Comments on: The copper IUD. What you need to know.

By: Helen

Helen — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:00:39 +0000

Hi,
I’m 27 years old, with no previous pregnancies. I had the copper IUD put in for emergency contraception, but had it removed less than 48 hours later (put in Wednesday night, removed that Friday afternoon), as I was scared of what it could do to my body — after the fact. I didn’t experience any complications with insertion and didn’t have any existing infections (i.e. STDs). I’ve read so many mixed reviews on this and am not so worried I may have ruined my future fertility. It was a rash decision to get this put in and now I wish I didn’t. But have I harmed my chances at getting pregnant in the future? My doctors have said I am fine but I still worry. Wish there was something I could do to alleviate my fears.

Thank you!

By: Amber

Amber — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:34:17 +0000

Interesting article and responses. Both my friend and I have the 5yr copper IUD’s, just over three years now. My insertion experience was incredibly painful, similar to your’s Anna, and both my friend and I suffer extremely painful periods since the insertion. I am in a serious relationship, wanting children in the future and I am a huge fan of clean eating and treating your body as a temple which is why I opted for the hormone free option of the copper IUD, however my partner is not a fan of condoms nor of the pull-out methods which monitor your cycle. Bit of a tricky situation really, although Nat makes a very valid point, is it worth the risk to me. . . .

By: Maya

Maya — Mon, 05 May 2014 20:26:21 +0000

This has been very helpful, thanks. I’m trying to decide whether to remove my IUD.

I’ve had my IUD for 6 years, it has a 10 year life span. I’ve had no problems, no extra pain, regular 5 day periods in my cycles over the years. It has been better than the contraceptive pill was for me. Yet the last 3 months my cycle has become irregular, painful & I’m feeling bloated with water retention more than usual.

We have been moving around home a lot & I wonder if it is down to our base being uncertain. I’m now in a steady relationship & planning our future towards a family. But we are not ready just yet. I really dislike condoms. Does anyone have tips about the diaphragm? Or do I stick with the coil another year?

Is the last few months my body wanting rid of the IUD? Is there a link between endometriosis & the coil? It seems to be quite common in women of my age… 30 onwards. Any advice/ideas welcome, with thanks.

By: Elisha Seiver

Elisha Seiver — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:13:08 +0000

Hi Nat, I’ve been trying to make a decision about permanent contraception now I’m in my late 30s with two children. I’ve read some of your posts and watched Health Talks so I’d love your opinion. I’m looking at the procedure where titanium clips are put on the Fallopian tubes. I am struggling to find info from what I consider real health experts (ie like you and Jess Ainscough). Thanks very much, Elisha

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:21:49 +0000

Thanks for your honesty Nat.

As a 20-something woman who doesn’t want to be pregnant, GPs often feel it’s their place to tell me that I should be using hormonal contraception – when I tell them that I didn’t like being on the pill, they recommend implants and IUDs, and express disbelief when I say I don’t want to use anything but condoms.

I may not want children now, but I probably will in the future, and I am not willing to risk my fertility for convenience’s sake (though the comment below tells me that there is nothing convenient about IUDs!)

It’s very refreshing to see a doctor give advice that focuses upon long-term, holistic wellness.

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:31:21 +0000

One of the other benefits is that copper IUD last between 5 and 10 years! That (and the fact that there were no hormones) are definitely what swayed me into getting one about 6 months ago. It also only cost me $35 through the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.

I’ve definitely experienced my periods getting (even more) heavy and painful. I don’t go anywhere without painkillers now in case the cramps hit me unexpectedly. They are EXTREME!

But the worst thing about the copper IUD for me was the insertion process. I was to take this drug called misoprostol a few hours beforehand to ‘ripen’ my cervix. Before I even went in for the procedure I was in terrible pain because of this drug – violently throwing up and had diarrhoea. Immediately after the procedure I was in such extreme pain that I was rushed to emergency and spent the rest of the day there on copious amonts of pain killers. I even experienced painful sex with my partner up to a month later. A bit of a mood killer to say the least.

I’m not sure I’d recommend it to anyone either, but now I’ve got one I’m kind of determined to make it work at least for a while.