IUD Or the Pill?

I used a Mirena IUD between my first two children....LOVED IT. I got pregnant with my 2nd two week after it was removed. I got another Mirena after my 2nd was born....and I just had it taken out a few days ago so we can try for #3!! I have had great experiences with it. Good luck!!

Hello M.

I had the Copper IUD in for 2 years! I loved it! I had a lot of cramping which lasted for a couple months after it was inserted and occasionally sex (or certain positions) was uncomfortable. When I was ready to start trying for my second child I had it removed at a pap appointment. We literally conceived about 2 weeks later!! So your body does not take long to recover from it at all when you decide to have it removed. I never went back to the doc to have it checked after I got it because I lost my insurance after it was placed. But other than the occasional cramping and discomfort with sex I never had a problem.

One thing I do want to throw out there since I don't think anyone else has mentioned it is be sure you understand what exactly it does to your body in the prevention of pregnancy. I was unaware of this when I had mine placed... The IUD does NOT prevent an egg from being fertilized it only prevents it from attaching to your uterus which then prevents it from growing or forming into a baby. Now some people believe that once an egg has been fertilized it is actually considered a pregnancy even though your body is unable to recognize it yet.
After I had my second baby I asked my doc to give me a new IUD and my doc said that she would NOT do it for this reason. She is a Christian as well as all the other Docs in her practice and they believe that the IUD can be perceived as a form of abortion. So just make sure you are comfortable with this idea before having it put in.

In case you are open to other alternatives. I have the nuva ring and LOVE it. You put the ring in each month for three weeks and remove for the fourth. Less hormones than the pill and less to remember, but just as flexible. You are in control of when it's in, and it is very easy. You can even remove it for up to 3 hrs if you "need" to, but technically you don't. Check it out w/ your Dr. if you'd like.

Hi M.!
I have an IUD and never went back to a pill after the birth of my daughter 2 years ago. I have the Paraguard mostly because my doc didn't do the Mirena. I looked up some info on them before getting one, and found out that while the initial IUD can be expensive (my insurance covered it all) it pays for itself in the first year in comparison to the pill. Personally, I like the idea of it better because it is copper and doesn't have the hormones that Mirena does. I really didn't want to do those again.

The insertion procedure was pretty easy. I really tried to prepare myself for it to hurt, and really, I didn't feel a thing. Seriously. I took a Motrin before I went in, and that was it. I have heard that some docs do it when you are on your period, but I wasn't on mine when I got it.

I like the idea of not having to remember to do ANYTHING to prevent pregnancy. I was never good with remembering my pills, and without perfect usage of one, the effective rate is in the 80% range. The IUD? Over 99%. All the time.

I have never gone back to my doc to have them check the string. Either I do it, or my husband does (it seems easier for him to lol), and I have never had any problems in that department.

I had a friend of mine get pregnant with one - she had NO problems. It was something that you need to have checked out IMMEDIATELY because it could be a tubal pregnancy, but she was fine. The doc took it out, watched her for a little bit, and 9 months later she had a perfectly healthy baby girl.

Over all, I love my IUD. I had a lot of cramping in the beginning that took a while to get rid of, but for me, it was worth it. Most women who are going to have it taken out do it within the first year. If it's something you really want, you just have to stick it out. It does get better. Oh, and as far as the lighter and shorter periods? I never got that wonderful side effect, but it might be because I'm not getting those hormones. Please let me know if you have anymore questions - I'd be happy to help.

M.,

I have had an IUD for about 16 months now. So to answer your questions...

1. I love it. A little rough on the insert and some minor cramping for a few days, but after that I have had smooth sailing.

2. I chose Mirena, only because I knew I would want kids within 4 years and Mirena only lasts 5. Looking back I think i should have considered the other copper option a bit more, because they were the same price and it does not use hormones. I am not easily affected by the hormone though, so I am doing just fine with the Mirena.

3. I did have to go back within a month after i had it inserted. Past that my doc only checks it at my yearly exam. I did go in for some other stuff and he asked if I wanted him to check it and I did have him do so. I read in "what to expect the first year" that you should have them checked Monthly, but that seems excessive to me. I would say every 6 mo to a year is fine, but I leave it up to my doctor. According to my doc, when you decide you want a baby you just have it removed. He said it might take awhile to conceive (as with any birth control removal/stop) but that’s it.

