Nova T 380

...out)!

THE NOVA T 380

This consists of a T shaped frame, about the length of a matchstick, made from polyethylene plastic around which fine copper wire with a silver core is wrapped thus taking bling to a new level! At the end are two fine nylon strings which are used to check it's in the right place and are used when you want it removed. The 380 refers to the 380mm2 surface area of the copper wire.

There ...
...Mr Jezebel going for the Nova T380 has been a good move! I'd recommend it to anyone who fits the medical criteria. By way of conclusion, here are some tips:

• Do expect a couple of months of unpredictable cramps and bleeding. Have panty liners in your bag at all times as it can come on unexpectedly! As I said however, in my mind it's worth a couple of months of feeling a bit under the weather in return for 5 years of hassle and ... more

BACKGROUND

Well, after years of faffing around with other methods of contraception and an appointment at the clinic to discuss the options, I finally decided to get an Intra Uterine Device (IUD) fitted just over three months ago. Always wanting to know what I'm getting myself into, and what's going in me, I did some research beforehand over and above the, somewhat inadequate, NHS leaflet they plied upon me.

There's lots of information out there on the information super-highway and I was very interested to discover that the IUD is the most common method of contraception worldwide. Over half the female population of reproductive age in China have one! Usage in the UK however is only around 2% and in the States even lower. This stems from the bad reputation earlier models had for causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other complications. Things have come a long way since then and this poor early reputation has unfairly and un-necessarily made it a less popular choice. There are also a great number of misconceptions out there surrounding the IUD.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

• You have to have had children to get one.
• It causes PID.
• It can affect your future ability to have children.
• Your partner can feel it during sex.
• It's an abortifacient. That is its effect is to abort any embryo that enters the uterus.
• It's only for women in a monogamous relationship.
• You can't use tampons if you have an IUD.
• You can't have sex for ages after fitting.

REALITY

• You don't need to have had children- I don't. Anyone whose uterus is longer than about 6cm can have one which covers most women. Having had kids, however, may make the insertion a little easier as your cervix is likely to be more open and more flexible.
• There is a risk of developing PID if you already have an underlying infection as the infection may be introduced into the uterus during insertion. For this reason, it's wise to be fully screened before going ahead with it. The risk of infection otherwise is minimal as everything is sterile.
• A number of studies have been carried out and it doesn't affect your future fertility at all. Your fertility returns to normal the moment the IUD is removed.
• It can't be felt at all. Mr Jezebel can testify to this! Apparently some men can feel the strings but if this is the case you can ask to have the strings cut shorter which solves the problem.
• It does not cause abortions. Strangely, it didn't used to be fully understood how the IUD actually worked but it is now known that its contraceptive effects are a result of copper being toxic to sperm. Sperm cells are killed or unable to fertilize an egg therefore it acts prior to any fertilization taking place. It also affects the way an egg moves through the reproductive tract.
• Obviously, the IUD doesn't protect you from STDs so if you have a new partner it is advisable to use condoms. This is no different from the pill however.
• I was advised not to use tampons for the first period. I do now though and can report no adverse affects.
• Not true. You can get back to business as soon as you feel like it. Again, Mr Jezebel would be happy to testify.

(What I'm left wondering is will it set off the alarm at airport security resulting in a fruitless body search? Alas, there is not one page on the internet addressing my query but I'll be sure to let you know when I find out)!

THE NOVA T 380

This consists of a T shaped frame, about the length of a matchstick, made from polyethylene plastic around which fine copper wire with a silver core is wrapped thus taking bling to a new level! At the end are two fine nylon strings which are used to check it's in the right place and are used when you want it removed. The 380 refers to the 380mm2 surface area of the copper wire.

There are many types of IUD on the market but if you get one on the NHS this is the only kind on offer. Not sure why! What's good to know is that it's the newest generation of IUDs and much smaller than the Paragard model they use in the States. Its lifespan is 5 years and you can have a new one fitted on the same day you have an old one removed.

FITTING

According to the NHS leaflet some women "experience discomfort and mild cramping" during IUD insertion. Other testimonies on internet forums tell tales of passing out and writhing in agony. My actual experience lies somewhere between the two. It wasn't the best few minutes in life so far but it was necessary. I should mention here how very grateful I am for the support and attentions of the lovely Mr Jezebel who was present throughout and didn't look horrified once. He did keep saying "breathe" however, which amused me and made me wonder if I was actually in labour.

The fitting is a quick procedure but has to be carried out by someone with the appropriate training and experience. I had mine done at the local hospital's Sexual Health Clinic which I would describe as adequate although the doctor was somewhat lacking in bedside manner! I had it done on the first day of my period which sounded a bit strange at first but I'm told the cervix is at its widest then which makes it easier and less painful. It also ensures that you're not pregnant. You can have the fitting any time during your cycle but they will probably want to do a pregnancy test first just to check.

It's not too dissimilar from going to have a smear test but it's in two stages. You lie on the table with your bottom half naked, they get a good view of your cervix using a speculum, they coat your cervix with a disinfectant and then they're ready to measure your uterus. This is done by gently and slowly inserting a thin metal measuring stick, called a sound, inside the uterus through the cervix until it reaches the top of the uterus and stops. They then know how far in they have to insert the IUD.

This bit was the worst but I wouldn't really describe it as painful. It feels like a dull but hard and very generalized period pain. Or the sensation sometimes encountered during sex when your partner thrusts a bit too hard at a funny angle. You're aware of something going on and yes, it does hurt a bit but not unbearably and, anyway, it only lasts about thirty seconds.

