IUD Argh!
May 25, 2015 6:20 AM Subscribe
I have a copper IUD (Paraguard) that was inserted about 1 month ago. I've been feeling absolutely terrible this past month. Pain, anxiety, discomfort - every day. I think I want to ask my doctor to remove the IUD, but I'm nervous for a few reasons (maybe because of my overall increased anxiety?) Any tips?
I got a Paraguard inserted about a month ago. Was SUPER excited about it! Thought we'd be best friends! But I think it might not be right for me.
Here is what happened:
- Insertion was great! Mild discomfort, but I felt awesome! Yay IUD!
- 1 hour after insertion I was in the worst pain I've ever felt - doubled over, difficulty walking, sweating, delirious, shouting with pain. I'd say it was about a 9 maybe 10 on the pain scale.
- I called my doc who said to take Motrin and that the pain was normal. That once the Motrin kicked in I'd feel better.
- The extreme pain lasted a few hours and diminished to a 5-6 on the pain scale for the next few days.
After those first few days were over, this is what I've experienced:
- Some amount of pain every day. Some days are better (2-3) some days are worse (5-6). I've been taking Motrin at the max recommended dosage every day.
- Sharp pains in my lower back. Pains radiating out to my legs. Aches in my hips, thighs.
- Bloating - pants are tight
- Anxiety and depression - I've had ongoing problems with anxiety, but the past month it's at least doubled
- Lethargy - I normally love running around, but aside from working, most days I want to just curl in a ball and watch TV
- An occasional feeling like I need to push something out of my uterus (barf) or a weird twinge like the start of a UTI
I have my followup appointment in a week or so and I think my increased anxiety is making me doubt what to expect and what I should ask for. Here's what I'm nervous about:
- Should I call and say that instead of a regular followup appointment I want to schedule a removal?
- Or should I go to the regular followup and hear what my doc has to say? (I mean I would anyway, but...) And then possibly schedule another appointment for removal?
- I'm scared my doc will suggest I give it another month or two. If she says I should - should I? Should I insist on having it removed asap?
- I'm scared of the pain on removal - the day of insertion ended up being pretty yucky.
I know AskMe is not my doctor (I wish!), but I already have my followup appointment scheduled, I'm just having anxiety about the above items and am wondering how insistent (if at all) I should be to have it removed. Honestly, a lot of it is that I don't want to be a wimp about this pain. Any tips?
I got a Paraguard inserted about a month ago. Was SUPER excited about it! Thought we'd be best friends! But I think it might not be right for me.
Here is what happened:
- Insertion was great! Mild discomfort, but I felt awesome! Yay IUD!
- 1 hour after insertion I was in the worst pain I've ever felt - doubled over, difficulty walking, sweating, delirious, shouting with pain. I'd say it was about a 9 maybe 10 on the pain scale.
- I called my doc who said to take Motrin and that the pain was normal. That once the Motrin kicked in I'd feel better.
- The extreme pain lasted a few hours and diminished to a 5-6 on the pain scale for the next few days.
After those first few days were over, this is what I've experienced:
- Some amount of pain every day. Some days are better (2-3) some days are worse (5-6). I've been taking Motrin at the max recommended dosage every day.
- Sharp pains in my lower back. Pains radiating out to my legs. Aches in my hips, thighs.
- Bloating - pants are tight
- Anxiety and depression - I've had ongoing problems with anxiety, but the past month it's at least doubled
- Lethargy - I normally love running around, but aside from working, most days I want to just curl in a ball and watch TV
- An occasional feeling like I need to push something out of my uterus (barf) or a weird twinge like the start of a UTI
I have my followup appointment in a week or so and I think my increased anxiety is making me doubt what to expect and what I should ask for. Here's what I'm nervous about:
- Should I call and say that instead of a regular followup appointment I want to schedule a removal?
- Or should I go to the regular followup and hear what my doc has to say? (I mean I would anyway, but...) And then possibly schedule another appointment for removal?
- I'm scared my doc will suggest I give it another month or two. If she says I should - should I? Should I insist on having it removed asap?
