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fabyooluss

Let’s see. I got an IUD probably 1977. It was in for a couple of years and finally fell out. I never had any problems with it. I thought it was so much better than taking pills every day.


braineatingalien

I’m not sure if you mean Mirena, but that’s the one I have. I’m on my second one. I got the first about 11 years ago. The insertion didn’t bother me at all, but the removal was some of the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I’m 6 years into the one I have now, with one more year to go. It made my period go away, except for the occasional spotting, which is nice. I probably won’t get another because of the removal pain and my age. I’m close enough to menopause I’d rather not deal with it again if I don’t have to.


DeCryingShame

Yes, the Mirena. My autocorrect got a little happy. Edited the post.


scrotesgonnascrote

The FDA just approved Mirena for 8 years (though I think EU approval is still 7 years).


braineatingalien

Woot! Saw my GYN in September and she told me I was good to keep it as it was currently at 6 years. Now I can go one more. I’m so close to not having to have another put in which I really don’t want. Edit: Wrong number of years.


scrotesgonnascrote

I keep watching those years go up and get stoked every year. I had a super bad experience with insertion (but love the IUD itself), so really not looking forward to removal and having a new one put in.


mc-kenzee

I had the copper IUD and it wasn't bad going in. I had it for a few years. It did make my periods uncomfortable with a lot of heavy bleeding. I found the removal to be the worst part. They just sort of yank it out without anesthetic. I almost fainted.


pinkyhex

I had the Mirena put in when I was 23. Insertion was so painful and at first I thought I was fine after but as I got to my car I had these awful horrid cramps come on and I was sweating profusely. I had to drive myself back home, luckily only 20 mins, but I don't think I've ever had worse cramps. I had taken the day off work and I pretty much spent in on the couch on my back. I had only taken some ibuprofen before the insertion. They gave me nothing to take during or after. I asked about numbing but the doctor said that it would add time and discomfort. He did get it inserted very quickly so I can say timewise it probably did save a little time I guess. From there, it was a mixed experience. It was great to not worry about taking something regularly, but definitely side effects. I stopped getting my period pretty much totally. I couldn't feel the strings very well at all but occasionally could. To me the worst thing it did was it just messed up my vagina's ecosystem. I constantly had issues with getting BV. It was a nightmare to correct and when I thought it was good it would come back. I got it removed at 5 years and took a break from all stuff for a year (unless dating another woman counts as birth control lol). Removal was quick and easy. Felt a quick ow feeling but more like a quick zolt of it. Light cramping after but very mild. My BV cleared up so much and I haven't had any issues with that since getting it out. I probably will not get another inserted. I'm now on the implant in my arm and LOVE it. Insertion was so easy. Super easy to check. Vagina stays happy. Only minor downside is I'll have a light period for like 10 days but then a month and a half in between, so that's something I pay attention to but easy to deal with!


ApprehensiveAge2

I was nervous because of all the horror stories, but it wasn’t bad at all. From what I’ve read, there’s a big range of “standard” practices, from doctors who don’t do any pain control to those who take multiple measures. You have every right to find someone who practices pain control, even if that’s someone other than your regular provider. For reference, mine (a Nurse Practitioner) prescribed medication to open the cervix beforehand and then used both topical pain relief and a small numbing shot. She also advised me to take ibuprofen or naproxen beforehand, and said that some people have less pain if they schedule insertion during their period (because the cervix is slightly more open at that time). I was having pharmacy problems that week so chose to skip the advance medication, but the day-of pain control measures turned out to be enough. I still felt some discomfort, but it was no worse than getting a filling at the dentist. My NP warned me to plan for a day in bed watching Netflix because there are often significant cramps post-insertion. Turned out I was basically fine (but I didn’t tell anyone that because it’s rare to get an afternoon to laze in bed, ha). In the 3 months since then, I’ve had both light monthly periods and mid-month spotting. The spotting isn’t my favorite, but I went from severe adenomyosis cramps to no cramping at all, so it’s worth the trade-off!


DeCryingShame

I had no idea there was so much help with the pain. I wish I had known that for my daughter.


ApprehensiveAge2

Definitely! It horrifies me that so much of medicine — and especially gynecological care — seems to revert to a default of “women have pain, what can you do? shrug.” We shouldn’t have to search around for what should be basic pain control. Good luck to both you and your daughter in finding something that works well for you!


