Iud - Acworth, GA

I got the Mirena IUD a year ago and love it. I had some in between spotting and still get a couple days of light spotting only needing a panty liner. I had the same problem as you with birth control, but only after I had kids (before that I was fine). I would recommend it. I haven't had any problems and have several friends that have it with no issues either.

I also tried the patch and it irritatated my skin and once I accidentally tore it off in a rush to the bathroom.

I had the Mirena IUD put in almost a year ago and it has been wonderful. The first few days were rough but I highly recommend it. I have polycystic ovarian disease so I had cysts all the time even on BCP and the Depro Shots. So far with the IUD I haven't had any cysts or if I did have them I didn't even know they were there. Hope this helps.

I My name is V. from Atlanta. I had an IUD in that was called the Minera IUD. It had a slow release of progesterone that helped decrease my period and eventually stopped it ( HURRAY). I since have had it removed because I want to have another child. I would highly recommend it. It was not uncomfortable at all and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Best wishes,

V.

I also had the Mirena. I had it placed over a year ago. The first few days I cramped really bad, but by the end of the first week it was great. The first two periods were a little off. Spotting, then bleeding, then spotting. I thought it would never stop. About 3 months in I stoped having periods all together. It's so nice!! No PMS, no cramps, no pill. I was really skepitcal, but I love it now! You can get a 5 year, or a 10 year one, and take them out at any time you want. I did have one cyst, which was painful for a couple of weeks, but women get them all the time and just don't know it. Sometimes the IUD will increase the number of them, but rarely is it a problem. And the Mirena is as effective as getting your tubes tied (because of the small amount of hormone)... they have NEVER had anyone get pregnant off this one. And the hormone didn't bother me past the first month (I too got sick off the all the pills). I say it's worth it!!! If you have any questions, let me know. Nothings too personal to ask... I swear! Good luck with your decision.

There are many ways to plan or prevent pregnancy...just make sure you fully understand the way an IUD functions before having another one put in. I can't believe the number of women I come in contact with who did't realize that an IUD is essentially a form of abortion. I only want to help inform so that no one else goes against their religious or personal beliefs regarding conception!

I had an IUD before and didn't care for it. I had horrible cramps and extremely heavy periods that lasted longer than normal. I had mine removed. Good luck with yours!

I am currently thinking about getting an IUD after bad experiences with the Depo Provera shot. I received the shot 3 times (about 4 months apart) and bled CONTINUOUSLY the whole time. Each time I talked to my doctor about it he said longer periods were a common side effect that would eventually go away. But I have never heard of anyone having a period that lasted for Months! So I just stopped it, but since I stopped I haven't had a period (which you would think most people would enjoy!) but since I am not on any method of BC this is a cause for concern especially because we do want to have another child one day(no I am not pregnant, I've been tested several times) soI can not get an IUD until they figure out what's wrong, which I completely believe is from taking the Depo shot. Just one experience, but please beware of the shot! Good luck with everything!

I am 28 years old and have a 9 month old baby girl. I got my IUD when she was 3 months old.

Here's the list of CONS first:
- in the first few months, i had longer periods. They were very light, but lasted up to 2 weeks.
- I also had some significant cramping in the first few months but it subsided
- I developed a couple of cysts on my ovary. One ruptured which was quite painful but have had no problems since and was warned this occured in some women but usually cleared up after i adjusted to the hormone.

Here's the list of PROS:
- if you have the patience to make it through the first few months, it becomes much easier
- i have had 3 day VERY light periods for 3 months now.
- i no longer have to worry about taking a pill everyday or FORGETTING (we've all done it) to take it!
- my raging monthly bouts of PMS are GONE!

I made it through the first few months, which were rough and now I can't imagine ever using a different kind of birth control. It is different for every woman though. You could have no trouble at all, very similar early issues, like me, or it could just not work for you. Only one way to find out!

Good luck!

H.

