Copper IUD side effects

[skylee]

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

[cinnamonheart]

i would say your right, I would say its from the kids!!
Your busy busy busy  and the bedroom means sleeping
They also say though women's sex drive usually doesnt peak until 30-40

[boycrazy]

Ditto to Cinnamonheart!  Kids do make sex seem more like a chore.  I found that even more when I was working outside the home and trying to keep the house up, take care of kids etc.  it was chaotic and sex was the last thing on my mind.  However since staying home and having my kids (3-7,4,14 months) on a schedule, I have seen a definate increase in my libido.  My kids all go to bed no later than 8:30 pm (7:30 pm in the Winter) and they sleep until about 6:00 am or 6:30 am.  I found that in that two hours or so I have before I go to bed, I really enjoy spending time with my hubby and if he is not home (works 24 hr shifts), then I enjoy the time alone.  I paint my toe nails, eat ice cream, watch T.V., read, and just gather myself. Hopefully this will help you.  My friend told me when I had my first child "The best thing you can do for your kids is to nurture your relationship with your husband."  I believe her.  Good Luck.

[Still_AndiJ]

I have Mirena, the plastic one and other than the above mentioned stuff (KIDS) I have had no side effects. The copper one contains no medication at all. The plastic one, Mirena, contains small amounts of hormones, but not enough to cause any changes.

It is most likely due to kids. Especially if you feel hubby isn't helping with the kids, sometimes that turns into hidden resentment and lack of interest or attraction.

Sometimes kids just seems to make alone time impossible. If you haven't already, get them on a schedule and get them to bed around the same time. See if someone can watch them while you and dh go on a date, just the two of you.

Good luck!
Andrea

[skylee]

Thanks for all your feedback, I do appreciate it.  You are probalby right, it is the kids.  Especially since my oldest one has the energy level of 10 of me and runs me ragged everyday.  
Dh and me are actually getting away together this weekend for our anniversary, maybe this will bring a little spark back in me.  Thanks again.

[tliz37]

My IUD is gone! Does enyone know if it could have gone upward insread of out? My period has been like clock work before and since I got my IUD and now I have missed one. I was very ill for a week, I could not eat or even function for that matter. I feel better now, but I am very stressed about where this thing is. I cannot be pregnant because my husband has had a vasectomy.



Thanks, Trish

[LadyCain]

It may not be the IUD. When it comes to losing ur sex drive,i had lost mine after my first child.Just so that i could keep our relationship together,I would give him that kind of attention just to make him happy.Even though i just had my third child 7 wks ago,i still havent regained my sex drive. If i didnt care,we would probably only be intimate maybe four to five times a yr  lol


                                                                                  Kat

[sit]

Oh my god!!!!!!!!!!!!!, I have the same problem with mine. Since I have it inserted, my sexdrive has decreased, and I have yeast infection all the time.

I'm planning to talk to my doctor, and have it removed as soon as possible.

sit

[surfergirl10]

This year, I am having depression issues...real ones. Now I just had my Copper IUD inserted in august and these symptoms are increasing. I am journaling the week before my menstrual period I get really anxious and depressed. I am seeing a psych, but now I am wondering if it the IUD??? hmm - This was my last call, becasue everything else I have had a terrible response to. Thanks..please let meknow

[katsyko]

I am sure deppression and IUD are linked.In fact, look at all of the depressed women in tour 'developed'world today. I do not know about you, but I definitely believe that IUD's not only cause depresion, but since I have put mine in ?mona lisa' my orgasms are not at all what they used to be. Its like i get to a certain level, than I canot go  further. As time passes by I became more and frustated. No wonder I get so depressed. Its not normal. Not to mention that one of my breasts is always aching. I will take mine out this week. There is something truely fishy about all of this.

[mai_martin]

I had a copper IUD, I definitely experienced cramps, heavy bleading during my menstrual period, acne problem & i've seen a difference with my attitude too. Im always tired and always moody. Im considering of just taking birth control pills an dget rid of this IUD.

[lesley1l]

i got a copper one inserted 3 weeks ago, its the first time i have had the coil, my baby is 4 months old. i was due my period 7 days ago and im paranoid im pregnant!! which is my idea of hell at the moment, has this happened to any one or is this normal????  i wasnt told my periods would be irregular.

[mel360]

Finally, somone going through the same thing i am, I am 100% sure that all of this is from the IUD, i got the copper IUD when my son was 3 weeks old.... i am a completely different person, i hate myself most of the time, i cant raise my kids right and i am so not interested in sex anymore.... I used to be so  exited about sex, life, my kids, and now my world has seemed to just STOP... i have been fighting with my husband to remove it and we are going to remove it in a few weeks, i am so exited although i dont know what i will do not to get pregnant.... i will never get ANY IUD again... i have had the worst year of my life i am only 21 and my son is13 months.
thanks for all your comments they have helped so much...

