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Hello all,
I went through the archives and did my homework on this subject, but most of it was from a few years ago, and I believe several things may have changed / been improved since then. One can always hope, anyway. :)
I'm asking EVERYONE out there who has had ANY experience with an IUD (intrauterine device) to tell me of your experiences.
I am currently on the pill and HATE it - I get frequent, severe headaches, am tired all the time, and just feel icky. I recently went to a doctor (at Planned Parenthood) and she was the first one I've been to who showed some concern. She really wants to see me off anything hormonal, and highly recommended the IUD. She was ready to put it in right then, but I've heard so many horror stories that I said I would do some homework first and then get back to her.
Walt, you have recommended IUDS several times - even saying, "If I had Candida, I would have an IUD." That's a pretty strong endorsement. I don't know for a fact that I have candida, but I have many symptoms that point in that direction.
HOWEVER, I have a history of heavy bleeding and severe cramping during my periods, and am terrified an IUD would make that worse. I have not had this problem for the last couple of years (on or off the pill), but the experience of it is still fresh enough in my mind that I am hesitant of going through it again.
Walt, you recommend the cu7 (or at least you did). What is this type and why do you recommend it, if you still do?
What are some new types that have come out recently? How have they improved things?
What happened with the Dalkon shield?
How do IUDS WORK, anyway? :)
I have no children and have NO desire to get pregnant any time soon.
I have considered diaphragms, etc. but the reliability factor has to be way up in the high 90s for me to consider it.
ALSO - what about the new ring thing that goes under the cervix for 3 weeks? It is hormonal, but more local and with much less of a dose. However, what are the side effects of this? Walt, I think you mentioned something about if the tissue in the vagina is compromised, it creates a heaven for candida to enter the body - would this type of birth control be as bad or worse than the pill in this respect? Anyone out there have any experience with the ring?
Thanks to ALL who respond - I appreciate it so much!!
Take care,
Sarah
In Reply to: IUD posted by Sarah on September 11, 2003 at 12:07:43:
I dated someone that used a cervical cap and gel; I think the non pregnancey rate was pretty high using those 2.
Only thing I would be concerned about with the cervical cap is if it could cause excessive irritation to it? Not really sure.
Also the cervical cap is something you need to carry with you and use not something you leave it all the time; ie you have it in when you have intercourse and then leave it in for hmmm 24 hours-48?(would have to look up).
The gel is very important to use also; they sell it at walgreens. Basically a spermicide. The non pregancey rate goes much lower if you just use the cap ie I think from 98% to 90%. (1 in 10 odds isnt good if you dont want to get pregnant ;)
I dont know much about the IUD; in the past I thought they caused some harm (but I cant remember); maybe some other people have advice on this.
oh the cervical cap is simialar to a diaphram; although smaller. I think the non pregnancey rate is higher on the cervical cap (the person at planned parent hood would know these answers).
In Reply to: IUD posted by Sarah on September 11, 2003 at 12:07:43:
Hi Sarah,
I had a Dalkon Shield and had it removed after causing pain and discomfort. I believe my uterus became inflammed, but don't remember any infection. Luckily I never had any repurcussions from its use. I was then fitted with the one shaped like a "7". Don't remember the name of it. Had the same problems. This was all about 25-30 years ago. I remember my husband at the time telling me that he could feel the string, so that might be a turnoff to your partner. My husband was in the Navy and was gone a lot, and even when he was home, we didn't have much sex because of chronic yeast infections. (probably why he divorced me...Lol) Ultimately I ended up on the pill. I guess I'm paying for it now, as I have horrible hormone issues. Sigh... Good luck to you in your decision making.
Joanie
In Reply to: IUD posted by Sarah on September 11, 2003 at 12:07:43:
on a more personally issue; From what I know I thought the cervical cap with gel was a good combo for a partner that you know. This wont protect against std's.
Sure I could feel it at times but a man feels it much less then say a diaphram. Also by using this a women doesnt need to be on the pill/patch or some other hormone.
In Reply to: IUD posted by Sarah on September 11, 2003 at 12:07:43:
Hi,
I have an IUD and LOVE it. IT's very easy and I've had no side effects. It's hard to say if I've had more heavy periods, though, since I was on the pill 10 years, then got pregnant, nursed, pregnant again, nursed and now am done, so it's been a long time since I menstrated normally (just a few times now since having my second child and it has been heavy).
The one I have is the paraguard copper IUD and its a 10 year IUD without hormones and is costs about $200.
Are you in a monogomous relationship? IUDs to pose a threat to greater Pelvic Inflamatory Disease if you get an STD.
Ellie
In Reply to: IUD posted by Sarah on September 11, 2003 at 12:07:43:
Hi, Sarah.
I agree that IUDs have been improved but they have always been one of the best methods around. The Cu-7 is perhaps the first of the new crop of these gadgets. The Dalcon Shield was only a problem because it had two strings (for ease of removal) and the surface tension of vaginal fluids allowed bacteria to migrate up between the strings and cause intrauterine infections--including some of the STDs.
I think I would choose an IUD over any of the other forms of contraception even if I did NOT have candida. Just remember that neither the pill OR an IUD protects against STDs.
Hope this helps.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Walt Stoll on September 12, 2003 at 06:30:51:
Walt
wouldnt a diaphragm be better than IUD, especially as no aggravation to Candida, as compared with a diaphragm?
And why would you not choose a diaphragm?
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Anonymous on September 12, 2003 at 06:34:28:
Hi, Anonymous.
There is a significant reduction in effectiveness between an IUD and a diaphragm with spermacidal jelly. Both are more than 95% effective.
In my experience an IUD does not increase candida risk whereas there is question about a diaphragm.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Walt Stoll on September 12, 2003 at 13:22:59:
Diaphragms may increase Candida, Walt?
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Walt Stoll on September 12, 2003 at 06:30:51:
Thanks to everyone for their comments!!
Walt - I have Mitral Valve Prolapse, HPV, and a tipped uterus.
Would any of these things affect IUD use? (Tipped uterus - more pain, improper placement, etc. HPV - major infection, etc.) ??
I have read a little on this site about MVP, which indicates the presence of candida, yes?
Thanks!
Sarah
In Reply to: Re: IUD posted by Ellie on September 11, 2003 at 23:12:33:
To Ellie -
Did you experience painful periods at any time before you got your IUD?
How was the insertion?
Thanks for your response! :)
Sarah
In Reply to: Re: IUD posted by Sarah on September 12, 2003 at 14:51:15:
I'm 30 now, so it was back in high school when I last had painful periods, since I was on the pill for so long. Now they're just heavy and I have to change my tampon A LOT. . .ugh!
Insertion was easy. No pain but it was uncomfortable the first few times I had sex, actually it was a bit painful. Since then, all has been fine.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ellie
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Sarah on September 12, 2003 at 14:17:11:
Thanks, Sarah.
Just like a splinter increases the risk of infection, so does any foreign body in the vagina increase risk of infection by anything. Perhaps a therapeutic douche (see the archives for protocol) would help avoid this if used right after the diapragm is removed.
Hope this helps.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: IUD (Archive in sex.) posted by Sarah on September 12, 2003 at 14:22:51:
Hi, Sarah.
It is past time for you to take the MVP off your list of diagnoses! This is an ersatz diagnosis that, within 10 years, will be an embarrassment to any competent physician. Spend more time with the home page article and the archives about this.
The tipped uterus may make inserting the IUD more difficult but will not affect it's effectiveness.
Walt
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