IUD? Mirena or Paragaurd

Hi J.,

I used an IUD following my sons birth. (24 yrs ago) I had nothing but problems with it from day one. My cramps were horible. Almost constant cramping even without my period. Also, they left them in for three years back then and the IUD ended up embedding itself and had to be cut out. I may be one in a million that had such problems, but I would NEVER recommend it. My husband also complained about it irritating him during sex. It was just an all around bad choice for us. I hope this helps you make the right choice. Just keep in mind that all birth control has its drawbacks/side effects. Good luck!

I understand this is pretty rare but the only person I know that has taken this is my mother in-law. Her 2nd daughter was born with major facial deformities and her doc told her it was from the IUD she has put in just 2 months before getting pregnant. I know it sounds scary but remember that its a reality.

i've used both in the past 9 years. in 1999 i had the paraguard placed and until it was taken out in feb 2002 i had THE WORST most painful heavy periods we are talking like heavy post partum like bleeding the cramping it was terrible. in dec 2003 i had a mirena placed after the birth of my 4yo i had very light spotting a few times but i was also breastfeeding all in all it was a good experience. i had it taken out in may 2005. since then i have also switched to usig reusable cloth pads as well after reading some info about how bleached fem hygene products play havoc on our cycles as well.

I have had the Paraguard once and the Mirena twice (including currently). I prefer the Mirena because of having such light periods, but I have really had great experiences with both IUDs. They have been so worth it. I had heavier periods at first with the Paraguard, but they eventually went away completely. I haven't had any weight gain or side effects.

You may also want to check out the question on 03/30/07 from Michelle E about Birth Control. She asked about IUD's and got 25 responses.

Hi J.,
I also am a mother of 2 beautiful kids. A 4yr old son and a 2 year old daughtet. I have a Mirena IUD put in after my daughter was born and have had no problems at all. In the beginning when it is first put in u will experience faint pains kinda like cramps for the first couple of days. After that u are all clear with no worries. I would recommend it to any married monogamous couple because your partner wont even know its there and u dont have the worry of remembering to take it like other birth control methods. Just a little info u have to have them replaced every 5 or 10 yrs according to the one u get. I have the Mirena which I replace in 5 yrs or I can choose to keep it out then and have another child. It also shortens or eliminates your monthy cycle. If u have any questions feel free to send me an email. I have had my IUD for 4 yrs now.

I use the Mirena IUD for birth control. I've had one inserted, removed, and gotten pregnant. Then I've had another inserted, removed, and am currently trying to get pregnant. On the mirena, I had a light period once every 2-3 months, no cramping, etc. I didn't have weight gain either. If you're not post childbirth, you can have cramping and bleeding after insertion. But other than that, it's a great form of Birth control.

Hello J.,

I know a LOT of people have answered your question, but I'd still love to put my 2 cents in!

I got a Paragard when my DD was 6 mos old. Insertion was like moderate labor pains, and I had decent cramps (without bleeding) for the first month or so. Now my periods are a little heavier, but I am still in my first 6 mos of having it. I expect they'll decrease eventually.

I chose Paragard because I didn't want hormones - if/when I want to have another child, I will want it *now*. However, before I got pregnant I was on the NuvaRing and I LOVED it.

Best of luck in your decision!

I have one. If I did not work out everyday I would have gained weight.I can not lose weight either but have lost inches. If you are sensitive to progestrin hormone than you will have a weight issue per my doctor. My breast are constantly sore, my periods are almost non-exsistant but when it comes I cramp horribly. There is a definite plus side of it being good for 5 years but have heard horror stories of women getting pregnant while on the IUD.

I have had Mirena for over a year and I love it. I had cramping after insertion for a couple of days, but nothing major and I have not had a period since I got it (I'm very sensitive to birth control hormones though--I didn't get a period on the pill either). I have heard that you want someone who is experienced in inserting an IUD, so I'd ask your doc how many he's done. The only problem I had initially was that I could feel the string/wire thing and it was a bit uncomfortable, but a couple of adjustments at the Dr's office fixed that. I definitely recommend it.

Hi J.,

I have no idea bout the Paraguard but situation is a bit different. I am a 46 y.o. mother of two and my youngest is 16 mos.old. Obviously I am not planning on having any more and since my youngest was born and I stopped nursing, my periods have been extremely heavy and the cramps have felt like labor pains. I told my doctor it was to the point I was ready to have a hysterectomy. Suprisingly, he recommended before we go that route, I try an ablasion or interesting enough, the Mirena IUD. He stated this would inhibit the build up the uterine lining which is why it works as a birth control method. The lack of build up in this lining results in less cramping and lighter periods. He told me they might likely end altogether. Who knew?!?!?

I am currently using the NuvaRing and it is like the best of all worlds. It works like an IUD but you can take it out and put it in yourself. That was what I wanted because I wasn't sure if I would like it and I didn't want to have to go to the doctor to have it taken out or adjusted. Plus you won't get any scar tissue or utirine tearing from the Nuvaring. Here's the website www.nuvaring.com

I had been on the nuva ring prior to my last birth and I really liked it except everytime my husband and I had sex it came out. Then i had the mirena iud put in in nov of last year. I researched it and talked to 3 different people who were using it at the time. So far the only problems i have had is painful cysts. However I am 33 and have had cysts since i was 18. And it has only been painful 2 x in my life now. Once before and once since. As far as gaining weight the people I talked to didn't gain weight and I am not gaining weight on it either. The only thing that scars me is are the possibilities if you get pregnant on it.

