OT - ladies....IUD?

[adventure_woman]

Okay...so DH and I have decided that we are happy with our 2 princesses. I would love to do something more than just the pill. (but not something totally permanent ... that is TOO definite for me) I am thinking of an IUD. Anyone have any experiences they would like to share? (good/bad/etc.) I am meeting with my OB at the end of March, but I really need to start researching more now. Any other options you suggest? (I am currently nursing DD#2, and will probably still nurse for another 6 mths or so)

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I love it ~ I'm on my 2nd Mirena *1st one was in for 5 years, got the 2nd right after that ~ I've been single for almost 6 years *wasn't using the IUD for BC just like having *no* period - it's been fantastic for me. I'm getting married on the 26th I'll leave it in for a while longer but we do want a kid or two. I've had former SILs who've used them and have been pleased, all have gotten pregnant quickly after they were removed.

Adding ~ I got the 1st when DD was 5 months old ~ I nursed her till close to her 1st B-day.

 

[Sarahlovy]

I have one, and while I am glad I have it, I bled for 8 months straight when I first got it (Mirena). I am not going to have it removed until we are ready to ttc again, but I would never get one again.
This community (http://community.livejournal.com/iud_divas/) had TONS of great personal experiences and advice.

 

[kbheap]

I've got the mirena iud in. It is great. I've had it in for almost 3 years now and when it comes out I will be putting another one in. It hurt for the first couple days after getting inserted but over time the pain stopped as did my cycles. I have not had a menstrual cycle in about 2.5 years and that is absolutely the best side affect. Good luck with your choice. I have seen some people have the opposite where they bleed constantly or have horrible pain but I have had nothing but great things to report.

 

[MissBritt]

Planning on getting a copper IUD... no hormones to worry about while nursing. Sister has had one for years and loves it.

 

[jedijill]

I've had Mirena for 3 years as well and love it!!!! No side effects other than no cycle which is ok by me.

Jill in CO

 

[ancestry]

My advice is to do the Mirena and stay away from the copper IUD. I had so many problems with the copper one - heavy bleeding bad cramping, etc. Never had a problem with the Mirena and I'm on my second one right now. Barely have a period with the Mirena. Some women don't have a period at all with it, others are just very light. Avoid the copper one at ALL COSTS! JMO!

 

[semo233]

Back in July, I questioned my Gyno about options other than the pill and without hesitation, she said IUD. I had the Mirena put in in August and there was no pain at all. My sister had one put in back in March and said it hurt a little when they put it in, but I found it not to hurt at all.
I, personally, have loved everything about it.
Do your research, talk to your doctor and then make your own decision. The IUD offers the same benefits and risks that the pill has, but you can't forget to take it!
Good Luck!

 

[Kae]

Planning on getting a copper IUD... no hormones to worry about while nursing. Sister has had one for years and loves it.

I have the copper one too. My periods are alittle heavier & longer but before my IUD they were very light & only 4 days-boy do I miss that Now they are almost a week long.

Kae

 

[Green Tea]

Planning on getting a copper IUD... no hormones to worry about while nursing. Sister has had one for years and loves it.

I had a copper one. It just didn't work for me....I bled daily for 9 months until I had it removed. It is a great option for people in the stage of life you are in, if it works. I was really disappointed.

 

[woodkins]

I also am on my 2nd mirena...6th year. It is great for me. I had maybe an hour of cramping tops when they inserted it and then nothing, no spotting, breakthrough bleeding or pain. In 6 years I haven't had a period at all. It is amazing, no pms no worrying about inconveniences during traveling, vacations etc.

My doctor told me she has had her Mirena for years and most of the office staff at my ob/gyn office use it as well.

 

[sookie]

Get the mirena. if you leave it in like you are supposed to, the cost is VERY cheap per month.
The copper-t IUD - usually causes bleeding - and a lot of it. It works by causing an increase in the inflammation in the uterus, which tends to equal MORE bleeding.
The mirena IUD usually causes lighter or sometimes even absent periods. A huge plus!