- I'm scared of the pain on removal - the day of insertion ended up being pretty yucky.
I know AskMe is not my doctor (I wish!), but I already have my followup appointment scheduled, I'm just having anxiety about the above items and am wondering how insistent (if at all) I should be to have it removed. Honestly, a lot of it is that I don't want to be a wimp about this pain. Any tips?
I had a copper IUD for a while and didn't have the type of pain you're experiencing. I don't think that much pain is normal and any doctor that dismisses it and tells you to give it another month or two is not a good doctor. Also, if you want it out, that's your decision. A doctor shouldn't be talking you into leaving it in.
IUDs can sometimes perforate the uterus, so you should go to the doctor to make sure that hasn't happen.
It wasn't painful to get mine removed and only took a few seconds.
posted by Lingasol at 6:39 AM on May 25, 2015 [7 favorites]
IUDs can sometimes perforate the uterus, so you should go to the doctor to make sure that hasn't happen.
It wasn't painful to get mine removed and only took a few seconds.
posted by Lingasol at 6:39 AM on May 25, 2015 [7 favorites]
I read in a previous IUD question here that someone got a local anesthetic or numbing agent or something like that when they got their IUD inserted and I was so pissed that it wasn't suggested as an option to me by my doc. Next time I go do an IUD swap I'm absolutely asking about it. Insisting, actually. This is 2015, it's bad enough I still have to have a uterus. The least science can do is help me not feel like Bruce Lee kicked me in the cervix.
So ask! Ask about local anesthetics for your bits, ask about sedatives for your anxiety. Insist on it.
Write all of your concerns down in a dispassionate list so you can make sure you relay everything to your doctor accurately. It took me a while to get used to my Mirena, but sharp pains in your back and radiating pain through your legs sounds special and awful. Write down a thorough list of your symptoms so you can make sure you're heard even if your anxiety starts to rise.
posted by phunniemee at 6:39 AM on May 25, 2015 [3 favorites]
So ask! Ask about local anesthetics for your bits, ask about sedatives for your anxiety. Insist on it.
Write all of your concerns down in a dispassionate list so you can make sure you relay everything to your doctor accurately. It took me a while to get used to my Mirena, but sharp pains in your back and radiating pain through your legs sounds special and awful. Write down a thorough list of your symptoms so you can make sure you're heard even if your anxiety starts to rise.
posted by phunniemee at 6:39 AM on May 25, 2015 [3 favorites]
The amount of pain you're describing sounds far from normal. Moreover, even if you were feeling totally fine, it is your decision as to whether you want to keep the IUD in. It doesn't really matter what your doc suggests if you want it out; ask her/him to remove it.
posted by Betelgeuse at 6:43 AM on May 25, 2015 [16 favorites]
posted by Betelgeuse at 6:43 AM on May 25, 2015 [16 favorites]
The pain your describing is vastly out of proportion with what I experienced during insertion and the first few months of my Paraguard. Mind you, insertion was a flaming turd of a day, but for me, once it was in, the worst was over. My doc, who sounds wildly more compassionate than yours, also gave me a few days' worth of vicodin, which I surely did use.
Just so you have another piece of anecdata, I basically had really severe cramps for the first few days after insertion, and the first 3 or 4 menstrual I had after insertion. But zero pain between periods after the insertion. And I honestly haven't noticed it again in the intervening 6.5 years, unless I think about it.
If you don't know yourself to have a very low pain tolerance, I would be concerned about pain that radiates down your legs, if that has been continual. The bloating I would suspect is due to the lethargy, which seems more likely to be due to your anxiety about the pain, than about the pain itself.
But you know what? If you want that sucker out, then have it out. Don't make yourself wait for another appointment to have it out, have it out at your follow-up. If having the IUD is giving you pain and anxiety in a potentially self-perpetuating cycle, well, it just may not be the contraceptive method for you, and that's 100% OK.
posted by amelioration at 7:00 AM on May 25, 2015
Just so you have another piece of anecdata, I basically had really severe cramps for the first few days after insertion, and the first 3 or 4 menstrual I had after insertion. But zero pain between periods after the insertion. And I honestly haven't noticed it again in the intervening 6.5 years, unless I think about it.