[elipse71]

I am 37 yrs. old, have five kids ages 18 yrs.- 18mos., and I am a hard-working professional. I have tried almost every type of birth control method out there. I have had the copper IUD for about a year and have gone through monthly mood swings and put on about 10 extra lbs. BUT, my periods are now lighter and lasts only a few days and although my sex drive did decrease somewhat, the freedom the IUD has given me from unwanted pregnancies makes it worth all the bad side effects!!! Ask yourselves what most important to you...if you'd rather deal with a few side effects or lots more kids to raise for 18-21 yrs of your life.

[TCDC]

I have no kids, but I have a copper IUD. My sex drive hasn't changed at all since I've gotten it.  In fact, it may be better because I don't have to worry about having any type of birth control on hand and can be more spontaneous.  

However, there is the possibility that people can have a copper allergy or  Wilson's Disease.  This can cause skin rashes, joint aches, and liver damage.  Just be aware of it.  

[msolis2422]

I am 35 mother of a 13 and 3 yr old,  I was on the pill for along time and one yearly pap visit they offered me a different method I thought too good to be true and tried it (the patch) and thats how I got pregnant with my 3yr old. Right after I had her, I knew that with a preteen and a baby I would remember to take the pill so I tried the shots 1 every three months, after my second shot I realized I was gaining too much weight 20+ pounds, so I got off and went back to the pill.  Then with age and what nots- my mood swings were turning to rage, I think your body can only tolerate so much hormones. So here I am with the copper IUD insert date 5-5-08 the first couple of weeks I was paranoid having something inside me, every ache I though I was getting and infection of some kind.  Then there was sex, I couldn't be on top or doggy style,  it would hurt, I could feel him hitting the IUD and the IUD hitting me, after a couple of tries I started making excuses to him about not wanting sex.  Then after my first period, which was much heavier and longer than the norm( my periods consists of one semi heavy day & two spotting days= 3 total days).  After that sex was great, hell it was better.  But now I just had my second period with it ,  8 extreemeely heavy days & 2 of those days I had fever, migraine headaches & my lower back has been aching tremendously.   And here I am looking up side effects on the IUD and considering getting it taken out.

[Sarem]

Hi
I am 38 and a mother of 4 kids. 19yrs to 11yrs. I have had an IUD for the last 5 years and loved it. Initially, I bled a lot but then my homeopath, who is a registered GP treated me to control the bleeding. All in all I have had no side effects until last Friday when I had the first one taken out and replaced with a new one. I have been nauseous, lightheaded and slightly feverish for the last 3 days. My gynae checked it again this morning and it is in place. She is running blood tests to see what is wrong.I need answers and checking out other sites.

[jsjas7983]

I had an IUD put in last December (copper one) and I've not noticed too many side effects. My periods have become extremely heavy, but that's how they were before I took the Pill. My mother had Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer, so I DO NOT need any extra estrogen in my body. That's why I'm off the Pill.

I worry a lot about it becoming imbedded. I often times wonder if we should avoid certain sexual positions (like me on top) so as not to disturb the placement of the IUD. I've never had children, but plan to start trying next summer. I am so worried I am going to mess it up and become infertile.

Does anyone have any info. on this?

[jenstam]

I have a copper IUD but have had children. The chances of it dislodging or coming out are slightly greater for someone who has never had children, but still not all that common. You do not need to worry about certain sexual positions. Always make sure you check for the strings mid cycle each month. This is a great way to know that it is where it should be. Heavier periods are normal with this IUD. Mine are very heavy also. IMO, this is a "side effect" that is very easy to deal with instead of dealing with artificial hormones to control my cycle. I love that I still ovulate and have a regular, normal, hormone free cycle. What other side effects do you have?

[jsjas7983]

Other than the heavier cycles and cramps, I really don't have other side effects. I have had it for about 7 months now and the cycles are becoming gradually lighter. The cramps are sometimes unreal, though! They pass quickly, but goodness, are they rough. I do notice that I spot for a week or so after my cycle. It's all totally worth it to me, though. I would much rather deal with this than have all the hormones in me. I didn't realize how much the Pill was affecting my moods until I got off of them. I was never really moody or suffered from PMS, but I noticed a change when I got off the Pill.

[Twinkyy]

Hi, I am a 29 year old, wife, medical student and a mother of a 1year old, I have had the IUD inserted about 5 months ago, and lately I have been depressed and have arousal problmes, for the first few months sex was great, it was just the heavy bleeding that lasts fuive days. lately I have had some discomfort and I can't seem to be aroused, no matter how much I would want to have sex, is it the IUD or am I just stressed?

[Twinkyy]

Hi, I am a 29 year old, wife, medical student and a mother of a 1year old, I have had the IUD inserted about 5 months ago, and lately I have been depressed and have arousal problmes, for the first few months sex was great, it was just the heavy bleeding that lasts fuive days. lately I have had some discomfort and I can't seem to be aroused, no matter how much I would want to have sex, is it the IUD or am I just stressed?

