Sex Drive on the Copper IUD

RF,
too bad for all that crap mixed into one year..however I wouldn't put it ALL on the IUD. Before you mentioned the perimenopause, its exactly what I was thinking, as I read along your symptoms & ailments.
Now that double over cramping issue, CAN easily be caused by the IUD.. I myself do not have this issue, however one of my sisters got the copper IUD (without having had children) and gets cramps like that for a couple days, just days before her period starts..but it eases away after that.

Group,
Its Key to note here.. My sister and possibly many of you who feel the killer pain.. May have had a rough measuring & insertion by your doctor.

For my sister that was just the case. She used way too much force when measuring with the depth stick.(ended up having to go through the insertion TWICE because of the crappy job this doctor did.)@_@
I gave my sister 600 mgs of Ibuprophen.

(I was personally fortunate, because my Female doctor has smooth dainty hands, & a TON of practice.)
Be SURE to ask about the practice and amount of IUDs your doctor has inserted! You DON'T want to be their guinea pig.@_@

On a better note..
she (my sister) had been quite overweight for sometime..and since the copper IUD the lbs have been melting away like buttuh! We're all amazed.
(on top of that, she has WAY less stress to deal with. Which could also be attributed to weight loss)

She feels proud that no one but her can tell her what to do with birth control..which she feels is worth the double over cramping for a couple days.

I'm still in love with my IUD, I hope many of you more than not, are loving yours as well!

RF,

I completely agree. I don't think your symptoms are perimenopausal. I'm 30 and have had the same symptoms you are describing while on the copper iud. I had the copper IUD twice. Once for three years and once after my daughter's birth for two. Never again. I had it removed less than two weeks ago.

Definitely look up copper toxicity on-line. After reading forums both here on topix.com and other forums on-line with hundreds (and on the copper weight gain page, now over a thousand) postings with these similar symptoms I am sure that it is not a fluke. These are real symptoms relating to the IUD. And interestingly, sometimes they develop the second or third time the IUD is inserted. Also, I read several postings of women who were fine at first (say, the first 6 months to a year) and noted increasing symptoms as time went on. This would make sense if you consider the copper levels increasing in the body.

I'm happy for the people who are doing well on the IUD but I was not one of them.

Have a great weekend!

Hannah S-Q wrote:

RF,
I completely agree. I don't think your symptoms are perimenopausal. I'm 30 and have had the same symptoms you are describing while on the copper iud. I had the copper IUD twice. Once for three years and once after my daughter's birth for two. Never again. I had it removed less than two weeks ago.
Definitely look up copper toxicity on-line. After reading forums both here on topix.com and other forums on-line with hundreds (and on the copper weight gain page, now over a thousand) postings with these similar symptoms I am sure that it is not a fluke. These are real symptoms relating to the IUD. And interestingly, sometimes they develop the second or third time the IUD is inserted. Also, I read several postings of women who were fine at first (say, the first 6 months to a year) and noted increasing symptoms as time went on. This would make sense if you consider the copper levels increasing in the body.
I'm happy for the people who are doing well on the IUD but I was not one of them.
Have a great weekend!

too bad for those of you who can't seem to have this IUD.

as far as I've learned, those with such issues, may have a level of allergies or something of Wilson's disease which causes issues with extra absorption of copper.

the over all amount of extra copper the paragard brings to the body is small, but could however be quite negatively affective, if you are one who has either of these problems.

& of course, don't spend months & months feeling ill, if you think you have something wrong with you whether in general or pertaining to either of the IUD types...
SEE your doctor, make a list of your symptoms,& anything you have been curious about with your self.(its not embarrassing to ask about hair loss for example.)
Just think, if you were the doctor, what would you hope your patients would tell you and ask you...so that you can better help them.(???)

good luck for those want the IUd, and continued good luck for those whose got it and its goin steady. & may those who have it and are having issues seek help from professionals, so they may better live their lives.