Do not get the IUD. My daughter is 19 with a baby girl and she had the IUD put in in January 08. My daughter have been bleeding non-stop. Please don't do it. Just continue to take the pill or protect yourself some other way. Good Luck

I also have the Mirena and love it. The first day was a little uncomfortable, but after that I haven't thought about it. Well except that I love not having a period! I save so much money on tampons :o) Your doctor should be able to provide with a video and other material on how they work. I don't believe breastfeeding is a good method of birth control, I have heard too many stories.

I guess I am the balance to all the good. Everyone ranted and raved about how great the IUD would be. BCP make me sick, so I decided to try it. HOWEVER, I have endometriosis. My dr. assured me it would be fine. It was a nightmare. I bleed without ceasing for 4 months until I had it removed. My back felt like it was breaking constantly. I had the Mirena and would NEVER recommend it to anyone. At the same time, everyone is different as so many women are quite happy with theirs. I am really against putting these foreign objects and hormones in my body so I use a combination of watching my cycle carefully with fertility monitoring (only instead of trying to get pregnant I am avoiding it) and condoms. My last child is 4 1/2 so its working for us.

H.,

Some IUDs are hormone-based and some are not. If you are having trouble with the pill, I'd suggest getting one that doesn't use hormones.

I dont plan on having any more children and instead of the IUD, Im getting this thing called Implanon It goes in your arm and is good for 3 years. Its an in office procedure. I had a friend who got the IUD and she said she could feel it and so could her husband but im not sure on how accurate those responces were since they arent the cleanest ppl (no offense so them but its the truth) Im not sure how well she took care of everything. Im getting my Implanon on Wednesday. And Im also breastfeeding a 2 month old so the doc says its safe. Well, thats my opinion on the matter! :) Good luck hun!

Hi H.,
I personally have not tried the IUD but we have a family friend who was going to have an IUD. After doing some extensive research she found that there is the possibility of scarring and with that it can complicant future pregnancy and sometimes prevent the ability to conceive again. If you are planning on more children I would look at other birth control options. I have a 7.5 month old son and am looking into other contraceptive options. The cervial cap is as effective as condoms (if used correctly) and can be left in for 48 hours (which helps with spontaneity).
You need to get fitted for one(eithr at your OB or midwife) and you can keep one cap for up to 2 years.

Hope this helped...have a great day!

~Kat

I have had the Mirena IUD for almost 5 years and have loved it. I am getting ready to have another put in because it has to be replaced every 5 years. I got really sick on the pills (headaches, nausea, etc) and could not take them but had heavy periods and cramping. This has totally eliminated all of that. I do not even have periods any more! Totally awesome! The only con was the first month or so when I had some spotting and mild cramping, but then it tapered off completely. It has been so worth it! Hope this helps!

An IUD is a wonderful type of birth control. The IUD is placed in your uterus and you should not be able to feel it. There are a few types of IUDS. I would highly recommend the MIRENA IUD. It is very effective (for 5 years) and also decreases menstrual bleeding. Some people may only have a little spotting after a few months on Mirena. There are no side effects with getting cysts. The only side effect is possibly a little cramping with your period.... nothing that a little Ibprophen can't get rid of.
And if you decide to have another baby, no problem. Just get it taken out and you can try again right away.

I have also thought of the same thing. Until I was told that for younger women it was NOT a good idea. I don't know how old you are, but I am almost 26 and I was told in about 10 years would be a better time. I also hate the pill so I tried the Nuva Ring. It is great! I love it. Talk to you doc about that. Its not perminant. YOu can take it put when ever you want. GOOD LUCK!

Hey H.,

I couldnt use birth control either, so I received the shot in stead. It worked really good and I did not have any side effects from it. YOu receive the shot every 3 months. I think it is called the depo shot. I hope this is of some help to you good luck

I just recently had my IUD (paraguard, copper no hormomes) removed so I could try for another baby. I too had issues with taking the pill. I had the IUD in for 2 1/2 years. My periods were a little heavier than before I had it, but other than that it was great, I had no side effects, it works great and you never have to think about it. It would have lasted 10 years and with my insurance I only paid $25 for it. I highly recommend them. I also read they are the most used form of birth control in Europe.

