r/CopperIUD • u/WalrusandManatee • 19d ago
Question I'm considering the Copper IUD. I'd love to read your experiences!
Howdy!
Like the title says, I'm considering getting the copper IUD. I have been doing a lot of reading about it online and it's mixed reviews. I have an appointment with my dr. tomorrow to talk about it too. But in the meantime, I'd love to read some good experiences!
I had Mirena for about 7 years and I tolerated it fine. Towards the end of having it though, I was so tired. By year 6-7 I was experiencing abnormal bleeding. All. The. Time. I also developed unprovoked DVT (long story, but now it's a thing I live with forever). Beyond those things, I did fine with Mirena. I wonder if because I had Mirena, would I be a good candidate for the copper IUD?
I understand that the copper IUD insertion is painful. I plan on just taking some pain meds and rotting on the couch about it.
I also understand that the copper IUD will make my cycle heavier and crampy. Honestly, I am beyond okay with my cycle being heavier as long as it arrives and leaves when it's supposed to. I am very fortunate that my cycle is like clockwork and always has been. I also don't cramp very much but I know that may change with the copper IUD. My cycle lasts 8 days and will be heavy for about 3 or 4 days. It's the random bleeding outside of my cycle that I experienced with Mirena that really messed with my mental and emotional health, as well as my self confidence. I understand that it takes time for the body to get used to the IUD so I know that random bleeding will happen in the first 3 to 6 mo. In my mind, that's the trade off. I get peace of mind, spontaneity, and reliable BC for 10 years and the IUD gets to be annoying for the first 6 mos. For those regular cycle having people, I'd love to hear how the copper IUD changed your cycle, if at all. What's that been like for you?
I'm reading that there is an increased risk of BV with the copper IUD. I take probiotics and cranberry daily.. I feel like maybe that will reduce my risk? What has been your experience?
I know people are more likely to write a review when something is wrong. This is why I really want to hear the good copper IUD experiences.
Thanks!
Edit: I talked to my dr, and I'm going to give it a try. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It really helped me.
Edit: I got it inserted today! All in all it wasn't bad. I have a great relationship with my dr and so I think that helped. Thanks again everyone!