Chronic UTI's linked to IUD

Wow. I am also so glad this thread has been posted. My first UTI ever was 4yrs ago after having my IUD for 1 1/2yrs and then it felt like it never went away. I had my IUD removed for a year and my UTI occurances decreased dramatically. Yet somehow it didn't occur to me that it was ever the IUD...and I had a new one re-inserted last year ...and at the 1 1/2yr mark...the UTI's are back usually with severe & sudden symptoms occuring during my period. I just had it removed and am on a series of antibiotics again. :(

The copper IUD has been the best form of birth control to date but I think they have to re-think the length of time they can be inserted for!

IVE DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS Y'ALL LADIES ARE DEALING WITH EVER SINCE I BEEN ON BIRTH CONTROL I GET NOTHING BUT UTIS AND OTHER INFECTIONS AND I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING THE IUD REMOVED

IF you have the hormone in your UTI yes you are bound to have yeast infections. They are quite common with the BCP's because of the hormone. Here's hoping they can invent a birth control with less side effects!

I did not think it possible that the two could be related...but here I am.  Got an IUD (mirena) just prior to meeting my husband.  In the following year and half I had, I believe, 8 UTI's (and then the requisite yeast infection after the round of antibiotics, which also seemed to come on more easily than before).  Hadn't had one previously in over 12 years and, I'm no saint, I'd had sex during that time.  And I've been lazy my whole sexually active life!  Rarely got up to go to the bathroom afterwards.  But now the infections were almost monthly, seemingly regardless of whether I urinated after or before or both or whatever -- though I finally noticed they were more likely if we had intercourse when I got my period (which was extremely light with the IUD).  Once I sorted that out I didn't get another one (about 4 months clear - it was a record!). I had my IUD removed after the wedding since we're open to having kids, and guess what?!  No UTI's!!  And I don't usually go to the bathroom after sex.

I don't know what it changes in the vaginal discharge, but whatever it is, it must make it a lot easier for bad bacteria to colonize.  Glad to know it wasn't just me!!

Hello everyone,

Well where do I start…I have had Paraguard since 2009 and recently (this past year) I have had nothing, but heavy and smelly discharge followed by reoccurring UTIs. I would say that I have had at least 20 UTIs in the past year. I just want to be really blunt because I think that details will help everyone out. I noticed that I get a lot of discharge right before my period and it really smells, plus it’s really annoying too. I have to wear a thin liner and even place a little toilet paper (I know weird right?) just to absorb the discharge or else it gets everywhere during the day. Also, when my hubby and I do it, the discharge gets all over the place and heavier when I “go.” Right afterwards, I pee and even take a shower and still get more discharge and eventually a UTI. I have been to the doctor like others and they have tested me for STDs and Bacterial Vaginitis, which both came back negative. However, my recent urine culture came out positive for bacteria “from” the vagina. I never had any of these issues and am seriously thinking about having it taken out. Even my General practitioner told me that he thought I should have it removed because it has been in there too long and he believed the IUD had something to do with the recurrent UTIs, but when I told my gyno he just laughed and said that they were not related. But what is a bacterium from the vagina doing in the uretha? I know they are close in proximity and sex can massage it in, but I have only been with one partner and have never had these problems until recently when I noticed more discharge.  I even eat yogurt and drink cranberry juice EVERYDAY with all meals. This problem has costed me so much money, time and discomfort and I am just sooo over this. Can peoplekindly please post whether their problems got better after removing their lUD?

thank you so much for this info bcause dealing with same problem now i guess im going to have mine remove too

I have never in my life had bladder infection or a yeast infection. Since I got the IUD I had bladder infection then got yeast infection. I ended up taking a shot of apple cider vinegar raw everyday and a probiotic from walmart every single day. After suffering for months on end with uti's when I finally took matters into my own hands cause all i would end up just getting antibiotics after a few days of not being on antibiotics ended up with another bladder infection. This regime has worked for me figured I would post it here even though this is a very old post.. lmao :]

