Help me decide whether to get an IUD fitted

[Sullwah]

Am 43 have been using condoms since DTs were born last year and before that a mixture of diapragm and condoms.

Dts were born by IVF - first attempt after 6 months of TTC. As I was 41 at the time I thought I had no time to wait TTC and I should go straight to IVF. So no fertility issue as such was found. But I don't want to risk getting pregnant again as we have our family now.

Soooo - please help me decide what to do about it.

Hate condoms and diaphram. So is an IUD a good option?

One other thing that is playing on my mind is that my mother had endomerial cancer - does anyone know whether having an IUD has amy impact on the probability of developing endometrial cancer?

Thanks for any view wise old mumsnetters.

I'm on 2nd mirena and am hoping to have it out. First time round was a dream, raved about it and found it great, 2nd time it just hasn't worked for me and am seeing Dr about it this week. Perpetual PMT and other physical problems.

I think it just depends so much on individual cases, and it is probably worth a try - you'll soon know if it isn't for you, and if it does work it is wonderful. I'm going to have an ordinary copper coil I thin. The actual process isn't too uncomfortable, especially if you're used to be twiddled with by doctors etc (as I was before, during and after my DT's.....!). Don't know about the cancer link. It may be worth going to a Well Woman or similar clinic rather than GP for possibly more in depth information.

I wouldn't rule it out at all, as I said if it works it's great.

I thin? I wish - sorry, thinking faster than typing (or not thinking at all....!).

I have a non hormonal copper coil, and I think it is great. Sorry I don't know about the endometrial cancer though.

yep, two types of coil out there (in there??!) now, the mirena which releases small amounts of a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone, this one usually stops your periods totally, though some women have irregular bleeding for up to a year or longer. it can also cause all hormonal like side effects as described above, ie PMT, weight gain, spots, although it is different for everyone and a lot of women rave about theirs (esp the no periods bit).

The other coil is the old fashioned copper coil. this stops any fertilised egg implanting in your womb. it has no hormones so won't affect PMT etc. Some people have heavier periods, and risk of infection is sometimes thought to be higher (although not if in monogamous relationship).

Endometrial cancer is sometimes associated with oestrogen, so I can't see that either coil has any effect on your risk. it might put you off going on the combined pill or HRT....

personally I had and will have again a copper coil, because I like my own hormones, and don't get on with the pill/mini pill.

hope this helps. Cass.

Thanks for all your advice.

Copper coil seems probably the thing for me.