Has anyone tried Mirena, the IUD, as their birth control? I'm currently taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Low and am considering changing to Mirena. I'm just curious about the side effects you experienced. If you changed from Ortho Low to Mirena, were there distinct differences? Weight gain? Change in period? My doctor said it wasn't unusual for his patients to have no period at all. That part sounds great, but I'd rather not gain 20 pounds in the process. Thanks!
There is another type of IUD called the Paraguard Copper.. it is a 10 year IUD instead of the five like the Mierena. It is non hormonal so as in no weight gain and no hormones being put into your body. You can ask your doctor about it and they can give you better information.
I love not having to remember to take it everyday like the pill, or switching out the patch or the ring every so often. Hope you find one you like!
I've had my Mirena for 2 1/2 years now. Insertion was a breeze. The cramping that it caused was very easily controlled with some ibproufen. I did spot for the entire first 3 months. However, my OB told me that was to be expected and very common. After that, my periods got lighter and lighter......and now, I wear a pantyliner for about two days max. And just one pantyliner for the entire day.....it's SO light. I can always tell when I'm going to start b/c my boobs will get tender and I have very mild cramps. I love it and the adjustment period (6-12mths) is SOOOOOOOO worth it. I recommend it to everyone. =0) Oh! And my insurance paid for it. I just had to pay my $30 "specialist" co-pay on the day of insertion..........so, it's basically FREE birth control for 5 years! Another great perk!
Don't forget the other IUD (paraguard, the copper no-hormone one). You DO keep your period, and it goes back to whatever your 'normal' cycle would look like if you weren't on BC at all, aka usually a little heavier and a day or two longer... but it *doesn't* come with hormone related side effects (including periods where it doesn't work, like after insertion and any time you're on antibiotics + mood swings, weightgain, etc, that are all common with hormone BC... paraguard works day of and through any illness & meds). It's also good for 10 years instead of 5. I've had mine now for nearly 8 years. Side effects include crazy crampy periods (hello midol) for the first few months and then nada after that. Obviously, not for anyone allergic to copper, which is rare but important to remember.
:)
I got my Mirena at 8 weeks post partum. I breastfed for a long time and shed all of my pregnancy weight... gained some back, but nothing that cannot be contributed to bad eating habits (cookies are my downfall).
I still get a semi-regular period (I will miss one every now and then), but it is very light, more like spotting.
I have noticed that my skin has been worse than when I was on the pill. the reason for that is that Mirena, does not have the positive effects that the pill has if you have mild acne...
I am super happy with it and plan on staying on it for a long time.
I've had great luck with Mirena as well. I had my regular period for a few months after insertion, but now have no period at all. I do still get a little moody once a month, but I'm allowed to--I'm a woman!! Good luck with your decision!
LOVE the mirena! No period and no weight gain!
My daughter takes Mirena. Her periods were constant for a long time, but have now subsided. She'd go on and on and on with the spotting and stuff. We haven't noticed any other side effects for 'her'. You may be different, tho. Good luck!