I went through a bout of frequent uti's in my late teens and early twenties, I have a tilted back uterus, which was probably the culprit at the time.  So I started taking cranberry capsules on a regular basis, and went years without having a single uti.  Then at the age of 28 I got pregnant, and I too have suffered with frequent uti's and yeast infections after having the paraguard inserted about 18months ago. I am now 30, and I just thought it was my old problem coming back.  I do get lower back pains and random cramping.  I also am one of those people who don't show the normal symptoms of uti's, I usually don't realize I have one until it moves to my kidneys.  I have had two pretty severe kidney infections in the past 12 months which required heavy duty antibiotics.  Lately I have been noticing that I get the sense of urgency when my period is about to go away (usually on the fourth day), and a dull ache with cramps. I decided to go with an IUD after having my son, who is now 2 years old, I was happy that I found a non-hormonal birth control, thinking I would not have to deal with all the nasty side effects of hormones; but now I'm dealing with other side effects.  I feel hopeless in my search for a birth control that works for me.  I have been on everything from the pill, nuvaring, and now the paraguard, with all having side effects I just can't seem to live with.  I feel I may want to have another child, just not now, but I definitely don't want to keep dealing with all the infections. I am happy I found this thread to know that I am not alone in this, and thankful to all of you that have shared your stories. 

Hi kathrine

Please please can you tell me if you felt better after having the mirena removed?

I have had mine for3 years and had regular utis.a month ago i got a really bad one.altho antibiotics cleared the infection, i still have painful, full-feeling bladder, even when iv jst been to the loo.

Please help.i am missing work and starting to feel really low.

Lucy

Hi Lucy, Yes I started to feel better after the coil was taken out, but the problem was I had alot of bleeding and this created soreness and wee infection so I thought it didn't help... so for the last month I have taken the oral pill. And things are better. Now whether there is a direct link I dont know But what I can say is that your feeling of painful and full feeling bladder is exactly what I had for months, after a bad wee infection. I took 6 weeks of anti biotics in 3 months, and this caused SCARING In my ureatha track and my bladder. Now infection and tablets I think damage the membrane so I had what is called a stricture of the ureatha. Its where scar tissue builds up and you have the bladder fullness and the tenderness... and holding on for a wee makes it impossible. I HAD THE STRICTURE OPERATION... it worked, bladder pain went within 2 days. And months down the road my bladder is better. Although I still am unable to have a proper sex life as sometimes I can be sore after a wee, and sex can be painful. Im now looking further into this as I think I have something else going on down below, near my wee hole. What I am saying is for me, its baby steps, little goals, to achieving abit of normality. I am alot better thank god! It used to be so bad I had to drink lots of water, no tea no wine... oh god it was awful. But today for the last few weeks Im feeling alot better. Its been 8 months!!!!! 8 months of hell and trying to figure out whats wrong with me. ALL FROM A UTI.

I have noticed a difference by taking vitamin tablets every morning, vit c,d ect ect I take everything, within 3 days I was feeling alot bettter. I also do not wash down below with any kind of harsh soap, I never take baths with bubble bath either that helps. Your regular uti's has caused scaring which you need an operation super quick to have that scar tissue removed. Now the operation is very quick, its important you ask your doctor about this procedure. You need a referral for urionologist to see if you need one. GP are c**p!!!!!! You need to go private. To beat the list of waiting. I paid 180.00 for a diagnostic and consultation and I was in for the op on the nhs a week later. Thats your first protcol. I wish you well.... any advice you find out or tips do post on here. I felt so low too, missed work and Im 26 with no sex life.. :( but I hope I am getting better... me months ago, was in so much pain.. so yeah im getting better. hope you do to, hope this helps somewhat.

Kathrine. GOOD LUCK, CHIN UP YOUR BODY WILL HEAL ITSELF IN DUE TIME, BUT THIS OP I THINK YOU NEED. AFTER THAT ITS PLAIN SAILING FOR HEALING TIME TO BEGIN.

Hello gals!

You might find this information very uselful and you may bring it to the attention of your GP/gyno. Be careful if you chose this method of contraception. I've been suffering from the same UTI issues, bleeding, pain, hot and cold flashes and will have mine removed ASAP.

