I'm not sure if any of us do, but I'm hoping that someone does.
I am considering getting one. I am about done with my birth control pills. My gyno says she thinks it is a great idea, so now to decide which one to get. My first thought was the paraguard because I am tired of pumping hormones into myself. I feel like it is messing with my body. (I already have to take thyroid hormones) Also, I have not had a period in three years since starting the pill and I think I would like to have one.
So with that in mind I just have a few questions for people with them. I know everyone reacts differently to BC and no one can predict how I will react to them... so I will take this with a grain of salt.
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? 2. How long have you had it? 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? 4. Complaints? Praises?
1. I had the Mirena 2. I had it for just about a year 3. I have metal allergies/sensitivies, so I was worried about putting copper in my body 4. I got it when DD was a couple months old. I got BFP when she was 9ish months (turned out to be a C/P, if I wasn't so familiar with my body from charting, I never would have noticed the pregnancy). Insertion of the IUD was painless for me, and I didn't have a period until DD started to wean from nursing. At that point, AF came and never left. After months of bleeding I called it quits and had the IUD removed. I will never get one again.
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? 2. How long have you had it? 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? 4. Complaints? Praises?
1- Mirena. My ears are sensitive to metals, so I figured having some in my uterus wasnt a good idea. 2- I had it about 8 months 3- see above 4- I bled for the entire time, and had cramps. I hadnt had no children, so it just was too big for my uterus. Every other person I know that has it loves it. I'm just a freak =]
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? 2. How long have you had it? 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? 4. Complaints? Praises?
1- Mirena. My ears are sensitive to metals, so I figured having some in my uterus wasnt a good idea. 2- I had it about 8 months 3- see above 4- I bled for the entire time, and had cramps. I hadnt had no children, so it just was too big for my uterus. Every other person I know that has it loves it. I'm just a freak =]
That's what I'm afraid of. I once had a doctor tell me that my uterus was too small to hold it. My doc now said that's not possible. So I guess when I hear back from my insurance company about what my OOP would be, that would help me decide.
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? 2. How long have you had it? 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? 4. Complaints? Praises?
1. Mirena 2. 4 years 3. I don't think the paraguard got much consideration. I had previously been taking bc continuoisly to avoid periods because they were so disruptive. My doc seemed to suggest the mirena and I thought it seemed to be bet fit for me. 4. I haven't had a period since insertion which is awesome. I do wonder what other side effects I am not realizing. I considered taking it out earlier this summer, but we don't want to TTC until next year and I have another year until it has to come out so in it stayed.
Post by cahabalily on Aug 11, 2012 13:06:22 GMT -5
Mirena, a year and a half so far. I had to go with hormonal because I have endo and PCOS and needed the hormones. I kept having regular periods for the first five months, and haven't had one since. I love it. I do not have kids and insertion was extremely painful, but so worth it. When the five years is up, I'll be getting another.
Post by vanillacourage on Aug 11, 2012 13:15:33 GMT -5
I have the Mirena, got it (relatively painlessly) inserted at my 8w PP appt. My OB recommended it over Paraguard, can't remember why. Maybe b/c I've had kids? Anyway, I spotted for a week or two, and haven't had a period again in the 2 months since. Love it.
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? I chose it because it was hassle free. I don't have to remember to take a pill or use a new ring. I can't take Depo or use the patch. It was the most cost effective choice for me. I only paid my co-pay ($35) to have it inserted. I didn't want to get a Paraguard because I heard that periods can be really long and heavy on them (didn't want that!) The Mirena releases a low dose of hormones and I tolerate it fine. Also after the first three months, I stopped having a regular period. I have spotting once every 8-9 weeks and that's it.
4. Complaints? Praises? No real complaints. Insertion was not painful for me, though I know that for women who've never had a dilated cervix, it can be really painful. I'm not bothered by the hormones and I like not having a period. The strings eventually wrap around the cervix and they haven't bothered DH when we're having sex. I had one put in after I had my first child and it expelled. Since we knew we were going to TTC within two years of that, I chose to go on the pill. The one I have now was put in after my 2nd child. I'll probably keep it the full five years and then DH will be getting a vasectomy (if not sooner.)
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? Mirena 2. How long have you had it? took it out after 1 yr 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? easy, low hormone 4. Complaints? Praises? Hated it. Bad acne, excessive hair growth, bad BO, lots of spotting
Post by UnderProtest on Aug 11, 2012 13:40:45 GMT -5
1. Mirena 2. 8 months 3. I got it because it would stop or lighten my period (not that mine was bad, I just wasn't as concerned about bc since it took 4 IVF cycles to get pg). 4. I hate it. I bled for four months straight and now I get a 9-10 day period every 26-30 days. I'm not sure what it did to my sex drive and mood since I got it 8 weeks pp and we have had lots of life changes since. I just need to call the doctor to schedule to get it out. Oh, and I've had digestive issues since I got it. I can't say that it's related, but I can't say that it isn't.
