. My fiance didn’t much care for the feeling for the strings poking him, but it was a minor irritation. It really just came down to how awful the cramps were.
I’ve heard that the Mirena is better; however, I’ve also heard more stories of women getting pregnant with the Mirena.
Ewokmama´s last blog ..Please excuse the dust
Twitter @ Ysabo
I just got my Mirena in August after almost a decade of using DepoPrevara. My general practitioner suggested it because I’m perimenopausal (45) and Depo is bad for your bones. Going off the depo now gives my bones time to build back up before I go into menopause which wouldn’t allow that to happen (? or something like that).
My doctor did not use novocaine and the insertion was definitely more than a pinch and the cramps lasted for two days. I have a high tolerance for pain and the insertion made me see stars. Considering I hadn’t had a full blown period (thanks to the depo) in years, the cramps were a reminder why I liked depo. I did spot quite a bit for a couple of months but now I just have occasional pink on the toilet paper. Not even enough to worry about. The main side effect that I’m experiencing is incredibly tender, sometimes throbbing, nipples…worse than when I first got pregnant. I’m hoping it goes away soon. Other than that, it is just as good as the depo and I don’t have to go in every three months for another shot.
If I still need it, I will probably do it again in five years. My insurance paid for it so it was just a $35 copay for a specialist visit.
Wow, thanks women!! Let’s just say that we’re learning a lot from all of you.
My doctor would not allow me to have the IUD because I was not married or in a long term relationship. Was it just this one drs opinion or is that a criteria?
I would love to have it inserted, but after being turned down from the one dr haven’t thought about pursuing it again until reading this article.
Thanks!
Twitter @ http://kbhotmama.blogspot.com
Lisa:
The first two doctors I saw discouraged an IUD based on the fact that I wasn’t married or in a long term relationship at the time. However, it wasn’t any sort of judgment on their part. The reasoning is that when you have an IUD in, there are “removal strings” that hang into your vagina. Those strings, obviously, are attached to the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus. So anything that your vagina is exposed to (like STDs) has easier access to your uterus, where normally (without an IUD) your cervix would act as a protective blockade against such things. Basically, this means that should you contract an STD while you have an IUD, that STD virus could get into your uterus which is bad, bad, bad. (Not that STDs in your vagina are great either, but your health risk is far greater if the disease moves beyond the vagina.) Statistically speaking, you’re at greater risk to be exposed to an STD if you’re not married or not in a long term relationship.
The doc that actually inserted my IUD made me swear up and down that I would ALWAYS use a condom. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS. (At least until I was in a long term relationship.) And even then, she was kind of frowny about the whole thing.
But, again, it’s not a judgment thing. It’s that you’re more likely to contract an STD and, with an IUD, that STD is more likely to wreck havoc on your internal organs and cause irreparable damage. At least that’s how my docs explained it.
Hope that helps shed some light!
Martini Mom´s last blog ..The abridged version
Twitter @ andthedamnkids
I have had the Mirena IUD for about a year now and I love it! On the paperwork she gave me to read over before I had it done it said that you have to have had a child and be in a long term relationship so I lied about being in a long term relationship. I knew about the STD thing and I always, always, always use a condom so I wasn’t worried about it.
It did hurt like a bad work when it was inserted but worth it. I was so sick of taking a pill every day and paying $20 every month. My insurance covered it 100% so I’m not sure about the cost.
I get a period every other month, maybe every three months, for literally a couple of hours. It’s not even worth wasting a tampon for.
I would recommend it to anyone.
Semi-Hippie Single Mama´s last blog ..I hate when rumors are true…..getting laid off.
Twitter @ http://mommasunshine.wordpress.com
I’ve never used an IUD, I don’t really know much about them, to be honest. I go with the good old fashioned birth control pill, but I have to admit, I HATE it. I may start looking into an IUD, actually, especially since the boyfriend seems to be dragging his heels on getting ‘the snip’. heh.
