Paragard IUD

Spicygirl82 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 02:41 PM

Hi everyone. I am considering getting the Paragard IUD. In fact, I want to get it. However, I am single and have never had a child. My sister told me that my doctor probably won't let me have it because of this. Is this true?

Brandye · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 07:55 PM

There is some controversy in the medical community. Some nations, and doctors, resist iud's for non-parous women; others actually recommend them. In China there are likely over 100 million women, with and without children, using the iud. I recommend it for any woman who prefers not to use hormones. Ask your doctor and if she will not insert one ask for a recommendation for another doctor. Marital status is irrelevant for most doctors but I am sure that there are some old-line docs around who remember when it was illegal to prescribe a diaphragm for an unmarried woman.

sera300 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 08:46 PM

I would seek out a well versed MD to consult with regarding the insertion of a IUD. Why? I see no issue with them; however, many still have preconceived notions of the use after MANY years ago the matters with the Dalkon Shield. Many good Gyn's will not carry the same anti-IUD beliefs which the older Gyn do. I see more patients having them inserted. This followed after the "new" birth control boom years ago when Depo, The patch, and the Implants hit the market. After years of negative adverse side effects occurred from these methods; gyn's have re-thought the use of IUD's.

Looking back, if I was younger, I would have gone for this method. Other options to consider as well are the use of either Diaphragms or Cervical Caps if you wish to have non-hormonal methods. A good gyn will not steer you away from a IUD.

Spicygirl82 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 04:32 AM

Oh ok. Thanks to you both. I have an appointment coming up in about 2 weeks to discuss the IUD with my doctor. If I can't get an IUD, I will see about being fitted for a cervical cap or diaphragm.

sera300 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 06:22 AM

Good luck. I liked the old c. caps...you took them out while showering, wash them, & place it back in. Really not reason to remove them for extended periods of time. You can add a spermicide as well to reduce the risk rate. And from your previous posts, I thought he was using a condom so it should not be an issue.

Overall, I think the IUD is a good idea. Good luck...

Brandye · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 08:48 AM

I still have (very few) patients using diaphragms and cervical caps. They are really in a different class from more modern contraceptives. The protection rate is closer to a condom than to hormones. They should be inserted, with vaginal jelly, before the penis comes in and should remain in place for eight hours afterward.

The iud is essentially "set it and forget it." For five years. I see the cervical cap or diaphragm as one trade-off between two good systems; iud and the pill as another trade-off between excellent systems.

sera300 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 06:58 PM

I look back through time & all the attempts I had with hormonal BC methods & subsequent failures due to tolerance issues. Years ago, the IUD would not be discussed or thought of due to not having kids yet. This mentality was that of the doc despite my continued interest in an IUD. Having set out on a mission thereafter, I found this old concept called a c.cap in a 1987 Nursing Book! Yes, it had to be ordered since they were out dated back then & fit. However, add a touch of spermicide and you had a friend for life...I also figured it worked well for menstrual issues. They are carried in some gyn's office and look like a small cup with a tiny bulb on the tip [not the one Planned Parenthood shows]...

I do agree the IUD is the optimal choice & would pick it today if required. If I wanted a non-hormonal BC method, could not have an IUD, I would go back to the cap...still. Why? Insert it once after showering and keep it in place until the next day & do not remove it early if you engaged in sex. But as any daily method, keep it in & cleanse it daily, no real thought to it. I never required a lubricant for insertion due to the size of it and the compatibility of it. If added protection was a concern add the spermicide. With the diaphragm was used well the lube and the "UFO effect" was tough for me. Today, I would prefer to have skipped the years of hormones; however, did not have choices at times due to ovarian cysts. I would go for the IUD as number one choice and second the c. cap. I found it very easy to use and it was no real maintenance or forethought. I like the thoughts of BC methods which are non-hormonal & I have control over...let him add the condom. If we were "condom-free" due to the nature of the relationship, add a spermicide if concerned. I have never had a c.cap dislodge during or after intercourse. Worst scenario was during am post shower insertion. The IUD...many gyns are now looking at the use for those women in menopause which require estrogen's & who may ovulate at times...interesting.

Spiceygirl:
I would also inquire into; does your gyn "group" participate in any research studies where they collect & provide feedback of the product to [the product manufacturer or drug manufacturers] on the outcomes of specific methods for a fee. Why is this relevant? It can influence the MD's group & practice as to which types of methods they offer to their patients. If their current study is in say, the latest BCP or the results of Depo users over time; they may not be so eager to offer you the option of an IUD or it may be influenced by personal biases. Do not hesitate to ask.

lnt1103 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-23-2008, 03:07 PM

I have a Minera IUD. As an Insulin Dependent Diabetic on a pump, hormonals are contra-indicated for me. What my GYN told me was that normally, for single girls/women who've never had children they typically steer away from IUD for these reasons:

-the cervix has never been dilated, making insertion a little less comfortable.
-they raise the rate of infertility as a result of STIs or STDs.

So the theory of the second reason is that if the woman has never had a child they don't want to risk taking her chances away if she contracts something. This logic was particularly applied to younger women/teens who might be less careful, protection-wise. But age (30) and my involvement in a very committed, long term relationship negated the second reason, and the insertion wasn't all that bad-he used the separator they use in the PAP, and it felt like a little pin prick as it went through the cervix. But be ready for cramps that afternoon that will mimic your period. Also, it can be removed at any point in the 5-year term if you decide to have kids.