I.U.D.s

I had the paragard (no hormone IUD) inserted 8 years ago and love it! I do get longer periods (5 days compared to 7 days now) but it's worth it because I don't have to worry about taking a pill or anything. Definitely worth the money!

I just had mine removed after almost 9 years. I loved having it! I found that I often had spotting between periods so I always wore a panty shield. Otherwise, it was great -- insertion and removal were easy. My husband just had a vasectomy, so I decided to take out the IUD. Good luck.

I have a paraguard and have had a great experience with it.
Insertion was quick and about as painful as a menstrual cramp. I was nursing at the time, so when my period did come back the first one was heavy. But, they have since lightened up.
The paraguard is copper and has no hormones.
Talk to your GYN and see what they recommend for you.

Hi there. I had a non hormonal IUD after my first baby, and found that it made my periods incredibly heavy - they had always been quite bad but just become intolerable. I was given medication to control the bleeding but eventually had to have it out.
Have now had baby #2 and am sure I do not want any more. 4 weeks ago I had a Mirena IUD put in as I was told the hormone in that would help with the bleeding. I also have a history of anxiety and depression and have found that the Mirena has made no difference at all to that. I have been told that the hormone is very low dose as it acts locally and so is OK even for people who cannot cope with the birth control pill (which never suited me). I am still getting erratic bleeding but was told that this is normal and will settle after a few months.
The insertion with both was pretty painful but is very quick. I went a bit dizzy afterwards but that passed after 10 mins or so. I could feel it for the first 24 hours but that has passed and now I don't notice it.
I think that so long as the bleeding settles down then I will be very pleased with it. I wouldn't rule out the Mirena just because of anxiety as I have found it has made no difference.
Hope you find something that suits you!

Like many of other moms I have the Paraguard. Hormones do terrible things to me emotionally and destroy my libido (maybe that's why it works for some!). I have had my second IUD for almost two years now - I had my first for about two years before we decided to try for another baby. I got pregnant two DAYS after I had it removed!!

Insertion was fine and I had very heavy periods for about 3 months, but once you know that might happen you'll be prepared and it's not a problem. I need to go back and have the strings trimmed because my husband can feel them (they're plastic like fish line) but that didn't happen the first time.

The most important caution you will get from your doctor is about infection. They want to be sure you are in a committed relationship because sexually transmitted diseases can be a nightmare with an IUD.

I am happy, healthy and hormore-free! Good luck with your research and deision making - it was a no-brainer for me!

I tried the merena. I gained weight and lost my hair and just felt horrible on it. I didnt get a period at all and felt was nervous about PG the whole time. I would not reccommend this one

C., I have the exact IUD that you are looking into. It's called the Paragard. I am a 30YO single mom of two boys. their dad and I divorced 3 years ago. My body doesn't react well to hormones either for the same reasons. I suffer from Depression and Anxiety. I'm hoping that changes one of these days but anyway; I didn't want to get pregnant by my boyfriend for obvious reasons (not married, live on my own, two is plenty for me right now, blah blah blah) I looked into it the IUD's and felt that the Paragard was the best match for many reasons; -I forget things and so pills are ruled out, - the depo-shot made me blow up and even more emotional, etc. The Paragard has no hormones and last for 10 years and the Mirena has hormones and last upto 5 yrs ( Mirena is not for you if you anxiety issues). When I told my doctor that I was sure about it and was soooo nervous because I hate pain, I set the appointment. I took off from work that day and believe me there was no need. It pinched as if I was getting a pap done and I was poked or something. My period was a little heavy the next month. Sex was ehh-weird the very first time after having it put in but I think it was in my head and just nervous. We have great crazy sex now and it's not at all uncomfortable. Right after the proceedure, I was crampy but a day or so after, I was feeling great. It's been two years. my boyfriend and I do not use a condom and are far from missionary in the bedroom and (knock on wood) have not gotten pregnant. My cycle comes like clock work. It last exactly 6 days and that's about it. I swear by this product. With two little guys, It's nice not having to worry about one more thing.