Bacteriological cultures of removed intrauterine devices and pelvic inflammatory disease.Tsanadis G, Kalantaridou SN, Kaponis A, Paraskevaidis E, Zikopoulos K, Gesouli E, Dalkalitsis N, Korkontzelos I, Mouzakioti E, Lolis DE.Source

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina University Hospital, Panepistimiou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece. _[removed]_,gov

Abstract

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective, long-term methods of contraception. Although evidence of a direct association between IUD use and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is scarce, concerns about PID related to IUDs use has limited their use throughout the world. We designed this study to examine the effect of IUDs on PID. For the study, we recruited 200 participants from among women who requested an IUD as a means of contraception. The IUDs were removed 36 months later or in case of PID. No PID cases were recorded during the follow-up period. Prior to IUD insertion, 121 women (60.5%) had symptoms and/or signs of lower genital tract infection, whereas during the follow-up period 179 women (89.5%) had symptoms and/or signs of lower genital tract infection. The Papanicolaou smears were negative for Actinomyces throughout the study period. Also, cultures for sexualy transmitted disease microorganisms were negative throughout the study period. Following IUD removal, 189 IUD cultures (94.5%) were positive. The bacterial flora of the removed IUDs consisted of common aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that do not account for PID. The most common microorganisms identified were Staphylococcus coagulase negative, Eschericia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. IUDs are a very effective and safe method of contraception if potential recipients are selected carefully. Culture of the removed IUDs and therapeutic management of women with positive cultures are not recommended when women are asymptomatic for PID.

Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12057785

 

 

It's so reassuring to find this post. I had the copper coil fitted in 2007 and have been blighted with one infection after the next. The last two bouts have been just awful..tiredness, fever, achy lower back, nausea, total and utter fatigue, depressed, feeling like I need a massive wee and then only have a few drops, but then feeling like I need a massive wee again about a minute later, smelly downstairs...etc...just a nightmare. For each infection, I do to doctors and my wee sample tests negative for anything...but because all the symptoms match cystitis they always just give me 3 days of anitbiotics, which do seem to work, but then comes all the lovely associated thrush etc. It has got to the point where I am apprehensive when I go away for the weekend or on holiday, in case I get an infection and I am nowhere near my doctor! I have tried very hard to manage this myself by taking quite strong cranberry tablets everyday, strong multi vits, drink loads of water, don't have bubble bath etc, I even have this super strong, super sour, pure cranberry juice on standby in the cupboard, which is a fiver from my health food shop, and as soon as I get that first 'oh no here it comes' feeling, I neck a whole bottle. I am suffering an infection at the moment and have had to take yet another day off work..I have been to the docs today, tested negative AGAIN, got 3 days antibiotics, AGAIN, and have come home and spent hours googling, desparate for answers, and for the first time ever, I have come across this link between infections and coils...most of the posts mention E-Coli growing on the coil itself and continually reinfecting you...for **** sake, if that is the case then no wonder I feel so bloody awful with each infection. Whether it's true or not (there is a lot about it online, so I am thinking, no smoke without fire) I have made an appointment for 830am this thursday 21st March and I am going to ask them to book me in to take the thing out. I don't know what I am going to do for contraception though, tried many different pills in my twenties and I didn't get on with any of them (especially Dianette....size 10 to a size 16 in 7 months, with no diet changes and more excercise than I had ever done before!!), so I guess it's going to be condoms. Now I have read all this stuff, I just want this thing out of me. It has damaged my health, my confidence, my sense of adventure, my sex life, put strain on my relationship, made me just generally miss out on stuff, and cost me a fortune in cranberry products. I have had 10 Cystitis-like bouts in a year (and if it hasn't been cystits, then why didn't the GP suggest this copper coil thing? Why have I had to stumble upon it on google of all places!), if anyone is interested, then I could update on how few, if any (that would be so good) infections I get, AFTER, this thing is out. I also read on some of the posts, that women had their coils sent off for analysis, and it came back they were covered in E-Coli, I don't know if I can request that in the UK, but I would actually be willing to pay, just to know once and for all, what has caused me all this misery.

Finally, to any woman going through recurrent bouts of this....I know exactly how you feel, and at least we know we are not alone. It seems knowledge truly is power. GPs might roll their eyes when a patient goes into an appointment and says "i have been on google...", but hay, if I hadn't typed 'could the copper coil give me cystitis' into google then I would not have even questioned my coil.