[real23]

my women has had it 4 a year now, and all the things i hearing on here its her crazy moods, attitube, cramp, periods are u kinding none but spots we need more awareness to this depression, this iud is not from god so i guess that sums it up! peace

[grassynymph]

I'm 19, have 2 kids, the last one is only 2 months old. I got the copper IUD put in at my 6 week postpartum check-up. my sex drive has gone up but at the same time, my ability to achieve orgasms has significantly gone down. maybe that's why my sex drive has increased, because i can never satisfy myself anymore, not having orgasms. My husband and i always had a great sex life, never had problems satisfying eachother. Now i always find myself in the middle of the act and not enjoying it, not feeling anything! this in result has started to depress me. I dont think the lack of sexual sensation is due to my kids. i'm a stay-at-home mom and i dont feel they stress me out enough to affect my sexual drive (at least not yet). help!!

[grassynymph]

also, id like to hear from anyone who has used the copper IUD and had kids after using it... were there any complications in those pregnancies or birth defects?

[jsjas7983]

Well, honestly, I didn't notice a drop in sex drive after the IUD. Perhaps you can't achieve orgasm for some other reasons? It's a tricky thing and it's easy to stress over. The only thing that affected my sex drive was the worrying of whether or not we were messing it up or if I would embed it during sex. After speaking with my doctor about this, my anxieties are gone. I got mine 9 months ago and I finally feel like I am back to normal. I still have horrendous cramps, though.
To the man that posted about his wife: is she using Paragard or Mirena? The only reason I ask is b/c Mirena uses a small amount of estrogen/progestin to act as a birth control. Some women feel this effect and it may cause mood swings, etc.
And this is going to open a whole  new can of worms, but I recently heard something about IUD and I'm not sure if it's true. I was listening to a radio airing saying that IUDs actually can abort a conceived child. It doesn't prevent (like a Pill or diaphragm, etc.), it actually deals with the pregnancy by basically making the environment uninhabitable for an embryo. Is there any truth to this? It seems right to me, but something makes me very uneasy when I start to think that I could have actually conceived a child, but my IUD terminated it. I had a friend get pregnant twice on the IUD, but she miscarried (obviously). Has anyone ever heard of this?

[Sigma971]

Has anyone had any change in the smell of your normal discharge. I have never had a problem with this before but since I got the copper IUD my discharge smells a little diffrernt. Should I be concerned? There is no irritation with this smell.

[myrnakavitch]

I also have the copper IUD and was looking into side effects to see if it was a result of the implant.  I have been having discharge and odor problems as well and they definitely seem cyclical.  I was wondering if they were caused by the IUD as well.

[twentiesinhelp]

I have had the copper IUD for about a year now, and i am really lookign into finding otu the side effects of it, there is so much the doctor can tell you compared to what other women  like me have experienced. My periods have being hell! however this is not something that aggrivates me since i preffer that than to be pregnant at this point of my life, however, there is something else, i want to know if the reason for my lack of interest towards sex has decreased or if it is true aboyut hte yeast infections that it can cause. i have notices a substance discharse with a brownish color that hightly bothers me and this is probably why i dotn want to have sex cuz im affraid the fluid will be there!!!! i want advice! i dont know if getting rid of it! i cant do hormones.. i am quite frustrated ! :(

[sandra373]

I am 25 years old and have an 18 month old, I'm a stay at home mom and I too have been having many of the same symptoms that a lot of you are having... low sex drive, mood swings, depression, heavy periods, discharge with a different odor. I got my IUD put in about a year ago and wonder if this is the cause of everything or could it be post partum depression? ...then again that wouldn't explain the discharge but it could explain the rest of my symptopms. I'm seeing someone now for the depression, but I'm wondering if the copper IUD is the cause??? The reason why I even got that one inserted was because they said it was non hormonal. Is it possible we are all suffering from some sort of depression or is the IUD to blame??? I'm interested to know your feed back...I'm so considering taking it out now!

[Edrie]

I saw this posted on a website about side effects of IUDs:

The Mirena IUD can cause ovarian cysts. Some women using the Mirena stop bleeding altogether. Usually their menstrual periods return when the IUD is removed. Mirena can cause weight gain, headaches, increased blood pressure, acne, depression, and decrease in sex drive.

Also, I have repeatedly seen information that states if you have a strange fluid or odor coming from you vagina, you should get in touch with your health care provider.

