IUD vs. the Pill

johnsongirls

I am on my third Mirena IUD. Had the first one in for 5 years and then had a new one put in. Got it out and had another baby. Had another one put in after. I absolutely love it. No acne problems and no weight gain with any of them. Best birth control ever in my opinion. I recommend them to everyone and will never use anything else. As the above poster said you are far more likely too hear horror stories than hey I have it and its great. Talk to your doctor and do your research for yourself. ANYTHING has some sort of bad story associated with it. Most people are far more willing to share that then the good. U

Raclex

Hi there,

I am 41 and had it inserted approx. 1.5 months ago (for heavy bleeding...). It lasted 6 days. I called my Doc. and had it removed. I've never had children so insertion was VERY painful. I kept getting cramps and litterally started to feel depresive and woke up on day four with suicidal thoughts. I had a major reaction of facial burning, breakouts and itchiness. All that in only 6 days.

It took 3 weeks to get back to my 'old' self.

That's my story.

It's different for everyone. But I hated every monute of the IUD being there.

SarahBeth0625

Yeah, I wouldn't do the hormonal one, but I am anti-hormones because of my migraine history. The copper one, though, is a great alternative (which some people aren't even aware of as they don't advertise as much as Mirena) for those who want a natural choice.

The installation, for me, wasn't too bad. I had 2 of my 3 babies naturally w/o pain meds (my #2 and #3 were waterbirths) and have a high pain tolerance. I remember the IUD feeling like a pinch and not really much different than a speculum going up there for a typical PAP. It was soooooooo worth it.

dlveck

All of this is really excellent information. I've been looking for a Pill alternative and always thought IUD was not possible since I've not had a baby. I visit my Gyne in 4 days and I intend to talk to her about BC options. Thanks for all the great info.

Nettie96fb

I'm on my second Mirena IUD, I LOVE IT !!!!! No periods, no cramps, no hormonal fluctuations, no sugar cravings at 'that time of the month'. I have had a gf who tried one, and it didn't agree with her, so it's a personal choice, but i personally would give it a go if you have the opportunity

SarahBeth0625

All of this is really excellent information. I've been looking for a Pill alternative and always thought IUD was not possible since I've not had a baby. I visit my Gyne in 4 days and I intend to talk to her about BC options. Thanks for all the great info.

You can certainly get an IUD if you haven't had kids. They make you sign your life away that you understand the risks (even if you're like me and done having kids), but most people have no issues if it's inserted properly. There were 2 people in the room putting mine in.

JessieTangerine

I got my mirena placed at planned parenthood. Wanted it because at the time i had to pay at least 15 dollar copay for birth control pills but my deductible was used up so an IUD would be free! Never been pregnant so I asked the NP about slippage rates and she said that it may hurt a little more but that the slippage rates were still extremely low and that I wouldnt have to worry about it. The day I had it placed i took about 4 motrin at once and it hurt like the ****ens but later that evening I was moving around and putting together ikea furniture with minimal pain.

I still had my period, but it was really light. The NP said about 40% of her patients stop getting theirs altogether. My acne was actually better on the IUD than on Loestrin FE which I was taking before. Did not have a problem with unwanted weight gain either (but I wasn't trying to lose weight).

About a year and a half in I had a month long period. There was a week off then I had another 3 week long period which was when I decided to get the IUD taken out. All my pms symptoms that had been controlled or non-existent on the pill and IUD came back with a furry. Switched back to Loestrin and went back to my normal controlled self. Took about three months to regularize my periods again and now my cycles are strangely better than they were before I went on Mirena.

Even though it didnt work out for me for the full 5 years, I dont regret mirena. I think it somehow helped stabilize my hormone levels, it saved me money, and I didnt have to worry about making sure I took my pill each morning.

