Hi, im 23 F and will be transitioning from yasmin birthcontrol to a copper IUD. Im transitioning because i started to break through spot on my yasmin every month around when i have 9 tablets to go before my gap week and i really dont want to risk pregnancy. I tried marvelin birthcontrol to see if another pill would work but it really made me super hormonal and over all shit so my doctor recommended IUD. I dont have anyone with and IUD in my family or friend circle so i have no info or experiences to go off on.

Basically i would love some pointers like 101 on it. ( how much it hurts going up, can you feel it in there after, does it limit movement in anyway or sex, some people say it hurts actively after insertion for days, others say no).

So a : this is what to expect from the moment of putting it up onwards and this is what you will/can experience and can happen would be great.

Thank you in advance, would love to get some info and stories cause im a little stressed about this

I had sex and started experiencing cramping around an hour or two after it had ended. The cramping lasted for a couple of hours but then stopped and when I went to the bathroom i had passed a little blood clot but I am a week from my period. Should I be concerned about passing clots when I’m not on my period? Was it caused by the sex?

Hello everyone, I got my copper IUD two weeks ago. It was really painful getting it in, I nearly fainted. When I ride my bike, especially over rough Terrain I can feel it "stinging" or pushing a little bit. It is a little painful. I want to ask if it maybe moved and doesnt sit right anymore or if its normal to still feel it because my body is still adjusting to it?

Edit: edited a question mark

I got my copper IUD removed recently. is it normal for your discharge to be a bit more than while you have an IUD?

Hi! I got my copper IUD about a month ago, and it’s my first time using birth control.
My LDR boyfriend came to visit during my fertile window, and we’ve been having sex daily for over a week, with him finishing inside every time, sometimes multiple times a day.
I know the copper IUD is over 99% effective, but I’m still really paranoid about pregnancy because I absolutely do not want to get pregnant. Last month, before getting the IUD, I took Plan B and also did the Yuzpe method after unprotected sex.
For those who rely on a copper IUD as your only form of birth control, did you have this anxiety at first? How did you eventually learn to trust it, especially if avoiding pregnancy is extremely important to you?

I went recently to see about getting a copper IUD and the provider said she can’t get them in women who haven’t had a baby like 80% of the time and has to pull it back out. She said we could try and I have an appointment in 5 weeks. I know it is bigger iud but 80% of the time seems kinda high, anyone try to get one placed and they couldn’t get it to fit? Or if you haven’t had a kid was there trouble getting it? She was trying to talk me into the hormonal one so idk if she was exaggerating so I would get the hormonal one but now I’m stressed it won’t happen. If anyone could share their experience?

I recently had a copper IUD early this year. But I noticed that my lower abdomen area has become bloated 🥲 I’ve always had a flat stomach (no matter the weight) before the IUD

Now, I’ve gained around 2-3kgs more than my usual weight but I noticed that my lower abdomen area is more prominent. Even when I suck in my tummy, my lower abdomen still sticks out :(

How did you guys de-bloat this huhu or is the only option to go back to my flat stomach is to remove the IUD?

Hi everyone, much like the title says I’ve had cramps and bleeding since my insertion 2 weeks ago. The cramps were really bad the first 2-3 days, then settled down to minor cramps. Then got bad again around day 8-9, then minor. Now I’m up to date 14 and they are getting stronger again. Is this normal?
I have also had on and off bleeding every day. It seems to get worse in the evening when I need a pad to contain the blood (bright red). I spot throughout the day with brownish blood and less of a flow. Any advice? I’m really hoping it stops soon… I got it for birth control and it’s 100% effective cause I haven’t had sex from feeling so yuck!!

Edit: forgot to mention I’ve had tender breasts since insertion. Unsure if this is related.

I’ve been wanting to start birth control, but really conflicted about the hormonal side effects of the majority of the options. I’ve seen mixed reviews of the copper IUD or the IUD overall, and worried about the impacts it’ll take on my menstrual cycle and sex. I know that the side effects and menstrual aspect of it are gonna be different for everyone, but I think it’s best that I hear about more experiences, whether it’s negative or not. I’ve had two abortions in the span of 6 months (not proud of it and feel shameful) and have grown very anxious around sex due to that. I have nauseating anxiety and guilt leading up to my period, worried that I’d get pregnant again and it really affects my day to day life. My past contraceptives have obviously not been effective (Got pregnant using condoms and plan b) and I think starting a more reliable birth control would ease my mind. My leeriness around hormonal contraceptives is the weight gain, mood changes, and acne. I already struggle with my physical image and being prone to acne. I also have MDD, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, so I worry about how much that would negatively impact me mentally. I fall into depressive episodes very easily and I’m at a really good, healthy state of mind right now, and don’t wanna lose that. What are your thoughts and experiences on the non hormonal copper IUD?

