Hi /r/diabetes!
I would post this on /r/birthcontrol but I have a VERY specific question for those with diabetes and who have the copper IUD. As diabetics, T1 or T2, we are at an increased risk of yeast infections and the copper IUD can increase the risk as well.
Did you have an increased occurrence with yeast infections?
The reason I ask is because after being on the pill for about.. 8ish something years, I switched to the copper IUD this past January. I thought it was great because it was like a crock pot for birth control; set it and forget it!
But then after two or three months, I got a yeast infection after my period. I tied it to using the DivaCup for the first time. Got a new one for the next period. Same thing, yeast infection after my period. Threw that second DivaCup away. Next period I went back to ye olde tampons and pads. Got a yeast infection after my period, yet again! My last period, I had every intention of getting the copper IUD removed and was scheduled to get it removed. Day of scheduled removal, it was my first day of my period and unfortunately, the NP could not find the strings for removal. I started HBC pills that day so that I could get cycled into HBC a bit early. Got a Lena cup for this period, with the combo of HBC, no yeast infection after the period.
The copper IUD has been removed since Friday and I am now on the placebo week of HBC, but still going through breakthrough bleeding. I am expecting my period soon.
I was thinking what am I doing differently? I do not really eat dairy or foods rich in probiotics so that's not too much of an issue? Diet has not changed but the amount of carbs has had a slow decrease... That should be quite beneficial. Blood sugars are within range and a1c was last a 6.4 or something... That's not really the cause for the yeast infection.
The only thing really "new" that pertained to my down there health was the IUD. I did researching and found the article I linked above. I talked to an NP and she said that yeah, it doesn't happen much, but some women get an increase in yeast infections making the copper IUD just not for them. I feel that unfortunately, the copper IUD is just not for me because it raises the risk for the yeast infections, stacked on top of the risk from having diabetes.
If you do have the copper IUD, have had recurring yeast infections, did you do anything to try and deter your chances of getting yeast infections? Are you taking a probiotic supplement? Did you decrease your carb intake overall or only during the times of your period? I feel that my blood sugars are within the ranges my doctor asks me and I feel great about them. I feel like other than my actual diabetes, there has to be something I gotta change.
Did you previously have the copper IUD and switch to the Mirena?
Sorry if I have so many questions for the ladies! I hope that someone can give me some insight!
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