MommaSunshine´s last blog ..A Recipe for Perspective
Twitter @ http://runningleap.wordpress.com
I have one and LOVE it. It’s been in place over a year, and I never even have to think about it. I got the Paraguard- it’s hormone free, so there are no hormonal side effects at all. It was relatively painless to get “installed” (possibly because I had given birth six months before?) It’s a lifesaver. My only side effects are slightly shorter cycles (26 days) and slightly longer/heavier periods. But that evened out over time.
I would never go back.
C´s last blog ..The Hard Lessons
Twitter @ http://lovebabz.blogspot.com
I love all this “naked” sharing of information! Back in the day…a diaphram was bc of choice…and condoms!
No need of any birth control (infertile) in a exclusive realtionship, not using condoms either. This is what makes Singlemommyhood so great, a place without judgement where folks can share and learn! Go Gurls!
Lovebabz´s last blog ..MY HOUSE, MY MAN, ALLOWING LOVE TO LOVE ME
Twitter @ runpippi
I’ve never had an IUD and the only form of BC I have ever used is The Pill. Reading the posts above make me want to get one…and then not so much. I will definitely discuss this with my gyn at my next appointment though. I feel like my body needs a break from The Pill and I am in a monogamous relationship.
Pippi´s last blog ..Keely of MannLand 5 Tagged Me…On the Ass!
Twitter @ Nobrokenhome
I have never had an IUD nor considered it. I’ve always been pretty hesitant with putting anything into my body that is not natural. I believe in Murphy’s Law and the least amount of intrusive behavior I can do to my body the better. When I decided I was not interested in marriage after my children, two divorces I had my tubes burned.. bye bye. It’s not good to have to keep having babies especially without a mate, it’s the fastest means to poverty.
Gosh April, having one’s tubes burned seems pretty darned invasive to me.
After two children, I was sure I had all I could handle. The doc put in the hormone-free, T-shaped IUD ten years ago, and I couldn’t be happier with it.
The Pill always made me nauseous, and I was always quite worried about the failure of my diaphragm. With the IUD, there’s no worry about placement or slippage–it’s just there. My periods are about the same. A big plus for me is there are no hormones making me feel ill.
Twitter @ lisasworld1
I also have the Mirena IUD- for about 2yrs now. I still have moderate cycles-much less in comparison to previous. My youngest child is 2.5yrs old, I had it put in when this child was 6wks old. I wonder sometimes if the hormones are messing with my body. But I know the value out weights the side effects at this point in my life. I am a single mother of 4 and going to turn 40 in less than a year. Although I loved being pregnant MOST of the time and loved those sweet babies all of the time- my years of childbearing are complete. Having a tubal is not an option for me. The insertion process was a bit painful-well a lot painful—but it soon disapated. Noone prepared me for that part , not even my OB whom I have been with for almost 10years!
Other than that -very please with the outcome!
Lisa G´s last blog ..Where do we go from here??
Twitter @ bisa
I love my mirena! I had it inserted after the birth of my son over 2 1/2 years ago and still recommend to friends.
Also I have to add that: I have met a lot of single moms lately and I can honestly say about 90 percent of us use an IUD.
Twitter @ thegrownupchild
I had a mirena inserted at my 6wk postnatal check about a year and a half ago. I can’t say enough about it. The insertion was nearly painless (my MD said that it was an ideal time to insert) and I’ve had no problems with it. I did find that I had a month or so of spotting after insertion, but nothing irregular since. In fact my periods are close to non existant now.
Carolyn (the grown up child)´s last blog ..Go ahead, ask me anything.
Thanks for blogging about this! I have never used one but have been considering it lately! But first I wanted to hear what other women thought about it, so this is perfect. Thanks.
Casey´s last blog ..Acrylic Picture Frames
Twitter @ msjennixoxo
I have the Mirena IUD and I LOVE it! I was on the pill BOTH times that I got pregnant. And my girls are only 14 months apart. So I was more than happy to get an IUD placed after having my second daughter.
I don’t have to take a pill every day. I’m comfortable when I’m sexually active. And aside from occasional spotting from time-to-time and my boobs sometimes get sore, I’m otherwise perfectly happy.