[momw2]

I had the copper IUD placed 10 mon ago.  I have intense cramping on the first to second day of my cycle.  Especially on the right or left side of where my uterus is located.
I also have noticed a different smell in my discharge but only in last several months.  
My bleeding has gotten heavier since going off the pill.  This does not help the anemia problem that I have been battling for over a year.  
I did want to ask if anyone else with an IUD noticed an increase in the amount and the consistency of their discharge in between their cycles?  I always have clear-ish, thick snotty looking discharge and it is always tinged with blood or brownish.
Also I noticed that I sometimes bleed/spot for a day or two after having sex.
If I am the only one experiencing this I need to call my doctor.  Otherwise is will just be nice to know that I am not the only one.

Thanks Ladies!

[tamara12]

I am a 38 year old with 2 children aged 5 and 3 years. I recently had the copper iud removed after having it for 1 year. In this year I experienced weight gain, depression and low libido. What I found was that in the week before my peiod I felt very low, and found myself having very dark, miserable thoughts. I am not an unhappy person in general. Also, little things would really annoy me, and it felt like if I didn't vent my frustration in those moments, I would just burst. It was like a real internal pressure of mood. I am wondering if anybody else has experienced similar restlessness with it. I am happy to say that I have had it out for a couple of months and I feel so much happier. I am not experiencing the lows in that week before my period to that intensity.

[lovedrum]

Yes! I couldn't believe I hadn't attributed these things to my copper IUD. I have had all the signs depression, horrible acne on my face, neck and behind my ears and low sex drive, and worst of all I have gotten a "spare tire" that I have NEVER had and cannot get rid of. It was driving me crazy, because I wasn't suspecting the IUD. I just kept thinking that maybe it was because I was getting older (which I knew in my heart isn't the reason), stress (which wasn't any different than before) or something else. I wasn't suspecting it because it has "no hormones" so I figured it couldn't cause any problems! I am a smart girl, getting my Nurse Practitioner Masters in Women's Health, how could I not think of this!!! I also notice some people on certain posts saying things like "if you're gaining weight, watch your diet" any snotty stuff like that, which cracks me up because I don't know many women that aren't aware of their diet! You know when you are making bad choices about food and ignoring exercise, and I wasn't doing any of things! Like I said, I am in school for that, so I am aware! I wasn't necessarily gaining much weight, but it was redistributing on my body, to my stomach, and I felt myself getting wider? Am I crazy? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. AK

[fmc26]

I had mirena coil for two years and i experienced increasing side effects. I got really bad mood swings, felt tired a lot, lower back pain and my sex drive had decreased. I also had a few episodes when i nearly wet myself because my bladder control has become weak (im 26 and have no kids). My memory increasingly became rather fuzzy and my eyesight started playing tricks on me as well. I also got frequent periods of anxiety that i never used to have. On the plus side my periods became lighter even though they were more painful and I slept a lot better (maybe due to the tiredness). After reading about the experiences of other women, i pulled my mirena out myself. This was a month ago and i am already feeling really great, my sex drive has sky-rocketed, no more back pain and i have lots more energy. Even my memory has improved.

[valkilmer]

Oh My God! I am so glad I decided to look up on the IUD. I can relate to so many of these side effects. I put in my IUD in June 2006, and by Nov 2006 I had gained quite a bit of weight, a weight I have never been even when I was preggies. I have two kids at 9 and 7 now. And  its time this year June to remove it. I am planning to have my third child and decided to check up on its effect after use.
I can so relate to the heavy bleeding ( I had period for 12 days on the first month and ever since it has been about 7 or 8 days and generally very heavy flow for 2 days) something I am not used to. I also have been gaining weight no matter what I do ( I exercise regularly and watch my food) and its centered around my mid riff mostly. My water retention is also very high. And last year Istarted getting very temperamental and depressed easily. Nowadays I am very demotivated because I am tired all the time and feel weak most days. I will have a surge of energy when I exercise and then the next day will be back to square one.
I have looked for answers everywhere and as far as the medical field is concerned I am in the pink of health but I cant say I feel the same.
I decided to go and remove my IUD this week but worried about unwanted pregnancies, I cant handle anymore abortions. Any effective suggestions?

[unknowen]

I had a copper iud put in about a year ago. Im wondering if bloating and gaining weight is a side effect. I always feel like im bloated. I also have gained 15lbs since having it put it. No real changes in my life style and im wondering if this can be from the copper iud. I have an appt. to get it out on mon. but would like some input before then.

[Reede]

I've had my copper IUD for a year and since I stopped breast feeding 8 months ago, I've noticed a distinct decrease in sex drive and a marked increase in mood swings, fatigue and irritability.  I have 2 small children whom I love to be with, a wonderful husband, and, frankly, a fantastic life as a stay at home mom, yet I find I am constantly irritated by the smallest things for about 3 weeks of the month.  The only somewhat good week is the week after my period.  My husband has really noticed the changes and has been very supportive but that hasn't helped at all.  I'm having my IUD removed and I'm going back on the pill, which is what I was trying to get away from.  However, we clearly do not want more children and neither of us wants to do anything permanent, so this feels like my only option.  I was so relieved to read all the other comments about similar reactions from other women, on this site and many others.  Good luck everyone.