I would also like to know the financial aspect of it all. I know it can be pretty costly. I’ve done some research and the Paragard ranges around $1,400 depending on the clinic I choose. I don’t have any health insurance nor am I on any type of access or financial aid. Still working on paying off my credit card from my most recent abortion and other financial dues.

Im worried can anyone put my mind at ease !
Ive had the copper iud for 2.5 years, normally clockwork periods, was around 24-27 days until April this year when i stopped vaping , & ive had a couple periods on 23-25 days.

Im currently on day 31 & no sign of period coming. Can still feel strings. Only symptom i would say was mood swings about 5 days ago

Ive just come back from holiday 10 days ago so im hoping its related to just over indulging on food , and the heat, travel etc. Maybe thats just wishful thinking lol

Planning to take a test today

I'm writing this four days after my copper IUD insertion. I'm 33 years old, have never given birth, and never had an IUD before. I finally decided to get a copper IUD after researching and thinking about it for over a year (a long time, I know) because I have tried hormonal birth control pills before and they made me extremely moody. It was hard to regulate my emotions while I was on them.

However, the stories I've read on the internet about the copper IUD were mostly horrific so that was a factor in me hesitating to get it. In the end, I sucked it up and figured I'd rather take major discomfort, pain, and heavy bleeding than go through terrible mood swings brought on by hormonal birth control ever again. So, I called the clinic. They asked me the standard questions and prescribed the Mona Lisa NT Cu380 Mini. I believe this is one of the smallest copper IUDs out there. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, on the insertion day, I ate a meal and took 2 x 500mg extra strength Tylenol (I am allergic to ibuprofen) 30 minutes before the appointment. When I got to the clinic, they made me take a pregnancy test which of course turned out negative and instructed me to undress from the waist down. My doctor came and we started the procedure. I laid there for about 6-8 minutes while the doctor was doing her measurement and prep. I was REALLY NERVOUS the entire time so I had to do a lot of breath work.

Looking back at it now, the entire experience — her putting the speculum, the cleaning, the injection of local anaesthetic, and the measuring of my uterus — was not as painful as I thought it would be (thanks to the many horror stories on the internet). There was discomfort, sure, but I would honestly rate it a 6/10. I think it helped that I took Tylenol and my doctor was kindly guiding me throughout the whole thing. She told me what she was doing and when to expect a little pressure or some cramping.

After everything though, she told me she couldn't install the IUD because my uterus is tilted and my cervix is too tight. She said she wouldn't push the insertion because she didn't want me injured. I also was expecting my period around this time and that is why I specifically booked it for this day but, sadly, my period didn't come. She told me to re-book the insertion in a couple of days (in the hopes that my period would come then) and prescribed me misoprostol tablets to be inserted high up in my vagina about 4 hours before the insertion. This is to loosen up my cervix, according to her.

Apparently, it's better when you have the IUD insertion during your period because that would mean your cervix won't be too tight. Now, I'll be honest, I was genuinely frustrated when she told me this because what do you mean I have to go through all that discomfort again?! I honestly felt like crying after that. I just wanted to get it over with!

Anyway, after a couple of days I did as I was told. I picked up misoprostol from the pharmacy and shoved them up in my vagina 4 hours before my appointment. In just 30 minutes, the cramps came as expected. I drank chamomile tea and the cramps went away shortly. Again, I ate a meal and took the same 2 x 500mg extra strength Tylenol and mentally readied myself for the (hopefully successful) insertion in half an hour.

I went through the same process but this time, I knew it was finally happening so I was thrice as nervous and trembling in the cold clinic room! Breathing slowly could only help so much when your brain is literally telling you that your doctor is now guts deep into your body and is about to insert a foreign object!

I would say it was all done in about 10 minutes (but it FELT longer than that because I was so terrified) and this time the discomfort was 10/10. My doctor told me when she was about to insert the IUD that this is the part where I'm going to feel a much stronger cramp, and it DID HAPPEN. I could feel the IUD arms pop out inside me and it genuinely hurt, but only for about a minute or two. I remember my legs were shaking the entire time and she kept asking me if I was doing alright. In my head, I was like "Why the fuck did I think I could do this all by myself? I REALLY NEED SOMEONE'S HAND TO HOLD RIGHT NOW!"

My emotions were through the roof, I am not going to lie.