i would instead have hubby get fixed. with your concerns, why even take a chance. its so simple now. after all, you had the 2 kids, now it can be his turn, lol.

good luck:)

I also have the Mirena as birthcontrol like the last mom said it last for 5 years. I stopped menstrating after 3 mnths and in that 3 mnths I only had light spotting but I also got it 6 wks after I had my youngest son but I do know that it decreases the flow. It was a little cramping to get it inserted and it is a intrauterine device other then the IUD they put in your arm. There is very little upkeep with it. The only thing they suggested is that you check for the strings to make sure it is still in place. I love it. I never ever think about the face I have birth control because it is unnoticable. Here is the website.

http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp?247SEM

Have you considered vasectomy?! It is painless (for you, especially;), has very low risk of any side effects and the recovery is quick and easy. The procedure itself is amazingly simple and he will be back at work within a day. As a doctor, I am still amazed that more couples do not choose this option instead of risking Mommy's health with pills, operations and IUD's.

I had the Mirena IUD put in about 8 weeks after I had my son. I had a lot of random bleeding for about 6 months. Now my periods are finally regular again. Short and lighter. They say that eventually you could have no bleeding...I'm waiting for that day. HAHA! I like it because I don't have to think about taking some lil pill everday and so on. I really have no complaints about it at all. The insertion process was like having a pap smear, it took 30 seconds and was done. I know there can be some side effects but I'm not really seeing any. I just hope that I can have more children one day when I have it removed. (The mirena is for up to 5 yrears, but you can always have it taken out if you wanted too, earlier)

i may get a tounge lashing from somebody out there who is in love with their mirana (spalling?) but i had this put in after my first daughter about three years ago and had it removed within 6 months as it put about 50 lbs on me. A lot of people in the medical profession will tell you it was not the iud but after consulting nurses i know i found it is a side effect that is just not very common... needless to say three or four months of weight gain then took three years to get off. So as for me i will never use an iud again. then again i know lots of girls who love them so whatever you chose i hope it works for you. good luck.

I had my IUD put in 8 years ago. Mine was a non-hormonal one. My periods were heavier for about 6 months, but a lot less painful. Placing it is like having a pelvic exam, uncomfortable, but absolutely bearable. I'm getting a new one in 3 months. It has worked beautifuly for me.

I have the mirena iud, I love it, I guess it was a slightly uncomfortable insertion, but nothing to freak out about.
It is only good for 5 years and I am on year 2. For the first couple of months my period got lighter and lighter and now I cant remember the last time I had one. Now I call that a positve experience. Good luck to you

I have the Mirena IUD and I love it. It only lasts 5 years, and has very little hormones. I suffer from depression and refused to go back on BC Pills after having my 3 kids. The one thing I have heard about the 10 year IUD is that it increases your blood flow during your period, whereas the Mirena decreases the flow. Good luck! M.

hey i used to have the COpper T IUD for a year the procedure was crampy but fast your period will get heavier and last longer than usual...intercourse with the iud was uncomfortable for me,when my period was near i would get really bad cramps my lower back and legs would really hurt...i decided after a year of going back and forth to my doctor to ask why i was feeling all this....to take it out....so i just got the essure permanet birth control www.essure.com go check it out if you have any more questions about it feel free to message me....good luck in anything you decide to do :)

I got the Mirena IUD & have no regrets. It did feel weird at first...a little cramping & just a feel of something being "there". But, I don't feel it at all now. I had dome breakthrough bleeding at first. I've had it in since January of 2006 & have had maybe five days worth of periods since then. BONUS! =) All you need in your house is panty liners...no more tampons or bulky pads. I do not regret getting the IUD at all. I was considering the copper IUD because it doesn't have hormones, but that seemed to have more side-effects. I wanted something that didn't have hormones, but that didn't seem worth it. The Mirena IUD has very little hormones & doesn't effect you the way the pill might if you're sensitive to that. I used to be on Depo-Provera because I loved not getting a period & not worrying about having to remember to take a pill every day. That had too many hormones. The IUD was & is the best option for me. I highly recommend it.

Take care,
A.

