LADIES ONLY*** IUD input to switch or not to switch
Replies
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I have used a copper IUD for about 15 years so far (not the same one!) . And far from having heavy bleeding, it's actually reduced my monthly blood loss and cramping, I had been VERY heavy before and had severe cramping to the point where I would faint. SInce having it fitted my periods have been 'normal' and cramping minimal.
Really? I'm so afraid to try it because I know it can go either way, but I'd love something non-hormonal because of my weight issues since getting Mirena. I love everything else about it.
I need to talk to my doctor. But then I know people who had their tubes tied and it made their periods better while for others, they got worse, so I'm nervous to try anything like that.
It's so frustrating.0 -
FYI I was worried about the "mini abortion" thing too. I found both the mirena and psraguard are the same in this regard. They both "make the lining of the uterus thinner" which prevents implantation. My doctor (who is a big time specialist and is called in by other doctors) said thats the case with any hormonal birth control too... All do several thing snd that is one of then0
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My Mirena is up in a year, I was just going to get a new one put in. I haven't had any issues with it, but now I am curious to see what people have to say about the other kind of IUD0
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I've used Mirena since 2006, as soon as I could after my DD was born. Got the new one put in last year. I've had no issues with weight gain, and I actually had no problems losing my baby weight gain that first year. My gyn had told me that it's not that kind of 'hormonal' that affects weight. I do not have the irritability I had when using the pill.
I don't know how the other IUDs are, but I just love love love not having periods at all anymore. No more tampons in the house! It's the main reason why I wanted to keep using it.0 -
I've had a Paragard in for a year now and it hasn't messed with my cycle duration at all. It did hurt during placement but it wasn't too too bad; I did take a double dose of ibuprophen an hour before.
My periods themselves are inconsistent with their flow, which is usual for me and not the fault of the Paragard. However I did notice a HUGE increase in clotting after having the Paragard placed.
I'm actually having the Paragard removed soon and having a tubal ligation instead because the Paragard causes me a lot of DEBILITATING pain. Usually around the time of ovulation I will get pain out of no where, fall to my knees and brace myself type pain.. it comes and goes for a couple days. Then in the week leading up to my period I get debilitating cramps to the point where I have to lay down flat, not move, and cry. The only thing to make the pain subside is a double dose of ibuprophen AND a strong perscription opiate pain killer. I literally am not able to function for close to a week and the pain is comparable to labor cramping.. non.. stop... labor.. pain.. UGH!
Everyone is different though! That's just my experience
Well that just made up my mind! I am sticking with Mirena0 -
I have Mirena and have had it for about 3 years now. The weight gain I experience was not from the Mirena, trust me lol. And once I started putting an effort into loosing weight the Mirena did not hinder me.
Personally I don't think putting copper inside my body sounds very appealing so I would stick with the Mirena!0 -
I have the Mirena, and for me the insertion was extremely painful. My blood pressure dropped so severly that I almost passed out, so needless to say I remained in the doctors office for well over an hour until my blood pressure rose to a normal level.
My Dr. had done hundreds of those procedures and not one person had the same reaction I did - I have not had any kids, so that could be a reason why it hurt more for me and I also have a low tolerance of pain.
As for weight gain/loss I haven't really noticed a different either way as I have been taking some form of a hormone for BC since I was 13(due to extreme bleeding and cramping, and I am now 44. I love the fact that there is no period with this Mirena and once it is removed in 3.5 years I will NOT be getting another one. I should by then be well on my way into the Change :laugh:
All the best to you in your decision.0 -
I've had a Paragard in for a year now and it hasn't messed with my cycle duration at all. It did hurt during placement but it wasn't too too bad; I did take a double dose of ibuprophen an hour before.
My periods themselves are inconsistent with their flow, which is usual for me and not the fault of the Paragard. However I did notice a HUGE increase in clotting after having the Paragard placed.