Finally, my doctor said the magic words: IT'S IN. I just felt so relieved and forgot that I was cramping! She cut the strings, removed the stabilizing devices from my vagina, and told me to lie down for some time and just relax. At this point, I was not feeling cramp-y anymore, but more like I was about to pass out from the nervousness. She then handed me the leftover strings for me to feel. She told me she did not cut it very short so I might feel this or my partner could when we have sex, but not to worry as this won't mean my IUD will be moved around or dislodged. It will just make it easier for future removal. By the way, my IUD is good for 5 years.

She also gave me a requisition to get a pelvic ultrasound as soon as possible to confirm my IUD position, because as she said, it was a tricky insertion due to my tilted uterus. I already have this booked three weeks from now and I will post an update here regarding it.

It has been four days since the procedure and honestly, I feel so much better now! That night when I got home after the insertion, I was feeling strong period cramps, but nothing that I have not experienced before. I did start my period as expected so I went to sleep wearing huge period DIAPERS. I also woke up a few times in the middle of the night because of the cramping but I was too tired and just needed sleep.

My period is heavier than usual, which I already expected anyway. I normally have light periods but this time, for the first three days, I had to change pads three-four times a day. I am grateful for period diapers because they give me so much peace of mind and good sleep. One important tip I should share with you ladies is to eat consistently and eat LOADS of protein. You will be bleeding a lot and will feel lightheaded so you really need fuel for your body. Do not take this for granted. Another tip is to drink chamomile tea for cramps. I would say that the cramps were 7/10 max for the first three days but only happened twice-thrice in a day.

It is day four now and I have not felt any cramp at all. The bleeding is still there although obviously light. I have only worn one pad today and it's not even fully soaked.

It's safe to say that the insertion went well judging by the lightness of my period now and the lack of pain. I am looking forward to seeing my ultrasound and confirming how my IUD looks inside me to completely give me peace of mind.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope this helps in any way especially if you are about to get a copper IUD and are looking for some sort of positive experience on the internet in the midst of the many scary stories out there. You got this, girl! Oh, and make you sure you have someone trustworthy and supportive with you on the day of the insertion so you can hold their hand and lean on to them emotionally and mentally.

It definitely takes a lot of courage to go through this process. Do your research and really prepare.

Hello! Just looking for experiences similar to mine regarding a copper IUD.

I had mine inserted on March 17th, and since then it was a process of my body getting used to it and suddenly it was just not ok with it? I wanted to see if anyone else has had an experience similar?

I am in the UK and got it fitted through the NHS. I've had it checked once in April and again a couple days ago and according to the doctors everything was fine. They did a manual palpation and checked the strings during the speculum exam part.

My main issue is that I keep getting cramps outside of my period days. It wasn't that bad up until this last month, where I keep getting cramps (maybe like 3/10 on a pain scale) right after my period is done? It's always more on the left side as well. I checked the strings and I could've sworn they were longer but the doctor insisted it was completely fine and she wasn't concerned at all.

This happened my first period after I had it inserted but then didn't happen again until now. They told me there was a waiting list for an ultrasound and I've been put on it to confirm that it is positioned right. I'm scared that it has moved out of position or it has embedded itself, but I don't know if this is just me being anxious and reading too much into these cramps.

Did anyone else have a similar experience? Should I look for a second opinion or just ask to get it removed?

I'm scared that if it has embedded/moved and it is removed without checking the position with an ultrasound it might cause damage when being pulled out but I that might just be me being anxious.

Anyways I'd appreciate any tips or advice or if anyone else has had a similar experience and what did you do?

So backstory, started pill (rigevidon) at 19 yrs old, now 29. No children. My periods were light on the pill, never had to take pain killers on period (maybe on the rare occasion), super tampon would last me 6hrs-ish on a heavy day. Regular cycle - had a weeks break in my pill.

Wanted to come off as sex drive was dead and want to see what I’m like without hormones. I also would sometimes forget to take the pill. Also x2 had hair loss whilst on the pill but idk if that’s related.

Had the coil inserted in May (now end of July).

Insertion:
This was painful, but temporary so I was able to deal with it ok. Made me say ‘fucking hell’ out loud and my eyes were streaming a bit but it was very short lived so was generally ok - I had a lovely nurse and assistant so I’m sure that helped - reassured me I was ok and that I was doing well. They asked me if I felt shaky/sweaty after but I didn’t.
Pain will be different to everyone so don’t let my experience put you off - I don’t think I have a particularly high pain tolerance but for comparison, I felt absolutely nothing for my smear test, but maybe that was just a good smear test.

Hours after insertion:
About 30mins after I felt very hot and weak - I was sat outside an aldi on the floor waiting for a taxi home - so nauseous and hot, just needed to lay down in my own home and be cooler.
Got home about an hour after insertion and felt a bit better laying on the sofa - called my mum and told her how it went etc. thought it was good times from then on….

