Looking for people who have used an IUD before!?

You will cramp for a week or so while your uterus adjusts to having something in it. Ibuprofen and a heating pad are a girls best friend for this. I sometimes experience cramping on and off from time to time. Your periods may also be a little crampier and heavier than usual if you have the non hormonal Paraguard. If you have the Mirena your period may become shorter or lighter or stop all together. I have the Paraguard and love it.

There are no problems with prolonged use. I had the paraguard for two years before starting a family. When I had it removed, I got pregnant 10 days later- so fertility returns immediately. With the Mirena it may take a few months for fertility to return.

WHen checking for placement, you want to check the strings, which are outside the cervix. This can be a little difficult, the strings are fine and soft and tend to adhere to the walls of your vagina. You just want to make sure they feel about the same length every month. In all honesty, I only checked my strings for the fist couple of months.

I had an IUD many years ago and yes, I was very crampy after it was inserted but only lasted a day or two. The IUD made my periods very heavy with really bad cramps. I hated the thing so much, that I had it removed after one year. I know other women who have had absolutely no problems with it, so it must be an individual thing.

As for checking that it's still in place, there is a thin string(like fishing line) that extends out of the cervix about one inch. You should be able to feel it with a finger. If you can't you should have your doctor check to see if it is still there. Sometimes the uterus can expell the IUD. An ultrasound can also confirm if the IUD is in the uterus.