[crystal9766]

i have had a iud and my legs have swelled up so bas ankels. ive got bad anxitey attacks weight gain im know on disabilty for a year they dont know what it is i still have the iud in and i was wondering if maybe this is the problem has any one had any swelling in yous ankels

[MrsSmiley]

I am a 28 mother of two. My kids are 15 months apart so you can see why I wanted a good bc.  I didn't want to get a bc with hormone because with my age when I am ready to try for another baby I don't want to have to wait a long time to conceive.  I have had the copper iud for a little over a year, and I have to say it has been pure Hell!! I've gained weight,low sex drive, depression, and I am on my period all the time! I don't know if any of this has anything to do with the iud but I am starting to wonder.  In the begining it was fine a little heavy periiods but nothing i've never experienced before, but about 6 mths ago my periods became really irregular.  I started spotting it lasted for about 3 weeks,then heavy bleeding w/ clots for about a month.  I went to the doctor he gave me some pills to take for a week to regulate and he said they should get back to normal.  I had one normal period and now once again I have been bleeding for 2 mths, I am calling this morn to make a app and possibly have the iud removed.  Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[llfranklin]

I too have had my copper IUD for almost 2 years and I have no sex drive either, I have also experienced depression, I have gained about 10 lbs and my period never comes on time, I usually get every 35 days or so.
I was someone who always had my period on time, didn't gain weight easily, and generally loved myself. It has been 37 days since my last period ....... I get the bloating .. worse then ever before, but the period just doesn't come and when it does it is either so incredibly bad I have feel like I'm going to pass out from blood loss or its so faint, all I use is a light pad for a day or two. I am really considering having mine removed.

[clinky]

I have had my IUD for like 3 years and it has never caused me problems until now. I have not had my period in ten days, I rarely bleed at all when it comes. I just have big clots. My sex drive is gone and I cannot seem to have an orgasam. Also, I have had a UTI now for like 2 weeks

[trejo_yasmin]

Hi

I've had my IUD now for just under a year and i am freaking out because i am 2 weeks late, i have pregnancy like symptomps such as tender breasts, nausea, and feeling tired all the time...i can't get a doctor's appointment for another few days but i'm stressing out now about the possibility of being pregnant...did anyone find they had these side effects including late periods??? HELP!!!

[NY37]

Hi everyone, I have been on IUD for over 3 years and have experienced heavier periods and unberable cramps.

However, even worse, I have just heard from a few ladies that IUD can cause ectopic pregnancy.I am soon going to get my IUD removed.

As for sex drive, I think it comes from having a child rather than from IUD as I have never lost my sex drive since I had IUD.

Biologically, sex is for reproduction. Once a woman has a baby, the purpose of having sex is finished. So off course, we should/could feel less like having sex.

It could also be caused by not being with the right man. I have been in a relationship with a man for 1.5 years and a few months ago, I realised that he was not the right man. Not long after that, I stopped enjoying having sex with him. So I stopped having sex with him.

[jammerz]

I've had my copper IUD in for about 4 months--I've always been ridiculously skinny, but I've started to get a really weird "spare tire" that I can't seem to get rid of. I attributed to getting older (though I've only just turned 24) and started running 6 miles a day and nothing helps. On top of that I've started to get crippling anxiety, and although I am the happiest that I have ever been in my life, I find myself insanely depressed. I need to get this IUD out! Thanks for sharing all of your stories, I wouldn't have put the pieces together without them.

[ellie407]

im getting my iud out to day (YOOOOO ) hate this thing in side me im havin al these problems but the thing that bugs the hell outa me i have a real bad oder (down below) an cant let me hubby of 10 yrs near me as im inbarresed no matter hi many tym i wash its ther, i kept putting of geting it out as i dnt want any more kids but jus cant cope the it geting me down an gaining weight ,,,,,,,,,,,,DRIVES ME UP THE WALLS  

[beautiful19791998]

i have the cooper IUD for 7 years and it works beautifully. I'm 29 yrs old with 3 children. my cramps hurt more i bleed alittle longer but it's work not pushing out no 7pd baby.

[jk123101]

I've only had the copper IUD for 2 weeks now..and already i'm beginning to worry. Since the day of insertion i haven't stopped bleeding..and its ALOT of bleeding. i was previously on the depo for 1.5 years and therefore i am not used to having such intense periods. The cramping is unbearable and lately i have been depressed...a bit suicidal...and my best friend and i have had our first real fight due to these depressed feelings (if that has anything to do with the IUD). The doctor was worried about the placement of the IUD so i have an ultrasound scheduled in 2 weeks..i dont know if its even worth waiting that long with some of the stories i've read on here. All i've heard is bad news..is there any positive outcomes (other than not getting pregnant) that i can maybe look forward to? otherwise i'm getting this thing out and i'll have spent 160 bucks for nothing. The doctor said no side effects other than heavier bleeding, cramping, and longer periods..she never mentioned anything about depression. I thought that was the point of having copper instead of hormones..it wouldn't cause stuff like that! AND I've only had it for 2 weeks!

