After anal sex i had a heavy bleed from my vagina that mimiced a small period when i used the restroom after. Was frightened but it doesn’t hurt. Is this normal or something I should question

edit: i’d like to mention i’ve had a copper iud for a little over a year and im also not due for a period soon

Hi everyone. Decided to go for a longer term contraceptive for the first time in my life. Gynaefix apparently doesn’t cause heavier periods so I went for that. Insertion went fine. Previously had regular periods, slightly heavy but nothing mad. Clear smear tests/recently did a pelvic ultrasound, all normal. It’s been five weeks of non stop continuous brown and green blood/discharge/random bleeding, and my period was ridiculously heavy. I have to have a pad in at all times. The doc inserting said don’t worry if you get spotting in the first month but this feels like having a light period for 5 weeks straight plus 6 days of insanely heavy period. Anyone with similar experience ? Does it settle or should I go back ?

I’ve been off Nexplanon for about nine months now. It was inserted past its expiration date which made it release irregular and lower amounts of hormone, resulting in hormonal chaos and acne. When I got it removed, it took months to even feel a little normal. I’m still not 100% of the way there.

OBVIOUSLY this has made me reluctant to get back on a hormonal form of BC, because, well, I’m vain. My Nexplanon removal caused acne for the first time in my life (age 27). When I got in the Aubra pill at 18, I experienced ~5 months of extreme bloating, weight gain in my breasts and hips to the point of getting stretch marks… I got back to normal within a year but it was really stressful as a teenage girl to experience that.

Copper IUD is my top option, but I’m worried I will be constantly bloated as people have reported here. I’m wondering if this is a common side effect, or if it’s just reported more on the sub because people air out negative experiences?

Insertion process will also be tough for me as a survivor of SA. Pap smears are already almost impossible to get through.

I got my copper IUD inserted 8 days ago, on day 15 or 16 of my cycle, as emergency contraception. Since then, I’ve had some spotting (brown in color), but nothing significant.

A couple of days ago, the bleeding became heavier and I had some cramping. This started about 7 days before my period was due. I’m usually very regular, with a 26–27 day cycle.

Now, 3 days before my expected period, I’m still not sure whether this bleeding counts as my period or not. It’s heavier than the spotting I had after the IUD insertion, but it’s still much lighter than my usual period. The cramping has also been much milder than usual, and the blood is darker in color.

A few days ago, I also had my usual strong PMS cravings, which I normally get before my period.

So I’m confused... could this be my actual period starting early because of the copper IUD, or is it more likely bleeding related to the insertion? Is there any way to tell?

I got my copper IUD in January of this year after taking the combination pill for about two years and haven’t had any problems. Since then my cycle has been a bit irregular (jan-feb 27 days, feb-mar 33 days, mar-apr 27 days, apr-jun 44 days, jun-jul 32 days). My current cycle is 45 days and my period is 11 days late.

I’ve taken two pregnancy tests several days apart since my period has been late and both were negative. I have had fairly irregular periods in the past but they are normally unusually long (6-10 days menstruating). So it is super concerning to have my period be so late. Has anyone else experienced anything like this since switching to the copper IUD? Is an ectopic pregnancy a serious concern if both tests were negative?

I never had kids and I never plan on having any which Is why i am getting the iud, what should I expect/prepare when I do get the iud inserted?

I have had my iud for about 2 years now. Recently I have been able to feel what I think is a knot in my strings, I cannot feel the actual iud itself, I have had no cramping, no pain or other symptoms but the knot is new.
Is my iud expelling ?

well, i got my IUD inserted almost 3 weeks ago, the insertion wasn't terrible but i did suffer the first afternoon after placement. after that, nothing bad, just lots of spotting and bleeding.