I have a three year old son and got the Paraguard IUD about six months after I had him.

It was pretty uncomfortable to have it inserted but that only lasts about 20 seconds and then you can't feel anything. I cramped a little that day but by that night I was fine.

I have had longer periods, light most of the time but longer nonetheless. However, I don't really know how regular my periods are supposed to be anyway (was on DepoProvera before pregnancy and never had periods) so it might not have anything to do with the IUD.

Other than those minor notes, I haven't had any trouble. I've really liked not having to worry about remembering to take a pill or go get a shot. I can't feel it, my partner can't feel it and it's non hormonal so no worries about weight gain or mood swings either.

Hey H.. I have had the Merina IUD for over 4 years now. In fact, the 5th year is up and I will have to have it removed in October. I can honestly say that there has not been one con. Life has not been affected for minute after it was inserted. It is by far the best method out there in my opinion! Good Luck.

C.

I have had an iud for 2 years now. I do not believe that you will experience an urinary problems. The only person that will know that you have one is your spouce! I love it, but read the possible side effects just to make sure you are sure.

I also had trouble taking the pill so I tried the IUD. This was many years ago and they may have improved since then but I thought it was wonderful for about two years and then I started having a LOT of trouble with my period and the amount of blood I lost. I got so run down, I had to get built back up before I could even have my hysterectomy. That was when I was only 35 years old. Please do a lot of research before you proceed with this.

I Love my IUD. I am the most absent minded person on earth. I can loose a pencil in my own hand : ) I was so scared of forgetting to take the pill and ending up pregnant again that I told my obgyn that I wanted the longest form of birth control there was. He mentioned the depo, But I was afraid (once more) that I would wait till the last minute and have a span of time that I could get pregnant. The IUD that I have is good for 10 yrs (that is something I can remember ; ) )I got it right after having my son and he is turning 7 in May! I do not know if they still offer it. Mine has no hormones on it. It is plastic with copper. The one I have seen in the ads lately have been the Merina witch uses hormones as well. The only draw back with my IUD is that it did seem to intensify my cramps a bit but nothing I would ever give it up over!!! I have heard stories about people not doing very well with an IUD but seriously do no let that discourage you. There are plenty of stories that have been good as well, we just tend to magnify the bad ones. There can be complications that go with it, BUT are very rare. And in all honesty has anyone ever read the pill pamphlets!?!?! It is seriously scarier (to me at least) than the IUD because the complications with the IUD are rare instances. With the IUD I have anyway (no hormones).

I was also kinda wondering when I got mine how my husband would feel about it. Would he notice it? Would it hurt him? Would it interfere with our sex life? NOPE on all accounts. It did not bother him at all. I know this may be a little to much info but those are main questions I have gotten when I have told people that I have an IUD. I will not say that he did not feel it all. Of course he is going to feel it a little but it is not enough that he will notice it past probably the first time. And it will not be noticeable enough for it to interfere in any way. You don't notice it either, you will never know it is there and I absolutely love that.

All in all though the decision is best left up to you and the doc. Google it! There are some really good pages out there that , unbiasely (if that is a word), go over the pros and cons. One thing to remember is that ever person is different so what works well with one may not be the best choice for another. In my opinion and my experiance with it has been awsome!! I am confident that I will not get pregnant till I am ready to. I do not have to fuss and panic and I get to decide when I want to have another baby. There is no waiting if you change your mind, they just take it out. As simple as that. One more good thing about it is is does not cost you anymore than an office visit to your doc. One more thing that just came to mind is the amount of money that you would probably save on the monthly copays on the pills. I am not quite sure how they would bill it at the docs office. Check to see how the office will bill the IUD to the insurance company and go from there. You may need to call them (the insurance) to find out if it is covered. BUT once again, out way the amount of your copay for the next (depending on witch one you pick) min of five years for the pill (that you will be paying ever month) and see if price wise it is worth it to you.

