question about iud.. PLEASE help...

I got a copper iud in november and had one af.  I am late for my second af and yesterday I had some bleeding so I thought that was the beginning of af but it was gone.  I had just a tad and no cramps which I had killer cramps with my first af.  I am hoping I am not pg as I am taking meds that would not be good with a pregnancy but I am wondering.  When you have spotting with iud is that with cramps??  just hoping that wasn't implantation bleeding or anything...  ok...  

[BearHitch]

It still might come - when I got my IUD over the summer my periods changed from a 30 day cycle to a 45 day, so when you just got it in, I think it would be difficult to say if you were actually late or not.  In the event that you think you are pregnant and in a week your period still does not come, call your doctor.  It may have fallen out and so you are pregnant, or perhaps is still there you have an ectopic pregnancy, or like me - nothing is actually wrong, your periods just changed to a weird new cycle.  Good luck!

[Mumita]

I had a copper IUD and I can tell you that the first 6 months just uterus starts trying to adjust to it.  you will have some spotting midcycle and sometimes your period will be late.  If its a copper iud your cycles should be heavier.  Sometimes with a mirena (hormonal IUD) you will stop having periods.
Just take a test if you are worried, check your strings every month make sure its still in there and hang on.  You'll get your AF soon.  Also maybe the medication that you are taking is helping to delay your cycle.

[jenstam]

I have not had any problems with spotting or anything else other than heavier periods with my copper iud. I have a 29 day cycle. My guess is that your body is adjusting to this new foreign object and that you are not pregnant. Take a test if you are late.

[AndiJ78]

No, typically once your body adapts to it (usually within the first few weeks) the cramping should cease.

I spotted initially with my Mirena, but before long I had nary a drop of blood or cramping.

IUDs, either copper or Mirena, can and often do put an end to your period because one of the methods by which it works is by thinning the uterine lining.

[jenstam]

Copper does not ever put an end to your period. Sorry to disagree Andi, but copper users do experience a monthly menstrual cycle and also a heavier cycle. Mirena, on the other hand can and will.

[BearHitch]

I too have not heard of the copper stopping your period - myself I experienced much heavier and much more painful periods, hence I got it out.  But that is one of the things that appealed to me about the copper was that your period remained and no hormones.

[Cheyenne_08]

I have to get a copper IUD, and the doc pretty much guaranteed it would make my period heavy! Not a side effect I am looking forward to!

[AndiJ78]

My mistake. What a lame side effect.

[Cheyenne_08]

I agree lol Not exactly a motivator for having the IUD lol

[jenstam]

Cheyenne, I love my copper iud. Really, the heavier period isn't that big of a deal (for me). It's such a minor side effect and it's the only one (for me and most users). No hormones, no pills or condoms to use or remember. I just think it's perfect!

[jenstam]

I should clarify, for anyone using an iud not in a monogamous relationship-you should still use condoms to avoid getting a STD!

[Cheyenne_08]

I am on a waiting list for an IUD, and I am about to switch doctors since I have been waiting over 5 months!!!

[AndiJ78]

Yikes, a waiting list for an IUD? Sounds like someone is trying to drum up more OB patients,lol.

[Quinns momma]

That is nuts, a waiting list.. I would find a new doc. When I said I want my IUD they made sure to have it there at my 6 week post partum visit.  They said they take 2-3 weeks to come in but I have never heard of someone having to wait as long as you. Bummer...

[melimeli]

what are they waiting for you to get pg?? that is sooo weird

[Cheyenne_08]

lol...since I had blood clots, a cooper IUD is the only form of birth control I can use (besides condoms). Basically the doc told me that the economy is affecting their office and there is no money to purchase them since the doc has to buy them out of her own pocket first and get paid by the insurance company after the fact. So, I am darn tired of waiting so I called a new office today, and I go Jan 19th to see the new doc about getting one. I went to my current doc today and signed the release so my medical records can be sent there. My sister goes to a different doc in the same practice....she had her baby in August and she too is still on the waiting list as well!!

[have 2 kids]

That's terrible Cheyenne..  How expense is an IUD?

[have 2 kids]

meant expensive

[Cheyenne_08]

I think she said they were like 300 bucks or something like that, I don't really remember. I am just really annoyed with waiting!

[Quinns momma]

My Mirena was $750.00

[Cheyenne_08]

I am getting a copper IUD....so I am not sure if it makes that much difference or not, but they are expensive from the sounds of it regardless! Ugh, it is frustrating!

[AndiJ78]

Thank goodness for good insurance, right? Mine, including insertion, was around $800, my total cost was a $15 co-pay.

[melimeli]

mine too... 10$

[have 2 kids]

Well- I guess since I have no insurance I will stick with the BC pills.
I'd be a little worried about a clinic that couldn't afford to purchase a $300 IUD.  5 months is far from reasonable.  

[jenstam]

Well, does the clinic prefer to pay for an oops baby then? Ridiculous!
I go January 29th to get mine taken out! You can have it, it still has about 10 years left on it. Haha...JK!

[Mumita]

I loved my copper IUD and the heavier periods wasn't something that a couple of Advils couldn't take care of!  AND I didn't have to remember to take anything :)  I only paid my $20 co-pay.  I went to my regular Dr. but I do know that you can get one at Planned Parenthood at a lower cost.

[AndiJ78]

I was always lucky with Depo and Mirena, no adverse side-effects from either. I always thought for those who had bleeding issues with either it was an additional form of birth control, afterall who wants to have sex if you are bleeding all the time, right?

I loved my IUD, by far my favorite form of BC I have used.