If you don't know yourself to have a very low pain tolerance, I would be concerned about pain that radiates down your legs, if that has been continual. The bloating I would suspect is due to the lethargy, which seems more likely to be due to your anxiety about the pain, than about the pain itself.
But you know what? If you want that sucker out, then have it out. Don't make yourself wait for another appointment to have it out, have it out at your follow-up. If having the IUD is giving you pain and anxiety in a potentially self-perpetuating cycle, well, it just may not be the contraceptive method for you, and that's 100% OK.
posted by amelioration at 7:00 AM on May 25, 2015
I had a paraguard for about 3 years before I swapped it out for a Mirena. Your experience so far sounds very similar to mine. I was super pumped to switch to non-hormonal BC, but the paraguard just didn't sit well in my body. It felt like my uterus wanted to reject that thing from day one. The intense pain after insertion lasted about a week, then I had the same level of pain before/during my first post-insertion period. Every period thereafter was slightly better, but still excruciatingly painful and functionally impairing. I really didn't want to switch back to hormones, so I toughed it out thinking it would get better, but looking back I really wish I had just switch to the Mirena earlier. I had almost no pain after insertion and now live blissfully unaware of my IUD.
If I were you, I would ask to have it removed. I also felt like a wimp about the pain, but ultimately what matters is your subjective experience. Doctors can be quick to minimize pain symptoms, but if it's too much, it's too much. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and be upfront.
posted by Mrs.Spiffy at 7:09 AM on May 25, 2015
If I were you, I would ask to have it removed. I also felt like a wimp about the pain, but ultimately what matters is your subjective experience. Doctors can be quick to minimize pain symptoms, but if it's too much, it's too much. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and be upfront.
posted by Mrs.Spiffy at 7:09 AM on May 25, 2015
If I were you I would call for an immediate appointment (don't wait for the follow-up; at the very least talk to your doctor now!) and consider both infection (pelvic inflammatory disease) and improper placement/migration of the IUD as possibilities. If your doctor dismisses these concerns, you might want to seek a second opinion rather than either "waiting it out" or having it immediately removed.
It sounds like you only spoke with your doctor about the pain you experienced the day of insertion. Pain (even excruciating pain) the day of may actually be within the scope of normal reactions, and your doctor's advice was reasonable if maybe not very sympathetic. However, you DIDN'T feel better when the Motrin kicked in as she thought. And then you continued to feel worse, with pain extending beyond "just" bad cramping. That's the part that's really worrying and unusual, and in case there's an infection your doctor is going to want to treat you right away.
posted by cogitron at 7:13 AM on May 25, 2015 [4 favorites]
It sounds like you only spoke with your doctor about the pain you experienced the day of insertion. Pain (even excruciating pain) the day of may actually be within the scope of normal reactions, and your doctor's advice was reasonable if maybe not very sympathetic. However, you DIDN'T feel better when the Motrin kicked in as she thought. And then you continued to feel worse, with pain extending beyond "just" bad cramping. That's the part that's really worrying and unusual, and in case there's an infection your doctor is going to want to treat you right away.
posted by cogitron at 7:13 AM on May 25, 2015 [4 favorites]
Get rid of it. That amount of pain isn't normal.
posted by annathea at 7:24 AM on May 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by annathea at 7:24 AM on May 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
That is really abnormal. I am wondering if they placed it incorrectly, or if you have an infection.
You shouldn't be feeling... anything, really at this point.
Also, it is just copper. There are no hormones, or anything else to be affecting your mood, so the anxiety etc is probably due to pain or infection.
Please find out what is causing the problem, and if is just an infection, go on antibiotics etc before having it removed, because that may resolve everything.
Further, try going to FPA rather than your normal doctor, for this or anything relating to an IUD because they do many, many more insertions/removals, and it is something that someone inexperienced can get badly wrong, to the tune of a perforated uterus.