I have a 6 mo and just got my IUD two months ago. I love it. I can't tell you enough how wonderful it is to have. No worry about getting pregnant again, no fuss with contraception and no crazy side effects from the pill, etc.

I got the Paraguard because I was breastfeeding and thought the hormone in Merina would hurt the baby. I was wrong, the hormone is localized in your uterus and according to my Dr. doesn't go into your blood stream. If I had to do it again, I would get the Marina because it gives you lighter periods. My has not returned yet, but it will be heavier, which is a bummer, but worth it for the freedom of the IUD.

It is not painless to put it in, it hurts a lot but only for a few days. Well worth it. I have no pain or problems now and don't feel a thing. I LOVE having it. It is expensive, but your insurance should reimburse you.

Hey C.,
What about just having your tubes tied, or your hubby having a vasectomy? I know someone else spoke about the Essure procedure a couple posts down but I have heard that that isnt very effective...not like any of them are 100% but with that they insert little metal coil looking things into your tubes and then scar tissue grows and builds up around it....if that doesnt happen your chances of getting pregnant are just the same as not having it there at all...With a tubal ligation you can have the fallope rings put on if you werent sure about not wanting any more children....Either the tubal ligation or the vasectomy can be done in an outpatient surgical center...the vasectomy can even be done in the office!! Hope this helps!!
Meg :)

Hi C.,

I had an IUD put in about 5 months ago and i absolutely love it! My periods are definitely heavier and longer, but I feel that it's worth it to not have to worry about taking a pill or anything for 10 years. I have no side effects other than that. Hope it works out for you!

I have one of those bad IUD stories to share (though I have friends who have better luck). My conclusion is to make sure you have a really good doctor inserting it by the book and make sure you see that doctor of you have any concerns.

I had an IUD put in at the doctor’s office 4 months after the birth of my second child. The process was slightly uncomfortable, but barely. I'd read and was following all the instructions. After a few weeks, I still felt uncomfortable - especially when physically active. After getting assurances that IUDs are simply uncomfortable the first month, the doctor had me come in to check things out. She could not locate the strings and had to schedule an out-patient process to remove the IUD. During the simple procedure, the doctor discovered that the IUD had perforated my uterus, was embedded into my bladder and starting to enter my intestines. I ended up having abdominal surgery that had its own further complications. Things appear to be fine now, but I would suggest using caution.

I have since heard it could have been inserted wrong or something. In any case, make sure you have a doctor with a good history who is inserting it by the book. Then, you too must follow the instructions provided. Good luck.

I have the Mirena IUD, lasts for 5 years. The insertion was uncomfortable and there was some cramping, but it went away within 48 hours. I've had it for about 1 year, so far, so good! My periods are lighter, sometimes only needing a liner, although they last a little longer (about 7 days). I would go with an IUD again, no pills to remember, extreamly low level of hormones to deal with. 2 downfalls, I feel cramping every month more so than I did before and it doesn't help with acne!

Hi C.
Well having inserted the IUD eleven months ago,I think I can give a little advice. However bear in mind that everyone,s experience is different. I have two children and did not opt so a TL so when my gyno suggested this method which I had not even thought about it, I decided to go ahed the same day I was in my doctor's office. The procedure for me was painful but bearable however my girlfriend who had it done shortly after me said it was awful, she even vomitted and felt very sick during the procedure. However mind was not as bad, but the after effects is what I'm finding difficult to cope with. I have very bad cramps just before the period comes on and I have longer periods lasting 6 to 7 days now at the age of 45. I also have the period coming sometimes 14 days sometimes as long as a forty day cycle so I can't plan around it. Its difficult to keep up it. I do have pain killers that I got from my gyno but hate taking tablets esp for pain. U have to check at the end of each period to ensure the string is in place. However the positive part that once the period is over u can relax and not worry about condoms or remebering to take ur pilss etc. Some persons however have had good results and once fitted properly its worth the try. I have heard colleague speak about the comfort and ease of using IUd's for years so All the best and hope it works. Its easily reversible with little or no horrmonal side effects and thats what I was looking for

If you are sure you're not going to have kids then get your husband fixed(ha!ha!). That's what my husband and I decided when we were done. My husband was unconfortable for about 3 days and I babied him for it. Now we don't have to worry about birth control. I know I didn't want to be on some kind of birth control for the rest of my life and our insurance company covered it. Good luck.