I plan on continueing using the Mirena IUD for who knows how long.
Jenni´s last blog ..Stop! [In the Name of Love]
I have had the Mirena since last November. I hated it at first due to almost constant bleeding for the first 3 months. Since that time, however, it has been wonderful! It is my first IUD and I am ecstatic to have reliable long-term birth control that doesn’t rely on my memory.
I had no pain during insertion, but I have had three vaginal births so that may have something to do with it.
I had the paraguard inserted about 4 months ago and i figured it would be easier than than remembering to pick up my ring every month.
Well i hate this thing. I had it put in during my period and i had my period 4 17 days on and off! Then a month later nothing then it it me like a ton of bricks. I got my period the worst i had ever had it before! I was going through super plus tampons plus heavy pads in like 2 hrs! I ould sit on the toilet and cry in pain. And the cramps felt almost like gas pains to the point where i couldnt walk sit straight or bend down. I also felt like i was having contractions in my butt which was very weird. I have only had this thing for 4 months so i am going to wait till i’ve had it for 6 to decide but if the cramps dont die down and my periodds back to normal i am going back to my ring. That thing i loved. You put it in for 3 weeks and tKE IT OUT FOR ONE. My periods were lighter and less dyas only problem was i would always have to take it out before sex. You dont have to but my bf doesnt like it poking him and my friend had a problem where hers fell out and got lost in the sheets!
Twitter @ http://www.singlemotherscandoitall.blogspot.com
I have an IUD AND LOVE IT!!!! The first three months were a royal nightmare, constant bleeding, yup, say good bye to the sex life for a few months…but once you get over the hump, no more period!!! Havent had one for at least two years and the other alternative I had was to tie the tubes. After much consideration, I decided I may want just one more child…they are adorable!!!! So the IUD was a good decision I made, just as good as moving away from my crazy, dramatic family!
Devynn Fagre´s last blog ..Take a Break Day!
Twitter @ immortalm8
Hi all,
I have tried a few different bc’s from a 3 monthly injection, pill and finally iud mirena. The pill made me feel sick for a few days after having it. The pill i was not comfortable with taking every day as i can’t swallow tablets well. The coil as we also call the iud was an absolute godsend. I am on my third insertion. I haven’t had a period in just over ten years which hey no period pains although still have slight mood change around that time.
I’ve had both kinds of IUDs the paraguard copper-T and the Mirena hormonal. The paraguard was misery, terrible heavy periods with painful cramping. The Mirena was HEAVEN… light to no period, no cramping, no pms. THe Mirena did have the side effects of long term spotting when inserted, but that was a trade-off. My mirena did fail though and came out with an early miscarriage, but the odds of that are like a bazillion to one and I wouldn’t hold it against the IUD. My sister had one perforate her uterus and implant in her bladder and had to be surgically removed, but that was the DR’s fault at insertion and not the Mirena’s issue at all.
Twitter @ MommyMe
When I first had the IUD (Mirena) inserted 8 years ago I LOVED it!! I had it for almost 3 years and never had a complaint. Took it out, got pregnant within 6 months and was giddy. But then…….I had my third child and refused to have anymore kids and stressed that to my OBGYN. He was happy to reinsert the Mirena 7 weeks after my daughter was born. Then all Hell broke lose. Within a few months I gained over 30 pounds, my mood swings were terrifying, and I was just miserable. It took me almost 9 months to realize that it was the IUD that was causing all my issues. So if I were ever to do the IUD again, I’d try the one without the hormones.
Nina´s last blog ..I Just Had An Epiphany!
I have had my paragard for five years now. At first it was horrible. For many months straight I had a heavy period every other week. I went to the Doctors to have it removed and waited there for an hour and half, half naked in a cold room, under those stupid sheets of course! So I finally left and said Ill just deal with it a while longer. So Im not sure if my prayers for a regular period were answered, because I received something better! NO PERIOD. I have not had a period for about four years now! I tried to look this up but I have not found any information on other females with this same situation, so I do find it a little odd!