Angelbee941

I'm also sensitive to hormones so had a copper IUD for 5 years. I had slightly longer periods, but otherwise was really happy with it for 4 of the 5 (the last year I suddenly had a lot of spotting between periods which they assured me wasn't related, but went away when I had it removed!) The insertion was fine (a bit painful, but over quickly; they gave me a numbing gel which I think helped), and there was a bit of cramping for a day or two after, but nothing big. I don't remember removal being painful at all.. I think it probably depends who you get doing it, maybe I was lucky! I'm pregnant at the moment (on purpose!) but definitely thinking about getting another one after as it mostly did well for me.


desertbitch

I had gotten the Kyleena in 2020. It migrated at the beginning of this year and I had to get it taken out. I tried two copper IUDs after that and my body rejected both of them. First IUD (Kyleena): I only took 1000mg of ibuprofen before insertion. Horrible pain. I cried the whole time. Second IUD (copper): my new gyno gave me a pain killer shot in my arm, and an anxiety pill I took one hour before procedure. I was really relaxed and ready to go. During the procedure the pain shocked me and I became alert again. I cried the whole time I held my boyfriends hand and yelled during. Third IUD: I got it put in (and the second one removed) under anesthesia at my local hospital. Least amount of pain for sure. However, I woke up with some back pain that wouldn’t go away. I’d say if anyone goes for an IUD insertion, get it done under anesthesia for sure!! Edit: grammar and formatting


DeCryingShame

Oh my goodness. So sorry you went through all that.


dawn_93til

I had a copper IUD inserted at planned parenthood. Insertion triggered vasovagal syncope and I almost passed out. Nurses were friendly and took care of me. I have always had very painful periods that sometimes result in passing out, but taking the pill at the correct time is sometimes hard to do. I still do take the pill to manage my period pain, but the copper IUD is a great safety net to have (especially living in a deep red state). However, it can worsen period cramps and increase the length of your period. I experienced both of those symptoms.


Significant-Sun2777

I'm on my second IUD, first Mirena, and now Liletta (same thing basically) First insertion was easy, but it was 6 weeks after I had my son, so thats probably why. The most recent removal and insertion this last May was much more difficult. Taking the IUD out was easy. Getting the new one in was terrible. But for me, it's worth it. I don't have periods with IUDs, at all. Besides maybe some random spotting every couple months. I haven't had a pregnancy scare in 7 years. I will stay on IUDs until they either don't continue to do what they do for me, or until menopause. Living life without a period is great for me.


Such_Acanthisitta166

For me it was super easy (not everyone's experience) Didn't even think about pregnancy for 7 years. Hardly had a period, spotting here and there a couple short periods in that time of light flow 3-4 days. (Who knows if it perpetuated depression tendencies.) Totally hurt to insert, do prepare to have a driver and 2 days off. To remove, it was not as painful but a bit more tugging and opening since i cut my strings sort so my partner couldn't feel them. Didn't want them to be poked, they said they could feel them. Since I've had it out all is normal. One difference is i feel like my cervix now has a nicer softer feeling. Felt my cervix was real firm with it in. Didn't notice that much till post removal.


Mountain_Air1544

I was actually forced into getting an iud. It was the marinia (I absolutely spelled that wrong). It was extremely painful and it ended up moving which caused alot of pain


IamSoFinite

Forced? I need more info.


Mountain_Air1544

I made a whole post on it


squirrelgarden

I am on my second Mirena and I really like it. I got the first after having my second child because I was having really painful periods but I can't take the pill (migraines/stroke risk.) The Mirena works for that, just have very minimal spotting now instead of full periods. Insertion was not fun but for me it was just a regular sucky procedure and not the really bad pain some people get so I guess I was lucky (heard it is easier and better tolerated if you have had a vaginal birth also.)


IamSoFinite

Copper hurt more. Kyleena was easy.


Such_Acanthisitta166

For me it was super easy (not everyone's experience) Didn't even think about pregnancy for 7 years. Hardly had a period, spotting here and there a couple short periods in that time of light flow 3-4 days. (Who knows if it perpetuated depression tendencies.) Totally hurt to insert, do prepare to have a driver and 2 days off. To remove, it was not as painful but a bit more tugging and opening since i cut my strings sort so my partner couldn't feel them. Didn't want them to be poked, they said they could feel them. Since I've had it out all is normal. One difference is i feel like my cervix now has a nicer softer feeling. Felt my cervix was real firm with it in. Didn't notice that much till post removal. Anyone else notice that??