Choosing a Contraceptive

I got the Mirena IUD four months ago and like it so far. It did hurt having it put in (a lot), and then had some cramping for a couple hours afterwards. The cramping was like the worst menstrual cramps I ever had, but after that, haven't had any cramping. For the first couple weeks, maybe a month after it was inserted, my husband could feel it, but said it didn't hurt, now he doesn't notice it at all. I ask if he can feel it and he says he doesn't. It is so nice to not have to worry about birth control (we're very fertile!), and there are no side effects like I had with the hormonal birth control, like the pill and NuvaRing. I didn't like NuvaRing because my husband and I could both feel it during sex and it was very distracting, and by the end of the month, it would gravitate downwards somewhat. I haven't had any periods yet and my son is 7 months old, but I'm also still breastfeeding. I did have some spotting right after it was put in, for maybe a week or so, but nothing since. I know what I wrote sounds bad, but I just want to be completely honest, and the day it's inserted isn't fun, but one day of discomfort is so worth not having to worry about taking a pill everyday, the security of knowing you're not going to get pregnant, and the fact that it's good for 5 years.

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I think the IUD is a wonderful thing, like you I am horrible at taking pills, and I used the patch but like you said it was being taken off the market. I used the Nuva ring, but had some issues with it coming out during intercourse and its kind of a hassle because it needs to stay cold until you use it so I had to go every month to go pick it up. I had my son 2 years ago this August and got the IUD (Mirena) 8 weeks after he was born. I haven't had any problems with it, when it was inserted there was no more pain than a normal pap. All you have to do is check for the string once a month, or have your husband do it. My husband complained for about the first month that the string would poke him sometimes but hasn't since. I haven't had an actual period since I got it. Only 2 times where I had extremely light spotting. I think its an excellent choice. I was also worried about gaining weight and honestly I weigh less now than I did before I had my two kids. The only thing is, if you don't have insurance that will cover it, it is pretty expensive from what I have heard and some doctors will try to stray you from getting it inserted if you don't plan on having it in for a few years. So depending on your doctor you might want to tell them that you plan on keeping it in for the 5 years. But then after the year tell them that you decided on the vasectomy for your husband. there are no problems with taking it out. They just advise that you only get it if you are going to keep it in... because of cost? I am not really sure why cause when I said I would be keeping they told me that if I decided I wanted more children to just make an appt and let them know its time to take it out. Anyway my advice is go for it, its a good product and of the other people I know that have it none of them have complained.... hope this helps!

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I'm using my second copper IUD (Paragard), and I love it. It is hormone free, and I've only noticed a slight increase in cramping during periods (not this time around though, since I'm still nursing and haven't had one in a long time). It is good for up to 10 years--I had my last one in for almost three before taking it out to get pregnant again. I had no problems with that either--got pregnant within a month of having it removed.

There's also a shorter-term IUD called Mirena, which may work well for you, but it has hormones. I've also used the Nuvaring in the past, which I liked, but I couldn't deal with the hormones. I thought it was easier than taking a pill every day too. Good luck!

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I have the copper IUD (paragard) and love it. I also had issues with both pills and depo, but so far have had no issues with the IUD. It was a little uncomfortable getting placed, but no more so than a pap smear. It has made me a little more crampy right before my period, but other than that I haven't experienced any symptoms or uncomfortableness.

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I prefer a diaphram. It is easy to use and doesn't have the potential to cause a tubal pregnancy or an early abortion.
Prayerfully,
M.

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I use the Mirena IUD. I've had it for nearly 5 years. As a matter of a fact, I get a new one this summer. I have not had ANY side effect from my iud. It is the perfect birth control method, in my opinion.

The drawbacks:
1. It hurt a bit when doc inserted it and for a few hours afterwards.
2. I spotted for almost a year - pantyliners EVERY day.

The Best Part:
I haven't had a period in 4 years!!!!!!!!!!!! No cramps, not mood swings, no ruined lingerie, Yippeeeeee!

