NHGR: Mirena or Paragard?

[bunnymendelbaum]

Who has one? Care to share your thoughts?

I think we are going to do this for 5 years, then DH will get the snip. I haven't been on hormonal BC for 15 years, (then it was ortho tricylean low). It makes me crazy moody.

I will admit that I am wigged out by both Mirena and Paragard because no one knows exactly why they work, but it seems like the best fit for me. I DO NOT want to get pregnant again.

I would go with paragard for no hormones, but I've heard it can make periods/bleeding bad. My periods before were medium length 5-7 days with some pretty heavy bleeding and cramping if that makes a difference.

(ETA: just was reading about them and I guess it is known why Mirena works, but Paragard not so much beyond the copper makes the uterus shed its lining?)

[ssmjlm]

I had a mirena for a year. Around the 10 month mark my body decided it didn't like it I guess and I ended up with a long period and horrible cramps. When it happened the 2nd month and we knew we were TTC later in the year, I had it removed.

I wish it had worked, I had my regular cycle for a couple months, then I was about every other month with a shortish period.

Ironically my periods with no BC or the mirena were 100x better than before. Literally 3 days long, no cramping.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Paragard here because I was insane with the hormonal BC. Like truly ranting and raving crazy. Plus I had nonstop spotting. It was just ... uncool in all ways.

I love the paragard. AF is about 5-6 days, no cramping, only one heavy day. (Wow, TMI, sorry.) Pre-hormonal BC I was 4 days, no cramping, only one heavy day. Not a huge change and certainly tolerable. I'm not sure what else I can answer for you, but I'd be happy to try if you have any questions.

[jhawks482]

I have the Mirena, with no issues. I had some spotting every few months the first year, but haven't had any in a long time. I have had it in for 2 years, hoping DH will get the snip this year.

[SusanBAnthony]

Mirena, bc I could not handle the possibility if heavier and more painful periods. I have had it twice now. Bonus that it reduces your risk of endometrial cancer!

I think they do have a very good idea of the mechanism, of Mirena now, bunny. Someone posted on CEP about it in detail in an "is BC murder" type if thread. If you post the question there I think you will get answers.

[heliocentric]

I will be getting my 3rd Mirena later this month, so I'm obviously a fan. FTR, prior to getting my first one, I tried to go back on the pill and it made me miserable and moody. (Even though I'd take the same brand previously for many years.) Because of the pill experience I was nervous about the Mirena hormones, but I didn't have any issues.

My BF has a Parguard and she likes it, but does get a fair amount of bleeding. I like not getting my period on the Mirena. It's been about 9 years without it and I can't say I miss it.

[ktzmoh]

I have paragard because I am also really sensitive to hormonal BC. I would say that my periods at this point are about what they were for me normally. I get one day of painful cramps, then normal level of bleeding. But the first 6 months were really rocky between me and the paragard. At first the periods were VERY heavy and VERY painful. But I think that's not typical and I'm suspicious that the doctor who put it in didn't do a good job. I would have had it removed had we not been in the middle of a cross country move and very preoccupied. However, since things have simmered down in there, I'm liking it. I love not having to worry.

[mrslch]

I have the Mirena and so far so good!

[katie4253]

Mirena.  The hormone only goes in your uterus, so no side effects.  Light periods.  After I had Gabe I was diagnosed with a clotting disorder and it is safe even when other hormonal stuff isn't (implanalon, patch, pill...I can't take any of these anymore).

I did spot for 4 months though.  It is like the max amount of time you can spot (on top of 8 weeks of pp bleeding.  It was awesome).  But, now I love it.