IUD Dilemma - Mirena vs Paraguard -

I initially thought Paraguard as well....and although it has no hormones, it is thought to cause more/heavier bleeding during periods. Plus it is made of copper, and I have had reactions to copper jewelry in the past, so I went with Mirena. I was concerned about the hormones as well, as I am nursing and my body tends to be very sensitive to hormones (PMDD symptoms during the week before my period). But, the hormones in the Mirena are a very small amount and very localized (ie it doesn't run through your blood stream like BCP do). I have had it for 7 months now and it has been wonderful. It was a little painful getting placed, but nothing someone who has been through birth can't handle. My period has come back since I've been on it, but it's so incredibly light that if I'm not paying attention I don't even notice it (extremely light discharge for 1 maybe two days, but I also break out and get a little bloated etc like I always used to do during my period). It hasn't interfered with nursing one bit and my 18 month old is still going strong. I would highly recommend it. I have a girlfriend on Paraguard as well and she has been happy with it as well (although we have not discussed her monthly symptoms in detail LOL).

Good luck!

I have the Mirena and love it! It's been about 15 months since I got it in. There was no pain at insertion, but I did get some cramping for the two days after it was inserted.

Personally, I don't have any problems with the hormones in it and don't notice any side effects. My period is practically non exsistent,which I also enjoy.

Good luck with your decision.

Hi Y.,
I chose the paragard iud because I did not want to have any hormones.

I was happy with it. When I first got my period, it was much heavier than I was used to, but it lightened up after a few months. I didn't have any issues with it being put in or taken out.

The only reason I got mine taken out is because we are going to be trying for #3.

Best of luck with your decision.
B.

I have the Paraguard IUD inserted for over a year now and I have not had any problems. I chose Paraguard also because I did not want the Mirena with Hormones. Listen God made woman to flow each month and that is just nature...It is not good to be messing with our systems and not having a normal period each month. Especially as we woman get older in age. I too had a heavier period then usually for the first couple months but now it is perfeclty normal....Why add more hormones to our bodies and mess with our systems??? I vote PARAGUARD.....

I know of 2 people that got pregnant while their paraguard was still firmly in place. I have another friend that developped a nasty uterine infection from her paraguard. I have several friends that have the Mirena. Most like it. It makes your periods shorter and lighter, from what they have mentioned.

I had thought of also getting the Mirena when we are sure to be done, but I have heard insertion is painful. I have not gotten up the courage yet!