Kristinemomof3

I had a paraguard IUD for just under 10 years, I had it put in after having three children, didn't want anything permanent at that point, but a year and a half ago did have my tubes tied. I love having the IUD. My periods were regular and I didn't have any trouble with it.

mehhhlife

For those of you of have used ParaGard, you would recommend it? I'm really big on natural health so the hormones in the pill freaks me out.

juliebmomof3

I have known two people close to me who had an IUD. One was my sister who had to have it removed because of a major infection it caused. The other person was a friend who got pregnant with it. I would not use it for those reasons and other personal reasons.

I also don't use hormonal birth control because I personally don't believe in messing with our hormones.

I've been married for 15 years and have used condoms and common sense to keep from getting pregnant other than the times that I wanted to.

I hope you have done research and I pray you don't have complications.

Love this ^^^
I have been on both. I hate birth control because the hormones always mess with me. I had a baby 10 months ago and have been hesitating to get any. My periods are very regular and I can tell exactly when I am ovulating (ie: when NOT to "Do it" lol). I am just a little nervous about having no protection other than condoms.

Jasmine_James

I've had mine for 3.5 years. Haven't had any issues. I forget it's there most of the time, I don't get my period (and I used to have debilitating cramps), and sorry if this is TMI but sex is so easy and whimsical. I'm not planning to have kids so I expect to get a Mirena every 5 years until menopause instead of having my tubes tied. Highly recommend giving it a try. If it doesn't agree with your body you'll know in the first few months and it'll only cost you$10.

walkinon_sunshine

How about have dude/s buy some condoms or just have dude/s just pull it out at the end...

Pulling out is ineffective... Precum contains sperm. Sorry.

cathrynfay

The Mirena is a much lower dose of hormones than the pill, because it's localized. For me, the side effects of the pill were severe nausea the first week, vomiting the first two days of the cycle, and acne. I also had trouble taking it at the same time every day. With the Mirena I have no periods, no cramps, no acne, and no nausea. Definitely sticking with it, especially since I do not want more children.

I hear a lot of complaints about the Mirena. People don't go to message boards to report a neutral or positive experience, you know? I also think sometimes symptoms are attributed to the Mirena when it is not the actual cause of certain problems. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available.

SarahBeth0625

For those of you of have used ParaGard, you would recommend it? I'm really big on natural health so the hormones in the pill freaks me out.

Exactly the reason you stated: I wanted something natural too. I also had 20-25 migraines a month the 7.5 yeas I was on the pill (and I tried 3 different ones). That, in effect, caused me to be on a migraine preventive med (Topamax) and the highest dose of Imitrex when I got a migraine. I went off the pill (and then my migraine meds) when I got married and had ZERO headaches so I know it was the hormones causing my migraines.

eliseofthejungle

For those of you of have used ParaGard, you would recommend it? I'm really big on natural health so the hormones in the pill freaks me out.

I would. To be hones, it has made my periods a bit heavier and my PMS cramps slightly worse. But, the former isn't enough to really bother me and the latter is easily taken care of with ibuprofen. BC hormones really do bad things to me so it was this or the big V for my husband - and he was too scared to do it, lol!

rbl1225

Not sure if anybody said this already- I didn't read all the threads.

IUD isn't an option for everybody. If you do not have a child odds are a doctor won't even insert it for you.

Basically before you do anything else make sure the doctor will do it. Not sure if you have a kid or not. If you don't and you have a doctor that will I would ask them why other doctors won't give you it. I can't remember all the side effects but it can cause some problems later down the road.

For me I stick with the pill. I do know a lot of girls on implanon which is inserted into your arm.

Only you can decided but make sure you discuss all side effects with your doctor! Good luck!

Bubsys_mom

I have the Paraguard, the copper, non-hormonal IUD. I love it. I don't do well with hormones and I don't need the crap that comes along with it like weight gain and such.

I haven't had any issues with it at all. No heavier periods. No worse cramping than I already had. In fact, I actually haven't had my period in a couple months. But that is usual for me. Before I had my son, I would only have between 3-5 a year. I have had my IUD in since March 2012.

Of course, it is always different for different people. Some have no issues at all like me, others end up with the horrible cramping, etc. But it was the best option for me since I don't want anymore children. (One and done.)