I'm actually having the Paragard removed soon and having a tubal ligation instead because the Paragard causes me a lot of DEBILITATING pain. Usually around the time of ovulation I will get pain out of no where, fall to my knees and brace myself type pain.. it comes and goes for a couple days. Then in the week leading up to my period I get debilitating cramps to the point where I have to lay down flat, not move, and cry. The only thing to make the pain subside is a double dose of ibuprophen AND a strong perscription opiate pain killer. I literally am not able to function for close to a week and the pain is comparable to labor cramping.. non.. stop... labor.. pain.. UGH!
Everyone is different though! That's just my experience
Well that just made up my mind! I am sticking with Mirena
I probably should have noted that I have just general uterine issues, possibly even endometriosis, so my debilitating pain is definitely NOT the norm.
The other odd side affect is that my menses usually have a fairly strong metal smell to them - not the usual iron-like smell but well, I'm assuming it's a copper/iron mix, lol.0 -
I've had the Paraguard IUD for a year now and I have nothing bad to say about it. It did hurt some to get it put in but the doctor said it's because I've never had a baby therefore my cervix has never been stretched before. My doctor told me I would go back to having periods like I did before I went on the pill. I've always had heavier periods so I didn't worry me too much.
I HATED the pill and could not think about putting more hormones in my body. That is why I didn't go with Mirena. With the pill I was a hormonal zombie. I wasn't myself and i hated it. I was just about to get married and I had the sex drive of a dead person. It was miserable. We also are going to try getting pregnant in the next 6 month so I didn't want any residual hormones in my body when we decided that the timing was right.
When it's time to put the IUD back in after we have a baby I'm going right back to Paraguard!0 -
Hello Everyone,
I have the paraguard IUD now for 5 months and honestly don't have any compliants. The first three months were the heaviest with alot of cramping but nothing that a pain reliever can't fix. Now I will say it did not hurt me at all to have it inserted a mild cramping afterwards but nothing severe. I took motrin 1.5 hours before insertion and the dr prescibed a medication to make the cervix dilate a bit. I will say I researched this and even killed myself by watching the videos of how it is placed that I went into panic mode, freaked out and told my doctor I couldnt do it. He assured me it will be quick and he was right that I was in shock once it was inserted and said that's it? I am 32 with 6 children and decided to take a long term non hormonal b/c since I do not want anymore children but do not want tubal ligation. I can tolerate pain obviously 6 natural births so I honestly feel that if you can take some cramping for the first months this is for you. BTW on my 4th month my period went from 8-9 days to 5 days. So I am happy with this b/c it may not be for everyone but I am content.0 -
I recommend not getting Paraguard if you have ever had a metal allergy or specifically nickel. I've known folks who got eczema, stomach pains, and even panic attacks and obsessions due to Paraguard. Personally, I have Mirena and have had a great experience with it as I gained weight on oral BC in the past and my very very heavy periods are now just lightdays.0
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I've had both and I would pick Mirena over Paragard any day. I had Paragard for 7 years and my periods were miserable. After having three kids, my doctor recommended the Mirena, I've had it for two years and it's so awesome (as you know). I did gain a little weight after I got the Mirena but if I'm honest with myself (not saying you're not, I'm just answering specifically to my IUD with regard to weight gain), the IUD is not what made me gain weight. It was the twice-weekly stops at the frozen custard stand down the street. Even then, I only gained around 10 pounds over a year or so.
I have the Mirena, I'm 34, I've had four kids and I can tell you that I have to work very hard to lose weight. Six meals a day, 1,200 cals, lots of protein, 4-6 hours/week of vigorous exercise, minimal fast food and no diet soda. I basically got rid of all my favorite things! But that's a trade I'm willing to make because I wanted to be healthier and lose weight. HTH0 -
The first 1 and a half, I did gain and was able to lose. After that no matter what i did i could not lose. It caused me many other issues. I had it taken out0
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I was on hormonal birth control from age 16 to age 22. When I was graduating college and unsure what my health insurance status would be for the next few years, I decided to get an IUD. I chose Paragard for a couple reasons.
