Does anyone here have an IUD??

[MeekNHumble]

I just had a baby a month ago and thinking about getting an IUD. I'm leaning more towards Mirena. I was though about the Paragaurd at first - but my friend got one (after I suggested it) and she has a lot of cramps/bleeding .

Does anyone here a Mirena? If so, please share your experience.

Thanks!!

[LCVirginia]

I have the Merina and am very happy with it.

I have all the children I'm going to have and went to the doctor looking for a permanent bc method. Rather than tubal ligation or vasectomy, she suggested the merina. It's effective for 5 years, and by the time mine expires, I should be menopausal (as opposed to peri- at this time).

My insurance covered it 100% except for the office visit co-pay, and my insurance doesn't cover ANYthing at 100%.

The biggest advantage is no fuss bc that lasts 5 years. No monthly co-pays to refill bc pills, and you don't have to remember to take any pills. You just have to do an inspection monthly to make sure that it is still in place. Your doctor will explain how this is done, but suffice to say, if you have problems putting fingers inside "there", this may not be the best route for you. And the extra added bonus is that for most women, after about 6 months, your periods may become much lighter, and for many women (lucky me) they go away altogether.

For me, the biggest deterrent was that I have always had a moral thing with IUDs because of my understanding of when life begins. After doing a little research, and a frank discussion with my doctor, I was satisfied there is enough uncertainy about how the IUD actually prevents pregnancy, that I no longer had that moral delima.

The actual process of having it inserted was a bit uncomfortable. I would suggest some kind of pain med (I use ibuprofen) before you go to the doctor to help with any cramping that might occur. Of course, you would want to ask your doctor's opinion first. The procedure was uncomfortable, and I had some pretty good cramps later that day. They give you a couple of injections to the cervix with a local anesthetic because they have to dilate the cervix some to get the device into the uterus. But I wouldn't call any of it painful, just uncomfortable.

Merina has a website with a lot of information that should answer any more questions you might have.

[MeekNHumble]

Originally Posted by LCVirginia

I have the Merina and am very happy with it.

I have all the children I'm going to have and went to the doctor looking for a permanent bc method. Rather than tubal ligation or vasectomy, she suggested the merina. It's effective for 5 years, and by the time mine expires, I should be menopausal (as opposed to peri- at this time).

My insurance covered it 100% except for the office visit co-pay, and my insurance doesn't cover ANYthing at 100%.

The biggest advantage is no fuss bc that lasts 5 years. No monthly co-pays to refill bc pills, and you don't have to remember to take any pills. You just have to do an inspection monthly to make sure that it is still in place. Your doctor will explain how this is done, but suffice to say, if you have problems putting fingers inside "there", this may not be the best route for you. And the extra added bonus is that for most women, after about 6 months, your periods may become much lighter, and for many women (lucky me) they go away altogether.

For me, the biggest deterrent was that I have always had a moral thing with IUDs because of my understanding of when life begins. After doing a little research, and a frank discussion with my doctor, I was satisfied there is enough uncertainy about how the IUD actually prevents pregnancy, that I no longer had that moral delima.

The actual process of having it inserted was a bit uncomfortable. I would suggest some kind of pain med (I use ibuprofen) before you go to the doctor to help with any cramping that might occur. Of course, you would want to ask your doctor's opinion first. The procedure was uncomfortable, and I had some pretty good cramps later that day. They give you a couple of injections to the cervix with a local anesthetic because they have to dilate the cervix some to get the device into the uterus. But I wouldn't call any of it painful, just uncomfortable.

Merina has a website with a lot of information that should answer any more questions you might have.

Wow, thanks for the information. It was very helpful. I spoke to my OB briefly about it and took one of the pamplets from her office. I'm going to do some more research and then decide.

Do you have any side effects? I have chronic hypertention and currently taking meds. I wonder if my meds will affect the bc. I will discuss this with my doc at my 6 week check up.

[LCVirginia]

I'm not aware of any side affects. Unless you count the absence of a period. I call that a blessing!

I also have chronic hypertension (exacerbated by pregnancy). I'm on blood pressure meds. My ob/gyn was aware of this when she recommended the IUD, so I'm trusting it's okay. I have not been back to my primary care physician since getting the IUD to see if there's any affect on blood pressure. I do know that my ob/gyn had to deal with my pregnancy exacerbated hypertension, so she's well aware of my general health, so I'm comfortable with the choice we made.

One thing that I don't know whether it's coincidence or not, but I do periodically (no pun intended) have some spotting, usually after having "relations". But it doesn't look like typical menstral flow. It looks fresh, so I'm wondering if my cervix might be more sensitive to the whole mechanics of intercourse (without getting too graphic!)

[LCVirginia]

Well, I'm going to amend my earlier post. After I posted, I went looking for more information about LCers experience with Mirena. I found another thread in the women's health group, and was really surprised at what I read. I'm seriously considering having mine removed now. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I've had are actually common side-affects of the IUD. Before you go that route, I would recommend checking out that thread, and doing an internet search for "Mirena side affects".

Caveat emptor [let the buyer beware]

[Wifey]

I had one for 4 years and it was awful!! The mirena that is. Heres some other woman that had bad side effects. Mirena side effects : Medications.com

[Lurchy]

Hi Meek! First off, congrats on bringing that baby home!

I know there are some folks on the boards who seem to have had trouble with the Mirena and side effects, but search some old posts as many of us have had a really good experience with ours.

Next month, I'll have had mine for four years and I love it! The first year or so had me wondering as sometimes my flow would be heavy or frequent and sometimes not at all. But since then, my periods have been a breeze.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[NurseShannon]

I can't take birth control, jacks up my BP, so I am thinking about getting this as well.

Congrats on having your baby Meeks!!

[SmileyAmy]

I got the Mirena about 6 months ago. So far no issues other than its made TOM wonky. But I was told that should straighten out after a while.