Anyone have or had ParaGard or other IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2006
Anyone have or had ParaGard or other IUD
11
Thu, 06-21-2007 - 11:33pm
Hi. This is my first time to this board.
I just had a baby 5 weeks ago and now is the time to make up my mind about birth control. I do not want to go back on the pill, and I don't want to deal with condoms. The rythm method was great for us before but now that I am breastfeeding, it is not an option. I am seriously considering the ParaGard, but I was hoping to get some first hand oppinions on it. I have done research on it and it sounds like a good option for me...I just wanted to get some input.
Thank you in advance,
Tracey
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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2006
Fri, 06-22-2007 - 12:30pm

I've seen that an IUD is a great option for right after you have a baby... at least that's what my gyn said. I had the Mirena for two months, but had to have it removed yesterday because of the pain... but I hd never had children. He said once I have a child, it will be a great option.

I've heard that Paraguard can make your periods longer/more painful, but it doesn't use hormones. Mirena used progestin I believe, and it's supposed to make your periods shorter, lighter, and even disappear in some women. Neither one of them uses estrogen, which most people like hearing because you don't get those side effects.

Either one is a good option, it just depends on your preference and what your gyn says. Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Fri, 06-22-2007 - 2:27pm

I have the Mirena and had it put in at my 6 week post partum check up. It was mildly uncomfortable to have put in. I had some cramping for a day or two and spotting off and on for 6 weeks.

The only down side once the spotting stopped is I can't skip a period like I did on the pill. DH can't feel the strings during sex (I asked A LOT). We're pretty sure we're only having one so 5 yrs allows us time to be sure before deciding to do something permanent. DH is also on medication that can cause birth defects and and IUD is the most effective reversible form of birth control out there.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2006
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 12:54pm
Thank you both for your input. It helps me with my decision.
~Tracey
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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2005
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 2:16pm

I had the Paraguard for several years. It was a very easy to use form or birth control. However, I did have very long, very heavy periods the entire time I was on it. And that was for over 7 years! Now that I am not on it I am shocked at the difference in my periods. I would say that heavy long periods was the only side effect I had and If you can deal with that, it's a very good BC to use!

Kellie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 3:54pm
Hi
I've had the Paragard IUD for almost 10 yrs. It was inserted when I was 4 months postpartum. I love it!!!
I had no problems with insertion or after. It's been great. I plan on having another inserted when this one comes out.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2006
Sun, 06-24-2007 - 12:12pm

I have had the Paragard IUD since Dec 06, about 6 months. I can honestly say it's the best thing EVER!! I do have longer periods, and slightly more painful, but in my opinion, it's all worth it! My husband and I have 2 kids, and very little alone time. It's so nice to have the spontaneity back!!

I was 40 on my last birthday, and the Paragard should take me up until possible menopause. I'd love that!!

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 06-25-2007 - 3:43pm

Ditto for me. I had my paraguard IUD removed a few months ago after having it in for 2 years. I could not take the heavy bleeding anymore. I did not have a heavy or long period prior to the placement. I would bleed/spot for half of my cycle. Even after I thought my period had ended several days prior I would have a BM (sorry TMI) and it would start over again. Then came the horrible sciatic pain...it was unbearable. It started like 2 days before my flow would start and was over 2 days after flow began. Doctor said it was probably not related to the IUD but just in case he was going to take it out. Guess what...sciatica was totally gone!!!! I can't take hormones due to high trigs and am allergic to latex...LOL. Guess I will be pg again soon with number 4!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 06-25-2007 - 7:16pm

Hi

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Mon, 06-25-2007 - 8:21pm

I've had my Paragard for about 9 months now. My periods are definitely longer by about 2 days and a bit heavier for 1-2 days. The difference is that they are now 7 days instead of 5 and I have to wear a tampon for 1-2 days where I could get by with just a pad before. I have had 2 c-sections and not sure if that is the reason or not, but I do not have any cramping. I do have ovulatory pain for about an hour or so, ouch. Anyway, I'm in the same boat as another poster, I was turning 40 when I had mine inserted and am looking forward to this getting me through menopause ;o) . And, with my age, I'm very glad to be hormone free. Insertion was minimally painful and the getting used to it was harder for me. I did have some mild vague abdominal discomfort and tenderness for about the first 3 months. And I was in the midst of want-a-baby fever (I've got all girls and reallllly want a boy). My doc did tell me that if I could make it 3 months with the IUD, I would love it. She was right. I'm very glad that I've got it.

HTH

Sallie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2000
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 12:22pm

Hi Tracey,


I am 27 years old and have the genetic disorder Factor V (which makes me more likely to have blood clots, so I can't use estrogen). Once I got married in 2005, I decided to also have the Mirena IUD inserted. I have never had children

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