4. I have read up on if you get pregnant with one. According to what I have found if you catch it early you can have it removed and the baby will be just fine. I take a pregnancy test one a month just to be safe.

5. When my doctor first suggested the IUD i was very hesitant. He highly recommended it but I didn’t know about keeping something inside me for that long. I talked to friends at work (we had a rash of pregnancy there so there was like 6 new moms running around) and they ALL told me it was the way to go. I got pregnant with my first baby because I forgot to take the pill...and I didn't want that happening again. I am so happy with my decision. In fact I baby fever so bad now that I am thankful i have it. I might have done something rash like quit taking the pill on a whim...and now I have to call my doctor and make an appointment to have it removed. (because right now a baby would not be a good idea for money reasons) Usually between wanting a baby and calling the doc I step back and realize I should wait a year or two first.:)

I've used both the pill and IUD. I had my IUD put in after my 1st child which is ideal since your uterus is still expanded and minimizes the pain. I only felt a slight pinch and that was it. Really not bad. I have a friend who had an IUD inserted before she ever got pregnant and it hurt really bad so if you have one inserted go after you have a baby to minimize the pain. When I had it taken out it was a bit uncomfortable because I think it might have moved and plus I have a tilted uterus so that could have some thing to do with the pain. The pain was only for a a few minutes and then it was done. I had the copper/paraguard IUD. I didn't have to go back to my doctor to check on it. I just went to my yearly exam and they checked it and I was told to check for the string after my period (once a month). If you opt to get an IUD ask the doctor to tuck your string instead of cutting it too short. My SIL had her's cut really short and when she had it removed it really hurt and had moved to the side of her uterus. I wanted the paragurad because I didn't want to have any hormones but a couple of things I didn't like about it was that my periods lasted longer and sometimes it was uncomfortable during intercourse. I would have my period for a week (which is normal) and then for a week after I would spot. Nothing big but I hated having to wear a panty liner for an extra week. Also some positions that I like when my husband and I had intercourse were uncomfortable to me. Besides those two complaints the IUD was great. It turned out to be cheaper than to take the pill. I had to pay a $10 deductable for the pill each month and I actually didn't have to pay anything for the IUD since it was included with my pregnancy. Check with your insurance and see if that would be a benefit for you. I also loved the fact that I didn't have to worry about taking a pill everyday. Good luck with your decision. If you are done with your family there are other options that you can talk to your doctor about which are permanant and you don't have to worry about going back to have a new IUD inserted every 5 or 10 years. I've had a few friends that have had their husbands "snipped" and both the husband and wife say its not bad. A bit pain for for the guy for a day or 2 but nice to not worry about other birth control methods that need "up keep". Good Luck!

M.,

I have the Mirena. I love it for the convenience of not having to remember a pill everyday. You are supposed to go to the doctor about 6 weeks after you have it put in for the string check. I cancelled that appointment to save the co-pay b/c I could do my own string check at home. As long as you check your string at least once a month there is no need to see a doctor until you want it removed or if you are having any problems with it. I had problems with spotting for a few months at first, but that is part of the side effects. I think I am still having some issues mostly related to my son still nursing a little less some days than others. I found it also to be a lot cheaper than the pill b/c I only paid for the copays to have it put in. I think it was 2 copays, b/c you have to have some bloodwork before they put it in required by law. Best of luck with your decision.

I have the Mirena IUD and I love it! I haven't had a period in almost 4 years (because it thins the lining of the uterus periods are generally lighter or go away althogether). And I don't have to worry about if I took the pill, or catching up, or going to the pharmacy every month for a refill. It's just off my mind.
I think I went in after about a month to make sure it was still in. After that, the Doctor just checks it every year at your regular checkup (which you want to do annually if you have an IUD, even if it was less frequent before). The Mirena is good for 5 years and then the doc can take it out and even give you a new one. They also recommend that you check every month after your period to make sure the string is still there, but I've never worried about it.

There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) but because of how it works (thicker mucous and less frequent ovulation) it's not very likely. There are also cases of normal pregnancy (in the uterus) with and IUD but that is rare - not sure of what needs to happen there (this usually happens, though, when the IUD has come out). You may want to ask your doc about that.