PS. if having the coil out makes me better/back to normal, I am never EVER having another glass of cranberry juice for as long as I live!

I have had a Paraguard IUD in for almost 3 years now. I had no history of uti's, but after placement I starting having chronic uti/ bladder infections every 6-8 weeks and was put on antibiotics to be taken every time I had intercourse. A specialist recommended 200mg of vit c and probiotics, which helped immensely but im still getting them. Im scheduled to get it out next week, which was a hard decision since it cost 500 to put it in and since doctors say theres no link. My specialist said that iud's can cause a sort of constant low-level irritaion that makes you more susceptible to infection. Regardless, Im really hoping taking it out takes care of the issue.

I had the ParaGard inserted 8 weeks postpartum.  Prior to the IUD, I had never had a UTI, pelvic pain, vaginitis, or an STD.  Literally, I had no complaints or problems in the nether regions.  I had very light periods lastly 3-4 days with little to no cramping.  Post IUD insertion, I immediately began to experience a painful poking/stabbing pain in one spot in my lower right abdomen.  I also noticed an uncomfortable pressure in my cervix.  I was assured by both my GYN and the nurse that this was normal and it could take up to a year for my body to adjust.  My periods after the IUD were horrible lasting a minimum of 7 days with extremely heavy bleeding, large blood clots and terrible cramps.  I also began to experience lower abdominal bloating, constant 24/7 lower abdominal tenderness to the touch, shooting pains from my uterus to my belly button, constant bladder soreness with increased frequency and urgency even though all tests always came back negative for an actual UTI, hip and pelvic pain, as well as intense lower abdominal muscle spasms that can only be described as a baby kicking in my uterus.  Despite speaking with my GYN on numerous occasions and expressing my concerns that none of this started until I got the IUD, I was repeatedly assured that there was no way the IUD could be causing my symptoms and that it was "properly placed".  

 

Fast forward 2.5 years to last week when my bladder symptoms and abdominal tenderness had become so bad that I went back to the doctor again absolutely sure that I had a real UTI and possible kidney infection.  Again, I was told that all tests and cultures came back negative for an infection.  I was further told that I have developed IC and there is no cure.  At this point I decided enough was enough and I started searching the internet for answers.  I was absolutely shocked at how many women were reporting nearly identical problems and pain after getting the IUD.  I called my GYN the next morning and made the appointment to have my IUD removed.  

 

Outcome after removal:  Within minutes of having the IUD removed, I experienced immediate relief from the lower right abdominal poking/stabbing pain and cervical pressure.  I could once again bend down, twist sideways, turn over in bed, sit on the floor, drive, etc without being internally stabbed.  Within two hours of removal, the urinary urgency was gone, frequency was almost back to what it had been pre-IUD and I finally felt as though I was able to completely empty my bladder again.  I was disappointed because I still had noticeable bloating and tenderness to the touch, but I figured it had taken 2.5 years to get this bad and it was likely going to take time to get better.  72 hours post IUD removal, my bloating was gone entirely and I was finally able to wear my normal blue jeans again.  1 week post IUD removal, all tenderness and pain in my lower abdomen was gone.  I could once again do the dishes at the sink and not flinch and recoil in pain if I accidentally hit the edge of the counter.  I have yet to have my first period, but I am hopeful that too will return to normal.  I know that when I was so scared and searching for answers, there was very little information from women who had had their IUD removed, so I decided to post with my results.  I will try to come back a few months and report on whether these improvements continue to last.  The moral of the story for me was that I should have listened to my body from day 1.  I don't think that this was the right choice for me.

Thank you for posting your experience. I finally had mine removed this Tuesday after almost 1 month wait for the appointment at my GP. By the time I reached back home I was already feeling like normal again. I could feel it's gone and I was so happy! No more pain when sitting at computer, no more random cramps, no more random copper smell in my discharge. I am also yet to have my first period and I can bet it will be back to max 5 days not 8-9 days like during the IUD. I decided I will try the Evra patch and I am yet to start it next month. Finding a good replacement for IUD is a difficult task if you don't want to use condoms or hormones and still plan for a baby in the future.