IUD Birth Control Questions

[ManteoChik]

I've got my next OBGYN appt coming up soon and I'm considering an IUD although I don't know a whole lot about them. I know I need to talk to my doctor about it but I wanted to go in the office with at least *some* knowledge about it.

My best friend just gave birth to baby #2 and they are finished - although they want to keep their options open for a while. Her OBGYN suggested an IUD and it got me thinking about possibly doing one myself.

The IUD (actually IUC) I'm thinking about is called Mirena, and lasts for 5 years. Currently I'm unmarried with no kids, but I know that SO and I will be getting married at least within in the next two years and probably taking another 2-3 before having kids...so that would take up our 5 years.

Has anyone here had an IUD and what did you think? How were your periods, some info says that you can not have one at all. Also, how is an IUD if you are someone like me that plans on having kids at least in 5 years (maybe sooner depending on when we get married). Any other info that you also might want to share would be great.

[ignutzz]

manteo chik there is a big thread in the Sex & Intimacy section about IUDs: http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9993&highlight=IUD

I personally try to avoid any unnecessary hormones, so I chose the Paraguard, but I know a lot of other women really like their Mirena.

[LovinLife]

Hi Courtney,

I actually have a Mirena IUD right now that needs to come out in just a few months. I have had it for the 5 years and its been absolutely perfect! MY periods actually stopped all together after the first few months and its been pure bliss.

From what I have heard you can easily have kids once its removed. I am actually opting to have one reinserted because DH and I arent planning to have kids for a few more years.

If you have any other questions please let me know!

[GeekGirl]

I got my IUD when I was engaged, and have no kids, and am not sure if I want them. I have a Paraguard, for three reasons: 1. I wanted to avoid horomones altogether, and 2. it's good for 10 years, whereas Mirena is only good for 5, and 3. it's less expensive than Mirena. Having the IUD inserted hurt like a emmeffer, but other than that, I haven't had any issues. I've had it for about a year and a half. I give it two hearty thumbs up! Best BC ever.

[mgmhmj]

Having the IUD inserted hurt like a emmeffer, but other than that, I haven't had any issues. I give it two hearty thumbs up! Best BC ever.

Ditto this, except I have the Mirena, not Paraguard. I have really bad endometriosis so I have to use hormonal BC, and I'm nowhere near ready for kids, so it's ideal for me. I've had mine for just over 2 years, and I've recently started having some of the old endo symptoms and pain again, but that most likely would have happened in the same time frame on any other type of hormonal BC, too. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

[hockeybrat]

No kids and no plans to. The hormones in BCP were really bothering me (I was an emotional rollercoaster) so I got the Paragard last May. So far, I am really pleased with it.

If you are on LJ, check out IUD_Divas. There were tons of info for both the Mirena and for Paragard.

I did debate back and forth and looked at all the pros and cons of both Paragard and Mirena. In the end, not having artificial hormones won for me.

[snowzilla]

Regarding either kind of IUD - hormonal or otherwise - what's the removal like? Is it painful?

[linda_loo]

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