~
off to have some coffee now.(_)-

Robin wrote:

I was wondering if anyone might have so info i this is normal - I am 24 years old and just had my IUD inserted 3 days ago. It hurt pretty bad and that day was awful. I had severe cramps and cried all throughout the day. The cramps have slowed down but they are still pretty bad and woke me up in the middle of the night. I tried to call my doctor today BUT of course it's Friday and they closed early. I'm wondering if all this is normal considering the fact that I've never had children and was not on my cycle when it was inserted. I'm thinking maybe that would have made it worse for me? Advice would be appreciated!

I have a copper IUD as well. No children, also 24. Yes it hurt really bad, for a few days. It will get better. Try Motrin. I drink 3 of the 200 ones when it gets really bad (dont exceed 3 over 6 hours). It works. Or you can have your gyno give you vicodin for the pain. Expect your first period to be hell.

Otherwise you will be ok.

Nicole wrote:

I have been on birth control pills for almost 10 years now. I have switched many times due to heavy periods and massive bloating..so much so I can't fit into my pants! I am on Alesse (light) birth control pills which is great.. periods 3-4 days, NO bloating but now I have NO sex drive. I am only on the pill to protect from getting pregnant. I went to get my yearly today and my gyno said maybe I should think about a copper IUD. I would like to know if people's sex drive has returned back to normal since they are not on bcps anymore.

I went off bcps and now my sex drive is back after a few months. I didn't realise how much it effected it. It is stronger than ever!

I went off of bcps because of health issues. The greatest benefit besides weight loss has been the return of my sex drive. It has been a big difference. I want to add that I had been on bcps for 20 years and didn't realise what effect it had on my libido.

This DUDE John going on about abortion.
Seriously, shut up! When something grow in your vagina and messes with you for 9 months, let alone when it comes, then you can comment.

You have no idea people's choices and reasons so I suggest you zip it!
Get a freakin clue and stop getting into business you will NEVER understand.

I had iud put in about a month ago, and day after the strings werent there.
Ive had aweful cramping and pains all month, just got my period 2 days ago, and i feel like Im dying.
Had ultrasound and xray 2 days ago as well, and it turns out, the IUD has perforated my uterus a bit.. so my doctor says to come in tomorrow, and they are going to "try" and remove it with some kind of hook.... God... I was all for IUDs till I had one.. Hope everyone elses experiences are better.

I have had the ParaGard copper IUD for 5 years. I have very heavy periods, but not like having a baby! IT WORKS! I have two kids, and I love them dearly, but I didn't want to have that moment where I'd think perhaps I want another baby and stop taking the pill. With an IUD, you have to go to the dr and have it removed. It's been the best form of birth control for me. I know girls who use the Mirena instead and love it too.

Nicole wrote:

I have been on birth control pills for almost 10 years now. I have switched many times due to heavy periods and massive bloating..so much so I can't fit into my pants! I am on Alesse (light) birth control pills which is great.. periods 3-4 days, NO bloating but now I have NO sex drive. I am only on the pill to protect from getting pregnant. I went to get my yearly today and my gyno said maybe I should think about a copper IUD. I would like to know if people's sex drive has returned back to normal since they are not on bcps anymore.

Nicole my sex drive hasnt change with the copper IUD you get painful cramps and heavy bleeding during for me about 2 out of 4-5 days. But sex is great!

I think for me, the stress level dropped, so my drive went up.
I hadn't taken the pill in some years now. But I recall having no drive then.

For now, I can't recall having a drive this Up, all these years with my husband.
So I'm now laying it all on stress and being careful. Now we have a beautiful son.. but as he's only 6 months old now.. We're not looking to plan for another kid anytime soon.

With this IUD for us (me,) I feel I can be stress free and spontaneous like never before. It's wonderful. <3

I wish all IUD users could have a story this good. I'm fortunate for it. I think its worth everyone to give it a shot..to AT Least find out if its great for them too. IMO.

good night, all.

