Safe IUD?

[KaraBoo]

I'm doing research but wanted to know if any of you use an IUD for birth control. How safe are they? I seem to hear a lot about cramping and pain and spotting and even scarring...

[5thAttempt]

I have blood clotting issues and canot use birth control or merena. I use paragard (copper). I do not have any cramping or increased bleeding and happy with it.

[ferra]

I have the paragaurd too. I like it although I seem to have more painful periods. For me it is worth it because I really don't want to get pregnant again.

[lia_joy]

I have been using mirena for about 5 months. I've had some very mild cramping (much less than a period) and very light spotting, but NO PERIOD : I'm BF, so maybe i will get some sort of period back at some point, but I'm Loving it!! I think the main risk is ectopic pregnancy (if i remember correctly) but even that is very low... I'm sure your research will find more info than i can remember, but my experience so far has been great, and DH was thrilled when i read that its more effective than a vasectomy!

-Lia

[miss_sonja]

There are many threads on IUDs in the Family Planning forum: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=180

I have a Mirena and it's been great, best BC method I've ever used short of pregnancy:-). After a few months, periods got shorter and lighter. They're not always predictable, but usually so light pantiliners are enough.

I'm not overly bothered by hormones and have no blood clotting or other disorders that would put me at risk from them.

[Ornery]

I would strongly advise that, if you decide to go with Mirena, you make sure that the practitioner that places has a lot of experience placing them. Mine apparently didn't and the IUD ended up piercing my uterus and causing a whole world of hurt for me. It is very rare to have this happen but having an experienced pratitioner can make all the difference.

[maryjane13]

the IUDs available in the US are not safe, but there are safe IUDs in Europe.  They are 3rd Generation, small, and don't cause cramping or extra bleeding.

The closest place in the US you can get it is at the Willow's Women's Clinic in Van Couver.  They use only mini-ginefix.  Sometimes they even make your period less painful.  They are good for 5 years.  Stay away from the hormone based products in the US that harm your overall system and cause artificial menapause!

[mum2sarah]

ferra,  don't be so sure--after 4 years of successfully preventing pregnancy, I got pregnant with Paraguard...  They say copper IUD's are good for a decade, but now I don't buy it.