LADIES ONLY*** IUD input to switch or not to switch

bltrexler

Hello Ladies,
I am thinking about switching from Mirena (hormone) IUD to the Paragaurd (copper) I have had the Mirena for 5 years and times for a replacement. Based on a suggestion my endocrinologist made I am thinking about switching to non-hormonal IUD to help with weight gain. I have gained about 15lbs over the past 2 years plus I stopped smoking. The Dr. says the hormone contraceptive could be the cause as to why I have a very difficult time losing weight. I am concerned about the side effects with the copper IUD of severe bleeding since I currently have no period with mirena (no bleeding) and I love not being bothered with a period.

So ladies please tell me you experiences about either IUD. If you have make the switch was it easier to lose weight after? If you have the copper IUD how is your monthly cycle?
All suggestions and comments welcome regarding the topic

FitToBeFab

I'm curious about this too. I've had a merena for a year and a half, and gained weight right after. But I was able to lose 20 lbs, then gained 10 back when I stopped counting calories. For me, it doesn't seem to be effecting my ability to lose weight, but then again, I'm still 20+ pounds from my goal...

jules1202

I didn't have any problem with gaining weight with Mirena but I had other issues.

I say its worth a shot to try the copper. I have a number of friends with the paraguard and they haven't notices a significant difference in periods from their normal level. If it gives you problems you can always get it removed.

CollisionofNova

I have a copper IUD. I didn't gain any weight nor is it stopping me from losing weight though it did increase my cramping severely for the first year. It's still worse than it used to be now, but not enough for me to get it removed.

Just so you know, it HURT to get it put in. It hurt a LOT. I have a very high pain tolerance, but I was incapacitated for three days.

nutandbutter

I've used both and I would do the mirena again in a heartbeat (can't due to hormonal issues) but I got the paraguard out after 1 1/2 years. It was horrible. TMI time: I had clots the size of silver dollars, heavy bleeding for 2 weeks, and had severe PMS for the week before (worse than I've ever had it- I felt so rage filled and almost crazy). I felt good for maybe 1 week out of the month. I know some women love the copper iud but I am so thankful I got it out and will never do it again. I also had no period or other symptoms with the mirena so I was hoping the paraguard wouldn't be too bad for me. Also, I was able to lose weight with the mirena but struggled with the paraguard. I think that was due to PMS and period cravings (they were really bad). This was just my experience, you may have no problems with it.

modernmom70

I went from a copper (which was awesome except for bad period cramps) to the Mirena, which was horrible and I had taken out at about 6 months. Weight gain, mood swings and spotting every single day. If I were to get one again it would be horomone free for sure!

bltrexler

Just so you know, it HURT to get it put in. It hurt a LOT. I have a very high pain tolerance, but I was incapacitated for three days.

Thanks for that info b/c I can't afford to be out of commision for three days and I myself have a high tolerence for pain too!

Polly758

I switched from the Pill to copper IUD about 3 years ago. The only change I noticed was an increase in flow and PMS (which were both negligable on the Pill), but I wouldn't call it severe bleeding, it's still a normal flow. I'm pretty sure my cycle got longer, too. But it's not anything I would consider a side effect-- I think all those changes are worth it to let my body naturally do its thing.

jnh17

I have the Paraguard. From what my doctor told me, the Mirena's hormones are centralized in the uterus so the side effects from hormonal birth control that has to get into your blood stream aren't supposed to happen (weight gain or help with acne). The only side effects are lighter periods and possible cysts on the uterus.

My experience has been pretty good. My periods are heavier than they were -- but not horrible. I can't really blame the IUD on this with 100% certainty. First, I've delivered 2 babies and second, I'm comparing my current periods with periods before my pregnancies when I was on oral birth control so it's pretty much apples and oranges.

Next time (in another 7 years), I may go with the Mirena to have lighter periods because gah, that time of the month is an effing pain in the a/ss!

