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Copper IUD side effects

I had a copper iud put in a little over a year ago after my second child.  I experienced the side effects I was told could happen, worse cramps and heavier bleeding.  I am fine with these because my choice for birth control is very limited because I get blood clots and cannot take the pill.  

However, I am wondering if anyone has experienced a decrease in thier sex drive becasue of it.  I am only 29 years old, married to a very wonderful and attractive man, but honestly I could care less about sex.  I have been this way ever since I had my last child, which is also when i got the iud.  I just assumed it was because I had children and was so busy with them (I have a 2 1/2 year old and one that is almost 1 1/2).  I am starting to think it could also have something to do with the iud.  

I am considering getting it removed to see if this changes anything.  If anyone has experienced anything similiar to this I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks
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Avatar universal
Copper in anyone's body is toxic. It's just a matter of time before symptoms arise. Recently a friend had multiple tests done and the copper levels in her blood was off the charts. She is suffering from brain issues along with nervous system. Do blood work often! As I told my daughter it's important that both sexual partners take responsibility for birth control. She had a blood clot in her lung from the pill, now has a copper IUD which I am encouraging her to keep a very close eye on the side effects.  Wish she'd remove it tomorrow. Copper is not meant to be inserted into our reproductive organs. For a far amount of women this could be a health hazard.
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Avatar universal
Is IUD available in Canada??
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Avatar universal
Hello,
I had copper IUD for 6 years (inserted after my 2nd child). Everything seemed fine at first but after my 5th year I experienced bloating, weight gain, orange coated tongue, abnormal appearance of cherry angioma in short amount of time, depression and anxiety leading to eye twitching and a major hair loss which made me realize that my body is screaming for help. The hair loss is the most devastating.. I went to see a dermatologist before realizing it's the IUD and he was in a hurry to inject Kenalog shots to my head which I didn't agree with and didn't do. A lot of experts want their money and don't take an individual responsibility for their patients anymore.
I normally live a very healthy lifestyle and praying for fast recovery from this experience. The IUD is a foreign object in you and not everyone's body can accept it without side effects.
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Avatar universal
Hi iv gone through everything u just said, I got my copper iud inserted about 8years ago straight away I put on weight did not think it could be the iud was so sad about this as I was always slim. Mood swings, irregular periods and my sex drive literally disapaired. Well today after 8 years I have finally gotten it taken out and I already feel better in myself will let you all know how I get on.
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Avatar universal
I know this is from a very long time ago but just wondering if you got the iud removed and if it made a difference. I feel like you are describing me exactly. I have an appt to get mine out tomorrow.
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I read your post and was wondering how you feel since it was removed?  I have had mine for 4 years and am thinking about getting it out this week. I get headaches, neck aches, long 10+ day periods and bad PMS.  I hope you get this post. Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Hi I was exactly the same :) no pain on insertion and couldn't feel it (nor could my partner) this had me worried that maybe it wasn't in place, had my 6 week check and the nurse said everything is fine, she could see the strings. maybe some of us are just lucky :)
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I wonder if anyone can shed any light.... I had  copper iud fitted 8 yrs ago. I was told any side effects would soon disappear.  Now looking back Ive struggled with fatigue. Some days I cant function... brain fog. Anxiety. Panic attacks these past 2 years unbearable.  For the last yr I notice  scary palpitations around the time of my period. Hair loss and dizziness are my latest symptoms. My gp keeps saying its stress. Which I totally did not accept as am extremely happy. Gp ran tests came back neg for bloods. So gp said maybe I should go see a hypnotherapist!  Maybe I hiding bad deep feelings?? Laughable and totally dismayed and angry gp wont listen. I found online several symptoms caused by the copper iud.  I had it removed today. Am I going mad? Is my gp right? Or can it poss be the copper iud. i want to feel normal again.
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Avatar universal
symptoms of BV : thin, grayish, foul smelling vaginal discharge(fishy smell). typically caused by imbalance in vaginal PH. Can be treated with antibiotics. Prevented by using condoms, avoiding harsh scented soap to cleanse vagina and eating yogurt with live active cultures(if your not lactose intolerant)  not an STD. Hope this helps
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Avatar universal
I had the copper IUD inserted on July 4th 2013. I have experienced cramps (never used to get them) and excessive heavy bleeding for a few added days. My hormone levels haven't been any different from before the IUD. The discoloured discharge and yeast infections can bugger off..the joys of being a woman..we get the ****** end of the stick. The only good thing about this means of birth control is, I haven't gained any weight..I've lost it (and there isn't alot on me to lose as it is) and my sex drive has increased, I feel like a rabbit sometimes..