1. I wanted children in the next 10 years and didn't want any extra hormones playing with my fertility
2. Because you can keep it for so many years with no extra work
Because I had been on hormones for so many years, my body reacted strangely to the lack of them and I actually went for about 6 months with no period after the changeover. I don't remember what my periods were like before the patch/pill, but I do have more cramping now than I did while I was on them.
Insertion sucked, but I have a pretty high pain tolerance. When I got there she asked me, "So, did you take 4 Ibuprofen?" and I was like, "Um, you only told me to take 2 o.o" Hahah, that was not reassuring. My OB warned me that sometimes women feel faint afterwards, but I actually felt fine long enough to ride my bike (I didn't own a car then hahah) the 3 miles home before collapsing in bed for an hour or two. For the first week it seemed like I could feel it in me, but I've had it for 3 years now and still love it.
Being hormone free is definitely worth the extra heaviness or occasional spotting I experience for me. And knowing that as soon as I want kids I can take it out and instantly have my full fertility back is reassuring.0 -
I switched from oral contraceptive to the copper iud in Sept. due to clotting issues. I have yet to get my period yet.
Anyone not get their period on the copper iud???0 -
No, mine is like clockwork. Have you taken a pregnancy test? Were you always regular before?0
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I am old. I had one back in the 70's and was not impressed. Hence one of my favourite songs.
The I.P.D.
•(Sue Edmonds / Lian Tanner)
It's the I P D, the I P D
It may not feel too good to you but it's not hurting me
So every time the pain begins to fill your eyes with tears
Remember I put up with it for years
I'll sing you all a song about a wondrous new device
The nation's latest contraceptive plan
That funny little object they call the I U D
Has recently been changed to fit a man
They tested it on whales and they tried it out on mice
They used it in the poorer parts of town
It's the cleverest invention since the automatic lift
Guaranteed to never let you down
It was proven to be safe for the average human male
Though testing showed some minor side-effects
There were two died from infection and six were sterilised
But only ten per cent were too depressed - from
But you know, some people are never satisfied
So scientists are working once again
They've got something even better than the good old I P D
It's called the morning-after pill for men
Final chorus:
It's the pill, it's better than the I P D
It may not be too safe but we'll just have to wait and see
So put away your worries and put away your fears
And remember I put up with it for years
(as sung by Judy Small)
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find an audio version of this on line.0 -
I lost 15 pounds with the mire a implant when I got it taken out I gained 30 so odd!0
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Test came out negative. Just wish I'd know if/when I would get my period. So frutstrating.0
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I had a copper IUD for about three years between babies. For me it was amazing. I wasn't actively trying to lose weight during that time, so I can't speak to how it would pay into a diet. (I will say I didn't *gain* any weight.) But I was definitely way, way less hormonally crazy than I was on the pill or the shot. I honestly didn't notice much difference with my cramps -- they might have been a little worse at first, but nothing a couple Advil couldn't take care of. I'd recommend it to anyone.0
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I
my Mirena. I have never had any issue with gaining/losing weight. I haven't heard too many positive things about Paraguard from the ladies I know who have them -- lots of issues with severe periods with heavy bleeding/cramping. But I think everyone is different.
If you are otherwise happy with Mirena, would ask you GYN about the chances of Mirena causing a woman not to be able to lose weight and specifically what those circumstance would be (like if you have some other issue). Or at the very least ask the doctor who told you it was your IUD causing you to maintain for studies supporting that idea. I cannot take any form of oral birth control because it makes me extremely moody and gain 10-20 pounds almost immediately. With Mirena I never had those types of issues. But again, bodies are very different.0 -
Hi everyone,
I'm replying to this topic just to get some more info out there about switching from Mirena to Paragard. When I swapped mine out, I couldn't find much information about it.
In short, it's been way easier than I thought it would be. I expected a few months of cramps, irregular bleeding, horrendous periods, etc, and got absolutely none of that.
The switch itself was practically painless; "sounding" my uterus was more painful than either the removal or insertion. No bleeding, no cramping, and I was totally fine within minutes of the procedure.
