Contraception

[lynn77]

My husband and I have 2 children and we are pretty sure that we are don't want to have anymore. Fed up with condoms and the pill, my midwife suggested an IUD. I'm not so sure I am comfortable with the idea. Has anyone had any experience? (I'd love to hear both positive and negative) Thanks :)

[esanta]

Although I've had a ParaGard for 6 years and have not had a problem with it, I have a friend using and IUD who had an ectopic pregnancy.

[diorist]

I've had a ParaGard for about 9 years and recommend it without reservation. I've tried pills, NorPlant, Depo, condoms, a cap, the patch, and a diaphragm. By comparison, my IUD is more healthy and/or hassle-free than any of them.

[Jacki]

IUDs certainly aren't for everybody, but I've been wearing a ParaGard, which I swear by, since 1996; I had my first one inserted when I was 32, and I had the 10-year reinsertion done in 2006. I will say that the initial insertion HURTS! For my first one, I got charged up on Iburpopin, and for my most recent one, I managed to get some Tylenol-3. I'm not a candidate for Mirena, since I've had a lifelong problem with hormones, but my daughter, 22, has been wearing a Mirena for a year now, and swears by hers like I swear by mine. Plus she menstruated only once since the insertion, the month after, and hasn't had a period since.

[OncSW]

I got the Mirena in November 2008... and I LOVE it! I am the exception to the 'rule', and have no children (have never been pregnant), but my NP said that she would approve for me to have it placed. I won't lie, it was painful to have it inserted... but remember, I've never had a child, so it's very different for me to have one placed compared to the normal woman who has given birth. I had cramps a few days following, but nothing horrible. My periods are very limited now, in both frequency and flow. My body did take a while to adjust from the pill to the hormones being localized in my uterus (a little emotional, and some breakouts). It was well worth it, though, knowing that my boyfriend and I don't have to worry about getting pregnant! I highly suggest it! :)