I had the Paragard Copper IUD placed in August of 2009 and had it removed September 28th 2009. Insertion was a bit uncomfortable, however not as bad a people say. I have never had children. My period was about the same as before maybe a slight bit heavier however no cramping. My sex drive was the same, no weight gain. My only MAJOR problem was I began loosing alot of hair aboout one month after insertion. I would say I am loosing about 3 times the normal amount. I was very concerned and decided to take out my IUD. I began taking ZINC supplements 30mg daily to balance out the copper overload in my body.

I just wanted to let everyone know. I had a copper IUD for 3 years, got it removed to have a baby, was pregnant within a month or two and have had a healthy baby boy who is now 7 months old, however, I have had another copper IUD placed. The cramps are kinda uncomfortable the first week but they do get better, my cylces aren't aweful either, better and better as more time passes and back to being only 4 days, like before I had teh baby. I love this IUD! I tried the pill (hated weight gain), the Nuva-Ring (allergic to the plastic it's made of resulting in my first yeast infection ever, GROSS!) and the Patch (I loved it but was 19 with no libido!) then I got my first IUD. This is my second, my sex drive is at it's max. The IUD doesn't hurt me or my husband who is blessed to say teh least, he doesn't feel it and we have awesome love sessions, often. I feel that this is the safest method (no hormones messing with my body), no headaches or bloating too bad, and no pregnancy.:]] STrongly recommended!! good luck.

I am getting the copper IUD next week because I cannot have any bc that contains hormones. After reading many posts with neg. side affects I realized everyone has symptoms of copper toxicity. Your body needs copper and zinc together. Copper should be in low doses and zinc in higher doses. They must be taken together. If you have a copper IUD you MUST take zinc in higher levels bc your body is now containing very high levels of copper instead of what it is normally used to. Talk to a nutritionist or herbalist. Copper toxicity symptoms include fatigue,headaches,low sex drive, painful sex, depression, mood swings, heavy periods, anemia, yeast infections and other infections bc your body has slowed it's natural healing process. Look up copper toxicity on the web and ask a doc to proscribe a good dose. You MUST up your zinc!!!! Copper toxicity is EXTREMELY dangerous. Good Luck!!

DJC wrote:

<quoted text>Nicole my sex drive hasnt change with the copper IUD you get painful cramps and heavy bleeding during for me about 2 out of 4-5 days. But sex is great!

. After reading many posts with neg. side affects I realized everyone has symptoms of copper toxicity. Your body needs copper and zinc together. Copper should be in low doses and zinc in higher doses. They must be taken together. If you have a copper IUD you MUST take zinc in higher levels bc your body is now containing very high levels of copper instead of what it is normally used to. Talk to a nutritionist or herbalist. Copper toxicity symptoms include fatigue,headaches,low sex drive, painful sex, depression, mood swings, heavy periods, anemia, yeast infections and other infections bc your body has slowed it's natural healing process. Look up copper toxicity on the web and ask a doc to prescribe a good dose. You MUST up your zinc!!!! Copper toxicity is EXTREMELY dangerous. Good Luck!!

I read an interesting article in Woman's Health that pertains to the original topic posted in this forum (Don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate all the information everyone has been posting, good bad and otherwise!) The article was speaking about a website that took pheromone samples from couples, and based on certain tags in their genetic makeup, told those couples if they were hormonally compatible. Here's the interesting part. Most people are attracted to partners with opposite hormonal compositions, which makes sense, because the less you have in common genetically, you are less likely to have inherited issues in your offspring. BUT It stated that those who are on birth-control are in a chemical state of pregnancy, meaning,(And please correct me if I'm off on this bit) you don't ovulate because hormonally you are pregnant.(Personally I think that is what leads to bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, etc.) NOW. Sorry I'm long winded here, I have a point I promise.