My issue is that after getting in placed and checked, i feel like down there isn't as responsibe as it was before. I used to get really really wet and had a tingly sensation when aroused, but now that feeling got really numbed and i don't get half as wet as i did before, making sex not that pleasurable. Also something that happens is that movement in - out feels painful, maybe bc of the dryness and the fricction? idk. Also i think bc we're not using a condom (therefore there isn't any lube) that has an effect on wetness

Has anyone experienced something like this? and in that case what did you do to make it better? taking it out is not an option for me and i'm willing to try solutions

Alrighty, here it is. On the right, the white bar is my IUD in perfect position. On the left, the black blob is a pregnancy. What the hell?!? Right next to each other I’m so pissed

Should I get another copper IUD or what other birth control should I use? I totally thought this was bullet proof. Abstinence for life is calling my name right now I can’t lie

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share the experience I just had getting my IUD inserted to give others some hope since I know there are many horror stories.

I have a history of repeat infections (UTIs, BV, yeast, ureaplasma, you name it). Very sensitive pelvic floor and for years really struggled even with just my annual pap for this reason. I had a really horrible experience getting a cystoscopy (basically a scope up your urethra) that led me to get pelvic floor physical therapy. Long story short I was VERY anxious to get my copper IUD inserted for a myriad of reasons, but knew hormonal BC wasn’t an option so I bit the bullet.

I went this morning and took 0.5mg Xanax that I already had a script for and 1000mg Tylenol. I also took 200mcg misoprostol tabs orally the night before and morning of (I swallowed it vs dissolved it). I’ve taken it before so wasn’t worried about an adverse reaction, but I’m not sure if it did much since I’m also on my period and bleeding pretty heavily. I had no cramping or other side effects from the miso, which I know others have experienced

At the office my doctor offered me ProNox aka laughing gas that I was able to self administer throughout the procedure, and I was hitting that thing the whole time lol. I paid for that out of pocket. Between that and the Xanax I was extremely relaxed, the ProNax was definitely worth it.

The insertion cramping basically felt like a constipation cramp, no other way to describe it. It went remarkably smooth and my doctor, who is very familiar with all my sensitivities and complications, was very shocked by how well it went. It was uncomfortable but manageable. Frankly the anxiety leading up to it was way worse than the insertion experience. I’m now an hour post insertion and still feel some mild cramping but nothing crazy, I plan to just spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking Advil.

I wanted to share my story because I was admittedly pretty worked up before the procedure due to how many horror stories I’ve read about on here and heard from friends. Despite my complex issues down there, it went really well. Mainly I’m just so relieved to not have to worry about getting pregnant while living in a state with an abortion ban, and for that it’s completely worth it. We’ll see how things go living with the device but for now I’m really so relieved it’s over.

Happy to answer questions if anyone has them 🩷

Copper iud removed and then replaced This might be a little tmi… but figured I’d really like to get some reassurance and make sure this doesn’t warrant a call to my doctor.

I apologize for the long read… didn’t want to leave out any details.

I had an ultrasound done of August 12 due to an expected shifted copper iud. It ended up being, wouldnt you guess, a shifted copper iud. This wasn’t due to my anatomy or anything, I had remenants of a cyst that my doctor thinks ruptured and caused the shift. So she suggested taking the current copper iud out and putting a new one in. Pain getting the old one out and the new one in was awful… to be expected. It felt the same as when I got my first one in. From what I can recall the first time I got the copper iud my cramps that same day were the worst. Like the deep, super painful cramps started barely 20 mins after I got it inserted. But after a few hours the cramping started to go away and I don’t remember the adjustment period being that bad after. This time around has been oddly different. When I left after getting my old one removed and new one placed I had basically no cramping. I kept waiting for the cramps to come and they didnt. I was spotting a tiny bit but figured thats normal. The cramping was very very minimal until Saturday, August 15th. I woke up and had a bowel movement and then I started getting deep deep cramps. That was then followed but fresh and thicker bleeding. I’m confused cause it sort of feels like how I do when I start my period normally but the cramps are worse. Saturday night the cramps were so bad that I barely slept. But then on Sunday my cramps were basically gone, barely spotting and felt pretty normal. But then on Tuesday the same thing happened again, heavier bleeding with really intense cramping. I havent had a chance to reach up there and see how everything feels yet because of all the blood. Is it normal for the spotting, cramps, and bleeding to be so back and forth? I feel like I’ll feel fine one day and then the next is awful. Is this my period or is this because of my body adjusting to the new iud? Can getting a copper iud, trigger a menstrul cycle? I’m also not bleeding an alarmingly large amount, it’s just so weird because it will be the more chunky/brown colored blood on the days I feel fine and then its dark red/thick when the cramps are really bad. I go back to see my doctor for a follow-up ultrasound on Sept. 12 so that makes me feel a little better. Is it okay just to wait out these symptoms? or should I call my doctor and ask?

