Mirena?

I have used Mirena IUD since October and I am very happy with it. I had more or less constant very light bleeding (spotting) the first couple of months, but after that I haven't had any bleeding at all.

/V.

P., you have gotten some really great responses, and I just wanted to add my 2 cents from both sides. I, myself have had the Mirena for about 9 mo, and it works great for me now. In the beginning, I wasn't so sure I wanted to keep it. I was pretty crampy after the uncomfortable insertion for a day or two. I could also feel the threads until they "folded back on themselves" (my hubby never noticed them- although he later admitted to being so scared that they would poke into his urethra!) I was also spotting for what seemed like forever! 10 days on, 3 days off repeating. That has all blessedly changed, spotting only once every 2 mo or so for about 4 days, and now I couldn't be happier with it! We never have to think about it, so we can be spontaneous. The other side of it is, my friend had it for about a year, and couldn't stand it. She was spotting non-stop for the whole year, her sex drive was non-existant, and she even would break out it unexplained hives. She also said it made her depressed, almost PMSy and just not herself. The dr.'s told her it was all in her head, so she put up with it for as ;long as she could. She finally found a nurse and a website that validated all her issues, and made the choice to take it out. She is so much happier being back to her old self. Sorry this note was so long, but I guess I just want you to know that it really can be great, but make sure you listen to your body, and not the "experts". Good Luck sweetie!

I did the copper (no hormone) Paraguard for 2-3 years... I wanted to be OFF hormones and just let my body regulate. (If your breast feeding, not having additional hormones may be a better option).

I didn't have to think about birth control, which was nice... since it was just.. there. :D After years of the pill, it was FANTASTIC.

I don't know if I'd suggest, for anyone so young, a permanent solution.... We thought we wree going to stop at just one, but changed our minds and are (now) trying for a 2nd.

It hurt like heck to get put in and I told myself I'd never do it again... but I will.... hurting once every 10 years for that peace of mind - it's worth it.

I opted for a merina iud. The first few months you have spotting (every day, but panty liner quantity; apologize for the details). Then after a few months (4 for me, less for some others I know), your periods get REALLY light. You need a tampon for like one day and that is it. Barely any cramps and eventually the periods are almost nonexistent. You can really wear a liner for them. They put it in in the office, over pretty quickly (5 mins) with a little uncomfortableness for a day or two (body adjusting, crampy). This is a 5 year iud.

Good luck!

Mom to Joseph (5), Sarah (3) and Timothy (8 mo)

I had a Mirena IUD placed in August. I had a very strong vasal (? not sure if that's the right term) response to the placement. I got cold sweats, felt dizzy and had to wait in the doctor's office for at least an hour until I felt better. The rest of that day, I was a little off, but I was fine by the next day. Since then, the only complaint has been that when I have a period, it goes on forever. It's extremely light, but I find that I have to wear a light days pad for at least 2-3 weeks (it's not every month at least). I guess with the Mirena, though, it is far more common not to have a period at all... Anyway, that has been my experience, hope it helps. I DO like the fact that I don't have to think about birth control and that if we decide we ever want another (we have 2) that I can just have it removed. I don't think I'd ever do something permanent even though at this point there is no way I'd want more children...who knows what the future will bring, right?!

I know two people on Mirena, and they both love it. No issues having it put in, and they barely have a period now as well. The only reason I don't have it is because my insurance didn't cover the device ($500), only the insertion and removal...

Hi P.,
I have had the Mirena IUD for about a month. Pretty good so far. I have been bleeding alot but my periods were irregular before so not sure if my body is regulating it self or it is the spotting. I only had cramping (minor) for 3-4 days. It wasnt that painful when my OB inserted it either. So in my opinoin it is going well :)
K.

Mirena is great for me b/c I am 99.9% sure I do not want a third child, but I am not ready to make that 100%. I am 33 with a 4 yr old girl and 1 yr old girl. I had some slight cramping for 12 hours after and have never looked back. I just had an apt where my Dr also mentioned a new procedure where they put a type of spring in or around the tubes. I like to wait and see on some of the new procedures so the Mirena should give these permanent options some time to prove themselves :)

I love my IUD. I got one placed as soon as I could after my daughter's birth one and a half years ago. The procedure was only slightly uncomfortable ( a few cramps during it). I got the IUD without hormones, I forget the name of it, but the one w/hormones is supposed to be good- it helps you have lighter periods or something. I just didn't want any extra hormones in me.
My periods now last about the same # of days, but they are a bit heavier than they used to be- not sure if this is related to the IUD or if this is something that just happens after childbirth.
Once the IUD is placed, you never know it's there, it's great. And you know you're not going to be surprised with another "bundle of joy". Plus, they are supposed to be easy to take out as well, but otherwise, it can stay in for years.
IUD's got a bad reputation back in the 70s, I think, when there was one brand that malfunctioned. But now, the risks are very low.
I would recommend the IUD to anyone.

