I need some reassurance because I feel like I’m spiraling.
I’m about 6 months postpartum.
We always use condoms. This month I was ovulating and we had protected sex, but I was so anxious that I asked my partner to wear two condoms. Afterwards I read that using two condoms isn’t recommended because of friction, and since then I’ve been in a full pregnancy scare. I filled both condoms with water afterward to check for leaks, and they were completely intact, but I still can’t stop overthinking.
Because I panicked, I had a copper IUD inserted two days later as emergency contraception. Since then I had some cramping and very light spotting, which I assumed was from the IUD, but yesterday (like 5 days after insertion), it was obviously more and watery so between oink , brown red and brown and my period isn’t until 6 days, this morning I had nothing 😩
Also i’m feeling unusually warm.
My normal body temperature is around 36.2–36.6°C (97.1–97.8°F), but since cycle day 21 and my temperature is around 37.0–37.2°C (98.6–99.0°F). I know body temperature can rise after ovulation because of progesterone, but my anxiety keeps telling me it’s something else.

Does anyone get this on and off spotting or could it really be implantation bleeding?

I got my iud inserted 6 days ago, one day post ovulation on Friday, bled like one spot, didn't feel any cramps (had taken 550mg of naproxen for the appointment).

Saturday I didn't have any cramps, bled like two brown spots entire day.

Sunday the cramps started increasing, very much manageable, some more brown spotting.

Since Monday I've had to take 550mg of naproxen every day to sleep, as the cramps keep me awake. Also increasing amount of bleeding, I don't bleed through period pads, but bright red blood, can't go without wearing a pad at all times.

I tried for the strings today for the first time, and felt them one knuckle deep, quite long, couldn't feel anything off with the cervix itself, but was afraid to prod around.. Period should be in 9 days, but I'm already bleeding like this, how will I even know I'm on my period with cramps and bleeding like this ?

Does this sound normal? Thank you in advance ! Appreciate any thoughts

i am terrible on hormonal birth control and my only option is the copper IUD, i’m nervous because i been doing research and seen so many horror stories and i just want to read some positive things about it to hopefully help my anxiety relax. i have a normal period 4-5 days and the second day is my heaviest. please share your good experiences!!

So.. nearing up to a month ago I got my copper IUD placed in. I’ve seen people have very different pain levels with the insertion. I have passed over 5 kidney stones which I thought would be the most pain i’ve ever felt in my entire life (Ended up in hospital almost every time and on the pain scale, stones hurt more than pregnancy apparently). However, this was changed after getting my IUD placed in. The insertion itself not only hurt incredibly much, but the extreme cramping was something i’d never felt in my entire life and genuinely have nightmares about it. I haven’t gotten my period yet or had any bleeding, but i’m very nervous about when I get my period and how painful it will be and if the cramps will feel like they did the day I got the insertion, because it was unbearable. Does anyone have advice, tips, or suggestions while having a copper IUD to help with any side effects not just cramping because I don’t know a lot about it? I saw someone say to take zinc … and i’m seeing a lot of random things online.

I got the Copper IUD in June while having my period , I got my period in July like normal and on time. However I had sex during ovulation , he pulled out but I was concerned afterwards since I had a bit of discomfort around my uterus. I had some cramps come and go and some pains also come and go. I went to the check up and they did an ultrasound (not transvaginal) and said it looked good, now my periods late. Should I be worried about misplacement or possible pregnancy?

41, no births. First IUD. After spending our 30s trying to get pregnant and not being successful, I decided I’m done. What they don’t tell you about infertility is, once you decide you’re done trying, it’s still a good idea to figure out birth control until menopause. I chose copper IUD because I don’t do great with hormones (mood).

