IUDidit

I've been hemming and hawing for over a year now, but the UTI and the "oh shit I'm pregnant no wait maybe that's ovulation oh no maybe not let's spend $400 in pregnancy tests" kind of got to me. 

Last year, I was angry that my husband would not get a vasectomy. So I decided that on priciple, I would not get an IUD. 

Now don't get me wrong. I still find it completely and utterly ridiculous, but now I can be angry AND safe. I figured the "I'll show you and your fear of the knife-less snip with my gigantic pregnant belly" wasn't exactly the look I was going for, so I bit the bullet and got the IUD. 

The Paraguard. The copper one. The one that makes you bleed like your insides have been cut out. 

Or so I hear. 

But hey, at least it doesn't have the crazy juice that makes your hair fall out and gives you acne! 

My husband decided to take the older three kids up to Canada this week to ski, and instead of going along and leaving poor passportless Bridget with my in-laws for a week, I figured I'd stay home and enjoy two hours at the midwife's office. 

I got a two-fer: Annual + IUD, which by the way isn't covered by insurance so MERRY CHRISTMAS KRISTEN!

Well that and it's crazy time at work for me HAVE YOU SEEN OUR PRETTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE?

If you only knew all the work and sweat and emails (huge props to Liz, Julie, and Kari, or just hugs - are we still using props?) that went into that puppy but it's awesome and go look to see what category is my favorite I'm sure you can guess and we're giving away $1800 in prizes. HOLY SHIT!

I digress.

But yes, I got the IUD and while I wouldn't call it a ball of laughs to have someone poke your cervix, and do the "oh oops your cervix just doesn't want to stay still" at least there will be no more babies in my immediate future. 

And even better, I got to chat with my midwife about the two crazy weeks, which apparently happens to most women in their 30s, and is really unavoidable and really only made more bearable with exercise and maybe drugs. 

I should have just asked her to slap me in the face a few times because that might have felt better.

Since I'm already exercising and still a raging lunatic for two weeks out of the month (but yay, according to Twitter and Facebook I am not alone), I decided to accept her offer for a Wellbutrin prescription based on experiences of others.

Yes, I realize it's all personal, so feel free to tell me how much you hated Wellbutrin and it turned you into a crazed vampire, but in my informal poll, it won. She also said I might lose weight and might even be happier as opposed to just regular and sure, I'll take some happy right now. 

She also said I might try to take it only half of the month, which I hear many people are doing, not necessarily with Wellbutrin but with other low dose anti-depressants. 

Either way, I will report back on my bloody massacres of periods and my mood swings. I know you'll be waiting anxiously to hear ALL ABOUT IT. 

Feel free to tell me how much you hate your IUD and how crazy Wellbutrin makes you in the comments. But don't be mad if I read them with my eyes closed. 

Comments

[neth the lawyer]

Thanks for posting this. Now i have idea for paraguard.

Its very important to go to the doctor if you have something that you feel not good on your body and make sure that you will follow the doctor what he or she told you.

[sandy]

I simply told my husband I was going to have to practice abstinence as birth control, since the pill didn't agree with me. He very quickly decided a vasectomy wasn't such a bad idea after all.

[Stephanie Precourt]

I'm really interested in seeing how it works for you- I am so anti meds but have been thinking I need to get over it already because my PMDD is getting worse every month. I hope it does the trick for you!

Steph

[D]

I took Wellbutrin for two weeks almost 7 years ago. NEVER AGAIN. It made me really high AND constipated. Worst combination ever.

[Nicole]

I had the Mirena IUD & was happy with it. I had relatively regular periods and the bleeding lightened up over time. (TMI time) About 10 months after I had it put in, I had a normal period. 2 days after it stopped, I started bleeding again & bled for 3 more days. Bleeding like "my insides were being cut out." Combined with the cramping I had, I honestly thought I was having a miscarriage. So, 4 hours in the emergency room & all the fun ultra sounds looking for the IUD, it turns out, my body expelled the IUD and that is a normal reaction after the Mirena is removed. Then they did more ultrasounds to be sure the IUD didn't get implanted or make it's own exit hole - I'm sure you can imagine the confusion at this point... How did my vagina expel a pretty good sized pointy piece of plastic & I DIDN'T FEEL IT?!
Moral of the story - make sure you can check your strings and you know how. Go back to your midwife's office and ask them to show you if you need to.
Good luck!

[Sarah]

You might want to check with your insurance company and make sure the IUD isn't covered. I think under health care reform all birth control is supposed to be covered starting August 1st. The exception maybe being if you're on a plan that runs Jan-Dec, in which case it would have been free in January. (I'm bummed I missed this by a year and had to pay $1100 for mine.)

