IUD - hormonal vs non

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2005
IUD - hormonal vs non
6
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 4:41pm
Hello ladies - I've just started hormonal BC again after being off for about 8 months, and I'm having trouble adjusting to it (nausea and headaches, plus it makes me depressed). That's made me start thinking about possibly getting an IUD, since it would be great to not have to think much about BC and I'm not planning on any kids for a few years. I've done a little basic research, and have a couple of questions. From what I can tell, there's a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD. Does anyone know if the failure rates vary between them? I've only been able to find one quote for both. Also, if the failure rates are about the same, what's the advantage of using the hormonal one? If anyone has tried them, what are your personal experiences with potentially increased menstruation and cramps? Is there anything else I should know about them/do you have any informational sites to recommend? Thanks a ton for any responses!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 6:09pm

I have a Mirena (the hormone one). Both of them have a less then 1% failure rate with perfect use (which it is because you don't have to do anything) much lower then any other form. The only thing more effective is sterilization.

The Mirena is known for decreasing periods and flow, a lot of women stop having them all together. The copper can cause heavier flow and heavier cramps in some women. The hormone level is quite low in the Mirena and doesn't bother most women as much as other hormonal BC.

The Mirena is good for 5 years, the copper for 10 years. You can get pregnant right away after removal of either. Mirena is recommended for women who have already had at least one baby, I'm not sure about the copper one.

I've only had mine for a month but so far I really like it. I did have a period soon after it was inserted but it was very light, and I had NO cramps (first time for that). It was uncomfortable to have placed but not painful,I had some cramping and bleeding the rest of the day. I chose to use it because my DH is on medication that can cause birth defects and we wanted something that was as effective as possible and had little "user" error.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 9:42pm

Hi kudzukitten, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2005
Tue, 02-13-2007 - 7:57am
Hi - thanks for your response! I did see that the Mirena can sometimes stop periods alltogether, which I'd have mixed feelings about. On the one hand, it'd be really nice not to have to deal with that; on the other, I had a pregnancy scare a month ago and I think I'm still a little sensitive about missed/late periods. I *do* really like the idea of not having to do anything for several years (!) at a time. Did your doctor have you come in for a follow-up visit? How long was the appointment to get it placed? I saw something somewhere that you should have someone else drive you home afterwards; were the cramps bad enough for that to potentially be a good idea?
thanks very much!
-Beth
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2005
Tue, 02-13-2007 - 7:59am
Hi - thanks, I did see the post in the FAQs, and it was helpful. And I appreciate the link - I should've thought to check the Planned Parenthood website. Since I haven't had children and I kind of like the reassurance of getting my period I think the copper one might be better - do you know if they check for copper allergies first? Or do they just ask you to come back in if you're having problems?
thanks very much!
-Beth
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Tue, 02-13-2007 - 8:18am

The appt was my post partum appt. So the entire thing was about 45 min. I think if it has just been the appt for the IUD it would have been maybe 20 min. There is a follow up appt a month later to check to be sure there is no infection, which is a small possibility after having it placed.

I like that it was effective immediately and there was no waiting time. I've never heard of an actual story of someone having cramps so bad they couldn't drive home, and I know a few women that have Mirena. I actually didn't have any cramping right away. They started a few hours later and an Ibuprofen was enough to help.

There are strings that actually hang out of your cervix into your vagina that you can feel for, so that you are sure it's still in. You are supposed to check for them after a period. Not all doctors will place an IUD in women who haven't had at least one child, I believe it's because there is a small chance for uterine rupture. You'd have to speak with yours about that.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 02-13-2007 - 1:42pm

Hi again hon,


>>do you know if they check for copper allergies first? Or do they just ask you to come back in if you're having problems?<<


A copper/nickel allergy

      Jill