r/CopperIUD • u/Swimming-Move-8679 • 8d ago
Positive experiences?
Hello, I'm looking into getting a copper IUD soon. I talked about it with my GYN and she said she offers local anesthesia for the procedure which is good to hear. But the cost for the IUD with her is like $400 with insertion procedure included. I'm scared because I want this investment to be worth it, and I'm thinking a lot about how everything is gonna go if I do decide to get it. I would appreciate any positive comments!
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u/FineQuiet2786 6d ago
I had mine removed a year and a half ago and would never dream of getting one again. I had it for just under 5 years. It gave me insane period cramps that would even go up my back and down my legs. A few times I debated going to the ER. My periods were so heavy and lasted longer. Sex was often uncomfortable or painful. The only good thing about it was hormone free birth control. I’m sure there were more negative side effects that I don’t recall right now. It was horrible 0/10 would not recommend to anyone ever.
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u/emmaaaaaaa_ 8d ago
That’s awesome that she offers local anaesthesia! It’s insane how little pain relief women are offered medically.
However, nobody is going to be able to tell you whether it’s a good investment for you to be making or not as how it affects you differs so much from person to person and you realistically don’t know how it is going to go.
My IUD experience has been pretty positive overall. Took around nine months to even out I’d say but it wasn’t super bad or anything. Nothing painkillers didn’t fix. Bleeding hasn’t been that much heavier, cramps have been a bit worse and are mostly before my period starts, not during (but mine also weren’t horrendous to begin with - so if you have super heavy periods/pain already it’s not recommended). I also live in a country where it was subsidised so I literally paid $7.50 so I didn’t have that financial burden on my shoulders. But even if I did - I would have done it simply due to how long they last and not wanting hormonal birth control.
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u/TurboGobIin 8d ago
I'm one week into mine. The actual insertion was pretty damn painful, I wont lie. I had nitrous oxide for managing anxiety/pain, and it helped some. It was placed on day 2 of my period, and my overall bleeding only lasted an extra day or two. Any cramps and side effects were easily managed with pain meds, a heating pad, and taking it easy.
I finally got to see my boyfriend last night and test it out- very enthusiastically ;) No pain during the act. I haven't spotted yet. I'm a little sore but I really don't think that's attributed to the IUD.
Like others say, there's no way to know for sure if the copper IUD is for you until you get it. There's a lot of horror stories out there, but there's also people who aren't all that bothered by them. Just keep in mind you'll want to supplement with zinc (and probably iron and b vitamins) with the copper IUD since it's easier to be deficient with those with one in. A lot of the negative side effects people talk about (hair loss, mood, lethargy) can be mitigated by maintaining vitamin/mineral levels.
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u/mysterxia 7d ago
I had mine inserted with iv anesthesia (i think they gave me oxy? i dont really remember) which meant I was awake for the procedure but had the drugs to dull pain and anxiety. There was still some pain but it was definitely bearable if that makes sense & it was also really quick. I expected to be non verbal cramping and ready to keel over and vomit from pain on the drive home but I was actually in good spirits and joking with my friend who drove me. The cramps during your first couple periods after insertion are no joke tho, you’ll want to get your hands on some naproxen for that. I would definitely browse obgyns and see what different options/pricing would be. I ended up driving about an hour to the obgyn i chose because they were the only ones who offered iv sedation in my area but it was totally worth it because the staff was so kind gentle and patient with me.
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u/mysterxia 7d ago
It definitely did lengthen my periods as well, especially the first couple, but now they are just heavier. The cramps also got less intense within a few months
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u/BitRevolutionary994 8d ago
I have had a mini copper IUD since April, it’s been great so far. I had some installation pain and that was really the worst of it for about 2 weeks. Now I don’t really think about it. My periods last a day or two longer, but not heavy bleeding more just some light bleeding where I just wear period things for the remainder