Post by Booze Raccoon on Oct 2, 2013 8:30:12 GMT -5
My OB suggested an IUD, either a regular old copper IUD or Mirena. They have always freaked me out and after Googling them (yeah, I know) I'm even more scared! Weight gain, uterus tears! OMG!
Please share the good and the bad.
Thanks!!
PS - She doesn't recommend pills due to the arsenal of meds I am currently on and some such nonsense about shutting down my liver.
I had the copper paraguard twice. First time, it did exponentially increase the length and amount of my periods, not to mention the cramps. The second time, there was no difference and I had no issues. I am on the app, so I can't see if you have a ticker, but I don't know if some of that is affected by the fact that I have had kids? Not sure. I would definitely get one again.
I got mine (Mirena) at my 6 week postpartum appt. The insertion was a lot easier than I thought it would be, but that's probably because I'd given birth recently-when my BFF got her Mirena a couple of years ago the insertion was more painful for her since the last time she gave birth was years ago. I had some spotting that day but nothing crazy and was able to do whatever we had planned that day (an event with my H's work and a baseball game) without a problem. I did have some heavy spotting for a week starting a week after I had the IUD placed, but that could have been just a resurgence of postpartum bleeding and not necessarily Mirena related. Otherwise, no cramping, bleeding etc. (and for anyone whos thinking about getting an IUD soon after they have a baby, my OB told me Mirena was safe for breastfeeding despite the hormones. My milk supply has not been affected.)
I am on my third Mirena and love it. I have no regular period, just spotting for a day or two every few months. The only downside I have experienced is not knowing when my spotting will occur. Other than that, I couldn't recommend it more. I think uterine perforation is not common, and I am 1000% positive that my weight gain is related to my eating and exercise habits, and not the IUD.
Everyone's experience is different, but my Mirena is freaking awesome. I have endo and it was recommended by my GYN. I've had one light period since it was placed over a year ago. Now, getting it placed hurt like a mofo, but I think I'm in the minority here. I'd had two kids, but both were c-sections, so I think this is part of the reason it hurt so much. And really, after it was over, I was crampy for a day and it was done.
The bad? I have had weight gain. My GYN doesn't buy that it's from the IUD, but I've read conflicting things, so who knows. No other problems. I had more side effects from BCP.
I hope you have a good experience if you decide to do it!
Post by vanillacourage on Oct 2, 2013 8:38:09 GMT -5
I had the Mirena put in at my first post-partum visit after DS2. It is amaaaazing. It hurt a little going in but nothing too bad - I've had maybe 4 separate incidents of spotting in the 18 months since, but no regular periods.
(and for anyone whos thinking about getting an IUD soon after they have a baby, my OB told me Mirena was safe for breastfeeding despite the hormones. My milk supply has not been affected.)
That's true, because Mirena only contains progestin, and no estrogen. It's the same hormone that is in the mini-pill or the Depo shot, only it is localized to the uterus and not systemic.
ACK! Painful insertion is something I hadn't even thought about. Hell, I nearly cried getting cervidil!
The insertion isn't that bad. I recommend asking them to numb your cervix beforehand, especially if you've never had children (don't know if you have or not).
I have had Mirena in for about 2 1/2 years. I don't remember insertion being bad at all. I do remember almost constant bleeding for a LONG time after I got it in, like maybe 4-6 months. From what I have read, I don't think this is typical. These days I have very light spotting once in a while, but I don't even need a tampon or pad - I just use a panty liner. I was breastfeeding at the time I got it in, and it didn't affect my supply at all. I have had no weight gain or other bad side effects. I love it.
ACK! Painful insertion is something I hadn't even thought about. Hell, I nearly cried getting cervidil!
The insertion isn't that bad. I recommend asking them to numb your cervix beforehand, especially if you've never had children (don't know if you have or not).
(and for anyone whos thinking about getting an IUD soon after they have a baby, my OB told me Mirena was safe for breastfeeding despite the hormones. My milk supply has not been affected.)
That's true, because Mirena only contains progestin, and no estrogen. It's the same hormone that is in the mini-pill or the Depo shot, only it is localized to the uterus and not systemic.
Thanks for the explanation! When I've mentioned getting the Mirena, some people have said "but that's got ZOMGHORMONES and its bad for breastfeeding!" and all I've said is that my OB said it was okay and my ability to breastfeed hasn't been affected...I've been too lazy to look up exactly WHY its still okay. But I can remember what you said above, now that AJ has been sleeping better and my memory has improved
Post by thedutchgirl on Oct 2, 2013 8:49:09 GMT -5
I am on my second Mirena, and I had the first for six years. I love it. Insertion hurt a lot the first time, with some cramping afterwards, but I haven't been pregnant. Second was inserted right after the first was removed and was no big deal.
