IUD question

LoLoPanda · May 2011

Today, I'm going to the doctors for my 6 week PP checkup. For BC, I am very interested in an IUD, but would like to know real opinions rather than just clinical stats (which I have been reading on a lot). Which IUD do you have, and what are the pros and cons in your experience?

Thanks!

Smuches4u · May 2011

6wks already? wow.

I had Mirena, and actually waited almost 6months post pardum before I had it implanted. I had it in for about 3 years. I've since taken it out. The emotional and physical side effects were just too much for me. If you'd like more specifics, PM me or hit me up on FB Message.

Pros - No periods

Cons - 6months of bleeding (not the normal, but possible without Dr. alarm); belly water retention, so I appeared 6mo pregnant; mood altered; lack of sex drive.

Best of luck to you. And if you're not ready for an implant don't let them push you into it at this appointment, I felt that way at my 6wk and didn't let them bully me into anything. Take your time it's an important decision.

Lexi & Orion's Mommy · May 2011

i would not go with mirena.

quesarah · May 2011

I had the Mirena.

Pros - didn't make me retain water or extra weight. I didn't deal with the depression side effects that I've had from other forms of hormonal BC.

Cons - I broke out in really bad cystic acne, which I eventually got kinda controlled, but still had issues, lower sex drive.

While yes, there were the definite bad side effects, I wouldn't discount the IUD completely. Maybe check Paraguard?

fricksgirl · May 2011

Lexi & Orion's Mommy:
i would not go with mirena.

Same. hated it. Hated every single minute that thing was in my body.

It made me fat, moody, disgusting. Oh and gave me horrid raging acne. My insurance never told me they didn't cover the REMOVAL even though the dr's office told me it was all ok... insertion was covered but removal was going to cost almost $1K. I fought it and won after the fact but check that.

They tell you it's minimal hormones but I'll tell you- I was on BC for 10+ years before kids and I'll take it any day over that damn IUD.

Some people love it, obviously that wasn't me!

Mrs.K&C · May 2011

I have the Paragard. One of the side effects is heavier periods, and holy cow, that's an understatment. BUT, good news is they get lighter and lighter and totally normal after a few months or so. Other than that, no side effects or issues at all.

m&m818 · May 2011

I've had my Mirena IUD for about 2 yrs.

Pros - Limited periods (about every 3 months), I was able to lose weight on it while doing WW.

Cons - I just started experiencing symptoms in the last 4-6 months. My sex drive is lower, moodiness and depression, and bad acne. Some spotting

I don't know if my latest symptoms are related to the IUD yet, and I'm not ready to have it taken out. I've seen my Gyn and primary Dr., I've also seen a therapist for the last 10 months and they aren't sure either if its related. There's so much going on with me right now, I'm hesitant to say "yes, its all due to the IUD".

But I love not having to worry about getting pg. And thats why I'll keep it for at least another 6 months while my medical crew sorts things out.

Mrs_Shmoopie · May 2011

I've had the Mirena over 3 years now and love it. LOVE not having a heavy period (although I do occasionally get some light spotting a couple days a month), and much, much lessened cramps. Before the Mirena I would get such severe cramps sometimes -theyre much less now. I haven't noticed any other big changes. The heavy bleeding did last a coupla months (on and off) and that did suck but the past few years not having to worry about BC have made it more than worthwhile for me.

I have noticed more PMS the past few months, though. As in, I'm moodier around that time of the month. Other than cramps, I never would have considered PMS much of a problem for me before. But there's no telling (w/o having the IUD removed, I guess) whether it's related to the IUD, age, post-baby body... who knows. Oh, and sex drive *has not* been a problem with me. If anything, after the first year my sex drive went up more than it had in years! I would recommend the Mirena IUD to friends, for sure, but I would say that you should pay attention to your body after you've had it put in -and don't be afraid to have it removed if you notice changes you don't like after a few months.

Mrs.BoomBoom · May 2011

I had Mirena put in about 8 years pp with #1 and really liked it. Lots of bleeding at the beginning with cramps that would stop me in my tracks...but that went away and I had no bleeding for most of the 5 years. I wasn't a candidate for BCP due to my weight and didn't want to rely on condoms with my boyfriend, so it was a good choice and I don't regret it.

Had it put in again 6 weeks pp with Q. Had severe lack of drive and ended up having it removed. We're now charting and using condoms (and if a slip up happens, we're fine with that)

Lesley423 · May 2011

I had the Mirena. It perforated my uterus and I had to have it surgically removed (3 incisions in my belly). I would not do it again.

My OB did tell me that they aren't as eager to put them in at the 6 week PP check up now because the uterine walls are still thin and so they are preferring to wait until 3 months. I definitely wouldn't have it put in that early again if I decide to go that route (which I doubt I will).

KellyMRocks · May 2011

Mrs_Shmoopie:
I've had the Mirena over 3 years now and love it. LOVE not having a heavy period (although I do occasionally get some light spotting a couple days a month), and much, much lessened cramps. Before the Mirena I would get such severe cramps sometimes -theyre much less now. I haven't noticed any other big changes. The heavy bleeding did last a coupla months (on and off) and that did suck but the past few years not having to worry about BC have made it more than worthwhile for me.
I have noticed more PMS the past few months, though. As in, I'm moodier around that time of the month. Other than cramps, I never would have considered PMS much of a problem for me before. But there's no telling (w/o having the IUD removed, I guess) whether it's related to the IUD, age, post-baby body... who knows. Oh, and sex drive *has not* been a problem with me. If anything, after the first year my sex drive went up more than it had in years! I would recommend the Mirena IUD to friends, for sure, but I would say that you should pay attention to your body after you've had it put in -and don't be afraid to have it removed if you notice changes you don't like after a few months.

pretty much ditto this exactly. I knew Sol and I had a lot in common, bt who'd have thought out uterii did as well

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