S/O Birth control - Paraguard IUD

MrsP419 · April 2014

Would anyone here like to share their experience with the Paraguard? After 4+ years of condoms and NFP, I am thinking of going a more "secure" route, but I am a bit terrified. Sorry for the SS thread; I tried to ask on the current birth control thread but it got buried :-).

nunzchucks · April 2014

I loved Paragard. I had some slight cramping the day it went in, but no other issues. Not having to take a pill everyday was fantastic. I was getting once/mo migraines on hormonal birth control so this non-hormone option was perfect for me. My periods had one pretty heavy day, but I hadn't had a non-BC period in 10 years so my periods just may be that way, I just didn't know it because of the hormones.
If you decide to try for another kid, you are "in the game" the day it come out. I had a period 8/25, IUD out 9/4 and pg by 9/24 for example. Let me know if you want to know anything else!

LilyGracesMommy · April 2014

Thanks @LilNunz1‌
I'm also thinking of going this route
( I don't like artificial hormones, and DH and I aren't for sure done)

It's nice to hear a "happy" review of it from a "real" person

nunzchucks · April 2014

One more thing to add. Check to make sure your insurance covers it. It can be expensive without.

otter1103 · April 2014

Newbie Q about this because I have only ever been on the pill or Depo. You can use this if BF right?

nunzchucks · April 2014

@otter1103 Yup!

flerlgirl · April 2014

LilyGracesMommy said:

Thanks @LilNunz1‌ I'm also thinking of going this route ( I don't like artificial hormones, and DH and I aren't for sure done) It's nice to hear a "happy" review of it from a "real" person

@lilnunz1 is a robot. I saw her robot eyes.

Butseriously, thanks for the info, Nunz!

amackattack · April 2014

Did either of you notice any weight gain on Paraguard?

nunzchucks · April 2014

@Lcgroenewe‌ No weight gain for me, but I also started 1/2 marathon training after getting mine.

MrsP419 · April 2014

lalala8 said:

ugabamafans said:

I HATED mine. It caused recurrent UTIs and much heavier, much more painful periods. Also, I didn't realize the way it worked when I got it inserted. It allows fertilization but prevents implantation. Based on my personal beliefs, that is an issue for me, but it may not be for you.

The bolded isn't the common thought as to how the device works. It may be a theory, but according to the majority of sources, Paragard is toxic to sperm and prevents fertilization:

ParaGard, a non-hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device, works by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. Its T-shaped frame wrapped in copper wire continuously releases copper into the uterine lining, which causes an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm.

This actually was something I am concerned about (the preventing of implantation, for person moral reasons). But from a lot of research, my understanding is ALL hormonal birth control (including the Mirena) prevents implantation as a tertiary effect of the device/pill. It is a possibility, but definitely not the primary method of contraception.

lindsmg79 · April 2014

Hi all! I'm mostly a lurker but wanted to jump in and share my experiences with Paragard. I had it for about 4 years before we decided to have children. Insertion hurt a bit and I was crampy for a day or two afterwards. Periods and cramps were heavier at first but this tapered off. I felt great having no hormones in my body. I felt much more emotionally stable and I was able to lose weight easier than in the past. Also, similar to others, I got pregnant very easily after removal, on my second cycle post Paragard. My insurance paid for it and my copay was $10. You can't beat bc that costs $1 per year!

In regards to how it works, I also did a lot of research and it all credited the ability of the copper to "destroy" the sperm before it reaches the egg. If an egg gets fertilized, all IUDs (regardless of the type) shorten the luteal phase, which then makes implantation difficult. I actually charted prior to having my IUD removed and noticed a significant increase the length of my luteal phase after removal. If this is an issue for people, and it clearly is, given the current Supreme Court case, I would say it's probably not the right choice. We are hoping to have another child soon and will use FAM (with full awareness that an "oops" may happen) until we are ready to try again. If plans were different, I would use Paragard again in a heartbeat.

TheMrs820 · April 2014

I personally have known three women who had the IUD puncture the uterine wall & travel to other parts of the body creating significant damage & sterilization in one csse.

The cause cannot be confirmed with all three of these cases, however improper placement is suspected, again though not confirmed. I will not be doing an IUD for these reasons. I will most likely end up using Nuvaring

theamandapanda · April 2014

ugabamafans said:

I HATED mine. It caused recurrent UTIs and much heavier, much more painful periods. Also, I didn't realize the way it worked when I got it inserted. It allows fertilization but prevents implantation. Based on my personal beliefs, that is an issue for me, but it may not be for you.

I had a Mirena and LOVED it. It is the only hormonal birth control that I can take due to a clotting disorder. I had no problems getting pregnant after having it removed (removed 8/1 and pregnant the next month). My periods were almost non-existent and no longer painful.

Talk to your OB at your next appointment and see what they think. Either one you choose, the IUD is great because you don't have to worry about it for several years and it isn't permanent.

@ugabamafans Did your doctor happen to mention why Paragard gave you UTIs but Mirena didn't? I'm interested in trying Paragard but I am very prone to UTIs. Now I'm torn. Any feedback is appreciated

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S/O Birth control - Paraguard IUD

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