Mirena Vs. the Pill

I may not be much help, but I am 37. I did the pill off and on for 13 years. After my 3rd child was born, which was 2 years ago, I decided to get the IUD you're speaking of. At the same time three of my other friends got it put in. They have all loved it, one of them being my OBGYN. Their periods stopped almost immediately and they only have them once a year. I, on the other hand, had them every month and my PMS symptoms were much worse. It caused me to have to go on anti-anxiety meds. I was not happy at all with it. I have never heard anyone else complain about it. So, I think if you don't have problems with hormones, then you'd probably love it. It's very easy to get out too. I called my friend (the OBGYN) and told her I just had to get it out. So, I went off the anti-anxiety meds that day and she pulled the IUD that afternoon. It took me a couple of months to get everything back in balance, but life is so much better now. I can't even take the pill anymore, because after my second child was born I just developed some sort of sensitivity to hormones. I would recommend the IUD, knowing so many women that are happy with it. It's very easy to insert, very easy to maintain - you never have to think about it, and very easy to have it out. Takes 5 minutes to put in, 1 minute to pull out. Hope this helps.

I had my Mirena IUD put in when I was 8 wks postpartum and it is the best thing for my husband and me! I don't bleed when I have a period (you still ovulate and have PMS as before, but the IUD keeps your lining from building up so you don't have anything to shed, thus you can't become pregnant--a fertilized egg has nothing to attach to) We waited 7 years to have our daughter, so we don't do anything quickly. :) We know we want baby #2 in a few years, but we are taking our time. The IUD works with you on YOUR timing, and most insurance covers it! I only had to pay a $30 office visit to put it in and that is it for 5 years! No monthly bill or period! You simply take it out when you are ready and most people conceive within 1-3 periods after that--easier than the hormones with the pill. I had probs with the pill, too, because it killed my drive and we were paying $30 mo. for me not to want sex with my husband. Crazy! I have been very pleased with it thus far and I have had it for 6 months. Hubby can't feel it, I can't feel it, and no pill to remember. NO probs at all. Hope this helps!

I love my Mirena - as much as you can profess to love something that you almost never think about. It was so easy to get done, and I hear it's easy to have removed. We will be having another some day, but I figure it can't be that big of a deal to make an appt. and have it removed. And no oopses until then. You've already had your oops blessing - no need to do it again! :)

Good luck & I hope things continue to go well for you and yours!

You sound like you already have your mind made up. You are still so young, so don't rush the 4th. I had my first 2 close together in my very early 20s. When I hit 30, I desperately wanted another one. #3 was born when I was 33, and my 2 others were 10 and 8. It was a dream having the older 2 to help, and they loved having a baby in the house. I find that I am a more relaxed, take your time kind of mom with him b/c I don't want him to grow up too fast. I love having my kids different stages, and they love it too. I currently have a Mirena and like it ok, but we are pretty sure we're done. You have a lot of good child-bearing years left, so don't rush.

I have had my Mirena for 5 years, it has been the best form of birth control I have ever used. You should know, you will spot for about a year then you will be home free from periods for 4 years. The one advantage of the Mirena is you just need to make an appt to have it removed whenever you want it removed. It is easily inserted and removed - no discomfort. If I understand it correctly, your periods will start right back up. You also won't have another 'oops' baby w/ the Mirena because you can't forget to take it. Good Luck!