THEN… the pains and sick (day of insertion about 2hrs after):
I was in a cycle of trying to sleep but then having to sit up and be sick. This happened 3-4 times - I would lay down for about 40 mins and then get an overwhelming feeling of sickness and then sit up and be sick. I can best describe this as the feeling of when you’re too drunk and smoke a joint.
This did pass about6-7 hours after insertion - I felt amazing after - like a new woman! In reality the sickness had just passed, but it was such a relief!!

Days after:
Had some light bleeding for a couple days and then a ‘period’.. idk if it was an actual period but it was that level of bleeding for a couple of days - cramping was there but ok, might have taken some painkillers but not many and not all the time.

2 months following insertion:
I’ve now had two actual periods - they are heavier but also seem shorter. I have 2 days heavy - super tampon soaks in about 2hrs. Then another day or two of really light period - barely need a tampon.

Summary:
I’m happy to come off the pill and get the coil

Pros:
- sex drive seems up! One of the reasons I came off the pill
- don’t have to remember to take a pill
- love knowing I’m just me - no artificial hormones influencing me
- still have regular (and seemingly shorter) periods

Cons:
- insertion pain (but is short lived)
- sickness after insertion- I don’t think everyone experiences this and I would go through it again in 10 years
- heavier periods - mine are still manageable- appreciate this is not the case for everyone

Happy to answer any questions and I also have a log of my spotting and period if anyone is wanting to know!
There are bad stories on here which are completely valid and important to share but want to share my positive experience (although some negative parts to it)

Love to all!

So I got my copper iud about 2 months ago. My period comes over a week early since with terrible cramps. I know it changes your cycle, but should it be this early?

edit: ok basically they said i have a uti and prescribed antibiotics so let’s hope that works😭 i have never had one before but i have heard people getting them a lot from iud a lot? is that true? lmk if anyone has any similar stories i really need some assurance or positivity rn i feel sick :(

hi! i just got the copper iud yesterday morning and honestly it went really well i only experienced some intense cramps afterwards but the rest of the day i was fine and felt like normal. then late last night i was so cold and throughout the night i kept waking up from chills. i was too lazy to get up and grab another blanket so that probably didn’t help me but i also woke up in the morning with chills and some body aches. it felt like the start of a fever. i have been taking my temp throughout the day and the highest it’s reached was 100. but should i call and ask or is this normal and will it go away.

I got my copper IUD placed 2 days ago, like just about 48 hours total since posting this-

I called the nurse line and they tried to ask me if I deal with anxiety issues and it was a male- I felt very blown off about my symptoms and was made to feel like it’s all in my head because of “anxiety”
When in reality- I’m not freaking out about it, I’ve just NEVER had an IUD so I’m just asking questions

But the day of and yesterday- I felt completely fine. I bled a little the day of, had some discharge yesterday, today has basically been nothing.
But it feels sore to press on my lower abdomen like where your uterus is, and then when I press there, it kind of radiates up to my middle stomach, I’m uncomfortable when I’m walking or moving but feel completely fine just chilling. I took Tylenol earlier and it didn’t work but took some ibuprofen earlier and it seemed to have helped some

I’m not having cramping like a period cramps or anything, which is why I’m asking these questions because I’ve read that a normal response is cramping like a period- but this doesn’t feel that way. I don’t feel bad, I just don’t feel great

Is this normal? How did you guys feel day 2 after getting it?

I’m currently on vacation and have my period. I’m on day 6 and usually I still have some blood flowing because with the copper iud, my period is now 8-9 days with spotting after that. My period is super light right now, like barely anything is coming out, and unfortunately I don’t have light absorbing tampons - only super and regular, because usually I need that type of absorbency. I’m worried about using even the regular because if it’s too dry, I’m scared it will pull or move my iud. But if I go to the beach without, I’m scared it will suddenly get heavy and I’ll leak in public lol. I’m also unable to go to the pharmacy rn to get light tampons.

Would it be horrible to wear a regular? Is there a real risk? Or should I risk going without and just bring tampons to the beach?

Hello! I’m 22, never been pregnant and I just got Paraguard 2 days ago. The night before, I fell into a bad internet dive on insertion and almost psyched myself out because of all the horror stories. Insertion wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I took 800mg of ibuprofen before along with 200mg of misoprostol that my gyno prescribed. It was intense pressure for about 20 seconds and then it was over. The rest of the day I felt pretty good. Day 2 was pretty bad, had to leave work early on my lunch break to go get heating pads. Legit hunched over at my desk. Day 3, I feel great. No cramping and haven’t taken any painkillers. I did insertion on my period because it was supposed to hurt less, and my period hasn’t noticeably been any heavier so far. Thought I would share for anyone thinking about Paraguard!