The feorin object issue!??! This is how I see it, we ingest two to three hormones in each birth control that goes into our bodies. Ingesting a chemical into my body that has the potential for doing just as harmful stuff as everything else is scary TO ME. With the IUD it can be removed quickly and easily. Once agian though I am speaking of the one with out the hormone.

A web site that has a lot of good information
http://www.birth-control-comparison.info/iudinfo.htm

Sorry for rambling!! Good Luck!!

H.,
While I have not had an IUD, I might be able to give you some advice on a form of birth control that I have had great success with. I too feel like i have morning sickness (and headaches, and moodiness, etc) with the pill, so my doctor suggested the Nuvaring. It is a hormonal form of birthcontrol, like the pill, but because you insert it once monthly into your vagina, the hormones are not metabolized by your liver, which is what is likely making you feel sick. You don't know it's even there. Just place one of the cute little flower stickers on your calender to tell you when to remove it and when to put in the next one, and it's done. VERY EASY! If you're not sure that you're ready to go to an IUD, this might be another alternative for you to discuss with your doctor. Good Luck!

Hi H.,

I have had the Mirena in since May of last year, and so far I've had no problems. They also say that after about 4 to 6 months 65% or so of people stop having periods. I stopped for a few months and then I spot around that time of the month then go back to no periods again. It's a five year thing, but the cool thing is that you can take it out whenever you want if you decide 5 years are too long ;) Well, I hope that I helped you even a little bit. Have a great week! :)

A.

Hi H., I also suffer the mornign sickness effect from the pill, and after doing a lot of research, decided 2 years ago to use Mirena. It is the best decision for me and I have had no complication at all. I also have several friends who have it and they all love it as well. I have 4 friends (and a sister) who breastfed exclusively and practiced the natural family planning method.4 of them ended up pregnant before they hoped. I know that it can work, however, I don't believe that it is as effective as an IUD or the pill. It's a good option if you are ok with getting pregnant again at anytime, not so great if you are not ready.

I have to admit that after I left the dr office after they placed it, I kept saying to myself " I can't believe I just had a foreign object placed in my body". But after a day or so to get used to the idea...it is truly the best decision I could have made for me. Good luck with what ever you decide.

I got a Mirena IUD about 4 years ago. I LOVE IT! (My husband and I are 99.9 % certain we will not be having any more children.)

From the Mirena website:

"Candidates for Mirena have had a child, are in a stable relationship, and have no risk or history of ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease. Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs. Ovarian cysts may occur and typically disappear. Complications may occur from placement. Missing periods or irregular bleeding is common in the first few months, followed by shorter lighter periods. "

Here is the website: http://www.mirena-us.com/index.html?C=&c=

I would Google IUD side effects and contraindications to get additional information.

Good Luck!

I too went through the same issues with the pill... I have the Mirena IUD and LOVE IT! I have two children as well, and used the Mirena between my first one and my second, and now have it again. I had it in for 3.5 years after my first one - had it removed when my husband and I decided to get pg again, was pg with my little one about 6 mos. later, and now have it in again.

I have not had any problems with it and actually have much lighter periods with no side effects!

Good Luck!

Hi H.,

I got an IUD in August, so my experience has not been for too long, but so far, so good! I did have a "heavy period" for 3 WEEKS after I got it put in, but then did not have a period again until January. When I did get my period, it was literally for about 3 hours and VERY light. I had the same problem as you with the pill. I just felt naseated constantly. It was terrible. I also felt a little weird about having a foreign object inside myself, but truly, it has been no big deal.
Best of luck! A. B

Hi H.,

I had an IUD after my son was born in 1999 and found out I was pregnant when he was 9 months old. Obviously the IUD didn't work for me.
A.