I love my Paragard. Bleeding was heavy for a few months, but it has stabilized now at 15ish months in, and I love not being crazy due to BC hormones.

[Motherhood Uncensored]

Sarah G. YES YES YES. THIS IS WHY I'M SO FREAKING ANGRY.
My friend Father Muskrat there (in the comments) tweeted during his, so um, yeah, I just don't get it.

/end rant.

[Lindsay]

I went on Wellbutrin (for the second time) as soon as I stopped nursing. It's been almost a year - and an incredibly stressful year, at that - and I am very happy with the medication.

[Sarah G]

Does your husband realize there is now a procedure called "no needle, no scalpel vasectomy"? That did it for my husband. Do you realize how amazing it is to have sex without the worry of pregnancy in the back of your mind? My MIL tried to tell me how great it would be, but the experience is not something you can describe (much like childbirth).

[Kim]

Wellbutrin saved my sanity!!! BEST.DRUG.EVER.

[adil]

I luuuurve my Mirena! I've had it for 3 and a half years, and I'm definitely going to re-up when I get to 5. I did have the annoying, all-the-time bleeding for the first few months, but now my periods are literally 2 days of light spotting each month and that's it. This is amazing for me because I had a crazy heavy, bleeding through my tampon every 90 minutes type periods before. I also had the problem with the strings stabbing hubby, even after my ob trimmed them. But he learned to dodge them somehow, or something because he doesn't complain about it anymore.

[Andrea]

I have the paragard as well. I've had it 6 months now. At first I did have the 10 day long periods and lots of annoying break through bleeding. I'd just get done having my period, only to start bleeding again. Cramps weren't bad at all though.

My last period though, right at the 6 month mark was the lightest and shortest it's been for a really long time. I was actually concerned something might be wrong, because I had gotten used to the heavier ones. A trip to the dr let me know that everything is ok and that it is just doing what it's supposed to do.

The only thing I don't like about it is the pokey little strings. My husband can feel them frequently when we have sex and it's not a great thing. He has to "move" them around and that's always really sexy. I find it has a lot to do with what point I'm at in my cycle too. My cervix moves around a lot from day to day and week to week, which I think is what everyones does?...

[Motherhood Uncensored]

Haha, Jessie!

I think Julie Marsh can relate. Her 1% is named Oliver.

[Karen]

First - I love my Wellbutrin. No crazy, only sanity on that. And bonus for me? It helps with my ADD symptoms. I still have a little crazy during PMS week, but not nearly as bad.

On a personal note: I'm annoyed for you that he wouldn't get a V. My husband got one - it was NO BIG DEAL. He went after work, was home in about 2 hours, walked in the door and said, "I'm not the man I was before," got himself a bag of frozen corn & some Advil....done.

[Christen]

I have the paraguard and love it! I don't bleed like my insides are being cut out, so maybe you won't either :)

[Kathie M]

Oh paraguard! I have a love-hate relationship with mine. Love not having to take hormones in BC pills. HATE the heavy 10 day long periods. I feel like I'm a teenager again. And the headache I've had for the last four days has to be hormone related. I DID figure out that I needed to start taking iron pills because I was losing so much every month when my hair started falling out. That was FUN!

[Therese]

I got the paraguard about 18 months ago at my 6-week check-up after my daughter was born. I love the no hormone aspect and not having to remember to take a pill every day. I hate the ridiculously heavy (for me who always had a very light period) bleeding. I also have about a week each month of just gross mucus discharge (because you still ovulate on the Paraguard) so I feel like I'm always just kind of "yucky" down there. I will say that after 18 months though the bleeding is starting to regulate (and be less heavy). Also, my cycle is now really short 26 days max which I find odd but none of those negatives are worth taking it out and going with another option. My husband and I aren't yet sure about more children (we have 2) so a vasectomy for him is not a choice at the moment. Also, can I just comment on the fact that your insurance won't pay fo ran IUD. As a public health professional, this makes me crazy. An IUD is waaaay cheaper and safer than a (most likely unexpected and possibly unwanted) pregnancy, labor, delivery and new baby. Additionally, if you have it for the long term (Paraguard can stay for 10 years) it's cheaper than monthly pill or other prescriptions. My little sister's insurance wouldn't cover an IUD and pills dried up her milk supply so they now have paid for 3 babies in 3 years.....

[Jessie]

I had an IUD thought it was fantastic right up until the point when I found out I was 11 weeks pregnant... Ah the joys of 99% effective, we call that last 1% Clara!

[Michelle]

Vasectomy = best thing ever. 490$ and BC for forever (well it's supposed to be) I've been feeling the two week crazy so I can't wait for your update.