[MJ420]

I am 32yr old and had the copper IUD for 3 days.  It seems unbearable.  Doc told me to take 4 Advil every 6 hours and come back in 2 weeks.  Before the six hours is up I can bearly walk from the cramps.  Not sure I can handle this.  From all your comments only seems like it gets worse.  I think I am going to get it removed and take my husband up on his offer to get himself fixed.  It just does not seem natural and it *****!  Best of luck to you all (and myself).

[cristal987]

To everyone with a copper iud. I have to say that i have had this for 4 years now and i was always a healty weight of 120 pounds even after having my son. And healthy in general since getting the iud i've noticed worse allergies and i get sick more often, and i have not changed my diet and i excercise regularly also i've had skin rashes. I recently looked up some info on excess levels of copper and the effects it has on your body and i now believe that the iud is the cause of my immune system being compromised along with other side effects. It was the only thing that changed and i don't know how i didnt put it together before! Your body is in perfect balance with the certain elements it needs and when you throw an added unnatural element in that throws the whole balance off! hence the yeast infectons and bacterial infections.  I must add i had NEVER had either before getting an iud, and the first year i got them all the time...I urge you to research copper toxicity and get your iud removed..As i am going to as soon as possible! Although i dont know what i will use for birth control after since i do not want to have any more children at the moment. But also my health and wellbeing is most important at the moment.  here is a link to excess amounts of copper.....http://www.arltma.com/CopperToxDoc.htm

[FAT73]

I am 37 years old and I had IUD (COPPER) jun 7 2009 ,and i am having  problam trable of hart beet from last month,if some one having a same proble.

[Sam520]

i am 32 w/ 2 kids after 2 months of my delivery i have a copper iud inserted. few weeks i expereince severe lower back pain the following month i had my period very heavy which my Dr. told me its normal but my problem after 2months i expereince severe abdominal pain in my upper right quadrant are anyone of you expereince this after iud insertion? is iud can cause liver damage please let me know coz i'm planning to take out my iud as soon as possible. what family planning is best i dont want yet to pregnant again.

[INEZ1972]

Today is my 2 weeks after my iud insertion. When I had my insertion done, I was on my 5th day menstrual period. Right after that my menses prolong and it hasnt stop till now. I am prepared because the gynae has told me that I may have heavier bleeding and cramps. But I dont suffer cramps but yes a little heavier menses.
Few hours after my insertion of IUD, I immediately had sex. My partner seems dont mind with the bleeding and we have it almost everyday. I am glad that our sex life is normal despite my prolong menses and its definitely worth sacrifice to this iud insertion and main concern is to those unwanted pregnancies.
So far I have not experienced low sex drive, gain weight or mood swings.
For those women out there, hope its just stress that these changes occur!

[DetKikka]

Ladies, thank you so much for sharing your stories!  It's great to know  I am not alone in this!

My copper IUD was inserted almost three years ago after bad reactions to hormonal birth control.  The first few months were not easy.  Adjusting to the feeling (it seemed like I could always feel it) and the heavier bleeding was rough, though my cycles are now like clockwork.  I have also experienced a HUGE decrease in ex drive (age 27 with no kids).  I have developed some acne, and always feel lethargic.

Here's the strangest part, though.  Shortly after the IUD insertion, I started getting hives regularly, and developed several food issues-  including gluten, lactose and mild nut allergies.  Because of this I've actually lost 35 lbs, but that's due to a severely limited diet.  Has anyone else experienced what could be considered an autoimmune reaction to their IUD?

I'm making an appointment tomorrow to talk to my doctor about the copper issues described above.  

Once again, thanks for sharing!

[regina777]

Had my copper IUD removed two days ago in order to get pregnant again.  No pain during removal - just like a pap exam.  Slight spotting afterwards.  However, I'll never use it again.  I thought my low sex drive was just me but perhaps there is a connection there based on the large volume of reports here.  The piece of advice I'd give women is try NFP - it takes time but extremely effective when used properly.  No hormones, chemicals or foreign objects messing with our bodies.  That's our plan for the future after God hopefully blesses us with another healthy child.  Good luck to you all.

[kazzieb]

dear regina, please advise what is NFP? i am also experiencing problems with my IUD (copper) after 8 months and thinking about getting it removed......yet the whole reason for using this device for contraception was so i did not need to use artificial hormones, something i wish to avoid. i would much appreciate any information or leads to information. Regards.

