My name is Anna Bilha and last summer (2017) I got my IUD inserted. If you don’t know what an IUD is, it stands for Intrauterine Device, and it is basically a device inserted in the woman’s uterus that prevents her from getting pregnant. There are two main types of IUDs, the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. The copper one, also known by the brand name ParaGard, was the first developed and works by producing an inflammatory response in the uterus that is toxic to the sperm; the hormonal, also known by the brand names Kyleena, Mirena, Skyla and Liletta, is a more modern version and works by releasing the hormone levonorgestrel, a form of progestin that thickens the cervical mucus, blocking sperm. I have the Mirena.
Since I had many questions before I got mine, and see many of my friends and young women in the same situation, I decided to answer some quick questions about my experience with IUDs. Please note: I am not a doctor, therefore everything that I am writing here comes from my own experience and may not be the same for every women and may not equal what a person with a professional medical opinion would say. For further knowledge, I recommend you, reader, to seek a gynecologist to answer any medical-related questions.
1. Why did you choose the hormonal IUD over the copper IUD?
Well, as I have said, the hormonal IUDs are more modern. In my opinion, if they have developed something new, it is for our benefit. Additionally, most women that have the copper IUD complain about an increase in cramps and menstrual bleeding. Hm, not for me.
2. Was it painful to get it inserted?
Getting straight to the point: Yes. However, I have to say that I did not get anesthesia before getting it in. Most women do get anesthesia before getting the IUD inserted. Why? Well, before the IUD reaches your uterus, it has to go through the cervix, which is a very narrow channel between the inside of your vagina and your uterus. As you may have already guessed, the IUD is bigger than the cervix – if it was not, the risk of it coming back would be enormous, therefore it hurts.
3. Why does it have to be inserted during my period?
It does not have to, but it’s much better for a very simple reason: period blood is like a lubricant to your cervix, if your cervix is lubricated, it becomes much easier for the IUD to pass. Also, if you get your period, the chance of you being pregnant is very low.
4. How long will it last for?
It can last from 5 to 10 years depending on the type of IUD. Your gynecologist will be able to tell you this information with precision. When the time has passed, your IUD will not be doing its work anymore, therefore, you have a chance of becoming pregnant. Then, you would just return to your doctor and they will do the procedure for you.
5. Will it affect my period?
Well, this is a tricky question. From my own experience, my period has almost disappeared. I just get this thin brownish discharge once in awhile. My doctor said that this is what is supposed to happen, however, the human body can react in different manners.
6. Will I feel it during sex?
Coming from personal experience: NO. Amen.
7. Does it make me infertile?
Also no. As soon as you take the IUD out, you have the same chances at getting pregnant as you did before.
“Research studies find no increased risk of infertility among women who have used IUDs, including young women and women with no children. Whether or not a woman has an IUD, however, if she develops pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and it is not treated, there is some chance that she will become infertile.” Your Life
8. Will it make me gain weight?
Before I got mine inserted, I was personally worried about this. Hearing the stories about people gaining weight after starting to take pills made me nervous. I did a lot of research about it, and many women claimed they gained weight but in all the articles they were older women. I haven’t gained any weight so far, and haven’t had difficulties in losing it either.
9. Can a women that never had a baby get an IUD inserted?
As far as I know, I have never gotten pregnant, and much less had a baby.
10. Why IUD over birth control pills?
I am the kind of person that would always forget to take the pills,it was very risky. The pills would also make me very dry under there, besides making me gain weight. Moreover and most important, I don’t get my period with the IUD. In the end, it all comes down to personal choice.
11. Are there any dangers?
For everything in life there is danger.
12. Should I get one?
In my opinion, yes.
Additional sources:
Insider: 14 answers to the most uncomfortable IUD questions you were too embarrassed to ask