I have the Mirena and I do love it. But, there were a few issues at the beginning that you might want to be aware of before getting one. When I first had it put in, I got up to leave the doctor's office and got very faint - almost passed out. After I was feeling better, they told me that is somewhat common, but I was disappointed nobody warned me about it beforehand (I would have brought my husband with me to drive me home if I had known!). Then the cramps at the beginning were just a few days and not too bad. But I didn't stop spotting on and off (mostly on) for almost 6 months! After that, my periods have been very light (spotting only) but they last longer than usual (maybe 10 days) and don't come every month (maybe every 3 months). I was hoping not to get any periods, but I wasn't so lucky. Overall, I am happy I have it...it's been over 3 years and I just don't ever have to think about it. Good luck with your decision.

P. - I have the Mirena...it is painful. For the first three months it felt like I was in labor again and I wanted it out badly. After that there are occasional bouts of pain.
If there is a less painful option I would choose it.
Good luck.

I LOVE my Mirena!! I tell everyone about it and highly recommend it. I got mine over 2 years ago and love the fact that I never have to think about it, don't feel it and have no side affects. Plus if I ever do want to get pregnant, then all I have to do is have it removed. I barely get a period with it. Maybe 1 day with a pink discharge. That is it. Best of luck with whatever decision you make.

Hi P.,

I have had an IUD for nearly 2 years now. It was the best decision! My periods are virtually non-existent. The first 6 months they were the same as always.... bit by bit they got lighter and lighter, now, I don't even notice some months AT ALL. It is not in any way noticable during any activities ;-)
It requires no upkeep, change it every 5 years, that's all. It was painless to get put in place. I can't think of what else you might want to know, but, for me, it was the best decision & I have had zero negative consequences.

Good Luck!
~D.

I had the Mirena implanted about a year ago. After a few months of irregular periods and stronger cramping then I'm used to, I've been so happy with my decision. I had been on the pill since I was about 17 until 24 and then after my daughter's birth for 4 more years until we were ready for #2. After my son was born, my doctore recommended Mirena. My husband and I looked at all the information and talked about options. I have NEVER regretted the decision.
It's a simple in-office procedure to have it put in, so there's no risks as associated with male sterilization. I had to get the string trimmed a bit at my follow-up because it was causing my husband some discomfort during intercourse.
At this point I have a mild, light period for 2-3 days each month. I rarely use more than pantyliners anymore. I have no cramps or other discomfort, and I don't have to take a pill everyday. It was a great choice for me and it might be for you as well.

Hi P.,

Unfortunately, I have no advice actually to give on the topic of Mirena. However, what prompted me to write was that you said that your husband will be getting a vasectomy. It is a very good idea for you to be looking into your choices as well. My brother-in-law had a vasectomy after his 2nd child, then again after #3. Ultimately, they have 4 kids. I don't know if he ever had the third one, but their marriage ended in divorce within a couple of years of the 4th's birth. Clearly, I'm not saying this will happen to you, but I have heard about several people who have had similar experiences. Good luck with your research--if I hear anything about Mirena, I will write again.

i was sugested to do that as well if you get any info please pass it along as i am considering that as an oppition for me

Hi P., I too have Mirena, and have mixed emotions about it. The insertion for me was very crampy. I am just beginning my 5th month with it and I had spotting/bleeding every day for the first three months, then very sporadically during the 4th month, (5 days off, 20 days on, 3 off, 2 on, stopped). I do think in the end it will be great, (little to no periods, I hope!), but it's been a bit of a struggle to this point.

My OB did try and talk me into non-surgical sterilization (they use coils in the fallopian tubes) opted not to, but for personal reasons as we hadn't closed the door on the possibility of more children. I'd be interested to hear about other people's experiences with those options.

Good Luck with your decision, M.

I wouldn't use Mirena again. I just had mine removed after having it for about 4 years. I felt so much better after it was removed - check all the side effects - exhaustion, depression, emotional changes, loss of libido, etc. One woman claimed it almost caused her a divorace because it changed her mentally so much. I would have to agree - I feel so much better (and normal) again. I checked online and there is a huge discussion thread from women who have all had a number of side effects. I would look into something else if I were you...

C.

Hi P.!!I work as a Medical Assistant in an OB_GYN office,so I do know a bit about the Mirena.I dont have one myself, but I can tell you some feedback that i hear from patients who have one.From what I can see you either like it or dont,theres really no inbetween,some people actually dont get their period at all,some people bleed all the time,i do know for the first 3 months you do bleed/spot untill you get "regular"but most people dont get a period at all.Now I do assist with putting the IUD in,and I have to tell you it can be very crampy,the best thing to do is, have it put in when you have your period, and definatly take motrin/tylenol before your appointment,im not trying to scare you,you actually might find it not at all crampy,it just depends on how easy it goes in for you!!The good thing is you dont have to worry or think about birth control for 5yrs,and if you decide to have another baby you can just have it taken out(its not as bad coming out).So i guess my advice is give it a try,wait 3 -6months and if you dont like it then have it removed!!I dont know what kind of health ins you have but make sure its covered,because they are very expensive!!Well I hope I helped you,if you have any questions you can always email me,i would love to answer any questions!!Good Lusk!!!!-J. p.s-i just noticed you livr in pembroke,i work at Hanover OB-Gyn,where do you go for your care??

