Readers Respond: What Led You to Choose an IUD Insertion?

We are lucky that we have choices when choosing contraception. What led YOU to choose an IUD? Share Your Reason

Para Gard solution

I am 10 weeks post partem and wanted a non hormonal solution because I am breast feeding. I've also had less then desirable reactions to the pill. Insertion was easy, and painless. I've had mild cramps for the last 5 hours, but totally tolerable.

—Guest Mommy of 2 and done

Why choose IUD?

I am at an advanced age and still want to have a child when the time is right. Hormonal methods may interfere with my body to become fertile at short notice. Physical methods restricts the spontaneity.

—RonelEllis

Mirena

I don't have to remember to take a pill everyday. Still getting used to my Mirena.

—Guest autumnrain

Horrible cramps for the first 4 months

I've had para hard in place for 7 years after having a miscarriage due to abuse. Having not wanted to risk having children with that partner there was no question about getting the iud.

—Guest Turtle

Mirena

I found this article very helpful when preparing for my IUD insertion. I am 17 and I have never given birth or been pregnant. I got my IUD today and during the procedure it was pretty painful and uncomfortable as expected. I lost my color right away as my mother told me during the insertion. I started getting overheated and sweating. I felt nauseated for about fifteen to twenty minutes afterwards. I did forget to take ibuprofen before going and I would highly recommend taking some an hour before the appointment. I am terrible at remembering to take pills--I couldn't even remember pain medicine for God's sake. So I am happy with my decision and hope it all works out well.

—Guest Alainna

10 years with Paragard

I had my IUD inserted a few weeks after the birth of my son. I was 20 years old and had responded poorly to hormonal birth control in the past. I knew at that point that I didn't want any more children any time soon (I actually decided not to have any more at all) but naturally, permanent sterilization was out of the question. I'm now 30 and I've had 10 years of worry free birth control. No pain, and no complications. My husband has now had a vasectomy, so I will not be having a second Paragard placed but had he not had the procedure I would have no qualms about getting another one. I would highly recommend this method to anyone looking for a long term pregnancy prevention.

—Guest Kim

Mirena IUD

I got Mirena about 3 hours ago, and so far it has been painless. I had very minimal cramping during or after insertion. On a pain scale I would say 0-1/10, but I just gave birth 4 1/2 months ago. It is probably the best decision I have ever made because I know I don't want another child for at least 5 years and Im too forgetful to remember pills.

—Guest supertabbs

Got Mine Today

I got my IUD put in today. It was painful getting it in, and I've had cramps all day. They haven't been terrible, but they have been there. I worked out after I got my IUD, it didn't seem to affect my workout to much.

—Guest Sarah

I loved my paragard iud...

I had my paragard inserted 9 and a half years ago..I only felt slight cramps on the day but but the rest of the 9years my periods have always always been on time.the iud never let me down.I just had it removed today and it felt like a part of me was removed..I'm planning for another baby.I already have a 10 and 9 year old..

—Hanuh

Mirena

I have been on the depo injection since my daughters birth over 9 years agoa and the gynie, told me that it causes early osteoporosis. I cannot take the pill, it does not agree with me, I have low iron levels and I bleed for 14 days or more when I take nothing. My husband cant have kids so it is not about the birth control, it is about the bleeding, so I think the Mirena is the best option.

—Guest Cindy

Mirena

I chose an IUC device as birth control and also to possibly minimalize menstrual bleeding. The possibility of increased menstrual bleeding with the Paragard was my reason for choosing Mirena . Progestin, the hormone released by Mirena, is minimally and locally released. Not like other forms of birth control which can circulate hormones throughout the entire body. I have one child, 5 years old, delivered via cesarean. Insertion was painful; comparable to severe menstrual cramps. Afterwards, cramping remained for approximately 6 hours. I occasionally have lower back pain accompanied by mild abdominal cramping. These symptoms are common but not necessarily guaranteed for every woman. It has been 5 days and I am feeling more comfortable with the idea that something is sitting in my uterus. The only complaint is that my husband can feel the strings while we have intercourse. It is somewhat of a mood killer. I will be discussing this with my Dr. on our follow up exam.

—Guest Cheryl

paragard is the best

i have my paragard inserted this morning. it was a bit painful for me because i was feeling a little uncomfortable otherwise it would be easy and pain free. I dont have to think about taking my pills after a long and tiresome journey of work. i will be relieved even if i miss my pill. but after the IUD insertion it is not vital to take pills.

—Guest Shalu

3 years of perfection

I chose Mirena after 10 years on Deposit negatively impacted bone density. I was used to no periods and historically bad with any type of daily med. Insertion was easy, Payless, no cramping. Slight acne outbrakes first 90 days. Works like a charm, highly recommend.

—Guest Guest

I got it yesterday

I am 29 got married 2 months ago. I was not having sex before married so I had never used birth control before. 3 months before the wedding, I started using nuvaring and I thought everything was okay until I went to the dentist and my blood pressure was in the prehypertensive bracket. I worked out everyday, my bloodpressure has always been quite low. Within three months, I started gaining weight and nothing I did would make it go away. I knew it was time to change. So after four months of the ring, one month of no B.C, I got my paragard inserted yesterday. I took some prescription to help with the cervix and iboprufen (600mg) before the procedure. It hurt, a great deal! but I know its going to worth it. Today, I am taking it easy. I am still on my period so, I do not know how it will work, but i am stoked about not having hormones in my body. :-) Yay paragard. I hope this agrees with me.

—Guest karen

never using hormones again

I am getting this iud asap. I was on the depo shot which literally made me insane. I dont recommend anyone force hormones into their bodies unless they absolutely have to!

—Guest kc