https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 11 May 2026 07:27:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706977 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:29:25 +0000 Revel 1706977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had a very positive experience with Paragard so far. Inserted almost a year ago at 10 weeks PP. Insertion wasn't comfortable but wasn't much worse than an annual exam. I spotted for maybe a few days and was a little crampy the first day or two. I'm still nursing and still (!) haven't gotten my cycle back, so I can't speak to how that will be. I've heard with Paragard cramps can be worse and it can be heavier, but assuming it isn't absolutely awful, I will take that over the hormonal side effects I experienced from the pill. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706888 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:00:35 +0000 gilmoregirl 1706888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the same place -- I'd really like to avoid anything hormonal, but I just can't pull the trigger on getting the Paraguard. Right now I'm 11 weeks out and just haven't done anything (like...anything. 3rd degree tear, not ready). So not helpful, but I can relate and I'll be reading along. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706878 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:56:43 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1706878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the same debate about getting the copper iud. I nixed the idea of Mirena right away because of how sensitive I am to hormonal options. Oral birth control makes me throw up daily. However my doc steered me toward the mirena anyway and I didn't regret it for a minute. (Except the minute after insertion! but having had a baby already this won't be as bad for you.) I had absolutely no negative side effects for 5 years. No moodiness, no break outs, no weight gain, no nausea. The only side effect I experienced was no menses. Which I thought I wouldn't prefer when I was considering a copper iud. But 5 years without cramps and pain was really worth it. I can't say how it affects breast milk production but I would guess it would be minimal because the hormones going through your system are so minimal. I think you should reconsider! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706866 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:53:58 +0000 AmeliaBedilia 1706866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had it for 13 months. Insertion was painful but quick (haven't had a baby yet, I've heard it is not that bad if you've given birth vaginally). Periods were very heavy and cramps were worse. It did improve some with time. I had it removed so we could start TTC.<br /> I would google IUD diva live journal- there is a ton of info about IUDs there and people's experiences. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706839 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:44:57 +0000 kml636 1706839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the copper IUD but before I had kids because I didn't want any hormones. I had no problems with it, other than it made my periods really painful and I had to live on Advil for about a week. Not sure if I will get it again or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706432 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 06:46:44 +0000 lamariniere 1706432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You sound exactly like me and have the same reasons for wanting non hormonal BC. </p> <p>I got the copper IUD in January at 8 weeks PP. Insertion was completely painless and extremely fast. I didn't feel dizzy or anything at all afterwards. I should mention mine is not the Paraguard brand since I got mine in Europe. Mine is made by the Bayer company and only good for 5 years instead of 10. </p> <p>The first week I had extremely heavy bleeding, it slowed down by day 5, but took about 8-9 days to completely stop. I think the iud jump started my period because I was (and still am)EBF. I started getting regular periods after the insertion. The first three periods were really heavy and longish with some spotting here and there. The last two have been noticeably lighter and shorter with less spotting, and seem more like my pre pregnancy periods. I'm hoping it continues like that. My doctor said to expect my body to take 3-6 months to adjust. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706421 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 06:27:43 +0000 looch 1706421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am glad you posted this, because I had the conversation with my OB a YEAR AGO now about IUDs. He's already said I am a good candidate for it and my insurance covers both hormomal and copper, so it's really just a matter of me going to get fitted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/copper-iud-experiences#post-1706399 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 06:01:35 +0000 Mae 1706399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I have my 6 week pp appointment next week and I'd like to make my decision on pp bc before that. And I hate all my options. </p> <p>I was on the pill for 11 years and didn't realize until I came off of it how much it sucked for me, and how much better I felt off of it.<br /> So I'd like to avoid anything with hormones. </p> <p>That includes Mirena, because I've heard some people still have issues with the hormones in that, and also that it can affect your milk supply which is something I already struggle with. </p> <p>So that basically leaves copper IUD or condoms as our birth control method (I am not comfortable thinking about NFP/temping until I'm sleeping more regularly). I am tempted by the copper IUD because it seems more full proof and we are QUITE SURE we do not want another baby for a good long time (if ever). But I feel like most of what I've heard about it has been lukewarm at best. </p> <p>So wondering--- if you have or had a copper IUD, what was your experience? </p>