Last March I had a copper IUD inserted for birth control. I had gotten pregnant twice on the pill so that obviously didn't work for me, and depo provera caused me scarring acne and hideous weight gain. I had decided that I needed something that didn't effect my hormones and hopefully they could level off again.

All seemed to be well for the first 8 months, but my period in December was a little odd (not normal flow at all), and the period I'm currently in has been pure torture.

Last month I had cramps a little stronger than I'd ever had before, but I would have normal flow one day, spotting the next day, followed by extremely heavy flow the next day. Each morning of my period I wondered what on earth that day was going to be like. It also lasted much longer than normal.

This month, I had normal flow and no cramps the first day. Since then I've had four days now of barely spotting, tremendous cramps that come and go, and passing blood clots.

The doctor that inserted the IUD has since retired, and there just aren't many GYN's around the part of the world I live in. I'm not sure where to even go for a good doctor.

I just wondered if anyone out there has had a similar thing or knows if this could be related to the IUD? I don't know if I should worry or not.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Yes, it could be due to the IUD. As much of a hassle as it is, still you need to find yourself a GYN and have it evaluated. It may or may not need removal; but it should be checked. Ask friends if they know a good gyn; call the nearest hospital and see if they make referrals; call the county medical society. It doesn't sound like an emergency, but you need some info.

If you think you may be having a problem with your IUD, you should definitely see a doctor. You should be having annual check-ups anyway, even if your previous doctor retired. Didn't he/she refer you to another doctor when he/she retired?

If you do not have or know of a doctor near you, I would suggest you seek out a Planned Parenthoodclinic. They have excellent doctors and reasonable fees.

There are a number of clinics in Kansas.