Tried sex the next night, and it was uncomfortable whenever he came in contact with my cervix. A few days later sex was completely fine/comfortable.
First period came on the full moon instead of the new moon. It was a very normal period, just like it used to be in the days before I went on hormonal bc: average PMS with one big ol' cramp, followed by a five-day period. It was pretty darn light compared to all the horror stories, just minipads most days, two days of regular tampons every 12 hours or so.
Two weeks later, when ovulating, I had the most incredible libido. Seriously, I couldn't fall asleep one night because I was thinking about sex so much. I think I wore my man out that week ;-)
Second period came exactly 28 days after the first one, full moon again. Same as before, slightly heavier flow on day 3, but no cramps when PMSing.
I was going to wait three cycles before posting, but I'm excited to let everyone know that switching from the Mirena to the Paragard has been a breeze for me! I switched over because of dietary concerns--I think the hormones were aggravating my IBS. So far I haven't noticed any changes in my digestion, but at least hormones aren't part of my "what's wrong with me" equation anymore. And I'm baby-proof for ten years--awesome.
Good luck!0 -
it's not a good idea to use paragard cause it cause weight gain and here's the proof http://www.paragardweightgain.com/0
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My youngest (and last) is 15 years old. I had the paraguard after her birth. Some cramping upon insertion but nothing horrible. It lasted 10 years but during that time I had looonnnng, very heavy periods. Cramping in my lower back and thighs were NOT fun. After the 10 years were up my gyne switched me to Mirena. I love it! No more periods or cramps. I am due to have it removed this June......not sure if menopause happened yet (I'm 52) but will see come June. If menopause hasn't happened (similarly my hubs is going through MAN ON PAUSE) I'll get a new Mirena..........0
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it's not a good idea to use paragard cause it cause weight gain and here's the proof http://www.paragardweightgain.com/
<--- has a Paraguard, didn't gain weight.0 -
the hormone IUD has the same hormones as the depo provera shot. I took depo - and it was the worst 9 months of my life. It impacted my relationship, my body...it was just horrible. When I went and got an IUD, my dr. recommended the hormonal one...of which right away I was like "absolutely NO!" especially when the copper one is hormone free, cheaper and equally as effective!
I got the copper IUD...and besides getting it put in...it has been the best decision I have ever made. I would have got it years ago, but I was told by another doctor that females that have not had babies can not get the IUD due to the uterus not being large enough. Luckily that has been debunked. If I ever have a daughter...I will be by-passing the whole "pill/patch/ring/shot" discussion and going straight for the IUD. 0 -
I switched from oral contraceptive to the copper iud in Sept. due to clotting issues. I have yet to get my period yet.
Anyone not get their period on the copper iud???
This...does not sound normal. Typically, ladies with a copper IUD will have some spotting to begin with...and then for the first 3 months - your period should be regular but heavier then it should go back to relatively normal. Unless, naturally, you have a "come and go" cycle...of which the hormones may regulate your cycle.0 -
And I just realized that the OP was from like 2 years ago...awesome.0
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No don't I had the copper paragaurd and at first it was great but then after 4 years it started giving me infections. When I went to go have it removed I found out a lot of women were getting the copper paragaurd removed because after 3-4 years it was giving other women the same problem.0
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I am starting to do some research ( on Mirena for a year and I am bloated and cannot seem to even budge 5lbs unless I do severe calorie restriction and do low carbs). Is there a way to test for Progestin intolerance? It seems to be the missing link. When I was on the now discontinued Vesture ( AND LOVING LIFE), I could maintain a good weight for me ( 165 @5'8) and felt good. It had 3mg of progestin. The mirena has 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG). Initially, LNG is released at a rate of approximately 20 mcg/day. (Levonorgestrel is a weakly androgenic progestin).
Soooooooo...... Is there a test for progestin sensitivity/intolerance? I'm about to up and switch to the copper IUD and with my tilted uterus- It was a total *kitten* to get the mirena in
Thoughts? TIA
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