IUDs and other things

[bonniebon.livejournal.com]

This is my first time posting in this community, so Hi :) *waves*

I just had a very nice period because I got a Keeper, what a wonderful invention :)

(if you don't know what a keeper is, check it out at http://www.keeper.com)

I had an IUD fitted 6 months ago. I have the Nova-T, it's a plain T shaped one that doesn't release hormones.
I'm 22 and haven't had any children so the doctor from the family planning clinic was a bit reluctant to let me have one, but when she saw that I was serious about wanting one she finally agreed.

I found that having my IUD fitted was a lot more comfortable than I expected, I didn't feel anything at all when the doc opened my cervix, then I could feel some very slight poking around in my uterus when she was putting the IUD in place. It took her quite a while, and I developped a crampy ache, but I was still ok, then it was finished, and I was like "is that all?" I felt silly for being so nervous!

Since having it I've found that my periods are heavier and a day or two longer, but I expected that anyway. I wouldn't say I have much worse cramps, just different. Instead of the usual dull ache I used to have I sometimes have sharp stabbing pains too, especially on the first day (sometimes really bad!).

The only thing that annoys me about the IUD is that I have a lot of pain on the last day of my period, and even a day or two after, I never had that before so it seems strange. Also sometimes in the middle of my cycle or at odd times I get cramps and bleed a little.

I'm trying to be patient and stick with it though, these annoying problems slowly get better with each period. And I'm glad to be free from the side affects of the pill like the mood swings, tiredness, constant desire to eat etc.(I tried different brands but they all bothered me, I think I'm very sensetive to hormones)
About two weeks after stopping the pill I felt like a black cloud had been lifted! I felt so much more clear headed and energised. I lost all the excess weight and water the pill made me gain too.

So I'd love to hear how any women here have found their IUDs???

Sorry for such a long post, I'm just happy to have found a community where you can talk about period stuff without people getting silly and grossed out LOL

thanks for setting up this community :)

Comments

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

you're welcome. :) thanks for joining, and sharing!

[gezellig-girl.livejournal.com]

I think I found my IUD after reading an article that was something like, 'The New IUDs' and why they're great and blah blah blah. I hated all hormonal forms of birth control. The Pill gave me uncontrollable mood swings right before my period and left me all dried out and sticky in there. Depo-Provera gave me spotting all month long, perpetual headaches and no sex drive. I figured it was worth a shot, especially just after getting pregnant through the pill.

I think there's nothing that has zero side effects, so you just have to find what you can live with. [I mean, you do, after all, have a foreign object in your uterus.] You might want to make sure you're getting enough calcium - that might help with the cramping (in addition to just being something you should do anyway).

[bonniebon.livejournal.com]

Thanx, I'll try the calcium thing. I have actually found that vitamin E and evening primrose oil helps with the cramps and bleeding between periods. I just have to remember to keep taking the stuff!

I'm not keen on the hormonal birth control methods either, the pill made me moody, tired and hungry! I looked into the depro-provera but my doc didn't recommend it because I have a history of depression.
Your certainly right about no method being free from draw backs, bring on the male pill! thats what I say!! hehe
thinking about it though, I'm not sure if I'd want my other half taking a pill if it had side affects.

At least with the IUD I only have physical side affects, that's easier for me to deal with than the mood swings and compulsive eating LOL