IUDs? Why can't I have one?

I'm incredibly frustrated at the fact that I'm not being allowed to get an IUD.  I HATE taking the pill, find it hard to keep track of (It's been 9 years, I'm not new to it, just forgetful I guess) and like the sounds of an IUD.  Unfortunately my doctor says I can't, because I haven't had a kid (I don't want any).  She hasn't given me any furhter explaination than that... anyone else know why I wouldn't be allowed?

Docs don't like to insert IUDs in uteruses that haven't had children in them, both for physiological reasons and [misplaced] ethical ones.  I think you should get a new OB/GYN.

Google says it's because your uterus isn't stretched from having children, which I think is total crap.  Google also says Planned Parenthood will overlook this and give you one regardless of having children.

http://ask.metafilter.com/29725/To-IUD-or-not -to-IUD-that-is-the-question-Or-will-they-let -me-IUD-Who-knows

It's because IED's kill--

Oh wait.

Wrong acronym.

Just a heads up..............Mine came out during sex. I was quite upset about it but my husband on the other hand was soo damn proud lol. But seriously what about taking one of those newer pills that only have to be taken a few times a year or getting the nuvaring? There is the shot to but I have heard that cuases weight gain.

Lol - I can see the headlines now "young woman peititons for IED insertion"...

 

Great.

 

I may talk to some of the "safe sex" clinics around here (we don't have "planned parenthood" persey - I'm in Ontario) and see what they say.  I don't like my doctor in general, but finding one around here taking new patients is unbelievably hard.

I haven't had a kid and they let me have one.  My doctor told me the reason is because the cervix is harder and the uterus isn't stretched, however she also told me that it's "old school thought" that it can't be done in women who haven't have children.  If you haven't had a kid it will hurt more when being inserted and it will take longer for your body to get used to it (i.e. you will cramp more severely for longer period of time after insertion).  I strongly suggest getting another doctor if your doctor refuses.

My biggest concern is the weight gain to be honest... If I have to deal with the pill to avoid gaining more weight, I guess i"ll have to.

Other than it coming out (funny that men get proud about things like that, eh?) did you like it?  Notice any side effects?

You can get it, but as your uterus hasn't been stretched from child birth it's going to hurt a lot more when it's inserted.

I love mine.  I have lost 62 pounds since getting mine put in and have not experienced any difficult in doing so.  If you're concerned about weight gain you could get the copper IUD so you don't have to deal with hormones.  I have the Mirena IUD so I only get 1 day of really light bleeding every six weeks.  I had a tough time with it immediately after insertion (about a month of severe cramping), but it was completely worth it.

I also have the Mirena IUD and I love it. I only get light spotting for my period and I have lost my last 5 pounds without any problem :)

I was also going to recommend Mirena.  (technically it's an IUC - intrauterine contraceptive). 

I had gained a ton of weight on the depo provera shots, but have now lost it after starting Mirena and dieting, so maybe it's not as likely to cause weight gain?

It lasts 5 years, and if you change your mind you just can have it taken out.  It's much less invasive than if you get a rod implant and change your mind.

That's bullsh*t...I have an IUD, Mirena to be exact, and I have not had a child.  I am also in Ontario....so you probably need a new doc that will respect your wishes.  It does hurt, because your cervix hasn't been stretched by giving birth, but my doc gave my some drugs to help with that, after a day I had mild cramps on and off for about a month, but nothing you haven't delt before.

I've had mine for 1.5 years with no issues and no periods (although, I hear I'm an exception and that most ppl get at least a light one).

My doc's big thing was that I was in a monogomous relationship (I'm married, so no big deal), but if you're not AND you haven't had a child, that my be the reason she won't put one in and she just doesn't want to word it that way.

You should get a second opinion and then decide what's best for you.  And keep in mind that it's pricey ($400ish with the pain drugs they gave me) and OHIP doesn't cover it.

I have also heard if you have not had a kid it makes it more difficult/painful to insert an IUD. But several others have it that have not had a child, so maybe find a new doctor. On a side not, I use to Nuva ring and absolutely love it. I'm also forgetful and have a hard time with a daily pill, but even I can remember to change the ring once a month. Hope it works out for you!

I have had two copper IUDs and love having one... both of mine were inserted after I had had children. My first was not painful but the second iud was inserted after the standard six week check up and they had to dilate my cervix to get the thing inserted.... it was very very painful... but the pain is worth it.. my recommendation it to request that they leave the string long enough it is easy to check if it is still in place. You are at greatest risk of losing and IUD after the first few periods you have with it.... also a forewarning.. I have a copper iud which is non hormonal and had made my periods slightly heavier but I still prefer having non hormonal birth control.... also a previous post mentioned the monogamous relationship thing... there is a reason why drs prefer monogamous relationships prior to IUD... the iud has been shown to increase  the risk infections thereby increasing your risk with multiple partner

I don't have kids and got an IUD no problem. I was on the pill for many years and decided I'd rather use a non-hormonal method so I went with the copper IUD. I was in college at the time and not making much money so I went to Planned Parenthood, they did it for free! Yeah it hurt when they put it in, and my periods are heavier but I feel it was the right decison for me. It didn't make me gain any weight, not sure why you think that would happen. Apparently PP exists in Canada but I'm not sure if it's the same as in the states, like with clinics...but they might be able to point you in the right direction at least. http://www.ppwr.on.ca/

I wanted an IUD as well. My OB/GYN told me I hadn't been with my boyfriend long enough to be considered in a stable relationship. Thats why she wouldn't do it.  But if I came back in 6 months and we were still together she would do it.

I'm finding a new doctor. Because if thats the only reason thats BS. I think they're afraid I won't use condoms anymore if I have the IUD. I'm 28. I'm a big girl and I understand to use condoms while having sex with a new partner.

A friend of mine has an IUD. She's never had a pregnancy. Having the IUD inserted was more painful for her. She felt like crap right after. Her boyfriend had to drive her home. And she had cramping the next day. But she's been fine ever since.

I'd still like one. No more pills and 99.9% effective. I feel discriminated against for not being married not having a child and not wanting a child.

I want one for the same reason as Kat_989.  I'm not in a stable relationship, but I am smart enough to understand that condom use isn't solely to prevent conception.  I'm tired of taking the pill, and tired of the side effects of the hormones.

Good luck!

I had the older IUD and it did cause some heavy bleeding during my period and I had longer periods. Average was 9 days the most was 14.

it's not FDA indicated for women who haven't had children yet; that being said, it doesn't stop most doctors. I'm going for my consultation to get one in about a month.  I am, by the way, going to lie about being married. ;)

There are doctors that won't give you an IUD or Mirena or whatever based on your relationship status? That's a load of crap and pisses me off.