What are the symptoms of BV?
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Avatar universal
I had Copper IUD for about 3 years. Not a good experience. I so identify with a lot of the ladies that posted depression, horrible PMS forgetfulness. It really was not me at all. I also had extreme emotional ups and downs crying ect.. I had a hard time concentrating.. I have been without IUD for almost 2 weeks and feel so much better. I really hope I help someone going through symptoms.. I am so grateful to feel like myself again,,,,,,
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Avatar universal
I got the Paraguard inserted in June 2012 and have had weird issues ever since.  I started having gastro/entestinal problems a few months after insertion.  I feel like I'm having period cramps all the time... not just when ovulating or on my period.  My periods and discharge during ovulation are extremely heavy.  I also have discharge at random times of the month, a lot of times tinged with streaks of blood.  The bloody streaks just began a few months ago.  My question is, is this related to the IUD or could I have cancer?  I am beginning to worry now.
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Avatar universal
Irritability, Anger, acne, severe mood swings despite the antidepressant I am taking on a regular basis, higher blood pressure, weight gain and hair loss..I would never have thought this may be resulting my IUD I had inserted about 2 months ago!!! And I was sick and tired having my boyfriend not come into me, and now that he is I don't even feel any sex drive !!! This is insane!!
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Avatar universal
Thank you SO much for this suggestion. I've been having such serious PMS and depressive symptoms which are SO unlike me. I've had my copper IUD for a little over one year.

I'm struggling because I just cannot think of another birth control option that doesn't come with it's own set of issues, and condoms alone just doesn't seem smart or practical. I don't want to continue feeling this way, as I think it's starting to cause issues for me emotionally that will eventually effect my relationships, and I have such amazing people in my life - that's just not fair.

I'm going to give the B-12 a shot and cross my fingers!

Thank you!
K
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Avatar universal
WOW!! - I didn't know about any of these side effects when I received my copper IUD 13 yrs ago. It seemed a perfect fit for me even though my mother said I would never be able to keep it because she had issues and assumed I would too. I am currently 44 years old. I was 31 when I received my Copper T IUD 2 mos after my 3rd child was born November 1999. It was supposed to be removed after 10 yrs., but I went against my husband’s wishes and have continued to leave it in place for 3 more years. Due to his constant worry over the copper growing into my organs I ended up here. It appears that I want be proving him wrong by saying I told you so, instead I am questioning all my actions and disorders I suffered through over the past 13 years. I am currently wondering if my mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, heavy periods, depression, fatigue, etc.. Could all be related to this Copper IUD thing inside of me, rather than the fact that I am 44 and those things come with age. As terrified as I am about getting pregnant, I am more curious as to what changes I may experience when I do get this thing out of me. I want it removed asap and I'll come back to give you an update on how I feel after it’s been removed and had time to heal completely. Then I will be able to tell you if some of these issues were related to the IUD.I should know these answers around August 2013. Till then- I want know, but I will say that over these past 13 yrs. I have experienced extreme mood swings, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, and the obvious heavy periods that last for weeks. I never had a decrease in sex drive or an issue with weight gain/loss. I weigh the same as I did then. hum.....I'll be back!!
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Avatar universal
Anyone has abnormal cells during Pap smear with copper iud?
I had my copper iud for coming to 3 years after my 3rd child, recently I went for medical screening and found I was anemic and Pap smear result showed abnormal cells, dr said It could be the cause of iud, anyone can share?
I've been experiencing fatigue, weight gain and I didn't think it was the side effects of iud until I read this. The weight just can't be shed off and hubby has been complaining the thing poking him during sex, I also get bleeding and spotting.
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1 Comments
ive had a coil in for 10 years and  last year i had a smear which showed borderline abnormal cells i also have gained weight and even when i diet i still find it hard to shed the weight ,before my coil i used to loose weight quiet easily throw dieting .ive have since had my ten year coil removed and replaced with a new one but have very heavy bleeding lasting 7 days ,,last coil lasted 3 days and was very light
Avatar universal
Hi everyone, im hoping my experience will help those who come across this message board looking for some potential solutions.

Ive had my copper iud for a little over a year and had it inserted immediately after my surgical abortion (genius right? Lets just say my first period after was 12 days of hell)

Unfortunately, we still havent come across the perfect birth control with zero inconvenience and no side effects, but the non hormonal copper iud is the closest thing to perfection for me at least.  So before quitting on it, try these things first.  These things worked for me after A LOT of trial and error, but everyones different.  It requires paying attention to our bodies' responses and patience.  