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? Paraguard (I feel like the special snowflake here)
2. How long have you had it? 3 years so far
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? My neurologist got super serious with me when he found out I was smoking for a bit - told me migraine with aura increases chance of stroke, plus BC made it more increased, and smoking on top was the trifecta of getting a stroke as early as right then. (Just an aside: I was already quitting cause stupidest/grossest habit ever, but it was one of my extreme stress coping mechanisms that I had to get over)
4. Complaints? Praises? Insertion hurt... alot. I got it at a planned parenthood center because my PCP had rules about inserting them for those with no pregnancies. I called them when I was in so much pain I was crying and they had me come back in to do an ultrasound after they were supposed to be closed (they waited for me -super awesome people). It was in the right place so I stuck it out with the help of some hydrocodone - pain was gone in 3 days (lessened up until going away day 3). Since then only issue is wicked heavy periods with stronger cramps- though I'm not so sure that is completely the IUDs fault. I was on hormonal BC since the age of 14 and I recall some painful/heavy ones the two years I had them before that - these are just a bit worse than those ones were on flow. During my period have been known to tell the H that after X I want this thing out and to just use condoms (X used to be graduating college, now it's after I get a big kid job if I say it) but once my period is done I'm back to liking it so much more than any other form of BC before it. Also, my acne is horrible at certain points of my cycle - no more ultra pretty skin for me and I'm kind of a bitch before my period starts (BCP had the upside of controlling my hormones - these are probably all my body's fault and would have been regular for me had I not been on BCP so early on).
Other than that I've not really had an issue with it - and it has gone a long way to me knowing my body better both with my cycles (which got super regular after 3 months - no spotting, 28 day cycle with 7 day periods to the day every month - still heavy but I expect it so I've learned how to deal with it)
1- Mirena. My ears are sensitive to metals, so I figured having some in my uterus wasnt a good idea. 2- I had it about 8 months 3- see above 4- I bled for the entire time, and had cramps. I hadnt had no children, so it just was too big for my uterus. Every other person I know that has it loves it. I'm just a freak =]
That's what I'm afraid of. I once had a doctor tell me that my uterus was too small to hold it. My doc now said that's not possible. So I guess when I hear back from my insurance company about what my OOP would be, that would help me decide.
Many insurance plans will cover IUDs in full - no copay or coinsurance, at the next renewal. It's part of health care reform that is effective 8/1/12.
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? Paragard 2. How long have you had it? 2 years 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it?After about 12 years on the pill, I was just so over using hormonal bc. I am very happy with my choice. 4. Complaints? Praises? I love it! Seriously, I feel like I could be a spokeswoman for Paragard. The insertion wasn't exactly pleasant, but it wasn't terrible either. My period is slightly longer than it was when I was on the pill, but it's not really any heavier. Cramps are maybe ever so slightly increased. As for raves, I love not having to think about, love that it lasts 10 years, and love that I actually have a sex drive now.
Post by DarcyLongfellow on Aug 11, 2012 14:56:22 GMT -5
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena?
I had Mirena for three years -- just had it removed a month ago.
2. How long have you had it?
Three years
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it?
I didn't want hormones either, so I tried to talk to my doctor about Paragard. She wouldn't even consider the idea and just brushed me off and told me I should get Mirena. (I've since changed doctors.)
4. Complaints? Praises?
I hated it, and I'm so glad it's gone. I may consider Paragard in the future, but no more hormones for me. I had issues -- the Mirena caused me to have low estrogen which I'm still trying to improve with estrogen cream. And the low estrogen contributed to my anxiety and depression -- I have felt so much better (mentally) since I got it out. I also had chronic yeast infections with Mirena, although those were also probably because of the low estrogen.
I had Mirena for three years -- just had it removed a month ago.
2. How long have you had it?
Three years
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it?
I didn't want hormones either, so I tried to talk to my doctor about Paragard. She wouldn't even consider the idea and just brushed me off and told me I should get Mirena. (I've since changed doctors.)
4. Complaints? Praises?
I hated it, and I'm so glad it's gone. I may consider Paragard in the future, but no more hormones for me. I had issues -- the Mirena caused me to have low estrogen which I'm still trying to improve with estrogen cream. And the low estrogen contributed to my anxiety and depression -- I have felt so much better (mentally) since I got it out. I also had chronic yeast infections with Mirena, although those were also probably because of the low estrogen.
It can cause anxiety issues??? I need to get this thing OUT. I've never been anxious before and I've had some episodes lately. I thought it was related to being a SAHM to twins with a husband working on the opposite coast.
Post by FishChicks on Aug 11, 2012 17:06:10 GMT -5
I have had Mirena for five years this December. I really wanted life without a period, and that's what I've gotten. I love it, and will be replacing it with a new one in December. I've never had kids, so insertion was a bit painful, but beyond that, I don't notice it's there, I've gained no weight in five years, and I don't notice any mood changes (maybe just because I've always been bitchy!). I would highly recommend it.
