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

Responses: 25

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

I had migraines and crazyness

Upon increased stress levels when completing my master's, I developed reoccurring migraines and heavy mood swings when I was on Yaz. The Dr. recommended the copper IUD because it is hormone-free. My mom said she had one in the 80's and it was not a good choice. Being a rebellious child, I went for it anyway. Insertion was uncomfortable, and I did not anticipate fainting afterward (I had not fainted before in my life). The Dr. said I should be able to do yoga tomorrow, the morning after the insertion. I sure hope she was right! Right now, I need a heating pad on my abdomen to keep the pain away.

—Guest CarlotaMariposa

I've tried it all....

I have been on birth control since I was 17 years old. I started with the pill, then moved to the patch, then back to the pill once doctors found the patch to be life-threatening. I loved the patch - it was easy for a very physically active college student. When in grad school, I was burdened by other stresses in life and frequently forgot to take the pill...not a great idea when you're trying to finish a 2.5 year Master's program. I talked with my Ob/Gyn and told her I wanted something with less chance of forgetting. I tried out the ring for a couple months while I made my decision on quitting hormones all together. The 2 months it took my body to adjust a hormone free lifestyle were the worst. I cried a lot (sometimes for no reason)... The IUD has been the best BC I have had this far. I never have to "remember" to take it. It's as effective as other forms of BC, and I don't have to try to get to a pharmacy for refills. I would recommend an IUD to anyone.

—Guest Julie

No hormones/ no children/ no drama

I am a 42 yr old mother of 4. the use of bc with hormones nearly distroyed my life and family as I had countless bad emotional and physical reactions to many different types of prescription bc. I chose the copper IUD and wished I had done this years ago!!! Although my periods are a bit heavier and longer, its better than having another child or the problems I suffered with hormones. I no longer suffer with mood swings from hormonal bc, the fear of being preganant from over the counter bc failure, the constant need to remember to "protect myself" before intercource, and my husband and I love the spontinatity it offers. Yes, it hurt when I first got it inserted 3 months ago, but I do not regret it at all. The only caution I have for those wanting the Paraguard IUD is for those who have an alergy to copper, it would not be good for you.

—Guest Debbie

second Paragard IUD

I'm getting my second Paragard IUD inserted tomorrow. I had the first one for the full 10 years with no problems. I decided to try the pill for awhile, but they're not for me. It was such an easy decision to go back to Paragard. I'm 32, have a 12 year old daughter, and don't want any more kids. Also, because I take seizure meds, it wouldn't be good for me or a baby. I don't remember the insertion being too painful, but I did have heavier periods. I also had bad cramps with my period for awhile- my ob even gave me Darvocet because they were so bad. It didn't last forever, though, maybe only a few months.

—Guest Tiffany

Best option

I had been on the pill for almost 3 years and in that time, I gained so much weight and my breasts grew to an unbearable size, all because of the hormones. I also wasn't keen on paying for the prescription every month and remembering to take it everyday. One missed pill and I could have been pregnant. I'm 20 and not anywhere near ready for a baby yet. I have the Paragard IUD and it's hormone free, inexpensive, and trouble free. Everything I needed.

—Guest Kris

No Hormones Please!

I'm 30 yrs old and have never used birth control before. The thought of messing with my hormones really bothered me. I finally decided I needed to choose something. I was told about the IUD and found my solution. Put in place once and I don't need to worry about it while maintaining the hormonal balance I've always had. Perfect.

—Guest Susie

I had to do it.

I was going in for an abortion at 16 years old (please don't judge me, I couldn't keep it) and they talked to me about certain types of birth control, and I chose Mirena. I do fear the possibility of never being able to have children since I've never had a child and am still young,but I am terrible at remembering to take medications and don't want to get the shot. & I could not risk becoming pregnant unexpectedly again.

—Guest Bee

Baby proof

I had this huge scare after having sex and a condom broke. I am too ditzy to remember to pop the pill everyday. I had my Mirena put in yesterday and I felt pressure but not alot I cramped for three hours after the insertion and that was it. For the women who had a painful experience I assume you have no children meaning your cervix has never gotten 10 ct. wide so it would be painful but a little bit of pain is worth five or ten years to plan for a baby or not lol I am so stoked that im baby proof. I have a two and a half year old son and I love him to death but I cant go threw a baby squawking and my toddler throwing tantrums...

—Guest Lexi

Pregnancy Scare !

My husband and I have two wonderful kids and were thinking about a 3rd. We just realized that having a third child would not be in our best interest, after having thought I was pragnant. So i am going in to get the Mirena in a couple of days! I am very excited to have a birth control for 5 years, especially sense I dont have to do much of anything after its inserted.

—Guest Lizzy

Why I chose My IUD

At the time I was in a marriage that was ending and he wanted another child I didn't (with him anyway) but I was 20 and still wanted to try for a girl. I had a bad car wreck that ended in having the IUD removed later I had my 4th son and chose the IUD again being unsure if we would try again (still no girl) and I still love it no side effects nothing to think about or forget I trust it! But it could be time to kiss it good-bye. Before my OB/GYN had asked me about my post-preggo method of birth control I had never heard of the IUD. Thank You Doc!!

—babymama411

Peace of Mind

I've had an IUD for over 5 years. The procedure is simple. It's wonderful to have the peace of mind of not getting pregnant and don't have to use birth control. Sometimes between periods I have a discharge but it's liveable, I can't take the pill because it raises my blood pressure. Just last week I had the IUD replaced. I had cramps for a few hours afterwards but I feel no different now. You would never know. The cost is definately worth it.

—Caroline

Nothing Else Seemed Safe

I was 17 when I had my IUD inserted. I was in a serious relationship, and as I am allergic to latex, did not want to use condoms. I had tried the pill but didn't like having extra hormones in my body. The copper IUD was the best option for me. Having it inserted was the most painful experience I have ever had, and I dread having to do it again. It was worth it though. I have sex frequently and never worry about pregnancy. I sometimes forget that I have it now. It was painful for the first few months, but now that its been 2 years, I don't even notice it.

—Guest Camryn

decreased sex drive

I have been taking various forms of the Pill off and on for about 8 years. I was tired of the fact that the hormones in the pill significantly decreased my sex drive. As a newly married woman, I decided it was time to find a birth control option that wouldn't affect my libido. The ParaGuard is the only option- besides condoms which aren't as reliable. I'll have my IUD inserted in a few weeks!

—georgiageorgia

Don't Want Hormones

My husband and I were using Natural Family Planning with our first child (ie. taking cervical position and mucus readings and cross checking with morning oral tempurature), and don't know how to begin that again post-partum. An IUD provides excellent, reliable birth control without the use of hormones that change my body's natural cycle. My body was designed to do what it's doing, and changing hormone levels changes my body's cycle and ability to get pregnant when we ARE ready to add to our family.

—Guest Debra

Why I chose the copper iud

I had two other type of birth control failures. I love my kids, but I was not able to afford another so I was trying to think ahead.I had my IUD inserted at 22 since I did want another baby in my early 30's. It was very easy I never even thought about it much - the insertion was a little ucomfy and there are some risks that come along, but whatever works with high effectiveness was what I wanted.

—Guest rosalyahia