HI!
First off: I LOVE THIS INVENTION! I have NO period and how lovely is that! I am now on my third Mirena. My first one I had put in after my second son was about 3 months. When he was 4 years, we took it out to be able to conceive again. After I had my twins I put in my second Mirena. I had that one for 5 years and then you have to take it out to be replaced. Before you replace it they want you to have one normal period. When I did have the period I had almost forgotten what it was like to have to change tampons etc. Now I have had my third Mirena for 4 years. Next year I will for sure get a new one. The fact that you don't have a period is just heavenly!

I know 3 men with a vas. and they all had more children!!!

You can check out the tube implants at www.essure.com. The procedure is supposed to be painless if you do it under general anesthesia, but some gynocologists can do it in their office. That involves some pain, mostly cramping, especially if it turns out you have some scar tissue as I did that makes it hard to get them in. You can expect to be crampy for the rest of the day. The worst part was the actual insertion. I kind of wish that I had gone the anesthesia route. If you do decide to go with the implants, you'll need to go on birth control pills before hand to regulate your periods because you can't have the procedure done if you have your period. My doctor put me on a 3 month pill (the side effects of were not good, at least in my case). And you have to be very careful following the procedure until you have a special x-ray showing that the blockage is complete. If you get pregnant you'd be a high risk of a fallopian pregnancy. But once it's all done, you're good to go. I'm happy with my decision to use essure.

one of the best things Ive ever done! Ive never had a side effect(ive had it in for 4 years) and I only get my period about twice a year and it lasts for 1 day! Its the best ever, I used to have terrible cramps,etc b-4 now nothing. And as far as getting a period my ob says they are not medically necessary except for conception. It was installed in the drs office and I went home after and took it easy went to work the next day and never had an issue after that.
My husband finally went for a vasectomy but it didnt take for 6 months(!) so Im keeping my Merena just in case!

For us the Mirena option was a GREAT one! You never know if you are done...this is a second best option...no surgery for anyone. Not all insur. cos. cover the procedure, and it is a bit uncomfortable...but I have not had ONE period (although I am still nursing our 9 month old...I did have bleeding during that time with my other two.)

Good luck!!

I don't know anything about the women side of getting fixed and haven't looked into it. My midwife told me that some doctors now do vasectomies with a laser. Very few do, so not many people know about it because it is a rather new way to do the procedure. Her husband had it done and he had very little discomfort. What he did have only lasted a day or two. This might help your husband. Also, it is WAY safer for the male to be fixed than a female. There are less side effects and less chance of problems down the road.

I would strongly recommend Paragard (http://www.paragard.com/). I have a girl and a boy, ages 3 and 1. my husband and I are pretty sure that 2's it for us. But being only 27 years old I felt I'm too young for such a permanent surgery. So, my doctor helped me weigh my options between the 2 IUD's Paragard and Mirena. In November, I had the Paragard inserted and I couldn't be happier. My periods are still adjusting, sometimes heavy or longer and sometimes light and short. You can keep Paragard in for up to 10 years, as opposed to the Mirena's 5 years. Paragard is the same size/shape as Mirena, only its wrapped in copper (apparently its properties are effective in contraception for reasons that are still unknown), it contains NO hormones like Mirena does & according to my doc it's as effective as tubal ligation! I'm very happy with my choice, and I can have it removed at anytime and be "good to go" right away should I have a moment of insanity in my 30's and want another one...hehe.

On another note, my younger sister had the Mirena inserted around the same time and had it removed a month later because not only was insertion completely painful, she was in pain and bleeding on and off for that entire month. They didn't find any perforations, it just seems that her body did not do well with it. Everyone's different, of course. Good luck!

Dear P. R,

I wish my husband would have had a vasectomy, and when i realized he wouldn't budge, I decided on the copper iud. i chose the copper because i wanted my period every month. i am 40 and i realize that my years are numbered before the menopause kicks in and i want to relish the period as much as i can, i know some women would think i am crazy to "want it" but, (when it's gone forever it will be a sad day...i'm sure because that means no more kids AND i'll be heading into my enjoyable but later years).

Anyway, the copper iud is good for 10yrs. and can be removed at any time if you want to get pregnant again. My periods are very regular....2 days of spotting, 2 heavy days and 2 days of spotting.

I think the other iud eliminates the period, but you'll still get spotting?
Good luck to you. N. P