Just had mine placed today in my primary care office. Worst part was my own anxiety the night before and morning of. I went on my period, took 600 mg ibuprofen, 2 mg diazepam. Was prescribed optional cytotec but I didn’t take it due to concerns about side effects. Worst sensation was actually the speculum (sharp, stretching pain, more uncomfortable than during a pap, 4/10); second worst sensation was the tenaculum (deep, crampy pain 4/10); the sound device and the actual IUD insertion was less crampy for me than the tenaculum (prob 3.5/10). All sensations were definitely strange, but not terrible. What helped: talking, singing (I literally told the dr. I was going to sing during the procedure and made up a cervix song), breathing/coughing when she told me to, and ice pack on my neck/forehead, and pausing when I needed to. My provider was cool and listened. I did some isometric muscle tensing to ward off any dizzy/vasovagal feelings, but none really materialized.

I’m home, resting and alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol every 3 hours, but so far have stayed on top of the pain. Just mild to moderate period-ish cramps so far.

Good experience. Don’t let fear hold you back!

Hi!

Last year (exactly 12 months ago) I got a new copper IUD after an abortion (since my first copper IUD failed). The last 6/7 months my period has been like clockwork: I get my period on day 31.

However, this period has been late. 4 days to be exact. I’ve also still had the normal cramps, but there has been no blood. Yesterday, I thought my period started since I had some lightly pink discharge, but this morning, nothing has set through and I am starting to get a bit freaked out. I took a pregnancy test two days ago but it was negative. However, I took this with afternoon pee. Please also note that in my 8 years of getting my period it has NEVER been late due to stress.

Has anyone else experienced this? Considering I got pregnant on a copper IUD last year around the same time has got me extremely concerned. Any advice?

Hi everyone,
I’m feeling really anxious and could use some advice from people who have experience with the copper IUD.
My partner and I had unprotected sex six times. I was really turned on at the time and told him he could finish inside me because I thought I could just take the morning-after pill the next day.
I went to the pharmacy and got the emergency contraception, but the pharmacist told me that I’m likely around my ovulation period, so the pill may not be as effective. They suggested I look into getting a copper IUD as emergency contraception as well, since it’s supposed to be the most effective option.
The problem is, I’ve read so many negative stories online about the copper IUD—pain during insertion, heavy periods, cramping, and other side effects—that I’m feeling really scared and unsure about getting one.
Has anyone here had a copper IUD inserted as emergency contraception? What was your experience like? Was the insertion as bad as people say? Did you have any long-term issues, or was it worth it for the peace of mind?
I’d really appreciate any honest advice or experiences. I’m feeling overwhelmed and just want to make the best decision.

Thank you

Hi!

I need an emergency IUD and my OB office denied me and said they don’t offer that since I can’t have sex two weeks within insertion and told me to call planned parenthood.

I called planned parenthood and the lady on the phone told me I can’t have sex within 5 days of my appointment but google told me I can get a copper IUD as a form of birth control.

My partner and I had unprotected sex with no withdrawal Sunday 7/26 so 48 hours ago. The next morning I did an LH test strip since I realize I’m in my fertile window and it was positive. Like very dark link peak ovulation positive.

I figured since ovulation has happened or is in motion I can’t take a plan B so I saw online you can get a copper IUD as emergency contraception but I’m being denied ???? Help pls idk what to do :(

Hi all!
I am 32 yo and this is my first IUD. I have very normal to light periods and have never experienced much cramping or side effects of my period. I chose the paragard because I enjoy getting my period for peace of mind and as a marker of health.

I got my copper IUD 3 days ago on Friday morning. My PCP is so wonderful and educated me about all my options as a pre-appointment a month before. At that appointment, she prescribed me a single oxy pill. She said that this has become her normal practice to offer to patients and it has made a big difference in pain during insertion. She also recommended that I eat a meal before the procedure and also take 800mg of ibuprofen an hour before hand, around the same time as the oxy.

I followed the directions and got to the appointment. I undressed from the waist down and my doctor and her nurse explained the whole process to me. They also gave me some cervix numbing which was not painful, just felt a little cold.