They then get the IUD out of its pack; at this stage the IUD is folded inside the inserting tube with the arms pressed down so it's thin. The tube looks like a drinking straw and is about the same thickness as one. They then insert this through the cervix, until it reaches the right depth, and the IUD is released. At this moment I felt a very brief but sharp pain which apparently is the IUDs arms flipping up into the T position. And that was it. Nothing I couldn't handle.

AFTERWARDS

I was told to expect a longer period and a bit of cramping for a few days. What I experienced was continuous cramping for at least one week during which time I took ibuprofen non-stop. That sorted things out. After that the cramps became less frequent and after a month they had pretty much stopped. I did get a few twinges every now and again even after two months but nothing needing painkillers.

The period, which had already started was fairly normal except towards the end I got very minor bleeding and spotting for about 20 days! I would think it had stopped and then I would start bleeding just a little bit again. This was more annoying then anything though.

I would also add that my abdomen just felt quite sore generally. It's hard to describe but for at least a month I didn't want to wear tight clothes or anything with a tight waistband as it was really uncomfortable. This was very mild though really. I also got indigestion but I think that was the painkillers.

A NOTE ON PERIODS

I was warned about this and it has definitely affected my periods! They used to be two days of heavy bleeding and cramps followed by about three days of light painless bleeding.

The last three periods have been completely different starting out with light bleeding for a couple of days, heavy bleeding for four days and another three or four days of bleeding tailing off. I now have period pains throughout the whole thing which isn't great but, to be honest, the pain is no worse than it used to be; just longer. Still, ibuprofen works wonderfully and the pros still vastly outweigh the cons. I have been assured that over time, periods are likely to shorten and become less painful. Only time will tell.

CHECK UP

It is necessary to go back to the clinic or GP for a check up after 6 weeks just to make sure it's in the right place and that there is no sign of infection which there wasn't. The doctor, and two student nurses, had a look down there to make sure the strings could be seen and were the right length and we just had a chat about how I was finding it. I explained about the cramps and bleeding and I was reassured that it's all normal and par for the course.

BENEFITS FOR ME

• To me the major benefit is that it's non-hormonal therefore it doesn't cause mood swings, depression, lack of libido, bloating or anything else that hormonal methods can. I fared very badly with the pill.
• I don't have to remember to do anything every day or before sex. The only thing you have to do is check the strings now and then.
• It's such a welcome break from using condoms. Everyone is different but I found them a hassle and a real turn-off! It's just get up and go with an IUD.
• It doesn't affect fertility and you don't have to wait months for your cycle and ovulation to return to normal upon discontinuation. This is important to me as we're hoping to have kids in the next couple of years.
• It lasts 5 years! As I said, I probably won't need it this long but should circumstances change I have nothing to worry about.
• It's free on the NHS.
• I don't even know it's there. What more could I ask for?
• I have sensitive skin so condoms and jellies would sometimes cause problems including cystitis.

DRAWBACKS

• I did have cramps on and off for 2 months after insertion which did wear me down but to me it's still worth it in the long run. I'm fine now after 3 months and cramps only come with a period!
• I did have quite a bit of bleeding at strange times for the first couple of months but nothing major.
• It has definitely made my periods longer but actually, not much heavier. I've been told they are likely to get shorter again with time but even if they don't it's a small price to pay in my mind.
• Periods are more painful. I used to have pain for only two days. This is up to 8 but it's nothing ibuprofen can't sort out. Again, this is likely to improve.

CONCLUSION AND TIPS

For me and Mr Jezebel going for the Nova T380 has been a good move! I'd recommend it to anyone who fits the medical criteria. By way of conclusion, here are some tips:

• Do expect a couple of months of unpredictable cramps and bleeding. Have panty liners in your bag at all times as it can come on unexpectedly! As I said however, in my mind it's worth a couple of months of feeling a bit under the weather in return for 5 years of hassle and worry free contraception.
• Invest in a multipack of cheap knickers to get you through the first couple of months. You don't want to ruin your real undies.
• Take ibuprofen for the cramps. Not only does it stop the pain, it also lessens the bleeding as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties. I only found this out a few weeks ago.
• Get an insertion during your period. It's easier for the doctor and less painful for you. I know it seems a bit ugggggggh but they've seen far worse than a bit of blood!
• Take someone with you. Mr Jezebel was allowed in the room throughout and very kindly held my hand. He even has a littler scar on the side where I dug my nails in! I would have been fine on my own but it's nice to have some moral support and someone nice to drive you home without worry. He's also very good at making hot chocolate.
• Take some painkillers about half an hour before the insertion. It is a little more than the "mild discomfort" promised by the NHS leaflet.
• Take a sanitary towel along with you. Even if you're not having your period it's quite common to bleed afterwards.
• If you have any worries do get in touch with the clinic or GP. In my experience they're happy to help and it's always better to be well-informed and better to be safe than sorry.
• If it makes your periods longer, make sure your diet has an adequate supply of iron. Otherwise there is a risk of becoming anaemic.
• Take the day off work. I would have been well enough to go back to work immediately but it's nice to have some settling in time.
• Check the strings frequently. I do it every week. They feel like fishing tackle at first but soften up after a month or so. If they feel longer than usual it may mean it's come out of place and won't be effective. Do bear in mind though that the position of your cervix varies throughout the month o this can also make them feel longer or shorter.
• Think of a plausible cover story for work beforehand! It's likely you'll have off-days and it can be difficult to come up with something consistent on the spot. I'm assuming you don't want to boast about your new IUD to all your male colleagues.
• To anyone who decides to go for it, good luck!!! To Ciao members, if anyone has any questions, I'm more than happy to answer. 

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