4 ms·

It amazes me that IUDs aren't more popular in the US, despite being widespread in Europe. There is generally some pain during the the procedure, and some heavie

It amazes me that IUDs aren't more popular in the US, despite being widespread in Europe. There is generally some pain during the the procedure, and some heavier cramps during menstruation for a few months, but other than that it is a method with virtually zero side effects, zero ability to screw it up, and as good as it gets in terms of prevention. I know about 10 women in the US with IUDs (including my wife) and all of them recommend them with an evangelical fervor.

silencio 12y ago
I think it's the upfront cost, which is still a problem. The only reason I ever got my Mirena IUD was that it was the first month Obamacare kicked in for mandatory birth control coverage and my insurance covered it. Before then, I wasn't willing to entertain the idea of an $800+ option when I was doing okay with other things (mostly nuvaring). Mirena was by far one of the best forms of birth control I had ever used though :) There are definitely problems with the procedure and the IUDs themselves for plenty of women, too, let's not ignore that. But it is hard to screw up and it is a pretty easy method. I hope that better coverage leads to more IUDs and less unwanted pregnancies :)
- ChrisNorstrom 12y ago
  I thought there was a lawsuit on Mirena ? Due to side effects and perforations. http://www.drugwatch.com/mirena/ http://www.drugwatch.com/mirena/
  - silencio 12y ago
    Honestly, that looks like some ambulance chaser site. All IUDs can perforate a uterus. Any form of birth control can cause side effects. Any medication can cause problems in general. Hell, pregnancy has side effects and can potentially cause death :P You just learn to know what to look for and you get it looked at, that's all. And your doctor can tell you if you're not a good candidate for a particular medication (i.e. smokers shouldn't use hormonal contraceptives), like you should be doing already.
cpach 12y ago
When you say IUD, do you mean the hormonal ones or the ones with copper?

silencio 12y ago

I think it's the upfront cost, which is still a problem. The only reason I ever got my Mirena IUD was that it was the first month Obamacare kicked in for mandatory birth control coverage and my insurance covered it. Before then, I wasn't willing to entertain the idea of an $800+ option when I was doing okay with other things (mostly nuvaring). Mirena was by far one of the best forms of birth control I had ever used though :) There are definitely problems with the procedure and the IUDs themselves for plenty of women, too, let's not ignore that. But it is hard to screw up and it is a pretty easy method. I hope that better coverage leads to more IUDs and less unwanted pregnancies :)

ChrisNorstrom 12y ago
I thought there was a lawsuit on Mirena ? Due to side effects and perforations. http://www.drugwatch.com/mirena/ http://www.drugwatch.com/mirena/
- silencio 12y ago
  Honestly, that looks like some ambulance chaser site. All IUDs can perforate a uterus. Any form of birth control can cause side effects. Any medication can cause problems in general. Hell, pregnancy has side effects and can potentially cause death :P You just learn to know what to look for and you get it looked at, that's all. And your doctor can tell you if you're not a good candidate for a particular medication (i.e. smokers shouldn't use hormonal contraceptives), like you should be doing already.

cpach 12y ago

When you say IUD, do you mean the hormonal ones or the ones with copper?