Kristinemomof3

For those of you of have used ParaGard, you would recommend it? I'm really big on natural health so the hormones in the pill freaks me out.

I would, I had no problems with it.

eliseofthejungle

2) pull out method is only effective 30% of the time

That's actually not true. It is 73-96% effective, depending on if it's done correctly. (For reference, condoms are 82-98% effective and the pill is 91-99% effective.)

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method-4218.htm

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-effectiveness-chart-22710.htm

Julettashane

i have the mirena iud i love it....i havent had any problems no insane weight gain the only weight gain is by my own doing and my acne is the same as it was before somedays actually better. my period stopped a few months ago and no im not pregnant they said its normal for it to stop with some people. next year will be year 5 and i will get a new one.

sahm23ladies

^^^^^^ Toodloo THANK YOU. I have vicodine leftover from my wisdom tooth extraction if the pain is really as bad as what everyone says. Then again, I have a really high pain tolerance- i.e. I was up and cleaning my house the same day I had my three impacted wisdom teeth removed. Didn't phase me at all really. Hope that my pain tolerance can handle this. lol

If you can clean after oral surgery, getting an IUD will be no big deal. I had all for impacted teeth removed and was out of it for like 2 days. The worst part of the IUD insertion is the stuff they put on your cervix to relax it and have it straighten out. It's a warm slightly burning sensation (for me) but I was fine the rest of the day. No biggie.

Here's my pro / con list

Pros: super light periods & sometimes you'll even skip a month
you don't have to remember to take a pill
one procedure and you're done for at least 5 yrs

Cons: initial cost, but sounds like for you no biggie
spotting after insertion
mid cycle spotting as your body acclimates
if the strings are too long they may irritate you or your partner
in contrast, if the strings are too short they may poke your partner *giggle*
if you move or switch doctors, finding another office to remove it can be difficult

I personally didn't have any weight issues or acne issues that I felt could be connected to my Mirena IUD.

Good luck! Don't sweat it!

Bubsys_mom

Oh, I would like to mention when I had the ParaGuard put in, it hurt like a freakin mother-fer.

I had a c-section with my son and my cervix never lowered or dilated, so my doctor had a bit of trouble reaching it. Then he had to do something, that hurt like hell to open my cervix up to insert the IUD.

I will say though, as soon as he was done I felt okay. Just some minor cramping and spotting for the afternoon.

But it is 10 years of birth control I never have to worry about. Though, I will admit, I am still always paranoid about getting pregnant again. lol That is just because I don't want anymore. My son is more than enough for me.

sally_jeffswife

I had an IUD with my youngest child and it failed and I got pregnant then they had to remove the IUD and I had a small tear in the placenta and was spotting at the beginning had to be on bed rest a couple weeks and weight restrictions. Then it healed normally but I had preterm labor the whole time. I had preterm labor with all 3 of my kids though. But normally they do work pretty good and I had no weight gain or side effects with it till then. The Dr I was seeing said in their whole time being a Dr they had only seen that happen in like 2 people where they got pregnant with one. But I did get pregnant it musta shifted or something in my body. I never took pills though because of the weight gain side effects I have heard with them but I have heard people like them just fine too and don't have problems. I will say that the IUD didn't have any side effects for me till it actually failed and that was a rare thing it usually works for most people.

Dicecatt

I have Mirena. Afte 4 kids we are done:) I love it. I have had more acne, mostly on my neck, but I'm not sure it is connected. It started at least a year after it was inserted and we had just moved, I am inclined to think it is the change of climate. It has been over 3 years.

I hadn't had a monthly for about 2 years, until recently. I have been doing low carb, and apparently that kick starts your cycle if it is slow, and mine was non existent. That part has been totally wonderful.

I've gained weight, but that is because I ate terribly. I would recommend it highly, it works wonderfully for me.

