Advice needed: back on pill, or try IUD?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2006
Advice needed: back on pill, or try IUD?
6
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 10:07am

Hi, everyone! I could use some advice. I was on the pill (Ortho-Cept and then Ortho-Cyclen) for about 11 years. I decided earlier this year to stop taking the pill, at least for a while. Overall, my experience on the pill was great. My periods were regular, I didn't have bad cramps, no weight gain, etc. Unfortunately, I was getting a bad headache or two during my period, and I felt like my sex drive was becoming non-existent. So I've been off the pill since February. The headaches are less frequent, and I feel like my libido has returned.

But now the "thrill" of using condoms with my husband has worn off (and it really was kind of fun for a while, trying out different kinds of condoms), and I'm ready to get back to a spontaneous sex life. I told my doctor I'd like to explore other options besides the pill, because I'm concerned about the libido issue, but that I'd also like to avoid messing with my hormones too much, since my mother finally had to stop taking the pill in her 30s because of menstrual migraines, and I'm afraid I'm heading that way. He recommended Mirena.

I'm not sure whether I should go with Mirena or go back on the pill. After I tried to switch to Seasonale a while back, I learned that it's very important to me to have regular, predictable periods. I get that with the pill, but I also get the occasional headache and the lowered sex drive. I'm just afraid to make the leap to the IUD since (1) I don't really know what to expect and (2) it's not as easy to stop as the pill is.

I'm at a place where I'm thinking the devil I know is better than the devil I don't. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Thanks for any advice you can give!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 2:37pm
Hi, Emily. Marina does contain a small amount of hormone, which might lighten periods. You had good luck with the pill, but, an IUD can have side effects too, it can be considerably more expensive, if that's a concern, and the insertion process can be uncomfortable. You're a good candidate for one, being in a monogamous relationship, but, be aware the most common side effect with the nonhormonal IUD is cramping and heavier bleeding. I was able to wear mine for a couple of years, and loved it, until it got too painful, but, I'm considering it again. You might wanna try nuvaring or the patch, prescription barrier methods are good, but wouldn't be as spontaneous as you might want. Hope that helps a little. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Amie
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 3:56pm

Hi emily_jd, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 4:00pm
I used the mirena for about 3 years or so after being on the pill since I was 18 (I'm now 35).I had a wonderful experience with the IUD....the "worst" side effects usually happen in the first few months/weeks after getting it and some women have NO side effects.For me the first few months after getting it my periods were longer and heavier (lasting 14+ days and coming 2 weeks apart--ANNOYING!!!).But a few months they settled down to just once a month.Cramping would come and go but ibuprofen helped with that.At about 1 year I was spotting for a week as a period.Around the 2 year mark I was spotting for about 3 days as a period.at about 3 years my periods were just 1-2 days of spotting.so I was very happy with my experience.I had to pay full price for it ($400+) and file papers to be paid back by my insurance co-ANNOYING! Insertion-yes it hurts being put in but it's like bad cramps or something.I had a deadening shot "down there" and just felt lots and lots of pressure.Cramping lasted a few days after getting it but again mega doses of ibuprofen helped that and they did go away-and came only when AF was coming. The only reason I had mine taken out was I was having problems with cysts and my dr decided to tie my tubes....whatever you decide I hope you have good luck......
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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 4:43pm

I just thought I'd share my experience as well... I've used the pill and both types of IUDs (Minera and paragard). So far for me, paragard wins, hands down. Personally, I love being hormone free, it is the best I've felt while using any form of BC.

I guess my periods are a little longer now with pargard (7 days); however it is hard to compare since I've been on BC most of my adult life, so I don't really know what it would be like without paragard or hormones. My libido is definitely stronger now than it ever was when I used hormonal BC (including when I used Minera).

As far as what the other poster said about the cost of the IUD, well, if you have insurance it can actually be the cheapest method out there. Personally I paid just $10 copay one time when I went in for the insertion and that is it. With pills I would have paid at least $10 a month. However, even if I had paid the full price of the IUD (about $400) it lasts for 10 years, which is less than the $1200 I would pay in copays for the pill in that same time frame.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Wed, 10-11-2006 - 6:15pm

It seems like you've got some great advice already but I thought I'd respond...it seems like it comes down to how annoyed with the hormones you are. Are you willing to give Yas/Yasmin or NuvaRing a shot, or want to go straight to the IUD, whether it be the Mirena or Paragard? Migraines are not unheard of to get on Mirena as well, fyi. You may want to consider the Paragard if your natural periods are not too heavy/crampy, but it's something to talk about with your doctor. Trying out hormonal methods take a few months in your system to adjust to as well, so that would take time and could lead to frustration, but would be cheaper to try out.

If you get regular periods when you are cycling naturally, once your body adjusted to the IUD you would most likely have them again, but they would be shorter or longer and lighter or heavier depending on what type you got.

I had to go off the pill because it interfered with my medications and I wasn't protected. I had to choose whether to keep taking it for the sake of short and regular periods and use condoms, or get an IUD and be protected. I opted for the Paragard. The turning point for me though was when my periods started getting longer and longer on the pill due to the drug interactions. Probably would have gotten the Paragard eventually though.

Hope you find something that works!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2000
Sat, 10-14-2006 - 3:05pm

I just wanted to say that so far I've loved the Mirena IUD. I was on the pill for six years and got married more than a year ago. I discovered that I have a genetic gene disorder that put me at more risk of blood clots, so my doctor suggested that maybe I try the Mirena now that I was married and was not planning on having children for a few years. I was very hestitant to do it... but am now very happy with my decision.


The main things I like about the Mirena: (1) Cheaper... I was paying $420 a year for birth control pills. For the Mirena, I paid a one time co-pay of $130 and it is good for five years. (2) I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day. (3) The progesterin in Mirena is released directly into the uterus, so I don't feel the effects of the hormones like I would if it were in pill form. (4) I love the spontenaety of sex with my husband. (5) My periods are further apart and much much lighter. I only need a pantyliner! No pads or tampons!


What I don't like about the Mirena: (1) The insertion hurt very very much. But that could have just been because I've never had children. (2) My pre-birth control acne has come back. I do not believe the Mirena is causing my acne. I had acne problems before I started on the pill, which the pill then controlled... but now I'm no longer taking those hormones, so the acne has returned.


The fact of the matter with an IUD is that even if you end up not liking it... you can have it removed! But I'd give it a try. It's a great long-term method and very convient and cost-effective!

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