1. Mirena 2. 1 year 3. Chose Mirena due to the chance of no more periods. 4. I'm getting it taken out. I hate it. I bleed the day after sex every time and if I work out vigorously.
I had Mirena for three years -- just had it removed a month ago.
2. How long have you had it?
Three years
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it?
I didn't want hormones either, so I tried to talk to my doctor about Paragard. She wouldn't even consider the idea and just brushed me off and told me I should get Mirena. (I've since changed doctors.)
4. Complaints? Praises?
I hated it, and I'm so glad it's gone. I may consider Paragard in the future, but no more hormones for me. I had issues -- the Mirena caused me to have low estrogen which I'm still trying to improve with estrogen cream. And the low estrogen contributed to my anxiety and depression -- I have felt so much better (mentally) since I got it out. I also had chronic yeast infections with Mirena, although those were also probably because of the low estrogen.
It can cause anxiety issues??? I need to get this thing OUT. I've never been anxious before and I've had some episodes lately. I thought it was related to being a SAHM to twins with a husband working on the opposite coast.
I don't think anxiety/depression are a common side effect, but my doctor wasn't surprised that I was having issues since I was also breastfeeding when I had it in. Another thing I wish my old doctor had told me!
Post by iheartbanjos on Aug 11, 2012 19:01:29 GMT -5
1. Paraguard 2. I had it for almost 2 years, took it out to TTC and am 8 weeks pg. 3. I didn't want any hormones, so Paraguard was an easy choice. 4. It was great! DH will get snipped after this kid, but it was NBD. Insertion was painful for me at 8 weeks PP, but I was fine by the next day. I had normal periods and it was great to not have to worry about birth control. Taking it out was a breeze. I highly recommend!
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena?Mirena 2. How long have you had it?2 years 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? I didn't want Paraguard because it was a longer time frame and at the time I wasn't sure when DH and I would be starting a family so I didn't want to "waste" years, even though I did with the Mirena. It was stupid reasoning really. 4. Complaints? Praises?I had it before having children and insertion wasn't too bad. I had it removed when DH and I started TTC. I would have had it reinserted but I've seen conflicting information with using the DivaCup and an IUD. I would chose the Mirena again, even if I'd only use it for a few years
1. Mirena 2. had it 1.5 years 3. no real reason 4. My family practice doc couldn't see my strings on exam (I thought I was feeling them). Had to have an ultrasound and it had started to embed in my uterus and had to be removed. Nothing bad happened, but I am hesitant to get another one. I just had my second child and think DH will get snipped. Until it went rogue, I loved it. Insertion was easy (6 weeks postpartum).
Post by dragonfly08 on Aug 12, 2012 10:32:25 GMT -5
1. Do you have a paraguard or mirena? Paragard 2. How long have you had it? since DD #2 was born, so just under six years 3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? I wanted a non-hormonal method of BC due primarily to my age. 4. Complaints? Praises? No complaints. It seems to work fine, doesn't bother me at all, and other than a monthly check of the strings for placement is totally no maintenance. Insertion was pretty easy, a couple of Advil beforehand and it was over with a minimum of discomfort. Insurance covered it 100% after my copays (I had three - one for the device itself, one for the insertion appointment, and one for a followup 10-14 days later since the majority of expulsions happen during that time so my OB/GYN likes to check it at that point). The downside was heavier periods with a bit more cramping, but they were pretty short in duration and totally manageable, IMO.
Post by LoveTrains on Aug 12, 2012 12:01:21 GMT -5
I have a mirena. I have had it for about 4 years.
I chose it because I had heard that mirena would lessen your periods and that paraguard had more cramping associated with it.
My mirena insertion was VERY painful. I was in intense pain/cramping for about a week afterwards as well. They ended up giving me a shot of novocaine to the vag/vulva/cervix or somewhere down there during insertion because it was so painful.
I pretty much never get my period now which is awesome, and I love not having to remember to take a pill every day. I did have some concern two years ago that my IIH (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) was partially caused by my mirena, but my doc brushed off the idea and I didn'get it removed.
I will probably have my mirena replaced in one year with another one, or maybe the paragard instead. I don't know. Mine only cost me a $20 copay for the office visit.
2. How long have you had it? It's been about one year since I got it.
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? I didn't have a choice. Paraguard is what my doctors office used. I was thinking the Mirena would have been nice to not have a period but this is what he had. It hasn't been a big deal.
4. Complaints? Praises? The only complaint is with the lack of hormones my period is a lot heavier and I get more cramps. My period also lasts a little longer than when I took hormonal birth control. Other than that I haven't had any issues and would recommend it.
3. What made you choose the one you did over the other? Are you glad you choose it? I wanted off of hormones. Hormonal BC gave me headaches and no sex drive. I also liked that it could be left in for 10 years instead of 5 since we do not want children.
4. Complaints? Praises? I love it. Insertion was not pleasant at all, but I was okay by the next day. My sex drive came back and my headaches went away. The only downfall is that I have much heavier periods. The cramps aren't worse for me just the flow. Now that I have adapted to that I really like it.