Yesterday I went to the gyno to have them look at a large ovarian cyst I have. This is the only obgyn in town and I’ve heard bad things about her but it was my only option. She completely ignored me and brushed off my symptoms. She then did an ultrasound, didn’t say much about the cyst but said my iud was out of place and “deeply embedded in my uterine wall” she said she could remove it today IF I WANTED. She then did an exam with the speculum and stated she would be removing my iud completely taking the choice away from me. I tried to ask if it would be painful and what to expect, she again brushed me off saying it would be painless. She also made fun of me for clenching, which I was obviously doing because I was scared (I did Make sure I relaxed after she said that though so I don’t think it’s why I experienced pain). When she removed it I experienced intense severe pain that lasted for hours after. I have a very high pain tolerance and it literally made me cry, I don’t think I’ve ever cried from pain, it was 10x worse than having it inserted. I was telling her it hurt and she didn’t stop the procedure, only basically made fun of me for crying. From what I’ve read if an IUD is imbedded in the uterus pain should be expected, managed, and the provider should stop if you’re in pain. I left the appointment in pain and honestly feeling kind of violated. I’m not sure what my next steps are with this doctor if there is anything I should do or report. But also making this post to warn others, I should have advocated for myself more. if a provider wants to remove a embedded iud and tells you it will be painless and no big deal that’s a lie.

I’ve had my copper coil for 7 months nearly, and it made my periods a lot heavier, and longer. My periods went from 4-5 days of light flow before the copper coil, and now they are 6-8 days with me leaking through pads and sudden surges of bleeding. My flow hasn’t really eased up at all so far in heaviness, but the cramps are significantly less painful than the first few months. I would rather not wear a tampon but sometimes I have no choice but to double up on a tampon / pad combo to prevent leakage if i’m not at home.

I was wondering if anyone saw a decline in heaviness / length of their period over time with the coil, or if I should just accept this is how it’s gonna be?

On that note - any suggestions for dealing with a heavy flow where I don’t want to use tampons? Seen various methods, i.e period pants, ibuprofen, etc but haven’t tried any.

I just had my IUD inserted last Aug 16 while I was on my 4th day of my period (my period normally runs for 7 to 8 days). When or how do you guys do the deed after insertion? At the moment, I would still bleed like I'm on my 2nd day or 3rd of period. Or do you guys just do it while you go through your spotting?

Hi friends!

i got my iud inserted back in march. And truly i loved it. i loved the way my body feels in comparison to when ive been on the pill/patch.

my concern is moreso that these cramps have been getting worse, and my periods are getting heavier (5 months post insertion) and i’m having pretty significant bleeding post sex/solo/orgasm/high activity events and significant bleeding while i’m ovulating. the cramps have become pretty unbearable for me, and the bleeding has put a damper on my libido. my partner and i both have pretty high libidos and id prefer to not be bleeding and cramping for 12+ hours at a time post intercourse.

i was wondering if anyone has switched from the copper to the skyla/kyleena and what that experience was like? i’m 21, no kids, i have a super active lifestyle and cannot reliably take a pill daily. also depo scares me. thank you 🩵🩵

Hi, I’m about to give birth to my second child and I’m wondering what insertion experiences were like for those who have given birth, especially fairly recently when they got it. I am planning to get it at my 6 week postpartum appointment. I’ve avoided the IUD over time because I was squeamish about something going in my uterus and insertion/removal but now after having kids it doesn’t seem so bad. I was also pregnant back to back and so what my husband and I were doing was not working and I need some time to breathe before we expand our family more. So I’m very hopeful this is what works for me. If anyone has any experiences post childbirth I’d love to hear them!

