Trying to decide - Mirena vs. Paragard?

I have had Mirena for 2 years. I have no problems with it and I can recommend it. I have read bad stories on the web from other Mirena users but I can't relate to that and I would think that with all medications, there are different reactions for different people. You just have to try it and see how you body responds. I can tell you my experience.

Insertion: A bit Painful. Maybe a 6 or 7 on a scale of 10. The doctor injected a pain killer for me. That caused heavy bleeding for the day.

Periods are lighter, mostly I just spot. However, they are longer and more frequent. I would spot for about 2 weeks on and then have a week off and spot again for another 2 weeks. So for most of the month, I'd be on my period. It has gotten better, but I used to have my period only 4 days and now it's between 7 and 10 days. On the flip side, I'm just spotting instead of a really bleeding much.

The side effects I have experienced are: more cramping, headaches, backache, moody (only the first 2 months),

Over all, I'd say the side effects are worth the hassle free birth control.

I have the Paragard IUD, 23yrs old, never have been pregnant. August I will have had it for a year. At first my flow was heavier but now it has lightened up some. It may make your period a day or two longer.

I have noticed that I get more acne at times, but then again, I had bad acne as a teen. Paragard is said to have no associated weight gain. I gained a lot of weight on the depo shot( I was on it for 2 yrs). I received my IUD for free from the health department. Now I am hoping to lose some weight. I'm finally trying to lose it..

I don't know how you are with hormones, but some people have trouble with Mirena and its hormones. I had the worst time with depression on depo but I couldn't trust myself with a pill. Now I have the IUD and I don't worry(as much)..

Look up iud_divas at livejournal.

I can't tell you experience from both, but I can tell you my opinion on Mirena. I had Mirena for a year and I absolutely loved it! It made my periods lighter and less frequent. It was easy, something I never had to think about verses pills and rings. It was inexpensive compared to monthly costs of pills. It even helped my skin clear up and didn't cause weight gain like a lot of birth controls I've tried. Out of the five birth controls I've used Mirena was by far my favorite! And if I weren't getting my tubes tied I would get Mirena again in a heart beat.

One thing you may want to think about is if you are morally opposed to the Paragard. Unlike Mirena, which prevents the sperm from reaching the egg, Paragard allows the sperm to penetrate, but doesn't allow it to attach to the uterine wall. Personally, I have the Mirena and have had no problems. But the Paragard is not an option where I live because of the fact mentioned above. Good luck!

The Paraguard would be my preferred choice. The slightly heavier flow is worth the lack of hormone ten thousand times over; I have heard some nasty stories about the Mirena as well.

Edit: Yes, iud_divas at livejournal is invaluable.

My friend had gotten Mirena after her third child, it caused her joints to swell so much she couldnt walk, and another swears that it was the best birth control. I guess joint stiffness is a side affect but I am still a little hesitant to try it.

cant really help but i'm marking this to come back and read...ive been wondering the same thing because after this baby i'm getting some kind of iud...