Any ladies have a Mirena IUD or know something about them? My Gyno has suggested I get one, any info greatly appreciated.

Wow, what luck I ran across this on a website doing alternative birth control research a few weeks ago

Hope this helps!

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinfo.htm

I have the Mirena and I desperately love it. Because I refused the copper IUD (as it has some history of making periods significantly worse and they were bad to begin with) we went with the Mirena and it has been a real blessing for us. My periods are lighter and shorter now except for one every three to four months that's a little closer to my previous 'norm', I get the birth control effects of the progesterone without having to remember to take a pill or get a shot, or for that matter having the hormones RAGING all over my body. The progesterone doesn't radiate much further than the reproductive system, and so I don't get nasty side effects like weight gain and increased mood swings.

Overall, each person's decision has to be tailored to their individual perspective and situation. Mirena works for me. It has not worked for others. Research it, make an informed decision, and don't let someone on a drug maker's payroll offer you a solution without thinking about it critically.

~Ang

I am also interested in alternative forms of BC to the Pill, which I am currently on. My periods before going on it were highly irregular (shortest span was 16 days, longest 41) so it definitely does help with regularity. I also don't have a problem taking it on time, and like that it has such a high effective rate.

However, I hate what it does to my sex drive. I WANT to want sex, and I DO want sex, and I love B dearly and find him to be incredibly sexy. But because the Pill has put such a damper on my sex drive, on occasion Brad Pitt could do a nakie dance in front of me and I'd say I wasn't in the mood, would he like to watch CSI with me.

I've been looking into the IUD and other forms of BC because of this, and one of the side effects most offer include weight gain. I've put on a couple of pounds in the past few years, been diligently trying to lose them, and have NO interest in gaining more. If I gained weight, I would feel very UNsexy, even if I wanted it more.

Ang, you said that the Mirena concentrates the hormones more so there is less of a chance of weight gain?

Also, does it help with period regularity? That is one big benefit to me for the Pill. Also, I am worried B would feel the IUD when we're, *ahem* going at it roughly Is that a possibility? I'm sorry if my questions are kind of redundant, but I always like to hear from first-hand experience. Sometimes, if a gyno hasn't experienced it, they will give you just a text-book answer. Thanks!

Hi Phoenix

Like anything else, the Mirena IUD is different for everyone and what may work for one may not for another as Ang had stated. Check around and if you would like some sites for info as I have found, feel free to PM me and I'll get those to you. Whether the sites have been happened upon or not, I don't know, but info is info and is always useful somehow.

Thanks Ang and Phoenix for your replies, I don't need the Mirena for contraception as hubby has had the Op, I've had a low iron problem for over 6 years now that is tied into me having fibroids and heavy periods
My Dr said Menopause could still be maybe 5 years away and I'm sick of feeling so tired all the time, I have done some reading on the Mirena myself but prefer to hear first hand from ladies that have actually had experience with them,another friend said it was quite painful being inserted and how she had terrible cramps afterwards,I know everyone reacts differently but it helps to have all this on board before deciding.

I have the copper T IUD. The insertion and cramps afterwards weren't pleasant, but over all not too bad IME. I wanted an IUD that would not emit hormones due to breastfeeding and also I disliked how the pill had a negative effect on my sex drive. Once I went off, it was a ton better. Now it fluctuates depending on my cycle. I had a few heavy periods in the beginning, but it could have been due to the fact that I was actually having one after the baby, but now it seems to be fairly regular and very predictable (but then again, I was pretty predictable before too).

Definately weigh the pros and cons of each option and go for which best fits your situation.

Thanks for your reply Topless from what I have read and also been told the Mirena sounds okay.

Not to knock the birth control mentioned but the best, as my lover prescribes, is the Nuva Ring. It is easily inserted in the vagina and will stay in place by the closing of vaginal muscle and tissue. It isn't usually felt by the male but SO's of patients who feel it during sex say it is not uncomfortable but a bit "exciting". Lasts three months and doesn't need an MD or clinician to put it in. The blood levels stay very even as the hormones don't go through the liver, as most birth control pills do. Check with your health care provider for more info.

To each their own - I personally dislike the Nuva Ring, so it just goes to show that each person needs to do what is right for them.

For the record, the Mirena's hormones are designed to not penetrate the system, similar to the Nuva Ring's design. It stays right around the uterus and ovaries (with very little bleed over, but some is to be expected as with anything) and so is perfect for me, as I was breastfeeding with it in; I also haven't gained weight back like I used to do with the DepoProvera shot.

~Ang

I was speaking to my wife about her new IUD and she mentioned that it is a Mirena IUD. In fact this is her second or third one.

She has been using IUDs since my daughter was born 13 years ago. She had one that caused slight bleading (it was not a Mirena IUD) but all in all they have been very successful. I cannot feel them either ( ). One advantage she did mention was that she no longer has periods (or they are very minimal).

Thanks guys for your replies your help is very much appreciated I think I will give the Mirena a go, if it doesn't suit for whatever reason I could always get it taken out.

I agree, I think I will ask the gyno about this. You all are so helpful! Thanks to sexy40's for starting the topic

Your welcome phoenix, glad it was helpful for you as well mate.

This is my first post so I hope I understand what you are trying to avoid is heavy periods. I had heavy and frequent periods. I was off my period as many days as most people have a period- not fun for me or my husband. My doctor tried hormone therapies and to no avail we finally opted for cervical ablasia. The procedure basically carterizes the cervical lining. Therefore you dont have a cervical lining to shed each month. I know you said you are older and hubby has been to Dr. Snippy so you wouldn't mind that after the ablasia surgery women are unable to carry pregnancies due to their cervix not being able to stretch any longer. I love my surgery- sometimes I have tiny amout of spotting but thats it.
It's been great for me and my sex life I had it at age 28.
It's your body and your decision- good luck. I'm sure you are making your self well informed of your possibilities.