Hi C.,
I am a mother of one son, almost two years old. My husband and I want to wait a few more years before trying to have another baby and I choose an IUD as my new form of birth control. I chose the one that lasts up to 5 years. I did a lot of research and like you, I did not want to take birth control pills. I am very happy with my decision (insertion was in the beginning of March). The insertion was uncomfortable- mild cramping. It only took a few minutes. For a few days after, the mild cramping continued (with spotting). The cramping was very mild, like average period cramping. I still get my period every month (I know some women eventally do not with an IUD), but I do have a little spotting every day I would definately would do it again. I hope this helps with your decision.
Good luck

I have a 4 month old baby girl. 6 weeks after her birth, the doctor inserted Mirena... it was painless for me, I didn't even know it was all done! My sister in law had Mirena inserted the same week (our children share a birthday!), and she said it was incredibly painful for her. I had spotting for about 6 weeks, but the spotting stopped. My sister in law had hers removed (painlessly) a week ago because she said the hormones were making her nuts; I have not had any uncomfrotable side effects or noticaeble reaction to the hormones. everyone is differentm, of course. Its just interesting how we both had the same thing inserted at the same time after our first births and we had such different reactions. I love the fact that I won't be getting periods! Good luck with your decision.

I have the nonhormonal IUD and love it. Insertion was painless and my periods aren't any heavier or more painful.

I have the Mirena and love it.(I've had it now for 6 months) I had some cramping during and after insertion...like bad period cramps. This did not last long at all. Then, for the first 2 weeks, some mild cramps and some spotting. But, since then, no worries!! I can't feel it,my husband can't feel it, and I have lighter periods that are starting to disappear all together! It has been a great thing. I am almost 40 with one child. On another note, I read a response from a woman who claims that IUD's cause continuous abortions! CRAZY talk! Talk to your Dr., weigh the information and make an informed decision. Good luck!!

I had the paraguard inserted almost a year ago.My obgyn recommended this one because I have fibroids so the mirena wasn't an option for me since it has hormones. I did feel a pinch that made me jump when it was put in place. My dr. Said he looks for that jump which ensures him that it's in place.I didn't experience any cramping after however my cycle is heavier and longer which I hated but I'm used to it now. All in all it is worth it to me.

After 4 kids, the last two twins, I had a paragaurd inserted last august and it has been great. It is uncomfortable when inserted but not terrible, motrin helps for about 24 hours. My period was very heavy for about 6 months and then tapered off. I do not notice the device most of the time. I highly recommend it.
Good luck.

If you guys do not want any more kids why does not your hubby get "fixed"?

Hi C.,

I have the mirena...its been in for about 3 months now and its going very well. I just notice a weird cramping around my "behind" area...(sorry i know its weird but hey you asked, lol) when ai get my cycle...nothing a lil motrin cant help! Also it was a it painful during insertion...and I know you want the 10 year one with no hormones, but that one tends to make you have more drastic periods. I have been told that the tiny amounts of hormoes that are in mirena get absorbed directly into the uterus and do not hit the blodd stream so you will not feel any bad hormone side effects and to date I havent had any side effects at all. My cycles are lighter and more regular. I am happy with my choice and would do it again! Good Luck

Had an IUD in my 20s. It hurt going in, but then all was fine till my period came and the pain was excruciating. The cramps were like nothing I ever felt. Went back to the GYN and said take it out. He told me I was experiencing pain because I never had children, so it is something to think about. Went back to the pill. After I had my 2 children, I decided to get the depoprovera shots, had 2 in 6 months, it was like the worst case of PMS in all the months I had it. I didn't even recognize myself. But you have to remember one thing, everything works differently for everyone. Not all will experience the same effects. So this is something you should ask your GYN. And if soemthing doesn't work, there are other options. Good luck.