To IUD or not? That is the question.

BRIANNAT711 · November 2015

I'm a first time mom and my ob/gyn recently asked about what kind of contraceptives I would be interested in. I am on two meds for hypertension so the pill is pretty much out. I can't chance the weight gain aspect of the shot and wanted something less permanent than the hormone implants which leaves condoms/spermicides or an IUD. Anyone have any experience with IUD's (specifically Mirena) good or bad, that they would like to share?

jmelodi · November 2015

I'm interested as well- worried about the extra hormones in the mirena affected baby through the breast milk?

meganraschke · November 2015

I'm planning on the copper IUD, there's no hormones in it so it's the best option for breastfeeding

ameares721 · November 2015

I had mirena for 4.5 years before baby. Had it out in October and was not taking BC at all. We were trying to avoid pregnancy, but I got pregnant in January after two cycles (and we are so happy it happened)! I had another mirena put in two weeks ago at 6 weeks pp. my midwife said its fine for breastfeeding and I haven't had any issues with my milk supply and the hormones are very low so no worries there. I used mirena the first time to handle my migraines and this is a great option since I can't take my prescription migraine medication while breastfeeding! I don't have periods on mirena (which I enjoy) and didn't see any weight gain. I have had all positive experiences thus far. There is some cramping after it gets inserted, but it was way better post-baby than when I had one put in before having a baby. Any other specific questions?

mommav83 · November 2015

I had the iud before getting pregnant but stopped it two years ago bc I thought it was preventing weight loss. Turned out it was just me. Anyway. I liked it and had no issues with it. Will be going back to it next week with a much better mind set. DH certainly enjoyed me being on it bc well worry free sex is awesome. (Obviously there is always a chance something could go wrong but it's pretty rare). Hope this helps.

whitemn04 · November 2015

I'm also looking into the IUD option. The no period part is appealing, but is it really healthy? Especially for as long as you won't have one. In my case at least 2 years, more for others. The mini pill scares me as I'm terrible at taking them at the same time and hubby isn't too thrilled about condoms and they irritate me some. My sister liked mirena though they think it was giving her headaches, but she had them with other forms as well. I love my baby, but I don't want to be prego again anytime too soon.

midge519 · November 2015

I had a bad experience with mirena. Mine fell out after about six months. It just came out all on its own (I saw it after going to the bathroom and called my doctor). I have a friend who had constant infections from it and a friend who has side effects similar to pregnancy all the time with it.

I had the implanon after my daughter (I breast fed her) and absolutely loved it!

KLHauck12 · November 2015

I cannot take combination birth control pills because I get migraines with auras and there is a increased risk of stroke. So I tried the mini pill and it was the worst experience ever. Horrible side effects for me. Then I had the Mirena for 3 years before taking it out to get pregnant. It was tolerable at the time but it did get progressively worse as I had it. My periods werent very regular, I struggled to lose weight, and I realize now just how much it affected my mood swings. I was actually more pleasant to be around while pregnant! I don't think I want to go back to that. I feel so good on nothing, my periods are better, and I've already lost the baby weight. But I had a rough c section recovery so my plan to go without birth control seems too risky. So now I'm considering the arm implant.

AmAm727 · November 2015

NOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My beautiful son is almost 2 months because if an iud. I love him but wasn't looking 2 get pregnant at the time. I'd never get another 1. I had the Paragyard 10 yr.

Littlehummingbird · November 2015

I loved the mirena! I had it for almost 5 years. I still got my period but it was light. I'm getting another in a few weeks!

Kitta+1 · November 2015

I had the copper mirena first, and it was wonderful - no period, no side effects, just blissful protection for about 4.5 years. At that time, I started noticing mood swings once a month, then occasional spotting - like really lite mini-periods. I had it replaced at 5 years, thinking that it just started wearing out or something. Unfortunately, when it was replaced it was with the other IUD. Now I have a daughter. I love her, but the IUD just doesn't seem to be as effective as they make it out to be - they said it's 99.9% effective and I know multiple people who also became pregnant either with the IUD in, or after an IUD fell out.

That being said, I have no idea what to do for birth control - my fiancee is getting fixed, so I am more concerned with not menstruating than I am with getting pregnant again - but if I was concerned about pregnancy, I might not go with the IUD. Sadly, according to the charts, it's the most effective ... I have little to no advice except to talk with your doc and have her go over your options with you. Tell her what you want out of birth control and see what suggestion she comes up with.

Good luck!

BRIANNAT711 · November 2015

How long did the insertion cramping last? How soon after insertion could you resume a normal sex life?

Kitta+1 · November 2015

I cramped for just a few hours after insertion and they weren't even as bad as my period cramping. I had spotting that night then nothing afterwards. Experiences vary, though, I have a coworker that she she never completely stopped spotting and she had to wear panty liners every day - she took it out after 3 months of that.

swelniak · November 2015

BRIANNAT711 said:
How long did the insertion cramping last? How soon after insertion could you resume a normal sex life?

It lasts a couple hours. Just like bad period cramps although when they first insert it, it feels like a contraction (but that's just right when they put it in). I was ebf on my Mirena for a year and it's completely safe. It's the equivalent of the mini pill, just continuously released instead of having to take the pill. I loved it and will be getting one again. My periods were very light and didn't return until a couple months after I stopped bf'ing. I also got pregnant this time just a few weeks after I had it removed. I was shocked! Also, to answer your question, you can have sex the same day I believe.

ameares721 · November 2015

Both times I got the IUD in, they recommended waiting three days to have sex. You're protected right away, but you want to make sure your body doesn't push it out. No exercising, sex, etc. Your body cramps (your uterus contracts) upon insertion because it's a foreign object and your body's natural response is to push it out so you want to make sure it stays put!

mistycray · November 2015

I've had 2 Mirenas and they are the best!!!

cindykinnear · November 2015

I have had mirena twice and will be getting again at 6 wk pp visit. I had no issues, no periods, and no problems getting pregnant after removal.

shantyrae · November 2015

Getting! I've read that inis the cases of pregnancy it's been with women who weren't previously pregnant. It's most effective when the woman have previously had a baby. So I'm curious - any of you ladies that got pregnant on ot, is that true for you?

cbolton19 · November 2015

shantyrae said:
Getting! I've read that inis the cases of pregnancy it's been with women who weren't previously pregnant. It's most effective when the woman have previously had a baby. So I'm curious - any of you ladies that got pregnant on ot, is that true for you?

My sister in law got pregnant with her second with an iud. I don't think it fell out, but it shifted. She was a bit shocked. They had been using the rhythm method for a long time then the doc suggested the iud (she's on meds for Lyme disease).

saintpaulJess · November 2015

I love the Mirena! I had my first one for five years and just got my second one put in two days ago. Both times, I had one day of spotting and that's it.

BRIANNAT711 · November 2015

Thabks so much for the info!!

dchiapella · November 2015

I have a branch off question for you ladies... does anyone have any experience with endometriosis and an IUD that they'd be willing to share?

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