SarahBeth0625

1.5 years into the Paragard, and the past 9 months or so, the periods have been lighter. I also use a Diva Cup so am able to see just how much less. Initially, yes, with Paragard, expect spotting (2 months or so for me) and heavier cycles. But I would do anything for hormone-free, and after the adjustment period, the IUD is super awesome and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a natural solution.

stuiterbal

I read some of the posts, but not all. But oke, here's my experience.
Been on the pill for 12 years, decided I needed to cut some hormones and I kept forgetting the pill so I needed something more secure. Got the Mirena IUD in January and its the best thing I've ever done. I have no side effects at all, do not feel the thing, most of the time forget its even there.

On the day when the doctor put it in I got really sick and experienced cramps. The putting it in place itself is not painfull, but a little awkward. The dizzyness and cramps came after. But after 4 hours or so it got better and haven't had any side effects since.

O, and I have never been pregnant.

mommykidd

I have had the Mirena twice now, after each of my children. I did not gain weight either time until I started eating like poo. In fact after I had it implanted the first time, I had a hard time maintaining my weight, I dropped pounds quick and went down to 115 lbs from 130 lbs within a couple months. As for acne, I only break out with stress, but that is normal for me. I also have no period, the first implant gave me spotting for 6 months straight and then I felt preggo for about 4 months. I removed that implant early as we decided to have another child, but I have had this one for 3 1/2 years and have not had the same reaction, this time there was no spotting and I get mild cramps once a month but no period. So I would say that it's just like being pregnant, no two pregnancies are the same.

cld111

I have the Paragard (like many of you, I was tired of the hormones in the pills!), and I have no complaints! It was very uncomfortable getting it in there, but it was only for a minute or so. I have had kids, so maybe it is worse if you haven't had kids yet? I'm not sure. I still get my normal periods, except that my really bad cramping basically disappeared! I still feel a little weird about having this object stuck in my uterus, so I might ask my doc about getting my tubes tied...

icemaiden17_uk

I work as a HCA in contraception and as part of my roll I chaperon for coil fits. I have also had one of each myself.

I had my first copper coil fitted when I was 20 because I am intolerant to progesterone and the fitting was fine but I had major cramps for a few days afterwards. After that I didn't notice my periods being too much worse but they were bad anyway. I did get a few UTIs though but all was fine. I had it removed at 4 1/2 years so my partner and I could have a baby.

After having my LO I decided to try the Mirena as I thought that the localised progesterone would be ok. The fit was fine, it was easier than the first one, but the hormones took a few months to settle. I had it for a year before it fell out. It also turns out that the hormone was still causing me behavioral problems.

Thats my personal experience, now my professional; We are seeing a lot more young people having coils fitted and we have not noticed any difference in the failure rate. We don't always know why some fail and others don't but the most important thing is to make sure that you are checking for those strings yourself. Do not search the net because you will always find horror stories that will put you off but at the end of the day you don't know until you try and infections are rare if you are visiting a reputable clinic. Some facts are these: The copper coil works because the body recognises that there is a foreign body inside it and that therefore pregnancy is not a good idea, the mirena works because the hormone has an effect on the lining of the womb in the same way depo or a progesterone pill would and it is a foreign body. For these reasons it does not matter if you have had a baby or not. they will still work the same way. What having a child does tend to do is make the fitting easier most of the time. Coils are fitted via a straw type device which is inserted into the cervix and sometimes it does need some help which is what tends to cause the pain. Do take a painkiller before you go but make sure it is not ibuprofen or asprin based as these can cause bleeding. You are much better off with paracetamol which wont have the same effect. You may bleed from the fitting so it is a good idea to take a towel with you. Also, not good on a diet site I know, I would recommend a slice of chocolate cake after the fitting. I have had all sorts done to me down there and nothing helps as much as a nice bit of something chocolaty! I am sure it is to do with the release of endorphins and serotonin from the chocolate!

Good luck with it!!

I also feel I have to add that the withdrawal method does not work because all fluid secreted contains sperm not just the ejaculation and it only takes 1 sperm at the right time to cause a pregnancy. Also one truly gross fact is that sperm can live in the vagina for 7 days!

Tyree985

I had the Mirena IUD for 2 years just had it removed a few months back. I had ZERO problems with it best BC in my opinion.