birth control
"I had this inserted a couple of weeks ago.  Insertion was painful but didn't last long.  Just started my first period since insertion and I've never had cramps this painful in my life.  Felt like I was in labor.  Period is much heavier and my abdomen is tender.  I'm going to hang in there and give this a shot since I am 44, a smoker, and didn't want to risk being on the pill anymore.  I am told the negative side effects should taper off, so I'll have to wait and see.  Sex was a little painful at first - I don't know if it's just my being nervous about possible pain, but I felt little twinges of pain during.  We'll see how it goes and I'll post updates as I go."