If you are on birth control, your hormones are effected (duh) and tends to attract you to those with similar hormonal make ups, instead of the biological drive to mate with someone different from you. Physically this can manifest as odor. You may have noticed that you LOVED the way your guy smelled before you went on birth-control, but now his "musk" drive you nuts? or even vice-versa.

Long story short, this MIGHT be why many of you who have posted that your sex drive has increased is because you are no longer affecting your pheremonal or hormonal attraction to your SO.

This all may be wishful thinking though, here's my story:

I went to my Gyno to look into tubal ligation today. I am 26 5'7", engaged, and because of family history and personal preference, I have no desire to give birth to children. My Fiance and I are open to adoption, and therefore looking into long-term solutions. My fiance is open to a vasectomy, but due to poor insurance from his employment, and myself working for the government... I won (lost?) the coin toss. After discussing all of the different risks/side effects (your body "repairing" the tubes???) I have decided on the Copper IUD, a)no hormones, and b)long term solution to a desire to not have children.

I have been on birth-control for 8 years. started with a pill (couldn't even tell you what it was) switched to Nuvaring shortly before meeting my Fiance (was also at my lightest weight of 145) but after 4 years on Nuvaring my weight had increased to 175, with no real reason behind it (I mean seriously we eat very little red meat, no junk food, grown our own veggies... AND I now run, bike, and hike). 8 months ago I switched to Yasmin, and I selected the brand name because I heard poor things about the generic. I also completed the workout P90X, and I lost 4% body fat, but my weight went up to 180.

I am getting married in June 2010. I have been biking, running, hiking, working, and my weight is a constant thought on my mind. I am really curious to see what happens when I let my natural hormones do their thing. I was regular before the BCP, I am very curious what "normal" me is like...

As far as the sex drive thing... I have NEVER had one. I can't even get myself off, so I REALLY REALLY hope that after getting these simulated hormones out of me I can respond to my Fiance physically the way I feel emotionally.

Alright, done. Sorry for the long post!!!!

I had the Mirena iud now for three years and i experience some really odd side effects from it i dont have a normal sex drive at all.Im also experiencing vaginal dryness all the time during intercourse and i have very bad mood swings and i also feel like im suffering from depression. Can you help me should i just take it out.

I am 33 yrs old and have been on various birth control pills since I was 19. My sex drive is non-existent and it is driving both me and my husband of 2 years crazy. I have used Modicon, Otho Try Cyclen Lo, Yasmin (which is causing crazy weight gain), next month I will be trying Necon. I really hope the Necon helps with the weight gain and my sex drive but I don't feel very hopeful. I am seriously considering the copper IUD since there are no hormones. My fear is that I have been on BC hormones for so long, my body may react badly to not having the hormones anymore. Any thoughts??

I had the copper T iud and had it for about 9 or 10 months it moved on me and was poking the side me. In the mean time I had no sex drive didnt care if I got any or even seen one ever again. I had mood swings and heavy periods, would bleed after sex the following day plus had cramping. The reason I had the IUD put in was cause all the problems on bcps that i had and did it cause it was hormone free. Now I have the mirena iud and have a sex drive no mood swings that I know of..lol but I have had spotting and its only been a two wks. All tho some might think thats it great that u might not have a period when the mirena is in place but for some odd reason I dont think that it is normal and that is the only thing that really freaks me out.

I had the copper IUD put in over 5 months ago and I'm debating getting it taken out. I have loss of sex drive, I feel like I'm ready to crawl out of my own skin, and my periods last for about 11-14 days. I bleed so bad that I actually monitor my blood pressure. I get anxious have heart palpitations and major mood swings the week before and the week of my period. I am only 32 but to me my symptoms kinda sound like perimenopausal and I think I'm to young for this. I'm wondering if the copper IUD has any connection to any of these symptoms. Logically I would not think it does because it is horomone free. I'm gonna go see an endcronologist to find out what the heck is going on......