Advice on Different Birth Control Methods

I have used both the Mirena IUD (hormones) and the regular, copper IUD.

I did not realize, for quite some time, the Mirena IUD was what was causing some bad side effects.

I had the Mirena removed after having it for 1.5 years. Everything improved almost immediately.
A month later I had the Copper IUD put in and have had that now for almost 2 years. No problems.

The idea of Mirena was great- no periods. I can't use the pill because I'm very sensitive to hormones. The Dr reassured me that the Mirena did not go through the blood stream.

Well It didn't work for me and after searching and finding a message board full of other women with the same side effects - that made it clear for me.

Others do love it. But just thought I'd let you know my experience. If you don't do well with the pill I'd avoid it.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S., Even though I do not want any more children, I am currently on the Mirena IUD. I never thought I would ever go with the IUD, but this one is so nice. It is painless when inserted and you forget you even have it in place. I have not had any problems. I hear that if you want to become pregnant, later on in the future, you just have it taken out and that you can get pregnant almost immediately. Unlike the pill, that the Doctor usually advises to wait at least a couple of months, before conceiving. Another advantage, is that approximately six (6) months after insertion of the Mirena IUD, you may notice a decrease in the amount of menstrual bleeding or your period will vanish completely, until it is taken out. It is good for five (5) years. Just a suggestion. Good Luck S. and Congratulations on your expected Little Blessing.

A Little about Me:

I am soon to be 43 years old, Divorced, Single Mom, with four (4) children; Daughter - 23 years old, Son - 11 years old, Son - 7 years old in August and another Son - 15 months old on 4th of July, but not a Grandma yet LOL. I have twenty (20) years in with New Mexico State Government and looking forward to retiring soon... :)

Hi S.,
To keep your body safe from the side effects from other medications/birth controls, I would stick to condoms and away from any medications. Since there are plenty of scary experiences out there with the IUD's, then I wouldn't try it if I were you since your body seems sensitive to birth control medications. This way you won't have to worry about potential side effects, and it affecting your conceiving when you want to have another baby. Best wishes,G.

I had an IUD after my second child...I cannot speak to fertility after because I did not try to concieve. I can only tell you that as far as the ease and convenience goes I was very happy. I had the IUD put in I believe about six weeks after the birth of my second child. I did not have any excessive cramping which was one of the side effects I had been warned about. I did not experience any loss of sex drive which had happened with hormonal birth control (I have often thought that is why they have such a great success rate!)The main drawback that I found with the IUD is that it can be very dangerous for you if you are exposed to STD's...for that reason you and your partners monogamy is extremely important. I kept the IUD for 10 years...they are very common in Europe so as far as looking into fertility after research I would check there. I found that the IUD in the US is not particularly common or trusted...not sure why people react so emotionally and strongly to it here. Good-luck

My neighbor just got pregnant with an IUD. It apparently fell out because they can't find it inside of her to remove it. She didn't even realize it could fall out.

I have two children and had no problem conceiving. After both children, I got the IUD. When we decided to have a third, I went off the IUD and it has been almost a year of trying with no luck. I am in my late 20's and did not expect a problem. No matter how many times doctors say the IUD has no effect on fertility, I don't buy it. I would not get the IUD if you are planning on more children. Good Luck!

Hi S., I got the IUD after my first kid and I loved it. I took it out and the next month I got pregnet. I have had it in now for about 4 yrs. I love it. But I have heard of cases, in my family, where they have it and they got pregnent. I have to say I think it's all in gods hands. But I think this is the best way to go if you don't want to get your tubes tide. When I moved in with my husband I got the shot and it took me 5 yrs to get pregnant, and i only got it once. But good luck on deciding what to use.

We just had our third, and aren't 100% sure we are done. My Dr. HIGHLY recommended an IUD. Pregnancy can happen as soon as it is removed. Good luck. I get mine next month.

Would a progesterone only birth control pill (like Errin) make any difference in terms of having trouble conceiving afterwards? Maybe not, but just a thought.

The IUD is wonderful because it lasts 5 years and you get lighter periods with no cramps. I don't know if there's a problem trying to conceive afterwards but I would like to read responses from other people about that also.