I have the mirena IUD, have had for almost a year. At first I thought "Yea right, this is never going to work." I had cramping, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding. After about 2 months, the bleeding became normal and light. Prior to IUD I had sever cramps, they don't exist anymore. My sexual relationship with my husband is better than ever. I have two children, 5 days to the year apart and having another one anytime soon isn't in my vocabulary. Before we planned our 1st is was if it happens it happens type thing, afterwards I went on seasonel, took it regulary and went in for an anual and was 6 weeks preg. i recommend it

I havbe had my IUD for just over 5 years iI have had no problems at all and no period allmost at all. this was the best thing i ever did. and I am going to do it again

Hi H.!
I heard it was great from a lot of my friends that have it. However, I tried it and it dislodged itself twice and the second time resulted in a surprise baby-on-the-way, which is a blessing to us nonetheless.

Personnally, it is a risk to take and it may work great for you. This first time I only had cramping for 3 days and it was mild, the second time I cramped for 3 weeks. Your cycles will be heavier too for a few months.

I know this doesn't make the decision for you, but I hope I helped.

S.

Hi H.:

I have had the IUD for exactly a year now. I have had no problems or complications with it. It was an uncomfortable process when I had it put in, but I had a baby just 4 weeks prior. I really did my research on it and found that the Mirena IUD for me was my best option. A great thing about it is that when we are ready to have another baby in a couple years, all I have to do is get it taken out. Unlike currently available IUDs which can cause heavy and excessive menstruation, women who use Mirena often experience shorter and lighter periods.
There are very few side effects, if any that include mood swings, nausea, headaches and breast tenderness. I was at first concerned about having a foreign object in my body also, but you wll nevr know it is there and uless you talk about it you completely forget about it. Another bonus is the spontaneity!!! : ) Only about 10% of women using the IUD can get ovarian cysts, at that is pretty limited to those that are prone to infections.

Good Luck!! I hope I helped.

Mirena, I have all pros and 1 con, 5 yrs, no side effects,doesnt cause weight gain and had no periods. Plus you can become pregnant as soon as it's taken out or when your 5 yrs is up you can have another put in. Only con is my husband claimed he could feel the "string" during intercourse. So be sure to mention that to your doctor so he/she will cut it short enough.It was the first birth control I ever had and I never had 1 problem with it.And I enjoyed not having cramps or periods. Then after my second child I got 1..just 1 shot of the depo and it messed my cycle all up and it took almost 6 months to get back normal from it.

I just had my 2nd child four months ago. I got an IUD because most of my 30+ yr old friends who have had at least 2 kids recommended it. I got the Mirena IUD. It feels a little uncomfortable when they insert it - it feels like period cramps. I had cramping for 2 days. I have spotted every day, some days heavier then others, for at least a month solid. They said that spotting for 2-3 months is normal. The literature they gave me at the doctor's office did mention cysts but it says they will go away shortly after the IUD is removed. There's risk with any contraceptive like the pill, ring or IUD. Good luck!

I am not a fan of the IUD. I have known some women who used it and loved it but I have known more who have had serious difficulties with it. One friend of mine had to be rushed to the ER days after having it inserted. I, like you, don't like the idea of something foreign in my body. Another thing to consider is even if you get an IUD that does not have hormones in it (The Marina had hormones included) the object in your body can cause your natural hormones to react, causing you problems. If you do decide to go with the IUD I highly suggest staying away from the Marina especially since you have trouble with the pills. The hormones in that are no different than in the pills.

I have a lot of issues with hormone birth control - I've used several types of pills, the NuvaRing, Depo provera shots & have had problems with all of them so over the past two years I quit all birth control and had great success with using Cycle Beads. The website for those is www.cyclebeads.com They helped me prevent pregnancy when I wanted to avoid it and get pregnant here recently when I was trying. They are much easier for me to keep up with than using a calendar etc.

C.
www.purelybalanced.com

I got one after my son was born and I haven't had any problems. If you have a pretty regular cycle it is a bit strange when it becomes light or absent. You will have some pretty regular bleeding (light)/spotting after it is placed. This annoyed me because it lasted a couple of months. (That may not be typical./?) Other than those issues, it has turned out to be a good choice.

