IUD experiences?

EMT

I'm thinking that's the way to go for me since I didn't really like how BCPs felt and I tended to be forgetful about taking them .

The two I'm looking at are Mirena and Paraguard.  I believe the Mirena has hormones and the Paraguard doesn't. 

Experiences?  Pros/cons?

mrsterry

I had ParaGard and loved every minute of it!  They warn about heavier periods and worse cramping...I had neither.

I have found that when it comes to IUDs it's either a "love it" or "hate it" and there is no in between.  Usually those that do not love it are those that had complication from it (ill fitting, body rejections, etc.).  Things happen.

I am currently saving up for mine, since my new insurance does not cover it, and I WILL be getting again...and leaving it in the entire 10 years not just 1.5 like last time!  lol

amiamish

I have the Mirena, I love it! Pros- no periods, no weight gain, DH can't feel it, not another thought... cons- um. It pinched/hurt a little going in, but was REALLY worth it.

I had mine put in back in Nov of 2007. I had a few weeks of bleeding-very mild. Then a couple really light (3day) periods, then nothing since. I love it.

EMT

mrsterry:

I had ParaGard and loved every minute of it!  They warn about heavier periods and worse cramping...I had neither.

I have found that when it comes to IUDs it's either a "love it" or "hate it" and there is no in between.  Usually those that do not love it are those that had complication from it (ill fitting, body rejections, etc.).  Things happen.

I am currently saving up for mine, since my new insurance does not cover it, and I WILL be getting again...and leaving it in the entire 10 years not just 1.5 like last time!  lol

EW, heavier periods and worse cramping?  I think Mirena warns about the opposite.  Maybe I'll go with that one. 

My concern with Mirena was the hormones but doc said they aren't supposed to get in your bloodstream like BCPs do.

I guess Mirena has a payment plan which works out to be about the same as BCPs co-pay.  Paraguard does not but doc said he would do a payment plan if I wanted...love him!  He said they are usually paid for within a year and then you have 7 more years of protection.  YIPPEE!

I hope I love it if it's that costly though.

dawnc78

I have Mirena and love it!!! it didn't hurt going in for me...the 6wk check was a little uncomfortable (they had to look for the strings) I get 1 maybe 2 days of a period every month (It's more likely that you won't get a period if you get it while bfing but I waited 6mos after stopping bfing to get it)  I spotted for the first couple of months at random times (just when I wiped no panty liner needed) but that was pretty much it... I would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

EMT

dawnc78, are there concerns about getting it while BFing?

MrsCali_Bride

I've had the Mirena in since Jan 2007 and I love it.  The hormones are localized to your uterus, so there shouldn't effect breastfeeding at all, if that is what you are doing.  I had it put in at 8 weeks pp and continued breastfeeding for another year after that (14 months total).  My periods have stopped pretty much completely.  I don't have to think about it except for once a month to feel for the strings (some months it is easier than others).  My H can't feel it and I love not having to worry about condoms or anything else.  Definite thumbs up from me.   The Mirena is good for up to five years while the Paraguard is good for up to ten.

MarchMom06

I have a Mirena & LOVE it. I think I've had 5 days of bleeding (total) since I got it about 18 months ago. I rarely, rarely have a period, & if I do, it's nothing compared to the normal kind. No side effects, DH can't feel it, it's great! not sure about the pricing, as my insurance covered it.

dawnc78

EMT:

dawnc78, are there concerns about getting it while BFing?

no I didn't get it b/c I tried to do bcp again (I did it after DD) it messed me up big time so I stopped and decided to get Mirena... if you get it while bfing it increases the likelyhood that you won't get periods anymore (HALELUIA!!!)sp?

btw...Mirena is a 5yr replacement (that's how long the hormones last...after that you can leave it in another couple of years and it's like a paragard but you would likely get the heavier periods and cramping back) the hormones are so minute that they barely show up in blood work this is one of the reasons that I love it!!!

kertybird

That is what I am going to do.  I just got a call from my obs office and they ordered it today.  I am having it put it in in 2 weeks.  I am going with Mirena.

kertybird

I asked about the difference between the 2 and my ob said Paraguard=heavier periods, Mirena = lighter periods.  It is the same hormone as the mini pill, so it does not affect supply.

marrymemylove

I have a friend who got PID from her IUD (Mirena I think). I would never get one. Any unnecessary risk increase of PID is too much.?

But I love the pill. I don't understand how anyone could not like it.?

Punk*Mommy

I have the Mirena and I am not 100% happy with it.

I love not having to remember to take a pill, but at the same time my periods are SUPER crazy, like 2 weeks long. Not really heavy, but LONG and annoying... I need to buy stock in pads.

I had it put in in Aug '08 and bled for almost 3 months straight after. I think I'm one of the unusual ones though.