info on ablation v/s IUD?

[SerenaWelsh]

Does anyone (especially our med. profeessionals) have any info on ablation v/s an IUD to control abnormal bleeding?

I had a C-section in April, bled for maybe 2 months straight after that. Didn't have a period until September, and it's never fully stopped.
My GYN has ruled out anything serious. Could be age, stress, who knows...but has suggested either the IUD or ablation. Since my tubes are now tied, I'm not concerned about the protection factor of either method.
I know light IV sedation would be required with the ablation, and my cardiologist would have to give his approval - but otherwise, I don't know much at all about the risks, benefits, etc...

[Karen T]

Serena,
I had an IUD (Mirena) put in about 2 yrs ago because of abnormal bleeding and love it. It was mildly uncomfortable when put in, but that disappeared quickly. A quick office procedure and I was done. I hadn't had a period for at least 9 months, but had started spotting, light periods over the past two months. Its likely to be hormonal imbalances (I'll be 40 this year), but overall, I would highly recommend an IUD.
Karen

[Becca]

I have a Mirena IUD as well and really love it. The only problem seems to be breast tenderness around that time of the month. I only spot, so I don't even consider it a period anymore! The only problem with the insersion was the length of time it took! Occasionally I will feel the "strings", but it is overall a wonderful thing!!

[tbarton]

I had an IUD put in over 2 years ago for birth control. I love it! Wish I'd have thought of trying one years ago! ;-) I didn't have anymore discomfort when it was inserted than a pap smear. I love it!

Teresa

[SusanD]

Rats..I was hoping when I opened your post I would see that you just really didn't understand heart stuff and had your abbreviations mixed up....I was hoping you meant a HEART ablation vs. an AICD, LOL !

I know NADA about IUD's,etc., so hopefully you have found some answers here and can be on your way to feeling better.

[SerenaWelsh]

Oh, God I'm just giggling at the scenarios had I asked my cardiologist to implant an IUD in my chest. :D :D :D :D

Since the GYN suggested stress may be a factor in the abnormal bleeding - and because I don't think I really like the idea of a foreign object in my body, or cauderizing my uterus (even though I'm not using it) - I think I'll just try more stress relieving things before actually choosing one of those options.
AKA - sticking my head in the sand and maybe it will go away.

I'm glad to hear everyone that's posted is happy with their IUD. Sounds like they've come along way since the scary devices they showed us in Health Ed in high school!

[momoftwoboys]

I've also had the Mirena IUD and have been very happy with it as far as birth control and bleeding goes. I haven't had any bleeding since a few months after having it implanted. I did however have an episode of stomach pains recently that I thought *may* have had something to do with the IUD, but then they went away, so who knows. Good luck with your decision.

[Anny311]

I just have to chime in and say I love my IUD. I was a bit creeped out about it at first but my periods are so light now! I did have a lot of cramping with it for a while after--like three months but most of the time I could ignore it. Now it is no big deal. I love my IUD....did I mention I love my IUD???

Oh, and I think that your cardiologist would have been bewildered by a request for an IUD!!! You should've seen the look on the cardiac fellow's face when he walked in while I was using a breast pump!!! Oh, that was priceless! :eek: I had a female fellow in with me but she'd used a pump so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Anny