That is also why I suggest you go to someone more experienced with this, because if your Dr has placed it so wrong that they have injured you, they should not just 'tug it out' to remove it, which is how you remove a correctly placed IUD, because it may further injure you. Sorry, that is worst case, but I don't trust your Doctor, try FPA, or an experienced gyno, now.
posted by Elysum at 7:51 AM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
You shouldn't be feeling... anything, really at this point.
Also, it is just copper. There are no hormones, or anything else to be affecting your mood, so the anxiety etc is probably due to pain or infection.
Please find out what is causing the problem, and if is just an infection, go on antibiotics etc before having it removed, because that may resolve everything.
Further, try going to FPA rather than your normal doctor, for this or anything relating to an IUD because they do many, many more insertions/removals, and it is something that someone inexperienced can get badly wrong, to the tune of a perforated uterus.
That is also why I suggest you go to someone more experienced with this, because if your Dr has placed it so wrong that they have injured you, they should not just 'tug it out' to remove it, which is how you remove a correctly placed IUD, because it may further injure you. Sorry, that is worst case, but I don't trust your Doctor, try FPA, or an experienced gyno, now.
posted by Elysum at 7:51 AM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
The pain I experienced during my insertion experience sounds exactly like your after-insertion experience. I almost passed out during and right after, and my doctor was looking at me like I was crazy. Once the pain passed, I didn't leave until I was able to drive. Had it not passed, I would have called the doctor back in. If you are still in a lot of pain now, I also think something is wrong. Schedule the removal and be open to changing your mind the day of.
I (we) did experience PMS and mood swings and a few other new symptoms post-insertion and those took a few months to regulate, or at least learn to tolerate, but I was pain-free within a day and felt 100% back to normal physically within 2 weeks.
I now absolutely love copper IUD, highly recommend it, and never give it a second thought until I remember I have to get it changed. When that happens, I plan to ask for them to prescribe me something stronger to assist with the pain and anxiety because Motrin was not enough for me. I don't see any reason you couldn't do the same of this doc or a different one if it turns out you need or want it removed.
(And let it be said that I am not a weenie. I can withstand pain. I was calm, not crying or freaking out and I was taking deep breaths. It just hurt so much I saw stars and blacked out. Twice.)
posted by juliplease at 8:04 AM on May 25, 2015
I (we) did experience PMS and mood swings and a few other new symptoms post-insertion and those took a few months to regulate, or at least learn to tolerate, but I was pain-free within a day and felt 100% back to normal physically within 2 weeks.
I now absolutely love copper IUD, highly recommend it, and never give it a second thought until I remember I have to get it changed. When that happens, I plan to ask for them to prescribe me something stronger to assist with the pain and anxiety because Motrin was not enough for me. I don't see any reason you couldn't do the same of this doc or a different one if it turns out you need or want it removed.
(And let it be said that I am not a weenie. I can withstand pain. I was calm, not crying or freaking out and I was taking deep breaths. It just hurt so much I saw stars and blacked out. Twice.)
posted by juliplease at 8:04 AM on May 25, 2015
I put up with a copper IUD for close to two years because everyone told me it would eventually get better. It didn't. I would get crippling cramps that would force me to bag out of whatever I was in the middle of doing, and lie in bed for hours. I had 14 day long periods that were heavy and disgusting. I wish someone would have encouraged me to get rid of it. Eventually, I switched to a Mirena, and not only did it get rid of all of my cramps, but I haven't had my period in more than three years. It's amazing.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:18 AM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:18 AM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
Just more anecdata here...I'm currently on my second copper IUD and have never had the kind of pain you're describing. It does not sound normal to me. I think your body is trying to tell you something; I'd listen!
posted by yawper at 8:23 AM on May 25, 2015
posted by yawper at 8:23 AM on May 25, 2015
Oh, and I was the person who had an anesthetic during my second insertion. It was awesome.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:17 AM on May 25, 2015
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:17 AM on May 25, 2015
I can't personally speak about having an IUD, but I am active on some FB groups for MTHFR; a few people have mentioned that their body cannot process having the extra copper and it has caused some of the anxiety-type reactions that you are mentioning.
