IUDs and Other Birth Control

daffodilsoup

Any ladies out there using an IUD (such as Mirena or ParaGard?) How do you like it? Can you tell me a little about your experience?

I am currently on the Pill and have used NuvaRing in the past, but these methods are expensive over time, and it would be really nice to just sort of have an IUD inserted and not have to worry about it for 5-10 years. I have never given birth or been pregnant.

At this point in my life, I am pretty positive that I never want children (never did - don't like kids, and the idea of pregnancy/motherhood is just not appealing to me). Sterilization procedures are something I've been considering, but I am interested to hear about others' experiences with IUDs and other long-term birth control options.

kenzietea

I just got the copper IUD. No hormones!!! Birth control made me crazy. I love it. No worries It did make me a little sick the day of and after, but other than that i love it.

alecta337

Im interested also. I am also on the pill. I don't want to get pregnant for the next 5 years at least.

des10y11

I had the Mirena and hated. It made me feel bloated like I was pregnant. I got it taken out after two years.

Lyadeia

I was also considered the copper coil. I was on a low dose estrogen pill that made me literally act as though I were bi-polar, gave me a skin disorder where I had darkened areas on my skin including above my upper lip, and made weight loss nearly impossible. I didn't gain weight, but I never lost much, either. My dermatologist told me it was hormones causing my face to be discolored and he said that it is normally due to pregnancy but he's seen it with all BC pills that mess with your hormones. Literally the day after I stopped taking it, my moods were normal again and I started to lose weight doing the same amount of diet and exercise as before.

So yeah, no hormones for me, please.

daffodilsoup

I had the Mirena and hated. It made me feel bloated like I was pregnant. I got it taken out after two years.

I've heard that ParaGard is the preferred IUD between the two - any ladies with PG?

Nikki582

I've been on Implanon and the Mirena IUD.

The Implanon was okay... but I eventually started getting my period every 2 weeks. Not cool.

The Mirena turned me into a psychopathic *****. Moodswings like NOTHING ELSE.. (not even my normal moodieness, psycho) I was angry all the time, and sad.. and just nto a nice person.
And I wanted no sex, at all, nah-uh.
Horrible thing. Google mirena side effects

SmangeDiggs

I had a copper IUD for 5 years and loved it, one of the s/e can be more cramping than usual but i never had that and my cycle was more regular than it has ever been before. I liked it because it was hormone free, it just sat there and did its job, came out and everything was back to normal.
We insert alot of mirenas and a reasonable amount of women complain of spotting, mood swings and a huge disinterest in sex. If your keen to try one i suggest picking one and giving it a go, they are easily enough removed if you dont like it.

Dexy_

I've been on the pill between babies for 4 years. It SUCKS but the side effects of everything else suck more. I just bleed 3 weeks out of the month most of the time! (Yes, I've tried many different pills, they all do it to me).

If you are looking for long term, and aren't worried about become sterile, go with the implanon (that's the one in the arm right?). They are pretty effective and have been known to cause infertility. I've been told that the IUDs in the uterus are extremely painful for women who haven't given birth before.

Yakisoba

I hate birth control pills. ._. Made my cramps worse.

DeviantDarkwolf2

I had the copper coil IUD was in so much pain, had to go for a scan only to find it had actually become imbedded in me had to go to hospital to get it pulled out, not a good experience I still get pains on the side that it was imbedded. Everyone is different though, I was on depo for a bit until I found out it's really bad for your bones. I am now on the pill as inconvenient as it is, it seems to agree the best with my body.

MîîśÊmÿłõü

Ive had the Implanon - fail developed a pain disorder both times i had it
was on the injection, thought it was okay till i weighed myself 9 months later and was 20kgs heavier!
ATM im on the Levlen ED pill and have found it great. no weight gain and TOM im less bloated too so its a win for me
but have heard nothing good about the mirena with friends

TwiFan5

I'm on the Levlen ED pill and have been since last September and ever since May I have had not had a regular period and have missed quite a few only to find out in August/September that my body is releasing the pregnancy hormones but as far as I know I am not pregnant even though I have put on anywhere between 6 - 10 Kgs since June/July which sucks and I hate it and can't wait for my appointment with the hormone specialist in December because I am sick of my moodiness, tiredness, emotions, constant sick feeling and a whole bunch of other annoying things. Sorry that I went a bit off track.

melianne125

I had the Mirena and hated. It made me feel bloated like I was pregnant. I got it taken out after two years.

