Paraguard or Mirena IUD - Which Is Better?

Hi there! I have the paragard and for me it was very painful to get it put in and I had sever cramping for about 3 days. I've had it since november and my periods are heavier and a little wacky (late one month, early the next). Its so worth it though. No pills or hornones or worry. I was told by my doc its a successful as a tubal without the downtime. My husband gets poked every now and then but other than that its lovely!

I have the paragaurd and have had no problems with it. I can't speak to any weight gain/loss side effects because I do have a thyroid problem.

I had the Mirena inserted 6 days ago and the process wasn't too bad. I had moderately bad cramps the first night. The next day, they were lighter and less frequent. The third day they were gone. My period lasted longer than normal (7 instead of 5 days). I was told that this and spotting were normal during the first month or two. The last two days, I had a pretty bad headache. I don't know that it was caused by the Mirena or something else. It is subsiding today, but I'm thinking of calling my gyn just to check.

I started Weight Watchers two weeks ago and started working out with a personal trainer at the same time. So far, 1% body fat and 4 lbs. are lost.
Good luck!

I have the Paragard and am very happy with it. I didn't want any hormones, so that is why I chose that one. It did take some getting used to- I had very heavy periods in the beginning and about 2 months of periods every 2 weeks, then it all sorted out. I have not lost nor gained any weight being on it either.

i've had the mirena IUD for 2 years and i love it. i have no issues with it whatsoever. i haven't, however, stopped having periods altogether like some of my younger friends who are also using it. my periods are pretty average...not ever heavy, but they do seem to linger on for a week or so. i love not having to take a pill every day, and let's face it - i'm 41 and don't want to be putting that much hormone into my body at my age. i highly recommend it.

I had Mirena until we decided to have our last baby. It was wonderful. I was scared of the hormones because I had never been on BC before. well after a few months of spotting and some cramping it made my periods lighter and less days. I had had horrible periods before. This was wonderful I plan on getting it again ASAP. Good luck. Also if you are looking for permanent BC my dr offered ADIANA. Hope this helps a little.

I'm can't answer your question because I haven't used an IUD but I will be nosy and ask: are you done having kids? For sure done? If you are, consider getting your tubes tied. No hormones, and you are done for good. Good luck.

Are you done having kids?

If so, you might consider the Essure procedure. It's permanent birth control and hormone free.
I begged my doctor for this (we're done), but he said I'm too young and is concerend that I might change my mind (so not happening).

I had Paragard, and had some issues with it slipping out of position, and I was panicked about it's effectiveness, so I had it removed.
I learned afterwards that, as long as it's in there, you're protected. So I'll be having it put back in. I like the idea of being hormone free. And my doctor told me that after a few months, my periods would ultimately be what they were originally. So if you didn't have horrible periods before bc, you'll be fine on Paragard.

The paragard definitely makes periods heavier and more painful (it was pretty debilitating for me the first 3-4 months), but it gets better over time. The advantage for me was that it seemed to make my cycle very regular. Just as an FYI and a reminder that no birth control is perfect, I regularly checked the strings in my paragard and they felt fine. Well, we're expecting a baby in December! The OB said it was about to fall out... So if you do go with an IUD, be sure to check its position regularly, and if you think you might be pregnant, check with your doctor immediately.

I have the paraguard for a little over 2 years now and I do like it for a temporary non hormonal birth control, The Pros are the not getting pregnant and not having synthetic hormones in the body. The Cons during the first year are the heavy bleeding during periods, and they last a little bit longer 5-7 days instead of 3-5, although the heaviness lasts for just about 2 days, and the cramping can be pretty bad, even nauseating, also my husband and I could feel the string during sex which made sex uncomfortable for the first 6-9 months until the string softened. After about 1 year I had less problems with it, like sex was not a problem, cramping was not so severe, although the PMS cramping is still worse then without the IUD, and the heavy bleeding subsided, with just one day of heavier bleeding which is how my cycle was before IUD. Now I am really glad I have the IUD although I am planning on removing it next year to try for a third baby, and after that I will convince my husband to get a vasectomy. I never felt like the IUD contributed to weight gain
hope this helps

I have the Mirena because it's plastic and has only a localized super-low dose of hormone. I have a metal allergy with prolonged contact to nickel, copper, and other cheap metals on my skin so I'm not a candidate for Paraguard.

I had the Mirena IUD placed 8 weeks pp. My son is 4 months old this week. I exclusively breastfeed and was really looking forward to another year without my period but since the day the IUD was placed, I have been bleeding. Not real heavy, but enough to require the use of a pad each and every day. That part of it is a total PITA but my OB said that it "should" stop after 4-6 months and then "hopefully" my periods will be regular, very light and last for a shorter length of time. I have my fingers crossed. Other than that, I've had no side effects. No cramping, not even when it was inserted. I wouldn't know it's there other than the constant bleeding. Good luck with your decision.

I have the copper IUD with no hormones because I have never wanted to take synthetic hormones. I love it and have no problems with it. Some people do have issues with cramping, however if you experience this it is easy enough to remove - it's quicker than your pap smear! Easy in, easy out - it is not permanent.
I did have a friend get pregnant on the IUD, but she lost 50 pounds that year and so things shifted. I asked my doc about it and she said some people are a good fit for it and some people aren't shaped quite right so make sure you discuss this with your doctor. She also said the major weight loss could have caused a shift. I have been on mine for 3 years and no babies despite being a fertile myrtle.
Also if your doctor has not already done a full hormone and thyroid panel on you to see your levels you should do that. Very common to see something off when you can't get those last pounds off despite working out. Also recommend Jillian Michaels 30 day shred book and Clean by Dr Junger. Both a wealth of info for losing weight and being healthy!