IUD Birth Control--Looking for Input

I had the Paraguard IUD for many years before I had my 2nd baby because I like the fact that it had no hormones. But... I hated that it made my bleeding really heavy and my cramping as intense as labor pains. Not everyone has those side effects but I did and I've heard many have.

After I had my second baby I immediately learned back toward the paraguard because I really had trouble with hormonal birth control methods before I had my kids.

But, because of my heavy flow and hoorible cramping I was really urged by my doctor to try MIrena, the hormonal IUD. After talking for a while about the possible side effects like lower sex drive (which is not common), irregular periods, and all the other normal ones, she told me that mirena reduces the risk of uterine cancer, (which runs in my family) and will make my periods stop after a year.

I though. COOL!!! I havent had a period all this time anyways so how cool would that be!!! She said it would prevent cramping, which it has, and now my daughter is 5 months old and though I have had pretty irritating but light spotting off and on since I got it 3 months ago, its nothing compared to the times when I was going through a tampon every half hour and cramping so bad I needed vicoden just to get through it.

As hesitant as I was, I really like the Mirena and REALLY love not having to worry about a pill, a ring, a patch, or a period.

hope this helps!

And remember..... I always appreciate advice from other parents but I believe that you always need to remember what is ultimately right for you as a parent. Consider the advice, but take it grain of salt, and use your knowledge to decide the right course of action for you. Even if everyone else doesn't agree with you. ;)

Good luck!

I have Paragard and really like it. I have 3 kids too, and we want the option for a 4th as well. I didn't want hormones at all, so that is why I chose Paragard. Just a personal choice. The only difference is I have really heavy periods for 2 days, and my period lasts longer. It used to be 4 days, now it is 6. I did have some spotting for a couple months, but just my body getting used to it. I won't ever get any other type of birth control, I love that I don't even have to think about it!

I have had the Mirena IUD 2X now - the first time was after my first two kids, I took it out and had no problems getting preg. My 4th child is now almost 3 months old, and I had the IUD put in again 2 weeks ago. I personally LOVE IT!! It has a topical hormone, but is not supposed to get into your blood stream so it shouldn't really cause any moodiness. When I first get them in, I have spotting for a while. The dr. told me that the spotting could last longer for me this time since I am breastfeeding, and could actually last for as long as I am breastfeeding but should then go away. After the spotting quit last time, I had no periods. I personally prefer it that way so that is not a problem for me. I Love the IUD and will continue to use them for birth control as long as I need birth control.....The Mirena has to be replaced every 5 years....

Mirana ROCKS! I am on my second -