 

[lyncecelia]

I got Mirena put in on Friday actually! It hurts like heck at first, but I was able to get it. Some people bleed for a while, others don't. It's all about how it reacts with you.

The fact that you've had kids already will make it much easier!

It also has the highest success rate (since no room for user error) and lowest side effects. (I've had a stroke and they were ok with giving it to me.)

I'd totally recommend it!

 

[Lisa_M]

question for all of you Mirena users...Were you ever on Nuvaring before? I was on it before DD and had no issues. When I went back on it last year, I made it for 3 months before I called it quits. I was feeling absolutely crazy during the 3rd week each month, like agitated, angry, just couldn't stand myself or anyone else. I'm wondering if any of you had similar experiences and then found success with Mirena? The hormonal part of Mirena gives me pause because of last years Nuvaring experience.

 

[lyncecelia]

I was actually going to go on the Nuvaring, but later they determined that it was too big of a risk for me, due to my health history.

Difference is that Nuvaring is Estrogen. Mirena isn't (though I can't remember what hormone it actually is...)

 

[tinatark]

I've had the paraguard (copper) one - 15 years - love it - no hormones.

 

[Tinkertude]

Read your insurance booklet or call. Depending on your contract the cost will either be paid for by your co-pay or go to your deductable and out of pocket. If you have an HMO you will need an auth from your PCP

If you would like the billing codes to verify that it is a billable service PM me and I can provide them. The cost averaged over the 5 year span is less expensive than birth control pills.

On average 5-6 women a week have the Mirena inserted by my two Docs.

 

[ChisJo]

I ABSOLUTELY love my Mirena IUD. I was on the pill...hated it. The high dose of hormones was really knocking me around. I was on the depo shot and I couldn't believe how much it changed me. I hated the Nuvo ring...I had a problem inserting and taking it out. I got the Mirena IUD 4 years ago and can't believe how awesome it has been. I still get very mild cramps during my period (I got them so bad before that I couldn't leave my house), but now my flow is so minimal that I haven't had to wear any tampons for 4 years, just panty liners.

I had a bit of cramping when they first inserted it, and that lasted for about 24 hours, but then nothing. Love it and will definitely get another one next year when this one is done.

 

[honugirl]

I hated the mirena! Would not get one ever again. I bled for a long time, I'd say almost 9 months straight? Something close to that. After that I bled like one week on, one week off. I finally just had to get it removed. But, I will say that I am an unusual case. I have a fairly rare endocrine issue so that could be coming into play in my not liking it. If you are fairly "normal", it may be OK for you.

 

[effervescent]

Okay...so DH and I have decided that we are happy with our 2 princesses. I would love to do something more than just the pill. (but not something totally permanent ... that is TOO definite for me) I am thinking of an IUD. Anyone have any experiences they would like to share? (good/bad/etc.) I am meeting with my OB at the end of March, but I really need to start researching more now. Any other options you suggest? (I am currently nursing DD#2, and will probably still nurse for another 6 mths or so)

I have had Mirena for a year now and love it. I was a little crampy for a couple hours after insertion but no problems since. I like not having to remember a pill and not having a period is a huge plus in my book too. When I was considering an IUD I talked to several IRL friends - 2 had Mirena and 1 had copper and the only one unhappy with theirs was my friend with the copper IUD.

question for all of you Mirena users...Were you ever on Nuvaring before? I was on it before DD and had no issues. When I went back on it last year, I made it for 3 months before I called it quits. I was feeling absolutely crazy during the 3rd week each month, like agitated, angry, just couldn't stand myself or anyone else. I'm wondering if any of you had similar experiences and then found success with Mirena? The hormonal part of Mirena gives me pause because of last years Nuvaring experience.

I was on Nuvaring for a little over a year before I got Mirena. The first couple months on Nuva were great, but after that I became a raging lunatic every month. It was ridiculous. I have not had that issue with Mirena at all. Occasionally I'll be grumpy for a day (like a light PMS) but it doesn't even come close to comparing with my mood on Nuva.