effectivness of the mirena IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2004
effectivness of the mirena IUD
5
Thu, 05-27-2004 - 9:07pm
I was just wondering if anyone out there has the mirena IUD? I just got mine put in yesterday and I am a little scared about it's effectivness. I am nervous about using it as my only birth control even though it claims to be 99% percent effective ( I would be that 1 percent). We have always used condoms or the pull out method before. I am so nervous because I know I can get pregnant really easily(we were trying for less than a month before we got pregnant with our second child). Anyway I would really like to hear back from some of you who have had it for awhile and not had any problems or those of you have had problems. Thanks alot ladies.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 10:19am
I've had the MIRENA IUD for about 9 months now and it's been our only form of birth control and we haven't had any problems....I did have period adjustments the first few months (heavier periods-2 periods per month lasting 2 weeks sometimes)...but they have gone away and my periods now are basicly just slight spotting for a few days....
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 3:49pm
Hi there--

I usually just lurk this board, but I just had to reply to your post-- If you read your package insert for the Mirena IUD, it says statistically, the Mirena is more effective than tubal ligation--by something minimal like four tenths of a percentage point in the first three years or something--but still, I found that incredibly comforting. Like you, I find the thought of becoming pregnant more than just inconvenient or a matter of poor timing. I simply can't even deal with the idea. So--my DBF and I use Mirena. Just Mirena. I trust it mostly because even though it's the "only" BC we use, in itself it's two in one, the IUD and the hormones, and I've noticed those working in the way my period has changed since the insertion. I would watch that, and as you get used to having the IUD in and see that it does work, and influence you in ways that are somewhat noticeable that you will become more confident. Plus really--this involves NO human error, like the other methods you mentioned. It just works, and far better than the ones all the scary stories are about from the 70s.

Have you and your husband/SO ever discussed a vasectomy? I am trying to talk DBF into one--the spirit is willing, but the flesh won't even get off its butt to go to the doctor for a checkup, much less an invasive procedure! That would definitely be a way to make sure no more pregnancies happen--Mirena+vasectomy and in another three months or so you guys will be sleeping through the night forever! (unless you CHOOSE to do something else--wink wink! Or until the kids learn to drive, whichever comes first...)

Good luck and hang in there!

Gypsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2004
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 7:49pm
Thanks alot for your response. I did read the insert that came with my IUD but I was still a little paranoid. I think now I am ok with trusting it. And yes I have tried to talk my husband into a vasectomy(until i was blue in the face)with absolutely no luck. I have even threatend to "never give him any ever again" but that never works, I always fold(lol). He claims that he wants one more baby(I dont know why we have one of each)but I know because he has admitted to it,that it all boils down to him having something unpleasent done to his "manhood". Anyway, like I said thanks alot for your feedback hope to chat with you again soon.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Sat, 05-29-2004 - 4:16pm
Hi there, I had a Mirena IUD put in 4 weeks ago after a pg loss due to chromosonal stuff, long story, told I could not get pg for at least 1 year, Mirena was recommended as the most effective reversible BC. AF was odd the first time, bled for two weeks, not much just enough to be annoying :)

DH was so apprehensive about IUD as it's 'out of sight' he wouldn't touch me for a while, just didn't 'trust it', I get pregnant really easily so it's an issue, he has since relented due to 'frustration' and things are great, it's so nice not have to worry. I would absolutely have another, it's really liberating to not have to do anything and be safe.

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-18-2003
Tue, 06-01-2004 - 10:15pm
I've had mirena for about 6 months and have had no problems, not even the dreaded 2 week period. I have had my cycle on time each month, and it's getting shorter and lighter each time. It's great not to worry about BC all the time, I hope it works out for you :o)

To those that have been on the mirena awhile, did you periods eventually stop? I had heard that might happen, but have not heard or spoken to anyone that actually had this experience, just wondering, thanks!