ANother contraception question

[Cattypuss]

Me and he recently got tested for STDs with a view to stopping using condoms. We are both clear on the STD front, so the test results say. I've started using the diaphragm but (VERY long and dull story involving the near-impossibility of getting spermicide these days and the fact that I seem to be developing a mild allergy to it) am now looking at other options.

I want to avoid hormones (even localised ones e.g. in the Mirena) if at all possible (another long and dull story).

So the obvious candidate is an old-fashioned IUD (coil).

I'm 42, I've never been pregnant, I have a cycle that in recent years has gone from 28 days to 25-26 days, and my periods are medium heaviness and last around 5 days. I get about 24 to 36 hours' worth of intermittent cramping/aching that can be mild some months and bad enough to keep me awake at night other months.

If anyone has experience (positive or negative) with IUDs, I'd be really grateful to hear about it.

Thanks!

 

[graceanne]

My mom had an IUD for a very long time. She never had any problems with it that I know of.

 

[FurryFury]

I've had an IUD for 16 years. It was a little uncomfortable when it was inserted. I had a little spotting the next day. Other than that it's worked well with no downside that I'm aware of.

 

[PertPerth]

An IUD does sound like the way to go - they're not "scary" like they used to be, although, it may hurt a little as you've not had a baby. The biggest problem women have with the IUD is heavy bleeding - The progesterone IUD is better for that. It's a very low-dose hormone, so you might like to ask your doctor about the differences.

 

[Cattypuss]

Thanks all. My problem is that I'm an overweight clinical depressive with bad acne - and I once went on the mini-pill and to say it didn't agree with me is a massive understatement - apart from physical side-effects (weight gain and even worse acne), I got so incredibly depressed so incredibly quickly that within about three weeks I was actually suicidal. So anything with even a whisper of progestogen in it scares the pants off me.

I think I can cope with the idea of (slightly?) heavier, more painful periods. I have read on the net that even the copper coil can cause weight gain, spots and depression and this scares me.

Also, I like my penetration deep and rough, plus fisting etc - woud hope an IUD would not be a problem on that front...

 

[Keroin]

Thanks all. My problem is that I'm an overweight clinical depressive with bad acne - and I once went on the mini-pill and to say it didn't agree with me is a massive understatement - apart from physical side-effects (weight gain and even worse acne), I got so incredibly depressed so incredibly quickly that within about three weeks I was actually suicidal. So anything with even a whisper of progestogen in it scares the pants off me.

I think I can cope with the idea of (slightly?) heavier, more painful periods. I have read on the net that even the copper coil can cause weight gain, spots and depression and this scares me.

Also, I like my penetration deep and rough, plus fisting etc - woud hope an IUD would not be a problem on that front...

I had a copper iud for 7 years. Having it installed was not bad at all, though, for reference, I could sleep through a pap smear. I was a bit tender for a few days afterward. My cramps worsened but I would later discover I have endo and am prone to ovarian cysts, so I'm not sure if I'm the best model for this. Bleeding did not get heavier but periods went on for longer. No weight gain or spots. 100% effective as birth control. During very rough intercourse, I could feel it. More of a discomfort than a pain. No fisting, so I can't speak to that.

If I needed a contraceptive without hormones, a copper iud would be my choice.

 

[CutieMouse]

I had a copper iud for 7 years. Having it installed was not bad at all, though, for reference, I could sleep through a pap smear. I was a bit tender for a few days afterward. My cramps worsened but I would later discover I have endo and am prone to ovarian cysts, so I'm not sure if I'm the best model for this. Bleeding did not get heavier but periods went on for longer. No weight gain or spots. 100% effective as birth control. During very rough intercourse, I could feel it. More of a discomfort than a pain. No fisting, so I can't speak to that.

If I needed a contraceptive without hormones, a copper iud would be my choice.

I have a copper IUD, with similar experience. I do find myself spotting a bit around ovulation, and I my periods are closer to 7 days [than the previous 4]. I've been having alternating cycles (very heavy, very light) the last 6 months or so, but research I've done seems to indicate peri-menopause [something I'm happy about], so I don't think it's necessarily IUD related. There can be a bit of... discomfort during rough sex, but I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing. [ahem ]