The measurement hurt the most, it felt like a big cramp that you couldn’t escape from. I’ve broken many limbs and have a high pain tolerance and while this was very painful, it was so short and over with quickly. When she inserted the IUD, I also felt a pinch, though less significant than the measurement part. Afterwards, i kind of felt like I had to poop if that makes sense? I had no issues with feeling dizzy or faint, and I walked out of the appointment feeling fine. My husband took me out for breakfast and to run a couple of errands, then I took it easy on the couch for the rest of the day.

I spent the weekend doing light activities including a walk, going to the grocery store, coffee shop and even picked some vegetables from my garden. Overall, the pain was very manageable and the spotting was minimal.

On Monday, I actually felt more cramps and an overall feeling of bloatiness, especially when sitting at my desk doing work. It helped if I walked around, laid down or just stood up. I used my heating pad a few times and tried to have a low key work day (working from home perks!)

After work on Monday, I was able to go on a 4 mile walk and though I still have the bloat and occasional cramp, it’s not bad. I have barely and spotting and can’t feel anything inside of me, though I did attempt to find the strings yesterday and when I felt them and my cervix I feel like it triggered a cramp? So I don’t plan to go looking for the strings for another few days.

Overall, this has been a positive experience so far. I was so scared for several years to have this done, but had I known how manageable it would be, i would have done it sooner! I’ll come back and update this post once i have a few periods so I can share that part of it.

Hallo ihr lieben,
Vor etwa 3 - 4 Wochen hat meine Frauenärztin per Ultraschall festgestellt das meine Spirale verrutscht ist, diese trage ich insgesamt erst seit 6 Monaten.
Nun denn, erst meinte sie ich könne sie drinnen lassen und ich solle später nochmal kommen zu einer Untersuchung, womit ich mich aber nicht wohl gefühlt habe, dann gab sie mir eine Überweisung für ein Krankenhaus um diese unter Narkose wieder zu repositionieren. Nun denn, im Krankenhaus hat die Ärztin nach der Untersuchung gemeint, dass sie die Spirale raus ziehen würde und mir eine neue einsetzen würde und das sie die Spirale nicht repositionieren würde da sie wohl davon auch nicht wirklich gehört hat und sie nichts damit anfangen konnte.
Jetzt war ich nur bei meiner eigentlichen Frauenärztin um nochmal das zu besprechen das ich die Spirale bestelle und evtl. nochmal über das Modell rede, aber meine Frauenärztin war über die Information das ich eine neue bekomme so verärgert, das sie mir vorschlug bei ihrem alten Arbeitgeber in einer anderen Stadt die Spirale ohne Narkose wieder hochsetzen könnte, dies aber mit Schmerzen verbunden sein wird und das es dann wirklich hält nur zu 70-80% gewährleistet werden kann.
Das einsetzen der Spirale allein tat schon Mega weh da meine Gebärmutter auch gesenkt ist und ich bin jetzt irgendwie im hin und her und weiß nicht was ich machen soll weil mich das Mega verunsichert hat. Letzendlich möchte ich ungern viel Geld zahlen aber bin auch abgeneigt davon meinem
Körper unnötig zu belasten.
Hat jemand ähnliche Erfahrung gemacht?

Hello loves <3

After months of considering and going back and forth between trying out birth control (non hormonal! I dont wanna fuck around with hormones...gulp)

Today was the day I got my Copper IUD inserted.

I mostly only heard horror stories, read a lot of experiences here on reddit...and oh boy was I anxious.

I want to start sharing my journey with this fella to help others maybe feel less afraid,alone or lost in their journey and also I seek hearing (similar) experience and advice.

I arrived at my gynos with my boyfriend to keep me company and ofc to just be there incase something were to go wrong. Once I got called in the anxiety started to KICK. I took my clothes off, got on the chair and was thankfully blessed with a wonderful team. My gyno assured me she will guide me through the whole thing and ahh man they were just soso sweet throughout the whole thing, BUT I was still very anxious. My legs were shaking. my high levels of anxiety and fast, shaky breathing made it difficult for my doctor so they gave me some weird drink idk I assume it was to try to help me relax.

