Question:
IUD users: do you double up on iron during AF?

I've had my copper "T" since July and I've generally been happy with it. However, as the OB who placed it told me to expect, my flow is much heavier. For the first two days, I am going through a Super Plus tampon every one to two hours (such a mess and a pain overnight!) AF lasts a total of 7 days now, longer than in the past as well. I am concerned about becoming anemic, as at 4 weeks post-op, I am sure I am not getting enough iron dietarily. I am taking a chewable children's multivite which claims to give 100% RDA of iron and most other things (Bugs Bunny Sugarless). Should I double up on the multivitamin during AF? Should I be taking some different form of iron? It's easy to find information about the right kind of calcium (citrate) but I'm not having much luck with info on iron. TIA    — Julia M. (posted on October 20, 2001)

October 20, 2001
I don't have an IUD, but I do have a VERY heavy flow. I go through a super tampon every 1-21/2 hours for the first 3-4 days. So I know where you are coming from there. I am alittle anemic and never considered that it could be because my flow but I do take 2 childrens chewables with iron. 1 in the morning and 1 at night Just to be on the safe side. I am also considering getting prenatal vitamins because they have iron in them and they are such good vitamins. Just wanted to say - yea! I think you should double up on the vitamins. It can only help right!
   — K T.

February 8, 2002
OK, so it's weird to answer your own question :-) but I'm going to do it anyway in case someone uses this question/answer after researching the IUD. <p>My flow is still heavier, but not as bad as it was at first. My three-month labs came back, and as I suspected, I am slightly anemic (12, where the normal value for iron saturation is 14-20). My PCP told me that ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are both USELESS forms of iron... well, guess what, fumarate is what's in the chewable multis. Ferrous GLUCONATE is what you want. I've started taking it now and we'll see in two months if my labs have recovered. If they have not, despite my new iron regimen, I may consider having the IUD removed and going back on the combo pill. I used Ortho 1/35s successfully for many years, but while I was breastfeeding my daughter, they were not an option. She's almost weaned, so I can probably go back to them soon. <p>Now that I'm all skinny and happy (-103 lbs in 21 weeks!), I've got a new boyfriend and can't go without really good birth control! ;-)
   — Julia M.