How to Decide on an IUD

[Anonymous]

My doc recommended Paraguard (I believe the plain copper one with no hormones) or a hormone secreting one. I'm leaning towards the plain copper, but it has a risk of causing heavier periods, which I do not want. Both IUDs have risks of perforating the uterus. It's hard to weigh the risks based on the pamphlets.

If you have an iud, how did you decide? Can anyone share positive/negative experiences?

Can't believe I'm essentially crowdsourcing this decision to the internet, but my doc wasn't a big help.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do either. Make your partner wear condoms or get a vasectomy.

[Anonymous]

why not the mirena? I had an excellent experience - on my second. I really liked the very light periods.

[Anonymous]

I have the copper one; I hate hormonal birth control of any kind (how it makes me feel). I've had one for 7 years and have had no complications. Also periods not crazy heavy. I think they are pretty close to the way they were before?

[Anonymous]

OP here, currently we use condoms, but I'd like not to have to use them.

[Anonymous]

I had the para guard copper iud and loved it. Had it removed in march was pregnant by may and just had my baby and will have the para guard put back in as soon as my OB gives the ok. It was a great option for me. Yes my periods were a little heavier but my period was crazy light before and I did have some cramps with my period but it is a way better option then birth control with hormones. Other birth control I had tried made me an emotional mess with horrible skin. Its a great option and if you hate it you can always have it removed.

[Anonymous]

Is Paraguard generally covered by insurance? I know I should just call my carrier, but it's hard to find private time between work and the kids.

[Anonymous]

I had paragaurd. Hated it. Bled every day for the first several months, usually just light spotting, but my periods were unbelievably heavy and long. Cramps were awful. Oh ya, and I still got pregnant.

[Anonymous]

I had a paragard for 9 years before having it removed to get pregnant, and I loved it. I had one put back in after DS was born, and just had it removed to start trying to get pregnant again. I will get it again after this pregnancy. Hormones mess me up, so it's a great option for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do either. Make your partner wear condoms or get a vasectomy.

Seriously? The risk of perforation is very low.

I have had the Paraguard for about a year and I love it. My periods were heavier for a while, but they have started to lessen a bit. I chose it over Mirena because I did not want any exogenous hormones in my body that weren't necessary. I'm really happy with it, even with the heavier periods.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is Paraguard generally covered by insurance? I know I should just call my carrier, but it's hard to find private time between work and the kids.

It just cost me a copay for mine

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it if you're BF. I got Mirena and it killed my supply. It returned after having it removed but never fully recovered.

[Anonymous]

I got a Mirena, mostly because my doctor recommended it and my insurance covered it. I've had it for 9 months and I really like it. I haven't had any problems and my periods actually stopped so that's a bonus.

[Anonymous]

Yes they're covered by insurance under the new healthcare law. See attached, regardless of your insurer, it's general info

http://www.uhc.com/live/uhc_com/Assets/Documents/ContraceptiveCoverage.pdf

[Anonymous]

Those who had Mirena, did you have any side effects from the hormones? Notbbreastfeeding so milk supply isn't a concern.