Diaphram or IUD?

[Anonymous]

After years of using condoms, I'm considering another form of birth control without hormones. Would love to hear experiences from women who have had either.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

IUD all the way.

The diaphragm is less effective, you have to deal with it each and every time you have sex, spermicide is messy, and if you gain/lose weight and/or get pregnant you have to get refitted.

I have the Paragard (copper, non-hormonal IUD) and it's excellent. My periods are about 4 days long and generally light except for the first day, but nothing outrageous. Slight discomfort when I had it inserted but totally manageable with Advil. And the best part is I literally don't have to worry about birth control for the next 10 years!

[Anonymous]

Diaphragm worked for me but if I were doing it again (am in my 50s that ship has sailed) I would look into an IUD.

[Anonymous]

IUD much better for spontaneity

[Anonymous]

Is the non-hormone IUD newer? I've only heard of Mirena..

[Anonymous]

Absolutely IUD. Not only is it more than 99% effective, but once it's in you don't have to think about it or do anything to use it. It's just there. Also I previously had a diaphragm and it caused unremitting UTIs.

[Anonymous]

I use a diaphragm. You can't be as spontaneous, but I want to TTC in the next year or so, and I didn't want to have to bother with getting the IUD removed.

[Anonymous]

I used a diaphragm for my entire life (over the hill now). There weren't the same choices as now. It takes a huge commitment, just like the condom, but you can insert it early not really really early, but before foreplay. Or you can make it part of foreplay, (that is what I have read, but I didn't do it.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the non-hormone IUD newer? I've only heard of Mirena..

No, the copper Paragard IUD has been around for a long time. I have had mine for 7 years and love it. Will probably get another one in 3 years when this one has to be removed.

[Anonymous]

Also hd Paragard for 7 yrs. Evil cramps on cd1/2 but no hormones was awesome.

[Anonymous]

IUD - non-hormone. No question about it. Had one for 7 years, now going back since we stopped TTC.

Diaphragm contributed to what are now chronic UTI's. Have to take antibiotics every time we have sex for the rest of my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IUD - non-hormone. No question about it. Had one for 7 years, now going back since we stopped TTC.

Diaphragm contributed to what are now chronic UTI's. Have to take antibiotics every time we have sex for the rest of my life.

WOW. I feel for you PP. that is terrible.

For those who use the Paragaurd instead of the Mirena, what are the advantages? Obviously, non hormones appeals to many, but otherwise, are they the same?

[Anonymous]

Paraguard removal is a piece of cake. Literally took longer for the doc to put her gloves on than take mine out. It was not painful. Had mine for 4 years and took it out to TTC (which I did easily).

[Anonymous]

The Paraguard is supposed to result in heavier, longer periods. This hasn't been the case for me, but I'm still breastfeeding (9 mos PP) so not sure if things have normalized yet. I usually have one really heavy day in the middle of my period, but I don't get the bad cramps that I used to.

My previous OB discouraged me from getting the Paraguard because of the period thing, but my current one thought it was a great option for me and put it in 7-8 weeks postpartum.

[Anonymous]

I also have the Paraguard IUD. For the first 1-3 months after insertion, I had very painful cramps and spotting. Now I have no side effects. Can't comment on the heavier period thing because I'm also taking Tamoxifen which significantly lightens my period.