I am using the copper iud and its seems to be affecting my partner during sex, whats an alternative non hormonal method for me?

The copper IUD is inserted into your uterus by a doctor. It seems very unlikely that your partner would be able to detect the presence of your IUD. Furthermore, the copper IUD is non hormonal, which means that there are no drugs going into your body from the use of the device. That being said, there are many reasons to consider other methods as the IUD does pose some health risk to women, especially those at risk of STDs, or other types of infections. Non hormonal methods you may consider include barrier devices, like the condom, or cervical barrier devices like the diaphragm, cap or sponge. You may also consider a natural method which is free of any sort of chemical or synthetic substance.

Best of luck,
Dr. Williams

I had the Mirena placed three years ago. I rarely experience cramps or a "real" period, but I have gained 26 lbs, and my breasts are always painfully swollen and sore. I have also noticed nausea,and an increase in the incidence of frustratingly stubborn yeast infections, which I routinely pass on to my husband. My doctor has suggested switching to the Paragard IUD. My only fear with this is the heavy periods and cramping I have been reading about with this device. Some information has hinted that this decreases over time. Is this true? One of the reasons for the Mirena choice was to improve my already painful, heavy periods.

Unfortunately both kinds of IUD can increase your risk of yeast infection, since the yeast can live on the IUD string. If you have heavy, painful periods, you definitely want to avoid ParaGard, as that will only make the problem worse, and there is no guarantee that the heavy bleeding will decrease over time. You might consider a method of birth control that is not an IUD. Best of luck, Dr. Williams