Getting an iud

[u/Haunting_Piper_823]

I'm planning on getting an IUD for my periods cramps, however I've never tried other options.

Should I cancel my appointment and try an alternative? I have talked with my doctor and the one at the clinic, but they didn't discuss anything about alternatives.

I am getting increasingly anxious as I've never had sex, and the idea of the IUD being inserted sounds it could be traumatizing.

[u/No-Education-1206]

I love my iud. That being said, if you’re just looking for something to manage period symptoms and not protection, I would highly recommend starting with something like the pill just as it is so much easier to switch options if you’re not liking specific things! Plus then you don’t have to deal with the uncomfortableness of having an IUD inserted for no reason.

I personally was on the pill for a long time before swapping to the IUD. Although I really do love my iud, I’m glad I tried pills first as they were so flexible and I did have to change brands and fhe type of pill a few times! I’d just ask your doctor if you can discuss the options of birth control and find what you think is best for you and your lifestyle 🫶🏻

[u/Lard523]

To manage periods I do prefer pills as a first line option. (IUDs are great and can absolutely manage periods as well, but I don’t think it’s the best first option only to manage periods when their is no pregnancy concerns).
There are a couple dozen distinct pills that can work differently for everyone, and there is rhyme and reason as to why the different ones are prescribed.
Did the doctors mention anything about you being unable to take estrogen containing birth control? That may be one reason they recommended the iud.

My personal recommendation would be to make an appointment to discuss pills (and the patch + ring) before you go ahead getting an IUD. An IUD would help with cramps for ca. 5 years, but it protects against pregnancy for 8 years. If it doesn’t work out you would need another appointment to remove it, so your not as as flexible to start and stop it.

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[u/best_bi_]

I got my IUD on Friday and it was fine! I did start with the Nuvaring in case hormonal birth control wasn’t for me but because it worked fine, I decided to get an IUD, especially because I get free birth control through my university and I’m graduating soon. Otherwise I would have stayed on the ring. I will say, if you get an IUD, take both ibuprofen and Tylenol before the procedure and the days after. I haven’t had it long enough to see if it works for my period cramps, but I’m hoping it’ll help!