For the ladies...

I also guess that the article you mention (I didn't read it, just read your summary) is a bit offensive to me if it does in fact state that hormone use puts me at higher risk of divorce, infidelity, etc - that is a bit of a strong allegation for hormones.

Didn't mean to offend. The link isn't to some sort of opinion article, it's Scientific American's summary of an actual study done on the subject.

As for heavier periods, etc. Mine were heavy the first 4 months, but more primarily due to being post-partum (put in at 8wk OB follow-up checkup in Feb 2005 & again in May 2010) Last cycle I spotted 1 day, had 1 normal flow day and spotted another day. Pretty standard since I started using Paraguard, but it's different for everybody, I agree.

I am using the Nuva ring right now. I don't have to remember to take a pill every day, which is great. I'd like to try Mirena again so I can quit worrying about changing the ring every month, and also to save the twenty dollars each month. (My insurance covers Mirena 100%)

Thanks everybody for the input... I'm still so nervous!!! I do have a pretty decent tolerance for pain, but this is all new to me. But I love the points you gals give.. think of the benefits over the long run versus temporary pain..

Did any of you have any issues with it not working and getting pregnant or with it coming out/moving? I'm worried about how to tell that it's still where it's supposed to be...

They only issue I have had is my boyfriend feeling it during intercourse, once. AND IT FREAKED HIM OUT. I thought it was funny because his facial expression. Doctor said that if he felt it again it would need to be cut. So far nothing.

I'm worried about how to tell that it's still where it's supposed to be...

1.) Wash hands thoroughly and ensure your index & middle fingernails are like, lesbian short.
2.) Squat all the way down so your cervix is easier to reach.
3.) Use lube if necessary, insert and feel for the strings.
a.) if you can feel the hard bottom of the actual IUD, this is bad. Far less likely though without kids.
b.) if you can't feel the strings at all, don't freak right off the bat. Your cervix changes position throughout the month, the string would feel longest mid-month and may disappear in the week prior to your period because your cervix slides up an down on the string. Not sure how much it'll change with hormones though. The point is, get used to gauging your cervical position in relation to your cycle in the same way a woman who is trying to get pregnant & charting would. That way, if your cervix is low & hard and short/no strings you know not to freak as compared to a high & soft cervix with short/no strings is cause for worry. If you're too squeamish or frequent checking & cervical changes are confusing for you, pick a cycle day when you know you can feel the strings and check at the same day in each cycle. Do not check your strings immediately following insertion, you can introduce infection. Just make sure you check your panties and the toilet in the first few days to ensure it doesn't fall out entirely (this is when the risk is highest).
c. ) partners will almost always initially feel the strings poking and freak a little or relish in the ego boost of bottoming out. Some docs will offer to cut or trim the string in a knee-jerk reaction. This actually makes the poking problem worse, and/or it makes checking for the strings even more difficult. The preferred solution by more knowledgeable OBs is for the patient to "train" their strings to bend back up so they lay agaist the cervix or even curl around the outside of the cervix in the vault area if long enough. This makes checking your strings easy and they are less disturbing for your partner.