Birth control: IUC?

MrsG.060708

I talked to my Dr today about both Mirena and Paragard but I'm not sure about either yet. Does anyone here have one (or had)? What do you think of it?

Rangergal9

I have Mirena.  I had it inserted at about 3 months pp when we decided to wait on getting DH a vasectomy.  It wasn't too bad getting it inserted, had a little cramping for a week after, but haven't had any issues since.  I get a "period" (spotting for a couple days) every 8 weeks or so.  I love it!

cnstarz

I'm thinking about the same, so I'm interested in reading the responses.  I think if I went with one, I would go for the Mirena.  I tolerate progesterone well and I'd be worried about the heavy bleeding with Paraguard.  I'm a little worried about the effects of getting one at all without having birthed a kiddo first though.

Rangergal9

cnstarz:

I'm thinking about the same, so I'm interested in reading the responses.  I think if I went with one, I would go for the Mirena.  I tolerate progesterone well and I'd be worried about the heavy bleeding with Paraguard.  I'm a little worried about the effects of getting one at all without having birthed a kiddo first though.

 I only had c/s so I never really "birthed" a child and it didn't really hurt.... sharp pinching sensation for the 10 secs it took to insert it. You also go to get it inserted when you have your period so your cervix is open a bit.

cnstarz

Rangergal9:

cnstarz:

I'm thinking about the same, so I'm interested in reading the responses.  I think if I went with one, I would go for the Mirena.  I tolerate progesterone well and I'd be worried about the heavy bleeding with Paraguard.  I'm a little worried about the effects of getting one at all without having birthed a kiddo first though.

 I only had c/s so I never really "birthed" a child and it didn't really hurt.... sharp pinching sensation for the 10 secs it took to insert it. You also go to get it inserted when you have your period so your cervix is open a bit.

I was thinking the "wait until you have a baby" advice had to do with uterine size, that you were less likely to expel/have a puncture if you had carried a baby.  Am I off base with that?  And that's interesting that you do it during your period- makes sense.  I've got a gyn appt in a couple weeks, so I guess I'll ask her about it.

sunshine608

cnstarz:

I'm thinking about the same, so I'm interested in reading the responses.  I think if I went with one, I would go for the Mirena.  I tolerate progesterone well and I'd be worried about the heavy bleeding with Paraguard.  I'm a little worried about the effects of getting one at all without having birthed a kiddo first though.

I've inquired about this with several docs. One outright refused but another agreed  but strongly warned about the risks. She advised against but would insert if it I agreed that I could loose possible future fertility. Aside from that, there weren't any other side effects that she mentioned. 

In my experience preserving future fertility is the top concern with most docs until you have a child ( regarding IUDs).

I trusted the first doc more so I didn't get one, but I know several ladies who have without any issues. 

jo&sam

I'm also looking into getting one of these, but I'm not sure if I want the one with hormones or the copper one.

I like the idea of not really dealing with a period but I also like the idea of not putting more hormones into my body...so I'm torn right now!

Rangergal9

Yeah, a lot of OBs wont recommend an IUD until you've had kids, cause I guess it can cause problems.  I never thought about it until after I had kids though.

JNicMTek

I need to remember to ask about the options again at my next appointment. I don't do well with hormone birth control, but the idea of the heavy bleeding and cramping associated with Paraguard periods make me really nervous. My regular, non-BC periods already have pretty intense cramps

MrsG.060708

jo&sam:

I like the idea of not really dealing with a period but I also like the idea of not putting more hormones into my body...so I'm torn right now!

This is me. I like the idea of no hormones, but I also like the idea of lighter, shorter periods. I'm going to take my time to research it and see where we end up. Maybe we'll just stick to condoms for a while! LOL

 

In regards to the inserting on period thing...I'm breastfeeding and who knows when I'll get a period. I didn't have one until Taryn was 16 months old. My Dr said even though she typically inserts it during a period, it was okay to get it inserted at anytime since I may not have a period.

ernuno787

I have the Mirena. I got it inserted when Tessa was about 5 or 6 months I think. I had cramping for a week or so after getting it inserted, like Ranger did. At first I would spot out of no where for a couple of days every couple of weeks. But, now 6 months after having it I have my period still once a month but it's a lot lighter than it used to be. I like not having to remember to take anything everyday or change my Nuva-Ring (what I had after Kellen). I also like the idea that it's long lasting, but not permanent since we aren't 100% positive or in agreement if we are completely done having kids yet.