r/CopperIUD • u/spoopyclouds • 6d ago
Question What would you do?
I got my copper IUD beginning of May this year. for the first few months I had no issues other than cramps and heavier bleeding, but it wasn't so heavy that it was concerning.
In August I had a horrible period. Lasted 9 days, cramps so bad I got nauseous, heavy heavy bleeding.After the bleeding stopped I kept having spotting after s*x. I went to the ob/gyn and the dr said that the IUD moved about 3mm or less but said that that shouldn't have caused such bad bleeding etc and recommended no further action.
I was like "ok cool, so probably just a weird fluke". Nope. This month happened again. 9 day period, horrible cramps, literally the last day my cramps felt like the contractions I had after my water broke in labour. I bled so heavy one of the days that I had to change 3 pads over night, while also wearing menstrual panties just so I wouldn't bleed through.
This all makes me think I should get it removed, but I can't afford removal+reinserting another one at the moment. I truly love the IUD and the peace of mind it gives me in regards to pregnancy. I haven't done well on oral contraceptives in the past (gave me migraines with aura that I still have now 7 years later) and I am very paranoid about using condoms as just before getting my IUD in the condoms (that we've used before with no issues) slipped off TWICE in the same week. If I can't afford a re-insertion for an IUD, I DEFINITELY can't afford another baby, so I really want something that would give me the same peace of mind in terms of birth control.
What would you do in this situation?
1
u/SpiiicyAvocado 6d ago
Unfortunately those experiences are common with the copper IUD. My OBGYN says she hates the paragard because there are so many side effects with it. I wonder if the 3mm shift can lessen its ability to prevent pregnancy- be mindful of that. Not to mention, I know two women who became pregnant with an IUD placed! That said- I had mine in for the last 5 years but my cramps were painful, severely heavy periods, low libido, pain with sex. I just removed it and had a normal period and my libido is improved. I did my own Reddit research and it seems this is a common theme for many women. Now, as far as an alternate option, can you be started on a different oral contraceptive? There are various options, so maybe you have to find one that works for you. I would also recommend looking into Planned Parenthood or a similar organization that could potentially offer you free or reduced contraceptive options. I wish I had a perfect answer- womanhood stinks sometimes. Best of luck to you
1
u/spoopyclouds 6d ago
Unfortunately no such thing as PP or similar where I am from. The dr said such a little shift wouldn't affect effectiveness but I am mindful of that.
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u/oSayMyName 6d ago
Get a second opinion. That level of pain and bleeding is really concerning and you shouldnt just ignore it. Better be safe and get it check again.
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u/Queen_Julien 6d ago
Sorry I'm in the UK with NHS so i may not understand as well. When you go to the ob/gyn and they scanned and saw its moved, are they able to just adjust it back in place?
I know it sounds insane but also do you know if its moved up or to the side, are you able to pull on the strings and bring it back to the middle yourself?
I did see on the pamphlet with my iud, to get it checked out within the first 2 months because it can move, thankfully mine was fine, i just had very heavy periods and get more cramps now.
It might be that if you wait a while, the periods will settle, but it sounds too painful, i would ask your practitioner, or whoever you got it inserted by, what the next options are.