I hated the hormonal side effects I had with the pill when I was taking it a few years ago-- headaches, weight gain, terrible mood swings-- so I have been considering getting an IUD. I was looking at Mirena or Paragard. I like that Paragard doesn't have hormones and is immediately effective, but there are a lot of women who really like Mirena. My biggest fear with either is the risk of it perforating my uterus. I've also heard that some women have a lot of continual abdominal pain but I don't know if that's because the IUD was improperly placed by the GYN or if it's a common side effect.
I'm looking to hear not just the positive but the drawbacks too. If you think the risks outweigh the benefits, please tell me so. I want to be able to make a well informed decision about this. Thanks in advance!
I had a Mirena IUD placed in September '08 and I'm satisfied thus far. It's been a relief not having to worry about birth control anymore. I had some discomfort for 3 days after it was placed (comparable to strong menstrual cramps) and some light bleeding for 4 weeks afterward which necessitated my wearing pantyliners during that time. Since then, things have been perfectly normal.
If you're considering getting an IUD, I would just make sure you research it extensively online and speak to your doctor about it. You should be thoroughly aware of all the potential risks and benefits before making your decision. I was told a lot of horror stories about having it placed and I had no such issues. My gynecologist has ample experience with the procedure and answered all of my questions beforehand. It was the right decision for me and I'm glad I did.
I have the mirena. It is a normal side effect with the abdominal pain but if it gets really painful then you would have to address the doctor. I have had mirena in for almost four years have had no problems with it really.
Hi V.! I myself have never had an IUD, but I have 2 friends who have had terrible results. One friend had the IUD dislodge and was rushed to the hospital in horrible pain. At this point they feel strongly that the damage will keep her from having any more children. The other has so much scar tissue she hasn't been able to conceive over a year after having it removed. When I brought these cases to my Dr's attention (when he was telling me an IUD was the best option for me), he waved it off and said "those were rare situations" I don't have a huge circle of friends, so for me to know 2 people with horrible results was enough for me. I think the risks STRONGLY outweigh the benefits.
On a side note, we decided on the rhythms method (because I didn't want to take any hormones) and we had great results. It wasn't difficult and I didn't get pregnant for over two years (and I'm one of those very, very fertile girls:) The month we decided to try for another baby, I got pregnant! Just another option to think about. Good luck! :)
V.,
I had the IUD put in and it was perfectly in place when I got pregnant (without knowing) last August. I ended up with an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and was life threatening. Since my experience, I have talked to many other women who had the same thing happen. I had to have emergency surgery to remove the damaged fallopian tube. I strongly recommend that you don't get it. I can totally relate to what you're saying about the pill but it is much safer. Any questions, feel free to ask me.
I had the Mirena placed about 6 months ago. It was painful the first day from having it placed, but felt fine after that. I had light spotting off and on for a month or two. I had mild acne for first few months (which almost made me want to take it out). Currently, the acne issue has resolved. Since the first few months, I have only had 1 or 2 days of light spotting. I just had my first period last week. I am breastfeeding my 8 month old with no negative effects. I enjoy having protection without having to give it a second thought. I also like the fact that after you take it out, you can get pregnant right away. I have to admit though, after reading the other responses you got, I was a little freaked out. But I do think that those are rare instances. Every medical intervention has possible risks. Overall, I am very happy with my Mirena.