Zinc: why? Its a copper antagonist to counteract the potential side effects of copper toxicity.  If you're experiencing, hairloss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, joint and body ache you may have it.  I take it once a day (50 mg) and bought a 100 capsules for $5 (vitamin shoppe brand for those wondering).  If you have one with selenium, even better.  B complex vitamins help as well, plus it balances the mood.
Menstrual cycle regularity
Vitex: (herbal supplement) why? To help balance my menstrual cycles, relieve cramps and decrease flooding and shortens the length of period.  After taking it in the morning, I expedon't experiencemping throughout the day.  The length of my menstrual bleeding kept decreasing over time and I became more regular.  Not sure if its due to this or my body adapted to the iud overtime.  You can get it at a natural health food store.  I bought mine for $13 for 60 capsules.
Amenia
Iron supplements AND B12 AND vitamin C
This is extremely important if you're anemic like me (and vegetarian to add) or experience "Horror Movie" like blood loss, or just heavier periods than normal.  If you're extremely fatigued, cant concentrate your iron level is probably on the lower end even if you havent been diagnosed with anemia.  Both B12 and vitamin C are important because iron cannot get properly absorbed otherwise and wont have any effect.  I take these (mostly In a multivitamin) everyday, but without fail during my period.
advil liquid gel (ibuprofen): why? it works the quickest and actually slows down the flow, better than tylenol (acetaminophen). Do not take aspirin since it makes your blood even thinner, need I say more?

I know this means you'd have to take supplements, contradicting the main reason why we got off oral contraceptives and opted for an iud.  But in this case, even if you do miss a supplement you're not increasing your risk of pregnancy.  Also, it doesn't hurt to supply your body with vitamins and minerals which gives you overall benefits.
Goodluck Everyone!
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Avatar universal
I have the Mirena I have had it since I had my twins at my 6week pp I had the twins may 12 12. The first maybe 4 mths was good I loved it. This was also my first birth control other than condom I also have a 2 1/2 year old who keep me and my husband busy but I had started having sharp chest pain and cramping at first then maybe the 5th month I started feeling preg. I don't want more kids now so got check it was neg. not to mention I got my first UTI   But over time I stilled felt preg. And tired but I never thought it could be my Mirena until I noticed my stomach kept getting bigger and bigger even tho. Me and my husband was working out together he lost 25 pounds and I lost only bout 2 in 3 mths my hair had started coming out 3 mths after having it inserted but not until last month I started to put 2 and 2 together u also was having bad migraine headache every other day it get so bad my eye sight get very blurry back pain and gained 20 pounds when I had my twins which was 6lbs 3oz and girl 6lbs1oz I got up to 197 with them and after having them I went back to my weight I was before which was 175 and bout 3 weeks after having them I was 169 after 6mths on Mirena I gained 20 pounds now it been bout 10 mths and I'm 200 pounds and my first child was born 9lbs 5oz I had c-section with both preg. I'm 25  I hate Mirena not to mention the DEPRESSION and mood swings and crying for no reason I have help for my husband and I have good kids that I have on a good schedule  I'm getting it removed tue 4 23 13 but every body is different because my Lil sis have it bout 4 year she said at first her cycle stayed on 4 mths straight she wanted it out dr said waited and she did and now she like it not love it she said the only thing is she gained bout 10-15 lbs nothing else but I hate it lol so u will have to try it yourself but I wouldn't recommend it  my dr say even after taking it out you will still have the side effect up until 6-12 mths until the hormones it out of your system that ***** I look 5mths preg because I still have a medium frame because I'm 5'6 thx all of y'all and just pray psalm 83:18  psalm 145:18 and don't listen when people may tell u that the IUD DON'T cause those problems you know your body and you are not crazy you would be if you notice these problem and still let this thing stay in you and know you are not alone it took me awhile to connect the dots but thank for my I phone the Internet  Get this thing out and let the dr. Know what harm it has called so they will know every one is not stupid we all can't have the same problem. Hope y'all well I hate so many have to go thru this just to get BC
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Avatar universal
I have the copper iud now and have been bleeding for months and haven't been able to have sex because of it I'm going to the doctor to have it taken out because its no fun bleeding all the damn time my man think something is wrong because I'm bleeding so much I have had this thing for three years now but it just started acting  up can't do this anymore pill here I come
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Avatar universal
I had a copper IUD put in late last year, and I had it in for about 5 months before I had it taken out again. I'm 22 and in a monogamous, long-term relationship. I'd taken birth control pills in the past, but they caused severe pms symptoms (which I had never had before), so I wanted to try something non-hormonal.