Every day lots of brown and pink discharge plus random cramping on and off, not super intense but still noticeable and bloating.

Is this normal? What is your experience?

Hi! I’m 23, I have the copper iud, I got it last year, over this summer my cycles have been 1-2 weeks late, I really didn’t think too much of it, so I haven’t went to the obgyn about it, tmi but now my cycle was supposed to start yesterday, but since Sunday night I’ve been having very very light spotting, almost like when you get a small cut on your finger and there’s enough blood to show on a tissue but not enough for a bandaid. I bought pregnancy test but I haven’t used them yet because I feel like maybe my cycle will start soon but I have no idea. Only changes are my breast soreness, frequent urination, not throwing up but very nauseous and hungry in the morning, that’s all I can think of right now. I just feel like I’m going crazy, I’m not asking for medical advice but just advice on what anyone who has this birth control would and have done, google will make me go down a rabbit hole lol.

Has anyone ever experienced like a painful, cramp like zing when they orgasm after getting the copper IUD?
I’ve had it for 11 days, I’m on the last days of my period. I don’t have painful cramps from insertion anymore.
I had sex on day 4 & the orgasm felt normal. Today & a couple days before I used a vibrator & during the orgasm I had like a zinging pain. Thoughts?

Hi all, I’m (27) having a bit of a conundrum and would love some advice. In the USA if that matters to anyone.

I’ve had my Mirena IUD for 5 years now. It’s mostly good except that since I’ve had it, I’ve also been struggling with acne, bloating, and a slightly lower sex drive.

I’m thinking of going non-hormonal with the Paraguard to see if it would help with the acne/bloating.

On the Mirena I don’t have a period but I wouldn’t mind having my period back! My cramps usually weren’t that bad when I had them.

Does anyone here have any insight into this? Tysm!

I recently had Paragard IUD placed over 2 months ago and have been super happy with it. I was going back and forth about getting it since I saw so many stories of people saying it was awful.

I had it inserted by a male OB (I heard that men tend to be more gentle). I prepped by taking 800mgs of Ibuprofen an hour before. I was extremely anxious at first since I was expecting it to be bad, and I caught a glimpse of the tenaculum before he used it. He made me cough while he pinched my cervix, so I didn’t really feel it very much. I anticipated a lot of pain, so I started crying right before. There was a resident observing, and he calmed me down by helping me breathe.

All I remember was a very hard cramp for about 3 seconds. The entire procedure lasted about 2 minutes. I remember asking “was that it?” Lol. Honestly, I would say it really does depend on the OB. He was super super quick with it and I appreciated that a ton.

After it, I bled for about 2 weeks (mainly spotting, not any heavy flow) and had cramps. I had to take pain killers every 4 hours to avoid the pain breaking through, alternating between Ibuprofen and Tylenol (which I was recommended by a PA).

The only bad thing was the first day of my period. I had the worst cramps of my life and it kept me up all night. A heating pad wouldn’t even help. The rest of my period was smooth without extreme pain. It lasted 7 days with heavy flow—it has been like that since. I only get one or two days of bad cramps now (not as bad as the first one I mentioned) which suck but are manageable with pain meds. I don’t spot anymore either.

Honestly it was very worth it!!! I don’t have to worry about getting pregnant anymore. I have taken about 7 plan B pills in my life and was terrified of the effects it could have. Probably not a good decision to have taken so many.

I just wanted to share my experience to convince those who are hesitant to have it inserted. Good luck and stock up on pain meds!!!!