What's Your Experience with Copper IUD?

Hey G.!

I'm the opposite. I had gotten the Paraguard last Oct. primarily because I didn't want the hormones of the Mirena affecting my breastfeeding. I got my first post partum period in Jan., which was pretty normal as far as periods go. But, from then on, my periods progressively got heavier and longer. Years ago when I was on the pill I would have periods that were 4-5 days, starting heavier and getting lighter. As time went on with the Paraguard, I was bleeding heavier and heavier over a few days and it was lasting at least a full week.

So, last month, since I'm weaning my son, I had my doc switch me to the Mirena to help with the period issue. It definitely has seemed to help me in that aspect. I'm not having many symptoms with it at all so far, thank goodness. I didn't even have prolonged bleeding/spotting after she switched them(she just took one out and put the other in). Last Wed. was day 28 of my cycle, and I didn't have anything. I think Fri. I started to spot a tiny bit, and it is still going on. However, it's not even remotely enough spotting to saturate a panty liner. With the Paraguard, the last few months, I was going through a super plus tampon and a pad and bleeding through my pants (at work of course!). I gave it a full six periods to see if my periods would get better with the Paraguard, but they didn't.

Morel of the story.....it really is so individual in the results we have with our contraceptive choices. I hope the Paraguard works out better for you! At least they are easy enough to get rid of if they don't work out! :)

A.

I had the copper IUD for 5 or 6 years and never had any problems with it or side effects. They are good for 10 years, but I wanted to have another baby, so I had it taken out. I am actually going to get the Mirena after this baby, so I am interested to see if I have any side effects to it.

Hi G.!

I got a copper IUD in November of last year. I LOVE IT! It's so nice to not have to worry about pills or the hormones (that's the main reason I got one). There are a few side effects that I've dealt with - annoying at times - but nothing that would make me not want the IUD. Periods are much heavier for the first 2 days but then go back to what a normal period is like for me. I've had problems on and off with light spotting in between periods as well. Other than that though, I can't complain.

I have had the copper IUD for about a year now. I love it. I didn't want Mirena b/c of the hormone issue. My periods are more regular at 28 days now. Usually, they are heavy around day 2 & 3 then lighter for a total of about 7 days. I don't get excessive cramping.

I'm 39 with kids ages 2 & 4. Hope this helps. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.