I've heard that ParaGard is the preferred IUD between the two - any ladies with PG?

I have the ParaGard and haven't had any issues LOVE IT!

rml_16

I have Mirena. I was one of the lucky ones who bled for six straight months after I got it, but I love not having to think about BC every day and also my insurance covered all but the doctor co-pay, so it's WAY cheaper for me than anything else.

I have had a lot of trouble losing (and have gained) since I got it. That's listed as a side effect for fewer than 5% of Mirena users, though, so I think most people don't have that experience. Again, one of the lucky few! lol

I do still have periods with it, though not every month and it's just intermittent spotting, really. Some people stop altogether.

melianne125

I had the Mirena and hated. It made me feel bloated like I was pregnant. I got it taken out after two years.

I've heard that ParaGard is the preferred IUD between the two - any ladies with PG?

I have the ParaGard and haven't had any issues LOVE IT!

And I've had it for 3 1/2 years - I have 2 children and do not plan to have any more so that's why I went with the 10yr ParaGard over the 5 yr Mirena.

rml_16

I would love the Paraguard (10 years!), but I need to have something with hormones or my periods are ridiculously heavy and uncomfortable. :-(

My mom got the copper when it was newer and she had to have it removed after a month because of so much heavy bleeding, and it's apparently a genetic trait in my family. So I didn't even consider it. I was on the pill 13 years and it was great, but the last year or so, I started bleeding heavier and longer every month (2 weeks at a time) so I had to change things up.

I would love if they would just remove my uterus.

dad106

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

rml_16

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

The insertion is uncomfortable, but not painful at all. And it's a pretty quick process.

dad106

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

The insertion is uncomfortable, but not painful at all. And it's a pretty quick process.

Might not be for you.. but I can not have her do a pap or feel around up there without gripping the table in pain, and yelling at her to hurry up... Don't know what it is, but it always hurts like 10 times more then I feel like it should...

chellekoren

I've had the mirena for 4 years now. It's great. Cramping after insertion then a bit of spotting for a couple months after, but nothing too annoying and then haven't had a period since. No hormonal side effects for me. I had terrible hormonal depression from the nuvaring, actually felt like I was in a fog of sadness. Stopped using it and felt so much better. Good luck with your decision.

Oh and cost turns out to be a wee cheaper monthly as long as you don't change your mind and get it removed early. Not a lot cheaper. It's more for the convenience and the progesterin (spelling) only aspect.

rml_16

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

The insertion is uncomfortable, but not painful at all. And it's a pretty quick process.

Might not be for you.. but I can not have her do a pap or feel around up there without gripping the table in pain, and yelling at her to hurry up... Don't know what it is, but it always hurts like 10 times more then I feel like it should...

Has your doctor checked you out for why that's happening? It really shouldn't be painful and if it is, there might be something wrong. Pain during sex is one of the warning signs of some major issues, and a Pap is pretty much the same kind of thing as far as mechanics go and all.

dad106

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

The insertion is uncomfortable, but not painful at all. And it's a pretty quick process.

Might not be for you.. but I can not have her do a pap or feel around up there without gripping the table in pain, and yelling at her to hurry up... Don't know what it is, but it always hurts like 10 times more then I feel like it should...

Has your doctor checked you out for why that's happening? It really shouldn't be painful and if it is, there might be something wrong. Pain during sex is one of the warning signs of some major issues, and a Pap is pretty much the same kind of thing as far as mechanics go and all.

I mean, she hasn't been too worried about it.. and I'm not sexually active at all, so the only time it happens is during the pap.. but I also have a low pain tolerance, so that may be playing an issue. I told her last time it hurt a lot, and she used a smaller speculum, but it still hurt.

I would have her check it out more extensively, but I'd really rather she got in and out as fast as possible.