Polly758

Just so you know, it HURT to get it put in. It hurt a LOT. I have a very high pain tolerance, but I was incapacitated for three days.

Thanks for that info b/c I can't afford to be out of commision for three days and I myself have a high tolerence for pain too!

It really hurt to have it inserted, but the doc gave me valium and vicoden before the procedure, and a few more vicoden for the next day. I had the procedure on a Friday morning, got home and slept all afternoon, took it easy Saturday and Sunday, and was fine to go to work on Monday.

Supposedly if you've already had kids it doesn't hurt so much to get it inseterted. Good luck!

jnh17

Just so you know, it HURT to get it put in. It hurt a LOT. I have a very high pain tolerance, but I was incapacitated for three days.

Thanks for that info b/c I can't afford to be out of commision for three days and I myself have a high tolerence for pain too!

Oops, I meant to comment on this too. I honestly don't even remember it hurting at all? I *did* deliver a baby 8 weeks before but even then, the PA putting it in had trouble and went and got the dr and even then, it was more of a PITA than painful. I'm pretty sure I went back to work.

jcpmoore

I had the paraguard for all of about 4 months. I hurt like He!! to get it in and it hurt worse every month. The cramps got progressively worse every time until I finally had to have the thing removed after about four months. I would NOT repeat the experience. Ever.

jamaicanlady

Like the poster above, the only problems I had with the copper IUD was the length of my periods increased (from 5 to 7 days) and I had a much heavier flow. I had to be changing pads regularly. But the pain to put it in wasn't as intense as someone mentioned above (and I have a LOW pain threshold according to my nurse), and I certainly wasn't incapacitated for 3 days. I would put it in again, and probably will soon since I don't want anymore children right now.

Sharonks

My body has always hated hormones. I had a paraguard for a total of 13 years. My periods didn't change when I had it inserted. There was the usual slightly more cramping for the first month or two but nothing much worse than my normal (which was pretty bad).

After 10 years I had it replaced. About 3 years into that is when I started having problems. I started bleeding very heavily during my periods. At the time, my dr. wasn't sure why but thought that maybe we should try removing it and see if that improved. I switched to a nuva ring which helped the bleeding. Shortly after that, my insurance changed and I had to change drs. After a few months on the nuva ring I started to date a man who was fixed. I ultimately married him and obviously birth control didn't matter so I quit using the nuva ring.

Within the last few years I started bleeding terribly and ultimately it turned out I had fibroids, adenomyosis, and adhesions which were all removed a few months ago along with my uterus. My surgeon thinks that the fibroids and the iud were fighting for space and not playing well together so the bleeding really had more to do with the fibroids than the iud.

Hormones can affect different people in different ways. For me, any form of hormonal stuff will cause me to bloat, be depressed, throw up, sleep all kinds of bad stuff. For my step daughter, getting BC shot caused her to balloon up about 100 lbs over the last 2.5 years. She went from being pretty skinny to obese and it started when the shots started. The dr. just put a Mirena in, hoping the lower dose of hormones will help her lose weight. She just made the switch and wasn't due for her next shot until May so it hasn't done anything yet.

When I had the paraguard put in I had already had 2 kids and beyond a little discomfort it was fine. I was with my stepdaughter when she had the Mirena put in and she was in much more pain but she has never had children. The paraguard also didn't affect my weight so it will hopefully return your body back to where it was before.