I was under a lot of stress during the time that I had the IUD in, so for awhile I was just blaming my emotional difficulties on my life circumstances. However, eventually I came to realize that my emotional reactions were becoming less and less normal and more and more intense. I was actually pretty crazy. Super depressed, crying a lot (not normal for me!), and just so off-kilter. Small things would upset me tremendously, and I cannot help but believe that the IUD was a good part of the cause. The pain and heavier periods were absolutely no fun, but I could have handled them if the IUD didn't have the added consequence of making me PSYCHO.

Additionally, I got my first ever yeast infection shortly after getting the IUD in, and each of the last three months I had it in, I got sick with colds, which also was not normal for me. Now I believe that was because I was not getting enough zinc due to the copper imbalance. Since I started taking zinc supplements (it's been almost a year) I have only been sick a normal amount (2-3 times). And guess what! I'm not nuts anymore!

I received no support for this hypothesis from doctors or my therapist. They say that because it has no hormones, it can't possibly influence negative change in your body. And it's a load of crap. It's influencing my menstruation (making my periods longer and more painful), so obviously it's doing something in there! People have an amazing lack of ability to think critically.

In case anyone's interested, I've found a good way to combat the residual pms that I've had on and off since trying the pill 4 years ago: vit B-12. It virtually destroys my pms symptoms. Nothing else has worked for me. *I'm also a vegetarian, so maybe it is only relevant to vegetarians? Veg's diets are supposed to be especially low in B-12.

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Avatar universal
oops I meant wasn't given the whole story***
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Avatar universal
I have had my IUD in for abt 4 1/2 years.... I decided to do it bc at the age of 20 I delivered my son still born  and was in a state of depression til nearly 25..... i then decided to get the IUD bc I wasn't sure about having any more children. Im now 29 now and from day one the IUD has done nothing but giving me worse periods and last sometimes 6 days or nearly all month, aches and pains, severe acne, bloating, mega weight gain (started out at 175 now 319!!!! OMG I know!! and I work out!!) , mood swings are an everyday thing, spotting between periods, or my fav is missed periods w bloating and sickness like pregnancy symptoms. I finally was able to talk to my doctor who is new at my doc office and she made an appointment for me immediately to have it removed! I asked her if this was normal to go thru pads every 20 to 30 mins and cough and have to change my pants and all the others symptoms, guess what she said NO!!! so after years of people telling me different and having a back and forth with my old doc I will be free of this horrid IUD!! my Fiancée and I have discussed the possibility of having a child , hes 33 no children and im 29 "no children" , and maybe its time... never hurts to try! Also did I mention that when I got this I was giving the whole "story" on it nor did I get a warning , so in conclusion , on Tuesday im free and if everything goes well im hoping for a chance to be a mommy again!!
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Avatar universal
you sure you are not part man...the things the these ladies are saying are real...i have had my copper iud for 5yrs(2007-2012)...got it in on my 6wk checkup...so didn't notice any side effects...but did a 10wk check up...complained to my OBGYN...she said i would have to work a little harder on my sex drive...which came so easy to me at 30yrs old...but i was happy to not be having a 5th child...so i have this thing that causes me to lose my religion on a daily basis...especially around 1wk before my cycle...i try hard with my sex drive...2-3 times a week...but anything more than that...i need some serious mood enhancements or gifts..or something...my husband  and i complains cycle lasts to long (7 days)..dread seeing it come...but the depression and angriness is so not me and tricky...i'm gonna watch for this...i knew something was wrong but didn't know what or how to stop it until after the fact...thought it was age...i have parted ways with a number of friends in the last 5yrs...got some apologies to make and remove this thing
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Avatar universal
My husband is asking me the same thing. For a year and a half (have the IUD inserted 2 years ago), I've been dealing with mood swings, anger, depression, crying from nothing, meanness, ZERO sex drive. I am in my late '30s, I always liked intimacy, it's SOOO strange....  I am a different person, even my kids are wondering what's going on with mom, if she got crazy. It's terrible. Terible.

I will make an appointment to have the IUD removed. Interestingly, NONE of this symptoms are on the "official" side effects. The pharmaceutical companies are screwing our health. I would like to sue them. Maybe we can get into a class action suit.
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