How to choose? Mirena or Paragard????
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How to choose? Mirena or Paragard????
| Wed, 05-16-2007 - 12:05am |
Hi everyone,
I am new. I gave birth to my 4th child. We were only supposed to have 3. I am in search of birth control. I have an appt. next week for IUD. How do I determine which is best? How did you?
I have heard that the hormone in the Mirena doe not affect your total body as does the pill, b/c Mirena's hormone is released locally. Is this true?
Can anyone give advice on this?
Thanks

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For me I chose the Mirena because DH and I are pretty sure we're only having one child. So I knew and IUD would be effect until we make the permanent decision. Also DH is on some medication that can cause birth defects so we needed something VERY effective and idiot proof. IUDs are the most effective form of reversible BC out there.
I chose the Mirena because it's known for lighter (or non-existent) periods. The copper IUD can sometimes cause heavier longer period. The amount of hormone in the Mirena is minimal and if you've never had a problem with other hormonal methods it most likely won't bother you either. There are some women who chose it because the hormone are MORE localized even though they do circulate. I think there is a least one Mirena user here (megan) who can't use other hormonal BC but loves the Mirena. So you're right that it doesn't affect the rest of your body the same way.
My libido is back and I have lost about 18lbs since having it in. The pill really killed my libido so this is a nice change.
The 5 year mark was also a plus for me. It's when we said we'd decide on the permanent decision.
I had it inserted at my 6 week check up. I took some ibuprofen right before hand. I had a little pinch and it was in. It wasn't painful for me at all. The speculum really was more painful. I had moderate to heavy spotting for about a week. I had cramps for a day or two. Then I had spotting off and on for about 6 weeks. It only interfered with my sex life a few times. I haven't had a period since I stopped spotting, one of the main benefits. It does take some women 3-6 months to adjust to having an IUD.
DH can't feel the strings during sex, I asked a lot at the beginning because I was paranoid.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask :D
Hi there,
You really have to look at the benefits of each. I've been using the Mirena and have felt no effects of the hormones. It only uses progesterine and releases in directly into the uterus, some of the hormones may make their way into your blood stream. But I haven't noticed any of the effects of the hormones.
What I really like about Mirena is the light or non-existent periods! That's fabulous. The Paragard (copper) IUD is known to make longer and heavier periods.
Then you need to think about how long you would like to have protection for. The Mirena is good for five years. The Paragard is good for ten years.
So far I really like the IUD in general and am very happy with my decision to have it inserted.
Let us know what you decide!
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhcontracept&msg=21917.1&ctx=128
This is the link to my insertion story. Tomorrow will be one week since I got my mirena. I chose mirena because I generally do well on hormonal b/c and I wanted lighter rather than heavier periods. So far I literally spotted one drop a couple of days ago.
From what I have heard, mirena puts about the equivalent of two mini pills worth of hormones in your bloodstream each week. This is a really low amount but it depends on how sensitive you are to hormones whether it will bother you.
Let us know what you decide.
Holly
I chose Mirena because I'd done okay on the pill for 20 years. I wanted to switch because I was sick of having to remember to order more pills every 3 months. I also chose Mirena because I knew several people who had one who were happy with it, plus the possibility of having less monthly bleeding was a big plus for me.
I had it inserted 3/23 and I am still having spotting. I was prepared for spotting for the first 3-6 months, though, so it's not too alarming. No pain, and my insertion was a breeze. I have 2 kids.
I have had the Mirena for about a year and a half now. I think I am very sensitive to hormones, because I do notice a difference. I never did well on the pill. My periods are light, but they last long, like 7-8 days, they also come every 3ish weeks. I wish that I had gone with the paraguard. I talked to my dr, she didn't think I should switch right now. I kept it in, for lack of a better b/c. (we have 4 kids, and are done, I just have feelings about doing anything permanent) It definately seems like I am in the minority here. If you have never had a problem with hormones, I think the mirena is the way to go.
Lisa
I recomend the Paragard.
Good Luck.
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