I have five children (all planned), ages 9 months through 10 years. I am on my 3rd IUD (Mirena). I used IUDs to space our children. I absolutely love the IUDs I have had. They have never been a problem (except some discomfort during the insertion and removal procedures...take ibuprofen before you go). I love not having to think about birth control. I also really like that it makes me not menstruate. Talk about having the best of everything!

I think IUD is the best invention ever. I had one before my first child because my body didn't tolerate the pill. You will love it!

I had an IUD (10 yr. Paraguard) inserted after the birth of our daughter 5 years ago. I much prefer it over birth control pills over all. For the first year or so I had to adjust to having some mid-month spotting. Once that stopped things have been fine. The only other con would be that my periods have been a little heavier. But overall, you don't have to think about it and just have it checked at the normal yearly check-ups. It is very convenient and I haven't had any problems with it at all.

Hi H.,
Well I have the Mirena IUD and it is just fine. No complications whatsoever and as far as periods are concerned they are light and not very disruptive to my lifestyle>>>I have had it since Sep 05 and no problems, I can say I love it.

I got an IUD 6 weeks after haveing my thrid child. I haven't had any problems. The only thing I have noticed is that your period is not regular, but after a while you will not have one at all. My sister had one for 4 years. She had no problems and when she decided to have another baby, she took it out and was pregnant in 2 months. She is due in April.

I have an IUD for the second time, and I love it. The first time I had one put in was after the birth of my daughter, and then a couple years later I had it taken out so that we could try for another baby. After the birth of my son, I had an IUD put in again and have had it in for almost three years with no problems. It does not mess with my hormones, I'm never sore or achy in there, and it doesn't bother my husband. The string can be cut as short as you need it so that your husband doesn't feel it. And I actually never have a period, or if I do occasionally, it's so very light and short that it's not worth noticing. So personally, I don't have any cons and the pros are numerous- including that you don't have to think about and plan for birth control on a daily basis. You're good for five years unless you want it out before! :)

I'm in the process of getting Mirena and am glad to see someone else asking about one. I actually wanted "fixed" but my doctor is practically refusing to do so. Once I found out our cut from insurance, I'm going to go with the IUD. I personally don't have any concerns about a foreign object in my body, but I'm worried about discomfort. Hopefully it is only during insertion.

I wish you luck, H.!

I've had the Mirena since May of last year, so far No complaints. It lasts 5 years. Good Luck

I heard a horror story from a friend just the other day on this one so.... Your right to be concerned. Take care of your body it is the only one you have. Are you breast feeding. I know many will argue but...statistically it can be a great way to space children. Typical breastfeeding spacing is 2 years and in many cases more. There is a great book on the subject that I read when my youngest was a new born. I will look up the tile if you wish. Also another totally natural approach would be what the Catholic church uses(no I am not catholic but have read all of the info on this and it does work if you do it). It is actually more effective than most other birth control methods but takes paying attention to what your body is doing and then abstaining when you are fertile or using additional protection at those times. Just a few thoughts for you. If it is not natural there are going to be side effects and you just have to decide what side effects are worth the out come you seek. I would go look on line to see what the risks are so you will be informed. Don't leave your health and choices up to a doctors recommendations! I am personally a mother of 11 (all spaced about 2 years apart...we jokingly refer to it as the bi annual pregnancy) and a self employed wellness consultant who truly believes you must take control of your own wellness. That includes anything you put on and into your body.

Sincerely,
K.

I got a Mirena and had to have it removed...the slight hormone produced by it was messing with me as bad or worse than the pill. Once removed I tried five different pills and had a bad go of it. So the only option would be the 10 year Paragard. I have thought of having it put in since my friend has had two and has had no problems but I just can't bring myself to do it. I really don't want to waste the money to find out that it causes me problems too (nor the pain).