Before you decide, talk with your insurance. Some companies will cover the pill but not an IUD. I think mine would have been about $500 without insurance (5 years ago) and the removal is anothe $100 or so (don't know why - he just pulls it out). If you don't plan on getting pregnant for at least 3 years, it is definitely worth it. But if you're thinking about getting pregnant sooner, consider the costs. The good news is, if you change your mind you can have it removed and get pregnant right away (one of my friends got pregnant a month later!)
Having an IUD put in can be quite uncomfortable. Take a good dose (600-800 mg) of Ibuprofin before you go in, and plan on hanging out for 15 minutes at least before getting dressed and leaving (they failed to mention this - thought I already new - and I nearly passed out in the waiting room as I was leaving). There can be cramping and bleeding/spotting (about like the last day or 2 of your period) for up to 6 weeks.

I had the IUD put in at my 6 week check up after I had my daughter. I have the Mirena (I think). Seriously so nice. My periods still come once a month but I don't have massive cramping like I use to and they are a whole lot lighter. I love not having to remember my pill (the whole reason I got pregnant with my daughter in the first place... I forgot). I did go in a month after it was inserted to check the strings (no biggie). I also want to say that the pills I was taking while nursing made me spot all the time and my doctor with my first kid said that was all I could take while nursing (thus the reason I stopped taking it). With the IUD they put it in at my 6 week check up (didn't feel a thing). Checked for the strings a month later (they didn't even really touch me just took a peek... so again no pain). Now my periods are lighter, I'm not cramping as much if it all. This is the life. When I want to get pregnant again I'll just have my doctor remove it. If it's not in the next 5 yrs maybe I'll just get a second one. Seriously this is awesome. I feel like myself (no hormonal issues) it is the best invention ever!!!

M.,
I had an IUD put in last March, I LOVE it. I always forgot to take the pill and didn't always like the way it made me feel and it is so much cheaper. 2 Doctor visits and with a simple co-pay I am saving hundreds!

2. I am not sure on the exact brand but I know that mine does not have hormones.
3. I went to the doctor to have it put in and then 3 months later to make sure it was still in place. No other visits for the next 10 year except your annual exam. (every month after your period you will just want to check and see if you can still feel the strings, easy to do)
4. Not sure what happens if you get prego have not had that problem.
5. If you get one give it LOTS OF TIME! It is hard to adjust to, you will spot lightly for the first few months. You might also have light spotting randomly after that and you might also have more light spotting during sex. This can be annoying but for me still worth it in the long run.
Best of luck.
N.

M.-

I don't have personal experience with the IUD, but I have friends who do. Some experiences with it have been positive and others have been negative.

I'd recommend visiting the sites of the IUDs you are considering (for example: Mirena.com) to verify all of the safety information available. By law, the FDA requires the manufacturers to have risks prominantly displayed on their websites. Then, I'd ask your OB/GYN what their experiences have been.

The pill is not without risk either, and the FDA has recently issued some new warnings for some products on the market because of the levels of hormones they supply. Again, I'd recommend visiting the sites to get all the information (good and bad) to make the best decision possible.

In addition to your OB/GYN, I'd recommend asking a pharmacist. They're trained much differently than physicians and have access to different information about products. They can probably give you a different perspective (and perhaps testimonials from other customers) on the products benefits and risks.

Well I had a horror story with mine...I had it put in and the doctor inserted too far and it went through my uterus into my abdomen and I had to have surgery to get it taken out. Did I mention it hurt like hell when they put it in? There are obvious reasons why mine hurt so bad, but I've heard other people say theirs hurt when it was put in too, so be prepared for that.

If all goes well I think they are great. If I had the courage I might consider getting one again, but I don't think I can do it.

FYI - I was conceived when my mom had an IUD, two of my cousins were conceived when their mom was on an IUD, and two of the nurses in my recovery room after the surgery were concieved on an IUD. They say they are very effective, but after sharing my story with others I've come across many people who have conceived while on an IUD.

I've had the mirena for a year and a half. The only thing I don't like is the spotting that seems to go on more than half the month. I was told it would stop after 1 year but at that point when I had my annual exam, they couldn't find it and after an ultrasound, found it in the right place but the strings are too short so they have gone up into me where the dr. couldn't see them. It still works so they said I can leave it in but I am annoyed with the longer periods (even though they are light) and stressed about how difficult it will be to get it out (I may have to have a D&C if they can't get it out in the office). My hubby just had a vasectomy last month so after we know he is for sure sterile (after a sample next week) I will be getting this out. I think they are safer then the pill, I liked mine but am bugged that the strings were too short and have to wear a liner half the month. I never was able to feel them but thought I just wasn't familiar with my body to know.