Deal with the IUD for now, but consider getting tested for MTHFR in the future (it's a simple blood test your GP can order).
posted by vignettist at 10:04 AM on May 25, 2015
Deal with the IUD for now, but consider getting tested for MTHFR in the future (it's a simple blood test your GP can order).
posted by vignettist at 10:04 AM on May 25, 2015
I've had two copper IUDs (for gynae reasons not birth control reasons) and I had exactly the same symptoms that you had. No infections, and it was in the right place (position checked on ultrasound), just didn't agree with me. Luckily I only needed mine in for few months post-op - there's no way I'd have kept it in for birth control. To be fair things did gradually get a bit better after a month or two, but I always knew it was there. The second one was no better than the first so I wouldn't waste time and money reinserting it, just move on to some other method of contraception.
One of my friends had similar symptoms - apparently everything settled down after six months or so (even the gross snotty discharge) and she's now very happy with it, but I wouldn't want to wait that long.
posted by tinkletown at 10:14 AM on May 25, 2015
One of my friends had similar symptoms - apparently everything settled down after six months or so (even the gross snotty discharge) and she's now very happy with it, but I wouldn't want to wait that long.
posted by tinkletown at 10:14 AM on May 25, 2015
I also had a copper IUD and put up with pain similar to what you describe for the first month, and it did get better after a month, but still a huge disruption. After six months I was experiencing what roomthreeseventeen had in terms of long periods and crippling cramps, the doctor conceded that my version of it ""settling" was unworkable and i switched to Mirena. I was hesitant to go with a hormone option since I had been so sensitive to birth control pills in the past but it's been glorious. The first month is rough i was told while your body adjusts, but pay attention to whether or not that adjustment is something you'll be happy with. Definitely be candid and firm with your doctor, I wouldn't schedule a removal in lieu of your follow up but definitely bring it up. I definitely regret waiting six months to yank it.
posted by danapiper at 12:34 PM on May 25, 2015
posted by danapiper at 12:34 PM on May 25, 2015
Response by poster: Jesus, I didn't experience anything like that when I got my Paraguard. I would be concerned about infection or a perforated uterus. At the very least you shouldn't feel like you have to put up with this--IUDs don't agree with everyone, I guess.
posted by Anonymous at 5:23 PM on May 25, 2015
posted by Anonymous at 5:23 PM on May 25, 2015
Taking max dose Motrin for a month isn't great because there's an increased risk of side effects when you take that high a dose for so long. You need to call your doctor immediately tomorrow when their office opens to tell them about the pain you're having and see if they can get you in sooner - your initial conversation with them made sense for day 1, but not 3 weeks later. Please think of your doctor as your partner in health, not your opponent - if you're having symptoms like these, your doctor wants to know about it and help you work through it. Communication is so important so they can make the right recommendations to help you feel better.
In the same way, you don't need to be scared of your doctor's suggestions. They're just suggestions. If your doctor suggests giving it another month and you don't want to, all you have to say is that you don't want to. There should be no fear, no argument, no pressure. If you're afraid to tell your doctor how you feel or think they will give you a hard time because you want to make an elective medical decision, then you really need a new doctor who's more compassionate and less intimidating. Why would you want to give it another month? You're miserable. That would be illogical.
To answer your final concern, don't worry about removal. If insertion didn't bother you, you're not even going to notice the removal. It's not the same, it's much easier and less uncomfortable. Removal is so simple and quick that you might not even need to schedule an additional appointment to have it done. You might be able to just mention when you call in tomorrow that you probably want to have it removed while you are in the office, so they can have the right tools in the room to proceed after you talk to your doc.