Nerdy_Rose

I have the copper (Paragard) IUD since 2007. I love love love it. I had one awful 10-day period right after insertion, but now my periods are 4-5 days and normal. No cramps. I know side effects can include heavier periods and cramping, but I've been fine. $400 and I'm set for 10 years.


Hormonal birth control (this would include mirena) f*cks me up bad. I was clinically depressed for about two years because of the hormones, had horrible migraines, etc.

rml_16

I take Loesterin 24 FE and have had no problems with weight gain or weight loss.. for the most part its been smooth sailing.

I know pills are quite expensive(mine is 25 bucks a month through the normal pharmacy) but we go through a mail order pharmacy that is backed by our insurance, and now my pills are 30 dollars for a 3 month supply instead of 25 for one month.. so it's something to think about.

I personally could never do an IUD.. I already hate my doc digging around up there.. and could not imagine her trying to put an IUD in.. I'd prob. die from the pain!

The insertion is uncomfortable, but not painful at all. And it's a pretty quick process.

Might not be for you.. but I can not have her do a pap or feel around up there without gripping the table in pain, and yelling at her to hurry up... Don't know what it is, but it always hurts like 10 times more then I feel like it should...

Has your doctor checked you out for why that's happening? It really shouldn't be painful and if it is, there might be something wrong. Pain during sex is one of the warning signs of some major issues, and a Pap is pretty much the same kind of thing as far as mechanics go and all.

I mean, she hasn't been too worried about it.. and I'm not sexually active at all, so the only time it happens is during the pap.. but I also have a low pain tolerance, so that may be playing an issue. I told her last time it hurt a lot, and she used a smaller speculum, but it still hurt.

I would have her check it out more extensively, but I'd really rather she got in and out as fast as possible.

I'm REALLY surprised she isn't more concerned. I think the tests required to diagnose a possible issue are not quite so invasive (ultrasounds, etc.). I really recommend you do a Google search about pain during intercourse and what it could mean. Even though you're not having sex, it's pretty much the same warning sign. A doctor should be more concerned.

mindfulmunching

Have had the Mirena for 8 years and for all 8 years had positions that were off limits and post orgasm cramping. Just took it out and all my issues have gone away completely.

jennydanger77

i had Paraguard for about 6 months and had to have it removed. every day i was in so much pain from my uterus trying to expel it. i also had a ton of mucous ALL THE TIME, which is disgusting. i hated it.

being that i cant have any hormonal BC [cancer] i was disappointed to have it removed. now we just use VCF [i have reactions to almost every condom on the market]. i also considered having a tubal ligation, but then learned about PTLS [post tubal ligation syndrome] and didnt want to risk it, knowing my luck i would have suffered the worst, lol.

any IUD can be a blessing or a curse, you pretty much just have to take the chance and see.

PippaJo_

I have a Paragard, and I love it. LOVE. IT.

It does cause *slightly* heavier periods, but my periods beforehand were so light that it wasn't a problem for me.

I love, love, love not having to worry about bc - not having to remember if I took a pill or not (I'm forgetful that way), not having to deal with the expense of the nuvaring (which I otherwise loved, but insurance wouldn't pay for, which is ridiculous), not having to deal with condoms and the stupidity of having to use those as a married woman. I'd like a little intimacy with my sex, please and thank you!

The insertion is very odd-feeling, but painful isn't the word I'd use. It's not easy to describe, because there's no sensation like it, really, but it's like, three seconds and done.


Until science comes up with a 'switch' for women, so we can turn our fertility on and off at will - this is the best option for me.

rblair_22

I would just be careful of and IUD. I personally have never used one, but my younger sister was given one and when she went back for her next yearly, they couldn't find it! Her OB had to do an ultrasound to make sure that it did not travel into her uterus. It was finally determined that it just fell out on its own!

Hollieox

I've just had my implant removed because it messed with my body so much so now I need to think about other options but everyone will react differently so you should think about what kind you'd be comfortable with:)

NinjaMonkey201

I have the Mirena and so far love it. I've had it since July and so far no real problems. The first few months you bleed/spot off and on. And strangely, I feel "fuller". Not my stomach, but like if I have a full bladder, it feels fuller than it should be and I'll start to cramp. But that's all I've noticed.
Oh, and it's so nice not having TOM come for a visit. :-)