[mleroux36]

I have been using an IUD since 1997 (had it changed about 3 times during that time.  In 2006 I had part of my cervex removed due to abnormal cells and then had my IUD re-inserted a few weeks later.

At the beginning of this year I had my IUD removed due to several reoccuring infections.  I have been on no contraception since then. However, I have never fallen pregnant.  Also, I have only been a regular 28 day cycle on about 2 occasions since the removal.  Most of the time I have been overdue anywhere fro 2 - 13 days overdue.

What is the reason as I used to be like clockwork before the IUD and during?

Ive done pregancy tests last week and says negative.

[Cat3773]

I've heard that all the side effects everyone is talking about can be caused after you have a child too.  Having a baby severely upsets your hormones natural balance.  Naturally a mother's sex drive can go down and there is a high chance that the depression is postpartum.  If you have had the IUD inserted right after you have had a baby, you could easily mistake certain 'side-effects' for what the body is naturally going through.

[AlikaTara]

This is sooo confusing and it feels like a coin toss at the end of the day! Cause some are happy some are very unhappy but i guess the unhappy would report more often than the Happy ones! So how many are happy and how many arent? Mystery?
Ally

[Jwhitton]

Wow, i didnt know that anybody had the same side affects as me!!! Lets see ive had it in a year... and i feel sick and tired and moody all the time!! The only great thing about it is that i havent gotten pregnant. I have a 2 year old and at times i just cant handle dealing with someone else exspeacially when im on my period or about to start. Before i got the iud i dont really remember being sick or feeling tired or just unmotivatied. My sex drive has not gone down, but there are certain positions i can not do.. I have to take iron pills when im on my cycle.I feel like everytime im on my period, its like im losing as much blood as i did when i gave birth. My migraines are so bed im in bed for days. I always tell the doctor that when i have sex i can feel it polk my pelvis... but she says it not possiable.. But honestly after reading all these comments i am definatly taking it out. Im tired of feeling like **** all the time. I have no motivation and my mood swings are really bad. I feel like i hate everyone and everything when its that time of the month..

[kate491]

I had the most AGONIZING cramps with the copper IUD. I never got cramps before, and I haven't had them since. They were so terrible. But the worst part was, the IUD destroyed my vagina's bacteria, so I had a yeast infection for EIGHT months. Countless prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, douching, etc. didn't work. I got the damned IUD out and the infection cleared up on its own a week later. Try other options, cuz I don't think that much copper is good for us.

[mikka15]

i belive it is the iud that made me loose my sex drive. I just got the iud a month ago and i have not been in the mood to do anything i have also been have really bad pains so i belive i made the wrong descion in have the copper iud inserted in my body.Oh yeah and most important i took a pregnancy test and i am pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!worst choice ever

[Loobz79]

Hi all, I have 4 kids age 5-12 and I had the copper IUD fitted a year ago, after the doctor recommended it as the pill was causing me seriously heavy periods and i had tried numerous pills. Ever since my periods are bearly there, which i suppose is a good thing but I am snapping constantly at the smallest things, my sex drive has virtually disappeared, (which is putting a great strain on my relationship) and I have also gained quite a lot of weight (only around my middle though) that i cant seem to shift at all.  At first the idea that the coil could have caused this never entered my head as the copper coil doesn't release any hormones - but everything else in my lifestyle has remained the same and after reading all your comments on here im starting to believe it is the coil that is causing all this and im seriously thinking of having it removed!!  Does anyone truly believe the coil is to blame??

Thanks for reading
Lisa

[Jnicole345]

It is a DEf* known fact that after pregnancy all women suffer some type of Postpatum depression.

•Postpartum depression is depression that occurs soon after having a baby. Some health professionals call it postpartum nonpsychotic depression.

◦This condition occurs in about 10-20% of women, usually within a few months of delivery.

◦Symptoms can include inability to sleep, agitation, and mood swings.

◦Risk factors include previous major depression, psychosocial stress, inadequate social support, and previous premenstrual dysphoric disorder (see premenstrual syndrome for more information).

◦Symptoms include depressed mood, tearfulness, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, trouble sleeping, fatigue, appetite problems, suicidal thoughts, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, and impaired concentration.

◦If you experience postpartum depression, you may worry about the baby's health and well-being. You may have negative thoughts about the baby and fears about harming the infant (although women who have these thoughts rarely act on them).

◦Postpartum depression interferes with a woman's ability to care for her baby.

◦When a woman with severe postpartum depression becomes suicidal, she may consider killing her infant and young children, not from anger, but from a desire not to abandon them.

•Postpartum (puerperal) psychosis is the most serious postpartum disorder. It requires immediate treatment.


No specific cause of postpartum depression has been found.


•Hormone imbalance is thought to play a role.

◦Levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol fall dramatically within 48 hours after delivery.