Hi. I have had the Mirena for about 3 years now. I had never heard of it until a gynocologist suggested it. I was contemplating having my tubes tied but because of my age and being a little overweight at the time she suggested that I try Mirena. I researched it and gave it a shot. I never had heavy periods on the pill or weight gain. I did try the depro-privera shots before. The only problem with Mirena is it has to be inserted while you are on your period (insures you are not pregnant). Also I did have some cramping after it was inserting (uterus don't like having things put in it). I was given a prescription for motrin 800 to help. For a few months afterward, I would have cramps but I took the motrin to ease the cramps. Also, I have very light if any periods. I may have spotting every other month or so but so far so good.

I got a Mirena after my son was born - he's now 2. I have had no problems and have not gained any weight. I have now not had a period since when I got pregnant. My doctor says tis is normal and not harmful so I am ALL for it! I recently started having some very light symptoms of a period again, but so far I haven't actually had one. Even if it comes back somewhat, I still like the Mirena. Since I got pregnant while on birth control, I like having the 99.9% effectiveness that you can't screw up! Good luck!

I had am iud after my first son was born. I did not gain weight, and it beat the pill! My midwife put it in and never had a problem!

i actually can not remember what type it is that i have, it is almost time for removal for me (at 9.5 years now). i can say that i have not gained weight, and have stayed pretty regular with my cycles. this was a much preffered method for me due to a low tolorance with the regular hormone birth control methods. Good luck in your search!

Hi J.,
I have had the paragaurd for the last four years. When it was first inserted I had pretty bad cramping for the first day or so and some spotting. But once my body adjusted to it I was fine. It is a great non-hormal form of birth control! I actually chose the Paragaurd because it doesnt have any hormones associated with it like the Merena IUD....or the pill, or the shot. I was also concerned about the weight gain. I have not had any weight gain at all. My periods are pretty regular and last anywhere from 5-8 days. The third day usually being really heavy!! But not usually bad cramping. I really like the fact that there is no pill to take, and no artificial hormones in my body. Plus...it's good for 10 years!
Make sure if you decide to have the IUD you go to someone who is experienced with the insertion. You dont want any complications with that process. And...take tylenol BEFORE your apt. to help with the cramping! Good luck!

J.,

I had the IUD for 5 years and it was great. I recently had it taken out because my husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I did had some heavy periods and I don't know if my weight gain is contributed to the IUD. I am sure that it wasn't. Unless you plan on practicing abstinence, you need to get some kind of birth control and I think the IUD is the best.

HI J.,
I am currently on the Marina. My daughter is now 9 months old. I have had no problem with it and it's nice not to have to try to remember to take a pill everyday or change out the patch. I've not had any weight gain that I've noticed. It has helped make my periods regular-I've never been regular-even with other birth control. I also get cyst really bad on my ovaries-that bust and have blood vessels running through them. This has helped with that too. My ovaries don't hurt quite as much or painfully and it has helped control the cyst too. They had no problem with the insertion-there was a slight pinch-more pressure than anything though. And it was at my 6 week check up, so not sure if this has anything to do with it, but I did have some slight cramping-again my uterus was still shrinking back down too. They do say as far as your period goes, it takes about 3-6 to regulate. Also, not sure about your ins plan, but it is definitely cheaper for me-one time co-pay and that was it-no $20 per month.

I have had Mirena for the past 2.5 years. I had very little cramping after it was placed, and now I have very very light periods every few months for just a day or so. I have gained a bit of weight (maybe 10 pounds) however, I am approaching 40 and don't have the best eating habits! I would definately recommend this to anyone. It's been the best birth control method I have ever used.

Good luck with what ever you decide.

I have had a Mirena IUD in for 5 years and I haven't had any problems with mine. No weight gain that I can remember. I am actually getting ready to replace my 5 year IUD with a 10 year one. I can't take the pill (got pregnant on them twice) and this has been a great alternative.

I have a Mirena. have for 3 yrs. I have light 3 day periods every 3 months. I do have PMS every month and spot a tiny bit ( not enough to use a tampon with). Sorry if thats graphic.I'm quite pleased with mine.

I had a Mirena IUD place about 6 weeks ago and it has been relatively painless. The insertion is definitely not comfortable and i did have labor-like cramps off and on for about 6 hours after. Once that settled down, the only thing left to deal with is the spotting. I do still have some spotting, but I haven't had any cramps during my periods (have had 2 since insertion). I would definitely recommend it especially since it is as effective as having your tubes tied. I also have not gained any weight. I am looking forward to when the periods slow to almost nothing or stop.

Good luck with the decision. I tried about 4 different birth control pills before I finally made the decision. All of the pills completely killed my sex drive and I have not had that happen with the IUD.