[cherrykix]

Hey all,

So I'm going to the gynecologist tomorrow, and hopefully getting an IUD implanted. The one I have in mind (after talking to my psychiatrist) is Mirena.

SO:

Has anyone had negative side effects? What were they?

Does it mess with meds? I'm on a LOT of meds.

Will I have trouble getting pregnant AFTER?

I've never been on birth control before. I've heard negative things about the pill, but my strongest reason against it is that I have a very odd sleep schedule, and rarely take my pills at the same time each day, morning or night.

I've tried reading up on Mirena, but researching birth control is so confusing! I guess I'm not so worried about side effects like weight gain or bleeding, so much as I am about dangers to my health or my fertility.

I'm 21, by the way!

[ChipperMonkey]

I had the other IUD because I didn't want hormones in my body, and ended up with side effects that the doctor just dismissed as all being in my head. I agree that research on BC is SO confusing as there is so much conflicting information out there. I think as with anything, you may have to try it yourself and see if you personally have any issues with it. I've heard good things about Mirena, and I've also heard some not so good things. Good luck!

[Angelique67]

I'm 56. When I was in my 20s I had an IUD (copper something) with no side effects. It was a very easy BC for me. By the time I had it removed I was no longer sexually active so I didn't get another one, but I would have.

I have the mirena, its not recommended for women who havent had children, at least not in my country.

It sent me into the worst mixed episode of my life but I pushed through the first 7 months of horrific mood swings, bleeding and constant pain and now it seems to be settling down.

Its brilliant BC, but if i had the choice I wouldnt choose this, the pill is much less hassle. Unfortunately I had no choice.

Just so you know, all IUD's have hormones now. I don't know if that will affect you in any way, but when I went to get birth control and asked for an IUD in order to avoid hormones, they told me they've changed them and the only way to get birth control without hormones is to only use condoms. Apparently this is very new and it would be worth talking about with your doctor if you're worried about hormones and if they may conflict with medications etc.

[Angelique67]

That's a surprise! It used to be an option for non hormonal methods. :/

[krisakira]

I am 26 and have the Mirena going on 3 years. I bled for 3 months after getting it put in (it was put in to stop the bleeding so your experience may vary, since I was going on a 3 month long period beforehand) It hurt REALLY bad to put in since I have never had children. But it only lasts like 10 seconds twice. One time for the insertion device and one time for the mirena insertion. Ever since the bleeding stopped at 3 months I have had hardly any bleeding, and occasionally spot lately but other than that no period. I did not have any side effects other than some cramping afterwards, but that was minimal. The hormones don't mess with your meds, they don't affect mine. It's a really low dose of the hormones anyway. Good luck.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

That's a surprise! It used to be an option for non hormonal methods. :/

I am surprised, too. I was on Paraguard, the copper IUD without hormones, for several years, while I waited for Mirena (a European IUD) to get cleared by the FDA for distribution in the US.

I like Mirena better than Paraguard. Both are super easy BC methods, but Paraguard made my periods heavier while Mirena removed them altogether. Also, due to a low dose of progesterone in Mirena, it offers a small amount of cancer prevention, which is a benefit.

I am on my 3rd IUD (Paraguard-Mirena-Mirena) and in 9 months am due for another Mirena - the IUD lasts 5 years. I cannot tell you about whether it is easy to get pregnant after it because I have not tried, but I can tell you that it is, as somebody above mentioned, a brilliant form of birth control. No interactions w/medications.

I did a calculation and if you use Mirena and condoms, you will be more protected from pregnancy than by having your tubes tied, and if you use Mirena alone, you still get almost the same level of protection.

[hamster-bamster]

PS checked online - Paragard is the name of the copper iud w/o hormones, and yes, it is still available in the US.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

PS checked online - Paragard is the name of the copper iud w/o hormones, and yes, it is still available in the US.

Mine was over 30 years ago so it was called something different. I'm not sure if my periods were heavier or not but I appreciated getting them because it just seemed more natural to me.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Mine was over 30 years ago so it was called something different. I'm not sure if my periods were heavier or not but I appreciated getting them because it just seemed more natural to me.

I know - having no periods was spooky in the beginning for me, until I got used to it.

[ChipperMonkey]

Just because the copper IUD paragard doesn't contain hormones doesn't mean that it can't affect your hormones. It releases copper into your system, and there is a copper/zinc balance that can get out of whack and ultimately unbalance your hormones. No doctor will ever confirm this, but if you do enough research you'll see that the copper IUD can indeed cause copper toxicity and throw your hormones off balance.

[Pikku Myy]

I am on Mirena. I have not had any issues as far as med related side effects. Not having a period was wonderful side effect.... I do recall it was very painful to have it placed. Hope all went well with you

[cherrykix]

Thanks everyone!

The doctor has to check with my insurance first and then order it straight from the company that manufactures it, but hopefully I will get it soon :crosses fingers: she gave me a brochure about it, and it also said that it's not recommended for women who haven't had children, but it seems like (after a LOT of research, and a LOT of talking) the best option for me.

Thanks again!