Copper IUD?

Question

So I don’t want to do hormonal BC if possible. I really want to make sure we don’t have another surprise babe (#3 was a surprise but we always had talked about more) while we’re deciding if we want #4 and to give my body a break (3 kids 3 and under). Next week is my 6 week visit with my midwife so I was going to ask about it then too but just curious other mommas thoughts! Or other non hormonal options besides condoms. Thanks!!

Answer

As with everything there are good and bad things to consider. There’s a chance you’ll have heavier and more painful periods with it, but then you don’t have the additional hormones that come with so many contraceptives. 
Personally I am really glad I got my copper IUD. The pain and bleeding experienced when it was first inserted was so so bad for me, much worse than I’d thought it would be. My pain tolerance is fairly high and for a couple of days afterward I was doubled over unable to move from the sofa and loosing a lot of blood. The bleeding from insertion lasted for about a week. Since then my periods have been noticeably heavier and cramping is worse than it was previously, but instead if having 5 days of moderate cramping I now get one or two awfully painful days to start and next to no cramps for the rest of the week. My periods were totally unpredictable for about 5 months after getting it, but eventually I settled back into a more regular cycle. 
It’s been amazing not having to worry about remembering to take a pill or do anything before sex; I was awful at remembering my pill- my son is now 2 😂
Above all else I feel healthier for not having my hormones imbalanced by the pill, which was making me depressed, irrational, and made it difficult for me to control and properly express my emotions. I’m generally much calmer and level headed since coming off the pill. 
Definitely gets my vote, despite the negative aspects :)

Answer

I had a Mirena hormonal IUD for three years before ttc. I'm getting another one in a couple weeks (7 months pp). I was told that the hormones in the Mirena are localized in your uterus, ie they don't circulate throughout your body like with the pill. It's also slightly more effective than the copper one, I think.

Answer

This is what I've been thinking about too. I have a diaphragm but I think I would like something more permanent lol with out getting my tubes tied

Answer

Personally I like my copper IUD. It was super easy to get placed, and after having it for 4 months now the crazy heavy bleeding has slowed down a bit (still heavier than before I had the IUD but the first couple periods were like a constant waterfall of blood) and I’m spotting less between periods. I still have intense cramps the few days before my period but it’s manageable with a heating pad and ibuprofen for me. And the bloating before my period has been extra crazy since I got the IUD but I can deal with a few days of bloat. Far and away the best birth control I’ve ever had (except condoms but I wanted something more reliable since I absolutely do not want another baby anytime soon). Of course other people have worse side effects.

Copper IUD?

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