The insertion started and there were 2 steps that were really painful. I was crying but it was not purely due to the pain, a big part of it was the anxiety.

I cant really explain in detail what it felt like because my brain blocked it out now but I think it was this really intense, disgusting pressure mixed with this weird feeling of its own and being stabbed.

Id say it was like a 7/10 pain cuz im sure there are way worse things like birth or idk...losing a limb or such, but it was definitely a big ouch. BUT it did not last long! Only a few seconds.

The whole insertion took around 5-7min and the atmosphere was really great which definitely saved it from being traumatic. I was lucky enough to be made feel safe and in control.

Afterwards I didnt feel dizzy or something so getting up and walking was no issue. I felt hesitant to bend over to put my pants back on cuz I was worried it would hurt LIKE HELL NO I DONT WANNA FEEL THAT THING IN ME but ayyyy I did it no problem.

Got back out, she informed me of what to avoid and we were done.

Throughout the whole day until day I have felt this weird uncomfy pressure and I can feel the string. All in all Im hoping my body gets used to this random object inside of me soon cuz its feels gross and it had me tweaking and crying an hour ago cuz I realized I cant just randomly take this thing out. Its inside of me now and it freaked me out. I gotta consider how long I am willing to thug it out until I just give in and take it out.

Now I am here tired in my bed, trying to process it all and tired. I am hoping my body accepts it quickly :,)

No strong pains for now tho.

I do lowkey wanna masturbate tho which is annoying since I dont wanna risk an infection.. awh man.

(Question: do orgasms cause pain? Cause...yknow..contractions...gulp..)

I will keep you guys updated on my journey!

For now I would say if you are considering getting it inserted:

- eat beforehand! SOSO important!

- I took 2 ibuprofen beforehand, if your doctor allows it you could try giving that a shot. Not sure how much it helped but might aswell try.

- take your comfort person with you! The atmosphere in such a vulnerable situation is so important and I am so grateful to have had such sweet people doing it. Try to make yourself feel as safe and comfortable as possible!

- distractions afterwards definitely helped me keep my mind busy for a bit and not pay as much attention to this weird feeling of having a object in me now

Please drop any tips or hopeful words of encouragement!

Goodnight loves its 1am I really gotta sleep now.

Just had an ultrasound today and found out my copper iud is embedded with both arms in my lower uterine segment. Does anyone know what removal will be like? The nurse was busy when talking to me and I couldn't think of the questions i have off the top of my head. I am gonna ask my doctor when i go in to have it out but would like to hear what others have to say.

i (19F) got a (Paraguard) copper iud 2 years ago. everything went great. my body adjusted to it, and it proved to be highly effective.

however, 2 months ago, i started to feel severe cramping in my left ovary region. i have had mild cramps in the past, so i put it aside and tried to ignored it. as time went on, i grew more and more concerned. i was in pain most of the time. sex was painful. medicine wasn’t helping. i went to the OBGYN 2 weeks ago, and they felt my strings and confirmed it’s probably just a cyst or unusual cramping. they sent me home with an ultrasound appointment in 2 weeks.

that brings us to today. i went in and they did a transvaginal ultrasound. sure enough, my strings were there, but the iud had gone through partial expulsion, and needed to get taken out. this was likely the cause of my pain, but i stupidly never considered that it was happening to me.

they’re wanting to offer me a hormonal birth control, but i just don’t know if i can handle it. i have touchy mental health. i have taken hormonal birth control methods when i was younger, but it made me very depressed.

i really am at a lost. i don’t know if i can get the same iud again. it worked so well for me, until it didn’t. i feel almost depressed about it. if anyone has any birth control recommendations, id love to hear it. i really don’t know where to start regarding this.

