Hey all! I recently saw an ad in Parents magazine for Mirena birth control (intrauterine contraceptive). It is one of the ones that you implant and lasts 5 years. It advertises itself as being 99.9% effective, and with steadier and lower hormone levels than the Pill. It also claims that, if you want to get pregnant before the 5 years is over, you can remove it and your body adjusts back to normal pretty quickly. I am breastfeeding my 5-month-old right now so I'm taking the progestin-only birth control pill, but boy do I hate having to take a daily pill!!! I am looking for other options when I am done breastfeeding. I used to do Ortho Evra but am reluctant to go back to that after seeing all of those reports in the last year news of recalls/links to major heart attacks (I know all hormonal birth control carries those risks, but it sounds like Ortho Evra was a LOT worse...). Anyway this is my long-winded way of trying to find out who all has tried Mirena and if you like it, and if it makes you nutso or not. Thanks!
I guess my experience is similar to everyone elses: uncomfortable when inserted at Dr's office, but other than that, to pain (just slight cramping, no big deal) and I don't have periods. My husband says he can sometimes feel the little string that hangs from it, but it doesn't hurt him. So overall, I would say go for it!
I must tell you that for the two years I had my mirena in, it was very nice to not deal with a period! Although, I had mine inserted directly following the birth of my son, and I never lost any baby weight, and in fact, I gained more. I had it taken out after two years of being in, and I switched to the ortha evra ring. I lost a little weight. It was not until after being so frustrated with myself, that I decided to just use the old fashioned "condom" and call it quits with everything else that any more pounds started to shed off. I am only telling you this because it was my experience. Every body works differently. If you are close with your doctor, I would trust what they tell you foremost.
I have one and love it. I got it in May and it did hurt a little when I had it put in but other than that it is great. My best friend is going to get one done next month even. They are awesome, I can't say enough about them.
I have the Mirena IUD and love it. It took my week long heavy flow periods to very light two day periods. I've had no trouble with it at all. I like the fact I don't have to worry about condoms or taking a pill every day. It is definitely worth it. I will warn you though it is kind of an uncomfortable procedure but only while your Dr. is doing it and it doesn't take that long. I will do it again after my next child.
I have a Mirena and I have been very satisfied. I really haven't had any side effects other than not having a period for the last 2 years! My youngest is 27 months and I got mine when he was about 8 weeks old if I remember correctly. I breastfed him for 9 1/2 months and it didn't seem to affect my supply at all. Good Luck!
I have had one for the past year and a half, and haven't had a period. I still get the monthly cramping that went along with my cycle, just no actual period (occasional spotting). Agree with the other mom that the "installation" wasn't the most pleasant experience but other than that -- it's great.
Mirena is actually better than the low dose progestin only pill. The continuous release dose is lower than the pill and more effective AND it is safe contraception while you are breastfeeding so that you never lose your milk supply as some women, even on the low dose pill, do.
Good Luck,
K. @ The Nestingplace
