(no subject)

[pearwaldorf]

So, friends list. I want some information and suggestions.



So as you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with PCOS and diabetes a couple years ago. I've also been having weird problems with amenorrhea for quite a few years, which I suspect is tied to the shitton of weight I've gained since I moved out of my parents' house. To help with that and the whole not getting pregnant thing, I've been on hormonal birth control of some sort (patch, estrogen/progesterone pills, progesterone-only pills) for about three or four years, with varying degrees of success. It's all been horrible for me or made me a horrible person moodwise. Two doctors at this point have suggested an IUD, and I'm sick enough of remembering to take pills and too worried about the potential side effects of too much hormonal BC that it's starting to seem like a realy good idea. I would probably go with the Paragard, since it has no hormones and it lasts longer.

The only thing I haven't really worked through is the whole insertion/removal process, especially since there seems to be such a wide range from meh, like a Pap smear to OMGWTFITHURTSSOBAD, up to the point of fainting. I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance (I got my wisdom teeth removed and I never had to dig into the Vicodin), but anything to do with my girly bits makes me nervous. Pap smears seem to hurt more than they used to (but nothing I don't get over in about half an hour), and I'm worried that my cervix won't dilate enough to get the thing shoved in. Am I worrying about nothing, since sweet sweet drugs will take care of the anxiety (I see Ativan mentioned a lot) and cervical dilation? I don't get periods anymore really, so natural dilation would be a problem. And the prospect of getting CLAMPS PUT ON MY CERVIX is something that just freaks me the fuck out. I mean, I'm sure that's a natural and normal response, but I'm trying to figure out what part of that is "Of course you're not going to be happy about that happening to your plumbing" and what is some sort of gut instinct that this is A Bad Thing and I Shouldn't Do It. I've never had this sort of apprehension/fear about any other method of birth control, but then again, none of them are going to live in my body for the next ten years. For those of you who've had IUDs, tell me about your experiences, especially regarding insertion. Do you think it was worth a bit (or a lot) of pain to not have to worry about contraception for a good long time? I've been reading iud_divas and it's been helpful, but I would like to hear from people I know too. Thanks.

Comments

[dieplz.livejournal.com]

Raquel (quellybelly) had an IUD put in a couple months ago. She has some of the same issues with her HBC that you do, and so far she likes the IUD. She has written a couple entries about the procedure and the aftermath, but they're protected. I'm sure she'd friend you if you wanted to read them, though. :)

[faintgraylines.livejournal.com]

I haven't had an IUD, but I've been investigating them for a year and a half. So, canister of salt.

OB-GYNs love IUDs. I read that 80% of female OB-GYNs have them! If that's not a positive endorsement, I don't know what is. If the minipill hadn't worked out, that was where I was headed next.

I had some problems with weight-related amenorrhea in October, where I was put on Prometrium for ten days to force a withdrawal. Maybe that could help with "natural" dilation?

[strebor.livejournal.com]

well i dont know too much about IUDs (i was considering one but decided against it), but ativan isn't just like a regular drug you take when you're nervous, it;s a benzo. i take it eveeryday along with my regular meds (lexapro). it's just not something doctors hand out though when you're a little nervous, i dont know who told you that...it's more for chronic, diagnosed anxiety (like what i have unfortunetely).

[lubaya.livejournal.com]

Hi - Sorry, I just saw this entry. I've had my IUD (Mirena) since September 2005, and it's fantastic. I'll be honest and say the insertion was not as painless as a regular pap smear. I got mine done at Planned Parenthood, and I had asked about taking dilating drugs because I was so nervous about it, but they said they didn't do that there. So I took a shit-ton of ibuprofen beforehand, and made Nathan come with me to hold my hand when they did the insertion. Because I apparently have a tiny cervix, the insertion wasn't successful at first attempt. They tried it a second time a couple minutes later, and it went in. I would say that it was a moderate level of pain, but only for about 10 or 15 seconds. I squeezed Nathan's hand for a couple seconds, but then it was fine.
And let me tell you- it is SO worth it. I haven't had my period since it was put in (due to the hormones in the Mirena, evidently, or who knows, maybe it was due to PCOS coming on at exactly the same time in my case). The insertion process wasn't pleasant, but I've had absolutely no problems since it was inserted, and based on my experience I would HIGHLY recommend it.
That being said, I've heard Paragard can be a bit more painful in the long-term, in that it can intensify menstrual cramping for some, but if you're not getting your periods anyway perhaps it won't impact you that way.

Good luck :)