Birth Control Methods: Copper IUD

**talksick** · 03-06-2006, 02:50 AM

Hi Everyone,
I am thinking about getting a Copper IUD because the pill seems to always make my bladder worse. Its really hard finding good birth controls options if you have IC! Spermicide, diaghram are out of the question for me cause they definately cause flares and I suspect maybe even my IC. The bc pills I've tried so far hurt my bladder too (otho tri cyclen and ortho-tricyclen low). So I'm using condoms now but I'm not really a big fan of the condoms. So has anyone here had the copper IUD? Did it cause your IC to flare? Any other problems while on it? Please let me know if you have it or have had it while you've had IC.

**Melly** · 03-06-2006, 01:33 PM

Talksick,

I could have easily written your post. Similar to you, I had major problems with the pill. My flares would get worse and worse with each passing day on the pill (the third week was hell!!!). After the birth of my second and final child, I decided to try the copper IUD. I had it placed when he was four months old, and I had been off the Elmiron since I found out I was pregnant. Fortunately, I haven't had any problems with it. I had a flare (but very minor) for the first few days after it was placed. During that time I could feel it when I would bend over, but that was gone within a week. So far I have been very happy with it, but will forewarn you that you may have some really heavy periods with it. My period does last longer and is heavier. But the positives truly outweigh the negatives in my opinion. I happy to use a nonhormonal form of birth control, especially since the pill really made me flare horribly.

Hope this info helps. Please feel free to let me know if you need additional info.

Good luck,

Melly

**mom_in_ma** · 03-06-2006, 01:41 PM

I've had mine (the copper one) for over a year and I love it! My periods were really heavy for the first six months or so, but they they went back to something that was more normal for me. Really, it was one of the best decisions that I've made about birth control. The pill and I do not get along AT ALL.

**Justalamp** · 03-07-2006, 02:01 PM

I had never thought that my BCP could effect my IC?

Duh everthing else I put in my mouth does.
I am considering getting the Mirena. My OB/Gyn said that he prefers that over the copper. Have you done any research comparing the 2?

**talksick** · 03-07-2006, 05:49 PM

Hey Guys,
Thanks for letting me know your experiences with the copper IUD.
Justalamp-Yeah I was taking birth control pills and then i read in the "Patient to Patient: Managing IC and Overlapping Conditions" book about medicines that can cause IC flares. And bc was one of the things she said to look out for and sure enough after I stopped using the pill my bladder felt better. I haven't really done research comparing Mirena and the copper IUD cause I wasn't even really considering getting Mirena. Mirena has hormones in it and the copper one does not. I figure Mirena is just the pill in another form, if its going to mess with my hormones it probably will affect my bladder the same way the pill does. The Copper one just releases a very small amount of copper in the body (apparently even less copper than we usually get from eating foods). So, I don't really see how it could really mess up my bladder but I wanted to get some opinions from some other IC folks. I'm guessing the doc you talked to is your gynocologist and not someone who knows IC to well so when they recommended Mirena they probably weren't taking your IC into consideration. At least from what I've read I think Copper would probably be a safer bet.
Kim

**Melly** · 03-09-2006, 05:15 AM

Me again,

Another plus with the copper IUD is that it lasts 10 years, unlike Mirena that has to be replaced more frequently (I am not sure of the schedule, perhaps every 5 years?).

I've had my copper IUD since Jan. 2005 and haven't had any problems except the ones I mentioned in my earlier post. I think it is a great option because the hormonal connection to IC is not completely understood. Some people with IC do better on the pill and others don't. I was certainly one in the latter group.

Good luck,

Melly

**sherry6** · 03-09-2006, 12:51 PM

I had a copper IUD for 4 years before my last child, and had them put in a new one at my 6 week check up. It is ideal for me because I can't tolerate hormones. If your doc places it right, it may not make your periods heavier. My period is 2 days long and I just spot. I am nursing a baby full time, so that may have somethig to do with it, but my Iud is not making me bleed heavier.

There is a girl who has a mirena IUD and IC and she does very well. It doesn't cause problems for her like oral hormones. It contains progesterone, but it goes directly to your uterus so it may not do you any harm. Go to the hormone thread on this board and you will read what she has to say about it.

Another plus with the copper IUD: If you want more kids, you can get pregnant right after your IUD is removed.(trust me, I did it) If you don't want more kids you can keep it for 10 years.

I hope this post makes sense. I am posting and trying to take care of my kids (4 of them) at the same time! Good Luck!