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Hi N.,
I have 2 boys too! Mine are 6 and 3 1/2. They are my joy!! I use an IUD. Have you heard of Mirena? After the birth of my second son, trying to remember to take a pill was a lost cause since I kept forgetting and had to double up for the missed doses. Frustrated, I spoke with my doctor about my birth control options. She told me about all of my optins, but when she metioned IUDs for long-term use, I was interested in those. There are two that are used-a copper one that does not contain hormones, and Mirena, which does contain progesterone. Progesterone is very safe to be on while breastfeeding as well, which was very important to me. I have had the Mirena for over a year, and I love it!! All 4 of the doctors in the OB practice I went to were using Mirena as well. What a great testimonial for it's use!

The insertion of the Mirena is a 5 minute procedure, with no pain. I had a couple days of very minor cramping, which subsided after a week. I haven't gained weight from using it, and I've had no compications or side effects. You may have some spotting for the first 6 mos, but it depends on the individual. I don't get my period now, which is convenient. Definitely discuss Mirena with your doctor as an option, and make sure that your insurance covers it because some will, some won't. The best part about Mirena is that it's not permanent. It can stay in your body for up to 5 years! I had considered getting my tubes tied, but I wasn't sure about it. (My hubby refuses to get a vasectomy, so my using birth control is our only option) Then my doctor told me about Mirena. If you want it removed after a year, it can be, and you can get pregnant right away after it's removed.

Here is Mirena's website for more info, http://www.mirena.com/html/index.html. I hope I've helped you! Have a beautiful weekend with your family!
M. B.

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I have Mirena. I love it! When the doctor put it in, it was like a extra long pap smear. Didn't hurt. A little bleeding afterwards. I have lighter periods now. It cost me between $500-$600. You metioned you only need something for about a year. That might be a little pricey for just a year. I plan on keeping mine in for the 5 years. Good luck in finding something that works for you!

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My girlfriend got pg. using the IUD...so be warned. :-)
I would HIGHLY suggest that your husband just get the vasectomy now (unless you are both planning on more children). If he wants to ask someone about it...my husband is available. Just email us. We were recommended to the Winter Park Urology and they are FANTASTIC. 4 of my husband's friends also had theirs done there...it's quick and no side effects (it doesn't affect his sex life or drive). Good luck and God Bless. B.

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I used the IUD for over 7 years and I have no real complaints about it. I had no weight gain because of it and it didn't hurt going in at all. You won't even know its there and neither will your partner unless you tell him.
The only thing is that it can make you have a heavier period, I can say one month I was normal and the next I would be heavy and it would last about 7 days.
I no longer have it on because I was suffering from anemia and the heavy periods was making my doctor concerned. It will not be the same for eveyone, if you are only planning on using it for a short time I would try it. I took it out (not my choice) it doesn't hurt at all coming out either. I took it out and now I am 6 months pregnant.

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Hi N., I really don't answer many of these unless I have something to say. I believe I went through the same thing you are going through right now. After I had my second son, I wanted to go on something that I didn't have to be reminded to take ... ie(the pill)

I did not like any of the other depo, the patch so I opted for the Mirena IUD. It was covered by my insurance Aetna and I didn't have to worry. They would put it in and take it out, if I needed them to. It was simple procedure like getting a pap smear. I really didn't feel that much maybe a small pinch. I had spotting for about a week, but that was all. I have had some cramping, but nothing like I had before I was on any contraceptives.

I have had it in now for about a year and a half. I don't really remember that I have one in. But before I made the decision for Mirena. I talked to a lot of women who had it in. I looked it up on the website. I talked to my doctor about it and I read the literature about it. I felt comfortable enough. But everybody's situation is different. Best wishes on your decision.

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I have an IUD, or IUC, whatever they are calling it now-a-days. I have had it 1 yr and I love it. No weight gain. Only pain I had was after the inserted it-give you intense menstral cramp, took tylenol and it was fine. Other than that, took about a week to feel like I wasnt walking funny (wasnt, just a mind thing). My periods are almost completely no existent, for the past 3 months I have spotted one day. I recommend them highly, I have a mirena and so does my sister and best friend.

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We used condoms until we wanted a baby. My body does not respond well to the pill, so I won't take it. They are cheap, readily available, and have no side effects unless you are allergic to latex. I don't think they dampen the mood much either. Sure sex is nicer without them, but I never had a problem with them and they are very effective when used consistently and properly. Just have a few in a bowl by the bed.

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