Hi! I've been a member for a long time, but haven't posted in years. I ended up creating a new acct. because I wasn't able to link up my old info w/ the new registration system. Anyway, I'm thinking about getting an IUD and I was wondering if any of you J-pouchers have them and do you like them? Any problems? In my research, I find that there is a 10% chance that an IUD will come out once it's been put in. This supposedly is alot more common in women that have not had childen. I've gone through childbirth (via C-section), so maybe I'm a good candidate. However, I still worry about an IUD coming out. Because of the nature of my body now, of couse I have to poop alot, so that involves a great deal of bearing down of the muscles in the region of the reproductive organs. I've had problems with tampons coming out, as well as controceptive sponges. You know, just from pushing when I "go." Now, of course I know the IUD is inserted up in the cervix, but still. The idea seems a little daunting. I'm currently on the pill, but my main problem with those is that I think the hormomes in them may have something to do w/ my low libido. That's a whole different topic! But I thought maybe an IUD would be an option. Thanks for any insight!

With an IUD there's a little string hanging out so you can feel if it is still there (if you are concerned about it dislodging without your knowledge). I'd give it a try and if you expel it, then you know it's not for you. If you do go forward, make sure you know which type you are getting, since some release progesterone, particularly important if you want to avoid hormones.

Jan

Hi!

Okay, I don't have my j-pouch yet (perm illeo for now) but I did get an IUD a few months before I got sick (my UC came on fast and took my colon out in a month!).

I've never had kids, so the first time they tried, they couldn't get the IUD in. Then I read about a drug they use to dilate women which can be used in IUD insertion. It was interesting to day the least! I certainly did dilate. But the IUD went in great. It hurt like HECK but only for about thirty seconds or so. Then I had cramps for weeks afterward. But now I don't feel a thing! I have to check the strings often to make sure it is even there!

I recommend it, especially, if like me, the pill gives you all sorts of strange side effects.

I had very bad chronic constipation and I never pushed it out.

Also, I have mirena, which does have a tiny amount of hormones in it. It gives you lighter periods, and so far I haven't been able to tell that there are any hormones at all.