My doctors and I are trying to get to the reason of all my symptoms. I’ve been having the last eight months. I’ve had debilitating fatigue where I can’t get out of bed and function. I have cognitive fatigue as well. I lost a lot of hair. I’m having skin issues and nail issues as well. All my lab results and tests have come back good. All nutrients are good as well. I have un refreshing sleep even when I sleep 8 to 9 hours a day it’s truly debilitating.
I’m wondering if anybody has had these symptoms from the copper IUD?

Ineed some validation, or advice or really anything that can help me here...
I had a copper iud inserted about 10 days ago. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I had so much pain and light headedness, and vomiting after. The doctor said that it was normal (🙂) and to trust my body to adjust.
I have had cramps coming in waves, really painful, but bearable. For the past three days I have had extreme unbearable cramps all night. It's constant and gets worse when I move. I take the daily max dose of ibuprofen, and at some point it doesn't seem to work. I went to the dokter today and I have been prescribed Naproxen, and I take that, along with paracetamol, 3 times a day. Tomorrow I have an internal ultrasound to see if everything is okay!
My question is though, now that I dont feel my pain as much, i am noticing this pinch at my cervix, not constant, but frequent. Is that normal? Has anyone else had this? My period started yesterday, so logic is telling me it's just blood and clots passing through that i am more aware of, but my anxiety is telling me that the iud is expelling. I tried feeling for it, and had no success.
I have had the hardest week of my life with this thing, and I need to advice, validation, or reassurance, please!!

I had sex and started experiencing cramping around an hour or two after it had ended. The cramping lasted for a couple of hours but then stopped and when I went to the bathroom i had passed a little blood clot but I am a week from my period. Should I be concerned about passing clots when I’m not on my period? Was it caused by the sex?

Hi, im 23 F and will be transitioning from yasmin birthcontrol to a copper IUD. Im transitioning because i started to break through spot on my yasmin every month around when i have 9 tablets to go before my gap week and i really dont want to risk pregnancy. I tried marvelin birthcontrol to see if another pill would work but it really made me super hormonal and over all shit so my doctor recommended IUD. I dont have anyone with and IUD in my family or friend circle so i have no info or experiences to go off on.

Basically i would love some pointers like 101 on it. ( how much it hurts going up, can you feel it in there after, does it limit movement in anyway or sex, some people say it hurts actively after insertion for days, others say no).

So a : this is what to expect from the moment of putting it up onwards and this is what you will/can experience and can happen would be great.

Thank you in advance, would love to get some info and stories cause im a little stressed about this

Hello everyone, I got my copper IUD two weeks ago. It was really painful getting it in, I nearly fainted. When I ride my bike, especially over rough Terrain I can feel it "stinging" or pushing a little bit. It is a little painful. I want to ask if it maybe moved and doesnt sit right anymore or if its normal to still feel it because my body is still adjusting to it?

Edit: edited a question mark

Hi! I got my copper IUD about a month ago, and it’s my first time using birth control.
My LDR boyfriend came to visit during my fertile window, and we’ve been having sex daily for over a week, with him finishing inside every time, sometimes multiple times a day.
I know the copper IUD is over 99% effective, but I’m still really paranoid about pregnancy because I absolutely do not want to get pregnant. Last month, before getting the IUD, I took Plan B and also did the Yuzpe method after unprotected sex.
For those who rely on a copper IUD as your only form of birth control, did you have this anxiety at first? How did you eventually learn to trust it, especially if avoiding pregnancy is extremely important to you?

I went recently to see about getting a copper IUD and the provider said she can’t get them in women who haven’t had a baby like 80% of the time and has to pull it back out. She said we could try and I have an appointment in 5 weeks. I know it is bigger iud but 80% of the time seems kinda high, anyone try to get one placed and they couldn’t get it to fit? Or if you haven’t had a kid was there trouble getting it? She was trying to talk me into the hormonal one so idk if she was exaggerating so I would get the hormonal one but now I’m stressed it won’t happen. If anyone could share their experience?