◦Women who go on to develop postpartum depression may be more sensitive to these hormonal changes

  Postpartum could effect your sex life in a major way ... you lose all sex drive and the ability to perform as useual ... this also might effect your relationship with your mate and cause marriage problems.. it also can effect work and your employers..




All Maynot apply to you but believe me a lot of women is goin through these symptoms right now...so if you kno someone who feels like this contact there doctor ASAP..

[mbreshears]

I have had my copper iud in for four months now, and I have experienced very similar side affects.  My sex drive has disappeared.  I had a baby 6 1/2 months ago, my third child.  Prior to the iud, our sex life was the best it has ever been.  No issues with orgasm, a healthy desire, etc.  Now, I want to have sex but my body doesn't seem to get aroused, and if I do, the orgasm seems to disappear before it occurs.  I have had bloating and terrible PMS for up to two weeks before my period.  And the depression, nasty thoughts, just general feeling terrible and getting irritated at every little thing! Thank God my children are forgiving!  I did experience a little bit of depression post partum, but a lot of it had to do with fears of moving to a new stage in life and possibly not having any more kids. It was going away, and this is definitely different.  Cyclical.  Seriously praying about getting this thing taken out.  Right now I have had spotting for the last week, one week before my period was supposed to come, so we will see how long it lasts and if a real period starts.  Also the heavier bleeding (which was bad enough) I have 3 or four days where I will go through an ultra thin regular or overnight pad AND super plus tampon in an hour or two, tapering to four hours in the middle of the period.  Lasts about 8+ days too.

[catknapp]

Hi everyone - not sure how to post on this forum (hoping I'm doing it right) but I had the copper IUD for 3 years and while on it I loved it - I never had any problems other than heavier than normal bleeding for the first 6 months and painful cramps but after about a year the cramps had decreased in intensity.  I never had painful or heavy periods before and my sex drive never decreased, I never gained weight or became moody and I never felt it while having sex, nothing.  I also haven't had any children yet.  I had it removed in September of 09 because my husband and I wanted to start trying.  About a year ago (Nov 08) I did start having some abdominal pain in the upper right hand part of my stomach and I went to the doctor and over the course of many months I had a CT scan, abd ultrasound, blood tests, a HIDA scan (where they test your gallbladder) - doctors were positive it was my gallbladder but everything came back normal.  It was an intermittent type of pain that came and went and decreased/increased in intensity and was sporadic - basically no rhyme or reason for it and I was worried because I wanted to start a family but didn't know where this pain was coming from and worried I had cancer.  After getting my IUD out in September 09 I haven't experienced this pain since and I suspect it had something to do with the IUD and the copper in it.  I've read that it can cause an excess of copper in your body so perhaps thats it.  I'm relieved its gone and I just wanted to post my story in case anyone else experienced it.  

Also I'm a proponent of natural birth control.  Its called fertility awareness and if you're interested in it just google it.  You don't need hormones or condoms or IUDs or diaphrams.  It is so easy and simple and I really don't understand why they don't teach it in health class in junior high school.  Basically all you need is a thermometer and you need to take notice of your fertility signs (which for me is just checking my cervical fluid every day).  I've been doing this for 9 months and I can pretty much predict when I'm going to have my period and from there I can tell when I'm most fertile.  

Here's a quick synopsis: Day 1 is the first day of your period.  A woman who has a regular 28 day cycle will ovulate 14 days after the first day of their period and from there she will have her period 14 days later (28 days from day 1).  For me I ovulate 21-22 days after the first day of my period because I have a longer cycle (anywhere from 32-38 days).  So for the first part of my cycle (days 1-21) my temperature will be low, anywhere from 97-97.5 degrees.  Then around day 21 or 22 my temperature goes up to 98-98.5 degrees because I've ovulated and that causes a rise in temperature.  The day your temperature goes up means you've ovulated and you can't get pregnant anymore. From the day your temperature goes up approx 12-14 days later you'll get your period and your temperature will go back down to 97 degrees (approx).  (Now keep in mind this is if you are ovulating).  And you must keep in mind that sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days when you're fertile so if you had sex a few days before you ovulated you could get pregnant.  Also interesting is that sperm will die immediately in your body if you aren't fertile but when you're fertile they can live for 5 days, crazy huh?  The best rule of thumb is to take your temperature and chart your cycle regularly and you'll get a sense of when you're "fertile" and you just can abstain from having sex or use a condom during that time period.  I've been taking my temperature every day (to be reliable you have to do everyday at the same time every day and try to do it before you get out of bed in the morning) but ever since I've been taking it I feel much more control of my life and my body.

Good luck :)

[catknapp]

Oh and one more thing - if you're sick with the flu or a cold and have a fever that will cause your temperature to rise too so you have to keep that in mind for charting purposes.  Also I have an i-phone and they have fertility applications you can buy which all you do is enter in your temp and your 'signs' and it will show you the days you're fertile.