Anyone Have Experience with Either the Paragard IUD or Essure Procedure?

I have the Paragard too. I haven't had any issues with it (had it put in about 8 months ago, post-partum). I still haven't had my first period though and have heard it can make the flow a little heavier, which I'm fine with. I chose this copper IUD over Mirena because I've used a lot of different pills, depo shot, etc. and I'm sick of all the synthetic hormones! I'd recommend it.

I have the Paragard IUD and I love it. I had it inserted about 8 weeks post-partum and had some initial bleading/cramping for a few months but it's been wonderful ever since. My periods are longer and more plentiful (stronger flow) than before my daughter was born, but to me it is a small price to pay to have easy birth control without the horomones.

I have a Paraguard IUD and have had it for several years. I choose this method because I don't do well on hormones. I love it. You still have regular periods. I will say that they may be a little heavier for the first few months, but after that they were normal. I did not experience any of the mild cramping or spotting that some women experience. One of my best friends is on her second Paraguard and she loves hers as well.

I had the Paraguard for 2 1/2 years and it was great. I choose it b/c I too was avoiding synthetic hormones. It's easy to implant and even more simple to remove. I did have heavier periods for about the first 3 months. Nothing too significant. I had it removed in May and and got pregnant the very first month. (we were trying). I have recommended it to all my friends.

Hi I don’t mean to be negative but I have had a bad experience with OB/GYN’s, so I don’t trust the doctors. I would suggest looking these up on the internet. Look up side effects. There are also drug books you can look them up too, which you can find on the internet. Sorry I don’t remember what the books are called. Check out long term side effect not just short term. Please.
Thank you,
V.

I had my 4th child a few months ago. I'm horrible with hormone b/c, so I narrowed myoptiond with the exact two procedures- paragard IUD (copper) or Essure. I finally decided on the copper IUD- and I'm SOOO thankful- the recovery and procedure is SO much better (i hear). I've had ZERO complications, it was so easy to be installed, and it only took my DR. About 2 minutes tota. I was home immediately after cleaning and doing everything normal with very mild to minimum cramping. I'm SO thankful to have decided on the IUD- because the Essure is permanite, never an option for more kids. I already have 4....but hey_ maybe one day I'll win the lotto and decide I want one or two more. At least I still have an option :) I hope I could help.

I personally don't have the Paragard, I have Mirena, but my sister has the Paragard and loves it!
I would have gone with it, but I need the hormones to shorten/hopefully stop my periods due to endometriosis.
She has had hers for 8 years and has had no problems with it. She too avoids anything with hormones as it effects her mood way too much.

I've had experience with both..I started with the paragard. Tried it for almost a year. Then gave up. My periods were VERY heavy and long and I had spotting in between. Much stronger cramping with my periods too. And I had almost constant discharge, which apparently is common. Also, my partner could feel the string during intercourse, although it didn't bother him. I really wanted to make it work, but it wasn't good for me. On the positive side, there are no hormones and if you're happy with it, it can stay in place up to 10 years, making it one of the most economical forms of bc. And, if you decided to get pregnant again, it's easily removed.

Just had the essure procedure in July. No complaints so far! The procedure itself was a bit uncomfortable, had some cramping afterward, but that's about it. Had it done in an office setting, just local numbing, no sedation, went home and mowed the lawn later that night. So far I am very happy with my decision. I am 43 yrs. old and have 3 healthy, wonderful children. I'm happy to have found a permanent form of bc that was less invasive than a tubal.

As a 3rd option, has your husband considered getting a vasectomy?

Good luck with your decision.

I had the Paragard for five years. It caused heavier bleeding and cramping during my period. I finally had it removed because I had another abdominal condition and between that and the paragard it made my periods extremely uncomfortable at times. I know you are trying to avoid the Mirena, but I have that now. After some initial adjustment with irregular bleeding I am happy with it. I thought about it for at least a couple of years before I went with it because I am very sensitive to the hormones in the pill and patch and was also trying to avoid hormones. Other than the bleeding for the first couple of months the hormones have not bothered me. My doctor said the Essure procedure is rarely done because the Mirena has been so popular. There was someone on this website several months ago who had the Essure procedure and was very happy with it. You might be able to look up those old posts up on the main website. Good luck.

I know you said you are against the Mirena option as was I. But after asking many others that's what we chose and am so happy I did so. Always keep that option open. I have used it for 3 yrs now and it's fabulous. My periods are so light. I don't even know it is there. It takes one visit to your OB to get it put in and it works for 5 yrs. No side effects either. Good luck on your decision and hope this helps.

L.

I had the Paragard not long after it became available, back in (Oct) 1996. One of the things I liked about it was that it was good for 10 years. I used mine for just over 8 years (Nov 2004), and although we didn't get pregnant right away, we did within about 8 months. (Keep in mind that I was 34 at the time we were trying, so that may have been a factor in conception time.) It worked so much better for me than any of the hormonal options (various versions of The Pill, or Depo Provera (once every 3 mo shot)) ever had. It never gave me any trouble, other than the cramping on insertion and removal, and it was nice to have a natural period again, instead of one ruled (or eliminated) by hormones.

I love my paraguard! I do not have to think about it & have no side effects. I am a very natural person & this was the best for me.
Brekka