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

[Diranged]

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!!

[kaj86]

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

[mamalaw44]

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!!

[Karrine]

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.

[cairo1967]

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

[aria28]

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!

[Teshay]

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