IUD?

[Anonymous]

My OB recommended I consider an IUD since I've had a couple of kids and my husband and I are sure we don't want more. I've been using the pill for years but don't like the weight gain that I get and in using the Progesteron only pill that I'm on now I'm nervous about the requirement that it be taken at strictly the same time each day for full effectiveness. Info on experiences with the modern-IUD would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I got the Mirena IUD about a month ago and so far so good. Insertion/placement was quicker and easier than I expected -- like a slightly longer annual GYN exam -- and after a bit of cramping and spotting that afternoon, I was back to normal and ready to go.

The Mirena is good for up to five years, and the doctor said it often lightens up your periods. I love the fact that it's no fuss -- no pills to remember, no condoms to grab -- and my insurance paid for the whole thing (more economical for me than the constant prescription copays with BCPs.)

Give a yell if you have other questions. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'm also thinking of getting an IUD-want to get my tubes tied, but my husband wants to put that off for awhile. We're tired of condoms and diaphrams, but I'm unsure of the IUD because of the mechanics. My questions is: Do you get pregnant and the IUD prevents implantation? Or does the IUD have hormones so that you don't become pregnant? I'm not sure how it works. I read that the orginal IUD didn't prevent pregnancy, only implantation.

[Anonymous]

Google Mirena and implantation:

"The Mirena IUD helps prevent sperm from joining with an egg by affecting how the sperm move. Basically, it interferes with the movement of the sperm toward the egg. The hormonal component in Mirena makes it more effective than the ParaGard IUD. The Mirena IUD also thickens cervical mucus so that sperm have more difficulty swimming through the uterus; changes the lining of the uterus, which reduces the likelihood of implantation; and for some women, it may also prevent ovulation from occurring."

[Anonymous]

I have the paraguard copper IUD good for 10 years. I got it because I did not want the hormones. It's nice you don't have to think about it. So far so good. I had heavy periods in the beginning for a couple months now I seem to be back to normal with no noticeable side effects. Somehow the copper presence prevents implantation. Only thing was I was pretty irregular before the pill and now I'm back to it. But I think I would know if I was pregnant you can't forget that nauseated feeling.

[Anonymous]

I got the Mirena about 8 weeks after my DD was born. Now two years ago. I LOVE it! Its safe w/ Breast feeding (its the estrogen that decreases milk supply and the Mirena has only a very small amount of progesterone- not enough for many of the side effects people don't like w/ hormones). Also, Mirena makes your periods lighter and shorter and 1/5 stop getting periods safely- like me (yeah!!).

[Anonymous]

I also had Mirena implanted about 8 weeks after my son was born. I was really happy with it, but I actually had longer and heavier periods than before. I had it removed when I was ready to have #2, and I easily conceived after only 2 months of trying. I would highly recommend it. It's cheap, doesn't give you the side effects that the pill normally gives you (wieght gain, etc) and it's easy. No running to the pharmacy to refill prescriptions or forgetting to take the pill.

[Anonymous]

I love the Mirena. Love it. Even if it didn't work as birth control, I would still love it for the easy periods.

Once a month I check to make sure it is still in place (the strings stick out of the cervix). Honey can't feel it.

I'm about to buy my second (5 years almost up).

[Anonymous]

What does an IUD cost? Does insurance typically cover it?

[Anonymous]

I had my Merina put in last April and although there were many positives (stopped getting my period other than 'tinting' once a month, no worry about missing a pill) but did have a few negatives. For one, my husband could feel the strings, even after they were trimmed. He actually was chafed a few times. Also, I gained 15 lbs in a year. At first I didn't think it could be the IUD, but I had it removed three weeks ago and have dropped five pounds.

My was about $650 total including the insertion, which insurance did not cover (many will, though). Not bad if you keep it for the full five years, but a bit pricey if all does not go well.

[Anonymous]

I got my Mirena almost a year and a half ago. Love it. Love never having to think about birth control. Love not having to pay copays. (My insurance covered it 100% -- different plans cover it differently, so check with yours.) My periods are very light now. DH never feels the strings. The pill always made me gain 5 pounds, but haven't had weight gain with Mirena. (Only downside is the pill made my skin clearer; Mirena doesn't have systemic hormones -- just ones specifically in the uterus -- so it won't affect your zits!)

I'm definitely going to get another one after we have our next child. I tell all my friends about this thing. It's brilliant.

[Anonymous]

Most insurance companies cover Mirena 100%. Myself, and everyone I know that has it, didn't pay a dime.