I do have spotting monthly as a "period," which is unusual. I think most women lose their periods. And I weigh 10 pounds less now than when I got it. (And I'm thin to begin with. No trouble losing those pounds.)
My acne was worse though, as BCP controlled that, so now I take spiranolactone for hormonal acne.
The insertion isn't that bad. I recommend asking them to numb your cervix beforehand, especially if you've never had children (don't know if you have or not).
I had a c-section. That's good advice. Thanks.
Like I said, I think I'm in the minority and a weenie about pain! And it was still worth it.
I had a paragard inserted two months ago. Insertion was uncomfortable but not intolerable. I worked out the next day. Because I had been on the pill for 6 years, I had spotting for three weeks after going off the pill/insertion. I had my first post pill period two weeks ago. It was heavier and crampier than while on the pill, but not incapacitating. I had okay periods pre-pill. So far, I like it a lot and would do it again.
I had the Paragard (no hormones)for about 2 years. My first few periods after insertion were pretty heavy. After that, everything was normal. I loved it, absolutely no complaints.
This was my experience. I loved the paragard.
I'd consider it again, but after these babies are born we're shutting down the baby factory in a much more permanent fashion.
I have Mirena-I love it. I have never had a kid. My doctor suggested insertion on the last day of my period when the cervix is more open. It felt like a pinch when they were doing it, but it was over within about 30 seconds.
I no longer have a period, so I find that awesome. I no longer have the painful cramps that incapacitated me, I no longer have to worry about taking a pill, and my purse is tampon free. Everyone reacts differently, though. Don't google and read all the horrible stories. Those are rare.
I am on my second mirena and I love it. I have not had any children and I didn't have much pain with insertion. I still get my period monthly, but it is really, really light.
Post by urbancowgirl on Oct 2, 2013 10:57:10 GMT -5
I got Mirena at my 6 week pp appointment. I had some spotting and cramping for a few weeks, but no period yet (could be because I'm breastfeeding). TMI alert: I had a c-section, so my OB had me insert cytotec pills into my vadge the night before and the morning of the insertion to open up my cervix. I felt like a damn drug smuggler. Honestly, the side effects from the cytotec (really bad chills and cramping) were way worse than the insertion itself. The insertion hurt, but it was over quickly.
I got Mirena at my 6 week pp appointment. I had some spotting and cramping for a few weeks, but no period yet (could be because I'm breastfeeding). TMI alert: I had a c-section, so my OB had me insert cytotec pills into my vadge the night before and the morning of the insertion to open up my cervix. I felt like a damn drug smuggler. Honestly, the side effects from the cytotec (really bad chills and cramping) were way worse than the insertion itself. The insertion hurt, but it was over quickly.
I completely agree. I felt like shit after taking the cytotec.
I got Mirena at my 6 week pp appointment. I had some spotting and cramping for a few weeks, but no period yet (could be because I'm breastfeeding). TMI alert: I had a c-section, so my OB had me insert cytotec pills into my vadge the night before and the morning of the insertion to open up my cervix. I felt like a damn drug smuggler. Honestly, the side effects from the cytotec (really bad chills and cramping) were way worse than the insertion itself. The insertion hurt, but it was over quickly.
I completely agree. I felt like shit after taking the cytotec.
I hardly slept at all that night. I was alternately freezing and then on fire. I dreaded taking the second dose, but then I didn't get the chills or cramps at all. It was weird.
I completely agree. I felt like shit after taking the cytotec.
I hardly slept at all that night. I was alternately freezing and then on fire. I dreaded taking the second dose, but then I didn't get the chills or cramps at all. It was weird.
The second dose was better for me too. I wasn't really cramping, but I felt very nauseous and completely lost my appetite. And I was having the shivers sort of like when you have a fever. Next time I get one inserted it'll be after giving birth, so maybe I won't have to take the cytotec then? Not sure.
I got the Mirena as many PP said at my 6 week pp check-up and have enjoyed it thus far. Very little spotting and since I have stopped my attempts at breastfeeding, my sex drive has increased again. I have heard horror stories for those who have not given birth vaginally passing out from the pain of getting it inserted, so I suggest some sort of pain killer prior to getting it done.
I have the Paragard IUD. I like that there are no hormones, no remembering to take a daily pill or having to stand in line at the pharmacy. You just check for the strings about once a month and you're good. I've had this one in for almost 18 months and not one pregnancy scare.