You can definitely give it a couple of weeks if you want after IUD removal to see what happens, but bloating, muscle aches in your extremities, lethargy, depression and anxiety are not common side effects of the copper IUD (see the official prescribing information, page 5, for details - they usually have a huge long laundry list of different side effects for most medications, Paragard's is relatively short and simple). The whole reason people usually choose copper IUD is to try to avoid side effects like that. You may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss these symptoms and see if there might be another cause.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 9:00 PM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
In the same way, you don't need to be scared of your doctor's suggestions. They're just suggestions. If your doctor suggests giving it another month and you don't want to, all you have to say is that you don't want to. There should be no fear, no argument, no pressure. If you're afraid to tell your doctor how you feel or think they will give you a hard time because you want to make an elective medical decision, then you really need a new doctor who's more compassionate and less intimidating. Why would you want to give it another month? You're miserable. That would be illogical.
To answer your final concern, don't worry about removal. If insertion didn't bother you, you're not even going to notice the removal. It's not the same, it's much easier and less uncomfortable. Removal is so simple and quick that you might not even need to schedule an additional appointment to have it done. You might be able to just mention when you call in tomorrow that you probably want to have it removed while you are in the office, so they can have the right tools in the room to proceed after you talk to your doc.
You can definitely give it a couple of weeks if you want after IUD removal to see what happens, but bloating, muscle aches in your extremities, lethargy, depression and anxiety are not common side effects of the copper IUD (see the official prescribing information, page 5, for details - they usually have a huge long laundry list of different side effects for most medications, Paragard's is relatively short and simple). The whole reason people usually choose copper IUD is to try to avoid side effects like that. You may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss these symptoms and see if there might be another cause.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 9:00 PM on May 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
Just another voice to say, get your doctor to remove it as soon as you can.
I also reacted very very badly to my copper IUD but stuck it out for 7 months b/c it was supposed to get better. Not only was I completely miserable during that time, I think it triggered? exacerbated? contributed to? some health problems (endometriosis definitely, chronic fatigue syndrome possibly) which took years (and for the endo, surgery) to rebound from. My biggest regret from that time period was not listening to my gut (ahem, uterus) and getting the IUD removed MUCH earlier. I'm glad you are listening to yours :)
posted by pennypiper at 9:00 AM on May 26, 2015
I also reacted very very badly to my copper IUD but stuck it out for 7 months b/c it was supposed to get better. Not only was I completely miserable during that time, I think it triggered? exacerbated? contributed to? some health problems (endometriosis definitely, chronic fatigue syndrome possibly) which took years (and for the endo, surgery) to rebound from. My biggest regret from that time period was not listening to my gut (ahem, uterus) and getting the IUD removed MUCH earlier. I'm glad you are listening to yours :)
posted by pennypiper at 9:00 AM on May 26, 2015
FWIW, I had all your symptoms after my copper IUD was inserted, and they eased up after the first 2.5-3 months. I was prescribed vicodin and 800mg motrin for the first couple weeks after insertion. Those first few periods were hellish, though, and I was glad I'd been warned about them. However, mine's been in place for 6.5 years, and is now just fine.
posted by culfinglin at 11:33 AM on May 26, 2015
posted by culfinglin at 11:33 AM on May 26, 2015
Can you feel the strings? Do they feel like the same length they have felt since the first time you felt them?
I would specifically ask for an ultrasound to confirm it's in the right place; Describe the pain as you did here and tell them you are worried about perforation. If they won't do an ultrasound, call around for a "second opinion" until you find a doctor who will.
If it is in the right place, I might try to wait it out another month. Have you had your first cycle?
posted by amaire at 5:34 PM on May 26, 2015
I would specifically ask for an ultrasound to confirm it's in the right place; Describe the pain as you did here and tell them you are worried about perforation. If they won't do an ultrasound, call around for a "second opinion" until you find a doctor who will.
If it is in the right place, I might try to wait it out another month. Have you had your first cycle?
posted by amaire at 5:34 PM on May 26, 2015
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It was mildly uncomfortable to have removed... but nothing compared to insertion so don't worry about that!
posted by catspajammies at 6:36 AM on May 25, 2015