Birth Control: Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Everyone has heard the stories with an IUD scare, from becoming pregnant and the infant is born holding the IUD in its hand, to having the device attached to the Fallopian walls.

I am here not to scare you about this birth control device. To be honest this is a really great birth control in theory. It's just that I have had issues with the IUD more than any other birth controls I've used and that's saying something.

So, let's talk more about how this device works. There are two types of IUDs, there is a Progestin IUD and a Copper IUD. The Progestin IUD is a t-shaped piece of plastic and it can last from 3 to 6 years. The three types of IUDs which use the hormone Progestin are the Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta. The Copper IUD lasts for up to 12 years, and can be used as an emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex. The common brand which uses the Copper IUD is ParaGard.

All IUD devices work the same, they all prevent sperm from joining with the egg by interfering with the movement of the sperm towards the egg. The IUDs also change the lining of your uterus. The change in the lining of the uterus is to keep a fertilized egg from attaching to the line of the uterus, there is not actual proof that this happens. For some women, progestin prevents ovulation from occurring, and thickens a women's cervical mucus. The thickening of the cervical mucus further blocks sperm from joining with an egg.

The million dollar question, what are the side effects when the IUD is inserted? Let's talk first how painful it is when they first place it. I personally find myself to have a high tolerance for pain. That being said, the insertion of this device is painful. Please do take Tylenol beforehand if you decide upon having the IUD. So, onto to the side effects. Doctor's say that you will feel some cramping or discomfort, and there are some that say other women don't feel a thing. I'm here to be honest, you will feel cramping and some pain. These cramps and pains will eventually lessen with time as the uterus adjusts to the placing of the IUD. You will experience bleeding or spotting within the first few days of the insertion of the device.

Very important! I have the Mirena IUD, and I was told that I can be sexually active seven days after. That's only if this specific IUD was placed within seven days after the start of my period. And I will tell you that not all IUDs have this rule. Others will vary so please do ask when you are able to become sexually active without the risk of becoming pregnant. Trust me, you don't want to be pregnant while you have the IUD in. There are many risks if you do.

My Issues with the IUD

As I had said before, I'm not here to scare you or make sure you never even consider having the IUD. I'm here to enlighten you about the fact that you know your body more than any Physician or Gynecologist out there. With that being said, this is my story:

It was about three years ago in November when I decided that it would be a good idea for me to get the Mirena IUD. I have two kids, divorced, and wanted something that I didn't have to remember to take every day. I mean, come on, we all have been there we are overwhelmed with trying to keep up with family and work life, right? So, I decided to do a little research on the birth control and see if it's the right fit for me. I decided to give it a try, and made an appointment with my Gynecologist at the time to get more information from her. At the appointment, she gave me all the information I had already researched about the Mirena IUD which included that the Mirena IUD does not defend against STDs, and that I should always wear a condom. She also mentioned that she was not at all thrilled about giving me the Mirena IUD as I am not in a monogamous relationship and it's not "ideal" for me to have it. Of course, me being Latina that conversation did not go over well with her. The conversation was along the lines of, "Are you calling me a slut?" Needless to say, she found out I worked for the exact hospital which owns that office and apologized profusely.

So, the appointment was made for me to have the device inserted which was a difficult process. The office told me that I would have to call when I have my period and they could align an appointment with that so it can be inserted. I did just that and had difficulties making the appointment as they stated they have no openings. I was very frustrated and reminded them that it was they who had told me to do this process. And now I am unable to even make the appointment several times, mind you. I was finally able to make the appointment to go in and have the IUD inserted.

I wasn't informed to take anything for pain, needless to say I was a trooper. Yeah, right. I am not kidding when I say I have a high tolerance for pain. I have my first born without any medication and was able to give birth with no issues. The insertion is more painful than child birth, I wished at that moment I was giving birth. (Again, I am begging you, make sure you take something for pain before you get the IUD.) When it was finally inserted, which seemed like forever, I felt the cramping immediately.

I waited the recommended seven days before I became sexually active, I just began a relationship at that time. The cramping was still there but eventually lessened. My period was lessened as well and then became nonexistent. The periods were light and spotty when I would have it which was perfectly fine. The cramping went away, but I did notice that it would come back with a vengeance every once in a while. That I can handle.

When I moved to a different city, my cramps were intensifying. I went to a new Gynecologist and explained my issue with the cramping. He had someone perform an ultrasound to make sure that IUD was in place. The results came back that it was indeed in place and that my pain could be from my chronic back issue.

The same second year of having the IUD in place, I went to see my Primary Care Physician. They did my usual routine pap smear. Apparently, I had a UTI. I did not have any symptoms that would've suggested that I had it other than the comings and goings of cramping. She stated that I may have it for a while which shocked me. I mean, in all the years that I have had a pap smear, I have never had a UTI. Thinking nothing of it, I took the medications to get rid of it and I was back to normal.

Within that same year, I was diagnosed with Diabetes. Not a problem, I went to a specialist to manage it. It runs in my family, I was prepared to change my diet, and follow the Doctor's instructions with no issues.

Third year of having my Mirena IUD in place, I noticed that I was not feeling like myself. I checked my blood glucose levels and it turned out my blood glucose level was up to 398. For anyone who does not know, 398 is scary high. It's high enough for me to go to the hospital. But, with me being experienced I waited a few days to see if it was a fluke. My sugars kept staying high and fluctuating dramatically. I was not able to keep it stable. I ended up calling my Endocrinologist, the Nurse there wanted me to do a Ketones test which required strips. I immediately went to CVS pharmacy and performed the test on myself. If there was evidence of Ketones in my urine, I was in big trouble and would need to go to the hospital.

Luckily, it was negative.

The Nurse then asked me if I felt like I had an infection. I told her I don't feel like I do, but I will make an appointment with my Primary Care Physician (PCP). When I went in, they performed a pap smear to see if I had another UTI. Turns out I had another Vaginal Bacterial infection which of course is affecting my blood glucose sugars. The PCP then gave me a prescription for a vaginal gel to get rid of the infection. It worked for about two weeks.

Now, I have intense cramping! So much pain in the lower front abdominal and towards the sides and into my lower back. Where am I going with this? Well, I haven't had any issues with UTIs or Vaginal Bacterial Infections before I had the Mirena IUD inserted. There has been others that have complained about having the IUD inserted and causing them to have various infections. I will have to go back to the PCP again to see if I have another infection. If it turns out that I do, I am unfortunately going to have to remove the IUD. The symptoms of my blood glucose levels because of the infections would cause me to become hospitalized. That's a risk I cannot take.

In conclusion, please ladies trust yourselves. No M.D. can tell you nothing is wrong when your body is obviously trying to tell you something.