Mirena vs ParaGard
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| Tue, 03-21-2006 - 10:16am |
Hi-I am new here and have a few IUD questions that I hope you can help me with.
My husband's insurance changed and they will finally cover an IUD - I am all up for that. I haven't taken BCP for 8 years (we have used condoms). I have normal cycles, lasting 5-6 days. Cramps aren't bad (maybe one day) and controlled with advil. I also have 2 children (11 and 8)
Mirena: I like the idea that my periods may disappear altogether with this :) But it contains hormones. Will this affect me (weight gain and mood swings)?
ParaGard: Many have stated that their periods got much heavier, longer, and the cramps are constant. Is this normal?
Has anyone been on one and switched to the other and been happier?
I will be visiting the Dr. within the next 2 weeks and would just like to have some insight as to which I would like.
**Also - I am going on vacation on May 18. Do you think that the bleeding will stop by then?
Thanks so much!! Melissa

I actually have had both a Mirena and a ParaGard, so I'll share my experience.
I was advised that due to my family history of heart disease, I should avoid birth control with estrogen - so that meant the end of the pill for me. Even though I haven't had any children, my doctor was open to the possibility of an IUD. I was in a monogamous relationship at the time -so I did my research and decided the Mirena sounded the best because it could reduce the length of my periods. It only has progesterone in it - so it was an "ok" hormone for me.
I had the Mirena inserted during my period and then had 3 periods after that. No months of bleeding, no mid-cycle spotting. The 3 periods got progressively lighter and after the last one - I didn't have a period for 2 years. Which was wonderful!! Conversely, I did have some side effects from the hormone - mainly related to water retention (my ankles were constantly swollen - annoying, but not really harmful). I think it also reduced my sex drive slightly - but I can't be sure it was the Mirena.
When that monogamous relationship I was in ended, I decided to have the Mirena removed, since I'd be back in the dating pool and they don't recommend IUDs if you're not monogamous. My regular periods resumed almost exactly 1 month after having the Mirena removed.
Once I found a new guy to be steady with - I decided to try the ParaGard this time around. Again, I had the ParaGard inserted during my period. The insertion was a bit more painful than the Mirena, but I don't think that had anything to do with the IUD...more likely it was the position of my cervix/uterus at the time (it can change positions during your cyle). After the IUD insertion, I had some cramping - but nothing I couldn't handle. My period was a regular (for me) 6 day period - after which the bleeding stopped and I had no mid-cycle bleeding.
After the first full month with the ParaGard - I got my next period right on schedule - but this time it was crampier and heavier than usual. The first couple of days, I found myself using Super Plus tampons - which I'd never used before. That period lasted 7 days (just 1 day longer than I had been used to). The next month, it wasn't quite as crampy or heavy - but I still used Super tampons. The 3rd month - again -not as crampy - not as many Super tampons. By the 4th month, I'd say my periods were back to normal. Lasting about 6 days with only minor cramps the first day.
Best of all - I don't have any lasting side effects from the ParaGard. My doctor even noted that the heavier bleeding and cramping usually does get better after few months with the ParaGard in (which is exactly what I experienced).
Bottom line - I probably would have stuck with the Mirena if I hadn't ended that monogamous relationship - just because I loved not having my period. However, since I had a reason to have it out - I decided to reclaim my ankles and I'm very happy with the ParaGard too. I love having a reliable birth control that I don't have to think about everyday and that keeps my body free of hormones.
Hope that helps!
Hi Melissa,
I had the Mirena IUD inserted in December. And I love it! I didn't really have much spotting after I had it inserted. In fact, I was on my period when it was inserted and my period actually stopped the next day. I haven't had a problem with unusual spotting but have gone on to have a period in January, February, and now March. The periods are like five weeks apart and they are very light and don't last too long. I'm expecting in the next few months for my periods to stop all together.
Even though the Mirena has progesterine, it hasn't caused me any unusual problems. No weight or anything.
Mirena gets my vote!