[Courtney]

My husband got the vasectomy shortly after our second was born. Since her birth I was convinced my body was possessed! My hormones were out of control and while my periods were shorter the were very heavy. I talked with my OB about it and she suggested a variety of things. I opted for the Pill again.....this month was MUCH better and felt much more in control of myself. Everyone was happier in my house.

[Liz]

I love my IUD (Paragard). I had it placed about 9 months ago and right around 6 months is when my period lightened up, just as the midwife said it would.

I think after being on hormonal BC for over 15 years I had just forgotten what a normal period was like because 5 days isn't that bad, even with the one very heavy day (every 2 hours as someone said above).

I actually enjoy having the natural hormones regulating everything again but I can see how some may not.

[Kate]

The paragard has made my period unpredictable, heavy, painful, and occurring more than twice, or sometimes three times a month in varying spurts! I have had periods that lasted in the neighborhood of 20 days, with a 4-6 day break, and then period time again. I'm told by various doctors it's all normal.

At any rate, still, at the end of the day, the periods one year after insertion take up significantly less head space than the "did I take the pill shit when was I due oh I took it perfectly but still got pregnant TWICE" dance that constantly occupied my brain when I was on hormonal birth control.

So to me, paragard = win.

[Jenn]

I opted for the Mirena and haven't looked back. It's been the absolute best (for me) - no periods at all and only rare spotting and/or moodiness. When the first five years were up, getting a second one wasn't even a question. Mr.Q is totally off the hook. Though, hm, yes, on principle, perhaps we need to have a discussion...

Hope the Paraguard is just what works best for you!

[momofone]

I got the paraguard last year but unfortunately it slipped out of place. I didn't realize it, but when I went for the 3 month check up, she said, "oops, it's slipping!" and removed it. Had no other problems with it and will get it put in again. I only didn't get it put in again then because I hadn't taken an ibuprophen before (and ouch!), so I put it off. I still thinks it's the best thing out there though. Just check your strings! Also, Wellbutren (wellies!) are great. No weight gain, and you don't even notice until you realize you just feel better. Best of luck and thanks for sharing.

[Forgotten]

Ok. I have the Paraguard and I have not had any trouble out of it. My periods went from 5 days to 7 days and I have a day of full out bleed-fest-change-your-tampon-every-two-hours but otherwise I can live with it.

Also, Wellbutrin didn't work for me. Prozac gave me the shakes. I eventually found something that kinda worked but it made me have the IDGAF attitude so I ditched the pills all together and started seeing a therapist whom I've also weaned myself off of. Doing much better. Also, ragingly horny for a couple of weeks every month. The boyfriend loves that. LOL

Good luck and enjoy your sex without the baby making or the rubbers! :)

[Dawn]

Thank you for sharing this. I have an appt tomorrow to talk about low dose anti depressants and I have been stressed to the nth degree about it, so it's nice to hear other folks giving it a try. I also wanted to thank you for the post you made at the stir about the reality of marriage. It struck a cord with me in ways I can't even begin to describe. So thank you. It is always comforting to know we are not alone, even if it is a stranger on the internet.

[Peranting]

I have the Mirena (2.5 years now). I had pretty intense cramps for the rest of the day after installation and almost constant bleeding for the first couple of months, and at least 50% of the days for the first 6 months or so. But after that my periods have essentially stopped. Some months I get a slightly bloody tinged discharge for a day or so. I haven't noticed any hair loss or acne. Or babies!

I hadn't heard that the paraguard had such bad effects as far as cramping, PMDD, etc. Almost sounds like some other option would be the way to go if you already are having issues with that, though obviously every woman is different. Good luck and I hope it works well for you.

[Amber]

Loved my Mirena but after a 3-4 years I started developing awful ovarian cysts and eventually pulled it. Hubs also complained that the strings poked him in the beginning but the doc trimmed them a little shorter and that seemed to fix it. After I had #5 last summer I decided to just go ahead and get 'em tied.

I had also been on Wellbutrin SR and it was a life saver. I haven't been on it for a couple years now but depending on what the doc says Monday I may give it a try again. It so comforting knowing that being a woman in her 30s suddenly makes us all crazy. LOL Good Luck!

[Kristen Chase]

Funny you should mention, Muskrat -- she said something about the pokey strings and not saying anything and well, wait, maybe you were just trying to pat yourself on the back with that comment. Heh.

[Julie]

Oral sex works for us. Hands above the waist - where I can see 'em -- Bucko! Cheaper than an IUD or snippy. I still remember the shitstorm from the Dalkon Shield, so I'd rather take my chances having a baby thankuverymuch. Yeah, I'm stuck in the 70s. :)

[{sue}]

I love my IUD and I love my Wellbutrin. So welcome to the club! (Although I have the Mirena, and yes, my hair is falling out. But I have a lot of hair, so I'm avoiding dealing with that for now.)