Mistykelly

I have the copper, have for 6 1/2 years and have no regrets. I have not had weight gaining problems with it, heavier periods I have been told are due to the copper, sometimes even 2 a month but love copper however no problems with weight gain.

dandelion39

I have the copper (Paraguard) IUD and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. I love having no extra hormones added to the already messy soup of hormones in my body! I do have a heavier period now than I did when I was on BCP, but it's well worth the improvements in everything--from my mood to my sex drive--I've seen since getting the IUD. I've had absolutely no complications, and yes, it was slightly uncomfortable to have inserted, but no big deal, really. Can't recommend it enough!

bailey0528

I've had the copper IUD for almost 3 years now. I experienced heavier periods than before...was on the pill before children. My doctor told me that being on the copper is considered what a "normal" period would be for me without birth control....I had to think back almost 20 years to remember that time My periods have been more stable now...still some heavy days, but only lasts 4 days (same as it did when I was on the pill). I wanted to be hormone free...still have 7 years left to decide my next step. I did not notice any weight issues from having the IUD. Good luck!

Jessamine

I have had the Paraguard (copper) IUD for 5 years now. I *love* it. I have never had Mirena, so I can't comment on that one. Hormonal BCPs messed me up psychologically when I was on them. I'll never go the hormonal route again.

I have always had heavy periods and my IUD hasn't changed the flow at all. They are not heavy enough to make my iron levels drop (I'm a meat eater, though). I get my iron tested about once a year and there have never been any issues. I think I get enough iron in my diet to avoid any problems.

I used to have severe, debilitating cramping before Paraguard. For some reason my cramping completely disappeared once I put Paraguard in. There was that initial insertion cramping, of course, but that subsided with time. I am over the moon happy that I've been completely cramp-free for 5 years now. I have no idea how or why that happened for me because doctors say that flow and cramping tend to worsen with an IUD like this one. Neither issue occured in my case. *shrug* Maybe the Paraguard is responsible for my lack of cramping, or maybe a change in my hormones, or age... I have no idea.

Everyone's experience will be different. I was terrified of putting a device in my uterus at first, but I'm glad I went for it. Two of my sisters now have an IUD and are very happy. :-)

saelrosa

Hello Ladies,
I am thinking about switching from Mirena (hormone) IUD to the Paragaurd (copper) I have had the Mirena for 5 years and times for a replacement. Based on a suggestion my endocrinologist made I am thinking about switching to non-hormonal IUD to help with weight gain. I have gained about 15lbs over the past 2 years plus I stopped smoking. The Dr. says the hormone contraceptive could be the cause as to why I have a very difficult time losing weight. I am concerned about the side effects with the copper IUD of severe bleeding since I currently have no period with mirena (no bleeding) and I love not being bothered with a period.

So ladies please tell me you experiences about either IUD. If you have make the switch was it easier to lose weight after? If you have the copper IUD how is your monthly cycle?
All suggestions and comments welcome regarding the topic

hellow! i'm new here. well i've had the same problems for a long time, i've switched back and forward, but the trud is that all contraceptives made me gain weigth, some more some less, but i stoped, i know it's not the best desicion, but i was bloating. You should try and see what works for you.

tbolden82

not sure why it hurt you.. but i have had both put in and its just like having a pap smear and a little cramping afterwards but not days worth.:happy:

danasings

I've only had the copper one (before I had kids, this was during my first marriage), and I had to have it removed because I was in almost-constant cramping pain...it was really bad during my TOM. I kept it in for a year then had enough. Granted, I'm one of those women who has always had painful periods. If your periods are normal, I say switch to the copper one. It didn't affect my weight at all.

Awkward30

I have no help with regards to IUD, but I did exactly the same things before, after, and during 4 months of taking the pill, I could only lose 5 pounds... I was hungry all the time and for some reason a calorie deficit couldn't overcome the hormones. I won't take a hormonal bc every again

SunshineT83

Hello Ladies,
I am thinking about switching from Mirena (hormone) IUD to the Paragaurd (copper) I have had the Mirena for 5 years and times for a replacement. Based on a suggestion my endocrinologist made I am thinking about switching to non-hormonal IUD to help with weight gain. I have gained about 15lbs over the past 2 years plus I stopped smoking. The Dr. says the hormone contraceptive could be the cause as to why I have a very difficult time losing weight. I am concerned about the side effects with the copper IUD of severe bleeding since I currently have no period with mirena (no bleeding) and I love not being bothered with a period.

