I'd been wondering about this for awhile -- I'd thought about an IUD but when I looked into it, all the information still said it was for people in monogamous relationships who'd already had children -- even the Mirena website says that: http://www.mirena-us.com/isitright.html?C=&c=

So why would they say that if it's not medically true? Aren't they unnecessarily limiting their market?

I'm 25, a full-time student, a part time receptionist and a part time personal assistant. I've only been with 2 different men, I've never been pregnant and I don't want kids.

Before I became sexually active with the second guy I wanted to have the most effective birth control I could get so I could enjoy the sex I planned on having. I talk to the nurses at my Gyno's office and then latter I talked to nurses at a different clinic. They all told me the same thing. Because I have never had kids an IUD wasn't a good option for me. They said there would be a higher risk of my getting pregnant on the IUD then if I just used the Pill, Patch or Ring.

I am currently using the Ring, but would love a more definate form of BC that I don't even have to think or worry about. Are all these people wrong?

Ali, they're not lying to you, they're just not up to date on the evidence. I've had multiple doctors shake their heads in disbelief at me as I show them study after study about the IUD's safety...some minds are just hard to change.

Andrea, I agree with you totally about limiting the market for Mirena. Now that Paragard has changed its labeling, I expect (hope) that Mirena will follow. Companies that fear lawsuits may give conservative advice, even if it's not medically accurate.

Thanks for clearing that up. I've had an IUD for the last 4 years or so and it's fabulous. No hormones (I think it depends on the type of IUD) being pumped into my body, shorter periods, and no worries. I've been hesitant to be with more than one person at a time because of infection scares from my doctor. This definitely puts my mind at ease. I totally recommend the IUD to all of my friends who seem to have endless problems with the pill. Thanks!

I'm a 28-yr old grad student who has been with my current boyfriend for about a year. After a lot of research and thinking (and all the necessary tests to insure we were both STI-free) I decided I wanted to get an IUD. Several friends in med. school had recommended it as a good option, and it seemed like the best fit for my lifestyle. But upon going to the gynecologist, I was told that she would not insert the IUD, nor would any other doctor in the practice, because I hadn't had children and was"not in a serious enough relationship."

This happened a month ago, and I'm still angry: at the judgment being passed on my relationship with my boyfriend and on my ability to make good and safe decisions for myself, and the paternalistic and backwards thinking of the doctors in that practice.

I have a Mirena and love it.

I would never go back to the pill due to hormone issues (yes there are hormones in the Mirena, but way less than any version of the pill). I'm child-less, husband-less, and my doctor still suggested it for me. I guess I'm lucky that I live in a very liberal area of Canada.

Anyhow, if you have issues with the pill, it's definitely worth asking a doctor about.

I spoke to my gyno about getting an IUD at my last appointment (I'm currently on a progestin-only pill and am considering something lower maintenance). The only concern she voiced was that because I've never been pregnant, there is a higher chance that my uterus would expel the IUD. This was presented more as something that I needed to consider when making my decision, not a flat out reason not to do it.
However, I do have concerns. I'm between getting an IUD or Implanon. I feel more comfortable with the idea of an IUD because it's been used for so much longer, but I'd hate to get one only to have it expelled, especially if my insurance doesn't cover it. How much of a chance is there of that happening?

I've had the Mirena IUD for six months and so far it's been great. No complications or anything. I'd definitely recommend it to other women.

I love my Mirena IUD! Check their website and literature - they may replace it if it is expelled unreasonably quickly. I echo previous posts - it is low hormone, easy, and can shorten or end your periods.

Yes, there's a slightly higher risk of expulsion (around 5-8%) if you haven't yet had a child. But if it's expelled in the first 30 days, your gyno can send it back to the company for a refund, so it wouldn't cost you to have another reinserted. Most of the times, my patients whose uteri reject the first IUD get used to the idea and accept the second.

Dr. Kate--

I'm 24 and live in the NYC area. I've asked TWO gynos to give me the IUD and both said they wouldn't do it (because I haven't already had children). I've been on Loestrin and Kariva BC for the past two years, but have been on various forms of the pill since I was 17. The pill kinda makes me crazy/moody, and I've been wanting to switch to the IUD ever since my boyfriend and I researched it. Any recommendations on a doctor who will give it to me? Can I come see you??

Thanks so much,
Kate