I truly love your candor.

[Father Muskrat]

D tried the IUD, and it hurt me, so we had it pulled out. Maybe it wasn't shoved far enough up in there? Hope they've improved the past few years!

[beth]

LOVE my Mirena. Got it after my daughter was born, had it replaced a year ago. No periods. LOVE IT. I wish I could sign her up for it when she starts- apparently not all women lose their periods but a good percentage do. BEST THING EVER after years of dealing with that nightmare each month.

I went with it even though just taking the mini-pill would turn me crazy. With the hormones just where they need to be, it works for me and no babies, no crying. Woohoo!

I've taken wellbutrin, till they switched me when I got pregnant to Zoloft. I've not switched back but considering it.

[Kristen Chase]

Ha, Arleta.

Also, Kim W. YOU WOULD THINK, right? I don't get it at all.

[Kristen Chase]

Oh Alma. I already got that. It must have to do with Estrogen surge because it's only during the crazy 2 weeks and it sucks. UGH.

Stacey -- Yeah, I'm guessing if you only do it half the month, it can take awhile for it regulate. I was thinking of trying it all month and seeing. I've heard people go every other day.

Heather-- I think the Mirena IUD helps heavy periods.

[stacey@havoc&mayhem]

I went with the Mirena IUD as a treatment for endo but it had the bonus of dealing with those crazy times as well & it worked like a charm. No more endo pain. Plus, NO PERIODS. None, nada, zip. I haven't had a period since Nov 2007 & don't miss them at all. No mood swings, no crazy crying or shouting for no reason. It's awesomness. I'm on my second one now.
I know a couple women who take Wellbutrin for the monthly madness, generally 10-14 days a month & they're very happy with the results now but it took some time for it to really work apparently.

[Krystle {snarkykisses}]

Okay, so I won't lie... ParaGard IUD... my only choice for birth control because I have Factor V Leiden and thus can't have any BC that is hormonal. So, ParaGard IUD it is. I had my first one put in way back in 2007 or something like that; had it taken out in Spring 2009. First time I had it put in, I told myself never again. Hell I barely made it home from the clinic; literally got upstairs to my bed and fainted. No, I haven't had kids yet and I hear that makes all things worse on the pain charts. Fast forward having it removed in Spring 2009; I then went through a divorce in Spring 2012 and decided to have another one put in.

I had it put in, and I'm not kidding you... I couldn't go back to work. I laid there in the recliner, sprawled out, bawling, moaning in pain, taking ibuprofen like it was candy. THE PAIN. Oh God. The PAIN.

Add in that I have PCOS and not used to getting my period every 35+ days; but now for some reason it's decided to regulate some what... but the cramps now that I have the IUD... two fold. Hell, maybe even three fold, six fold... SO MUCH WORSE. Death. Want to die. But, if that means no babies right now which is what I want, then I guess it is what it is.

As far as Wellbutrin... I'm on that too... can't complain. For realsies.

[Heather]

I find this very amusing because I went to the gyno for heavy periods and she suggested I get an IUD. What?

[Alma]

I had the Paragard for about 3 years and the periods were super heavy, but it once my husband got the snip and I had the UID yanked my periods were still pretty heavy, so maybe I just forgot what real periods were like during all those years on the Pill/pregnant/breastfeeding.

The main side effect of Paragard is a TMI, so it's good you're reading these comments with your eyes closed.

I'll whisper it: {snot-like discharge}

Now I can go die of embarassment.

[Arleta]

I love my paragard, I have had it for 5 years and NO babies!, My periods are shorter but heavier. I still use my awesome shot glass, I mean diva cup ;-) can't wait to hear how the wellbutrin chases the monthly crazies away!

[Kim W.]

I loved my first IUD (paraguard), but did have crazy heavy periods. My midwife recommended that I take ibuprofen throughout my period to lessen the bleeding (and pain). The night before my period was to start (I was very regular at that time), I was to take a regular dose, then the next morning, and about every 6 hours after that through the heavy bleeding days. (I could increase the dose up to the maximum if needed) It was most effective if I took the ibuprofen before my period started -- I believe it reduced the inflammation, and hence, the bleeding.

The second IUD I got (8 years later) was either not inserted correctly or my uterus pushed it out, but I ended up with an infection and an IUD that stuck out of my cervix.

My insurance covered the first one pretty well 13 years ago, but my insurance covers hardly anything these days. I would think it would be covered under "Preventive" right? Certainly cheaper than pregnancy, labor, and another baby.