So ladies please tell me you experiences about either IUD. If you have make the switch was it easier to lose weight after? If you have the copper IUD how is your monthly cycle?
All suggestions and comments welcome regarding the topic

I work in a reproductive healthcare clinic and all I do all day is educate others on their birth control options. My in house OB/GYN made it very clear to me that because the Mirena's hormones are localized and released slowly over an extended period of time it generally is NOT the cause of weight gain. (I only know this because I have one and was looking for something to blame my weight gain on) The Paragard does in fact INCREASE the flow on what your periods used to be prior to the Mirena. It also is common for cramping to increase with the Paragard. Every woman is different so all experiences are anectodal not gospel unfortunately. Only you and your Dr know your medical history, so it is definitely something to discuss in great detail with your Reproductive Healthcare Provider. Good Luck to you.

jlg6599

I had the copper IUD for 8 yrs and then removed it. It worked very well when it comes to preventing pregnancy, but I did not like frequent UTIs and bacteria infections. I removed my IUD and no longer have issues with the infections.

sandrinamsilva

I had to have my Mirena taken out last month because it fell out of place. I would like to get another one put in next month simply because, this is the only BC that I have tried that has NOT resulted in weight gain.

janet0513

If the Mirena is working for you, then stick with it. The hormones in the Mirena are localized in your uterus and only a very small amount gets into your blood stream so it shouldn't have a huge impact on your weight.

bltrexler

I work in a reproductive healthcare clinic and all I do all day is educate others on their birth control options. My in house OB/GYN made it very clear to me that because the Mirena's hormones are localized and released slowly over an extended period of time it generally is NOT the cause of weight gain. (I only know this because I have one and was looking for something to blame my weight gain on) The Paragard does in fact INCREASE the flow on what your periods used to be prior to the Mirena. It also is common for cramping to increase with the Paragard. Every woman is different so all experiences are anectodal not gospel unfortunately. Only you and your Dr know your medical history, so it is definitely something to discuss in great detail with your Reproductive Healthcare Provider. Good Luck to you.

Thanks for your input. I definately would like to blame something for my weight gain. I doubt this would be my magic fix it. I would still have to put in the hard work to get it off, maybe it would just be easier w/out hormones. But I will say this heavy cycle and cramping may not be the best choice for me. But I love hearing the input!

superdonna

I have had the Mirena (this is my second one) and I am happy as a clam. Bleeding again? No thanks! If I have gained weight because of it, I am unaware. My unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle is the cause for mine. This is the best thing since sliced bread!!! Good luck!

ahoag_83

From my experience as an OB/GYN nurse the doctor I worked with DID NOT recommend the paraguard due to long, heavy periods. The Mirena has a small amount of hormone that is localized in your uterus so really should not have that much impact on weight gain. I think it will be very difficult to go from NO PERIODS to HEAVY PERIODS.

megalin9

I am soooo glad to see all of these responses! I posted almost the exact same topic in one of my forum groups, but I haven't gotten any feedback yet. I have NEVER been on any type of birth control, so I'm a little leary about starting it. I know something I have to remember to take or put in is not an option. I plan to be ordering either Mirena or ParaGard at the end of this week. I'm really excited and at the same time nervous becasue of all of the *possible* side effects. I'm pretty sure I've made my decision as to which one. I just really hope I don't have of the adverse extreme side effects. I would expect some, but anything extreme would make me want to remove it and cause me to waste a lot of money!

TheDoctorDana

I have only heard horror stories from ladies with IUD's. My aunt had one and got pregnant anyway. My other aunts traveled and had to be surgically removed and my mom had to have a hysterectomy after hers because it did so much damage. More recently, my cousin had one and she was in daily pain with all sorts of complications she finally had it taken out and had an oblation which she brags to me about almost daily Apparently, she no longer has a period. Yes, I am very jealous.