BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I have one child and my husband and I do not want to have any more children. Eventually I am going to have tubal ligation, but right now it is not an option because my son is 17 months old and it would be too difficult for me to have the time I need to physically recover from a surgery. I have been on birth control pills for many, many years and I'm growing tired of them. However, the only other form of birth control I would consider changing to right now is Mirena. The fact that it is useful for up to 5 years is very appealing. That would be perfect- because by the time I am ready to have it removed I can proceed with getting my tubes tied. I am extremely put off by the idea of getting it put in or removed though- so my specific question really is For those of you who have Mirena: How much did it hurt to have put in (or taken out)[/b] Be honest. Ideally I would like to ask my doctor (I'm seeing her next month) if there is any way that I can be sedated somehow so I won't feel anything. The entire idea makes me squirm and cringe. Link to comment
Jayar Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I don't have Mirena (because of the hormones) but I just got a 10-year IUD put in on Monday. It hurt. A lot. But I've not had kids, so my definition of "a lot" is probably different than yours. The cramping for about a minute as the doctor inserts it is horrible. I was begging her to hurry up, and is it done yet, and doing my best not to kick her in the head. Afterward, I thought I could go back to work but I did not. I went to bed and stayed there all Monday night. Yesterday, I was still a little "tender" in my tummy but otherwise just fine. Today, I'm perfectly fine. I'm trying to muster the courage to "feel" the strings. I'd definitely do it all again. It was not so bad that I wouldn't do it. However, given the cramping pain, I'm SERIOUSLY thinkin' labour might not be for me. LOL I do know that in women who have had kids, the IUD is easier to insert. I ALSO insisted on going at a less than opportune time (I should have waited until my next period, but didn't want to for timing purposes) and I was warned it would be more painful. As a final thought: Do it! Why Mirena instead of a 10 year IUD? Just curious... Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 I don't have Mirena (because of the hormones) but I just got a 10-year IUD put in on Monday. It hurt. A lot. But I've not had kids, so my definition of "a lot" is probably different than yours. Even though I have a son- he was a planned c-section so I've never went into labor or had cervical dilation. So I know it will probably hurt the same. The main reason I lean toward Mirena is I just don't like the idea of a copper IUD. For some reason plastic seems friendlier?????? (I know, I'm crazy lol) Link to comment
Jayar Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 The reason I went against Mirena (as it was an option) was the hormones. I came off pills about a year ago, and honestly while I was "fine" on them, I am SO FINE now that I am off them that I realized the side effects I was having, that I didn't even know I was having. So no more hormones for me. Plus, you can't beat 10 years! Good luck, and if you're interested I got the TT380 Slimline. It is plastic, with copper wrapped around it. It's not uncomfortable at all now that it's in there. And, 10 years?!?!?!?!? LOL Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 I know the pill contributes to my migraine headaches. Chiropractic has helped a lot with headache prevention- but I really had NO headaches when I was pregnant, and that was the only time I was not on the pill since I was 16. Hmmm...the hormones in Mirena could also contribute to headaches I suppose. I will have to ask my doc exactly how much hormones and the type it contains, and compare it to what is in my current pill (Yaz). Link to comment
Hope75 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Bella, Have you considered a copper IUD that is hormone free? My OB's office has some information on Paragard: link removed Link to comment
Hope75 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Even though I have a son- he was a planned c-section so I've never went into labor or had cervical dilation. So I know it will probably hurt the same. The main reason I lean toward Mirena is I just don't like the idea of a copper IUD. For some reason plastic seems friendlier?????? (I know, I'm crazy lol) Oops, sorry, I just noticed you don't want a copper IUD. Link to comment
arwen Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I have a Mirena, currently my second! I took the pill for a year or two and really hated it. You have given birth before, so placing a IUD will be less painful for you than it was for me. I won't lie to you, it was pretty bad for me. They have told me that they can touch an area that is full of nerves and if they do (they can't see that so clearly), it's common for a woman to faint or near-faint. So that happened to me. As for the rest, it was period pain times 100 for a day, some cramps for another day and then... bliss!! No periods at all for me, no other complaints that I had on the pill (moodswings and skin problems), nothing. At the moment the no period thing starts to feel a bit odd for me, but that is because I am on this thing for 6 years now. I will have mine taken out in a while to start trying for a baby, but I am sure I will have one later on again. I am very happy with this and would recommend it to everyone. Link to comment
arwen Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Oh, and then some tips for having it placed. In the Netherlands, they won't sedate you, but it is recommended to take Aleve (natrium naproxen) or Ibuprofen in advance. The first time I got one I completely underestimated it and went in without any painkillers. Bad idea. Also, they will most likely schedule your appointment on the first day of your period or during your period. This is because placing it is easier when you are on your period (don't ask me why, I couldn't have this kind of 'arrangement' the second time because I wasn't menstruating at all). Replacing a Mirena is ideally a single event, for me it was taking it out (less painful but still painful), catch one breath, and then put the new one in (and go through a few moments of wanting to scream and cry). Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 I'm really, really just thinking to go ahead with the surgery. You have given birth before, so placing a IUD will be less painful for you than it was for me. I had the baby by planned c-section so I don't think it will make a difference. I won't lie to you, it was pretty bad for me. They have told me that they can touch an area that is full of nerves and if they do (they can't see that so clearly), it's common for a woman to faint or near-faint. So that happened to me. Yikes. How long would you estimate that the whole process actually takes? Link to comment
arwen Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Oh, I forgot that Yeah, then you're in the same boat as I was! Don't worry, it's worth the misery! It doesn't take long. It takes about 5 minutes from the moment they ask you to put your legs in the holders. The second time I didn't have to come back for an echo, but they did that the first time (that was funny, my first echo was of a beautiful little T-shaped thing). Oh, and have your husband with you OR take a friend with you. And take the whole day off yourself, be prepared to only want to curl up in bed for at least a few hours afterward. Really don't go alone, and don't expect to be able to drive yourself back home afterward. I did everything wrong the first time. I went alone to the hospital... on a bicycle The bicycle was obviously the last means of transportation that I wanted on the way back. Link to comment
Hope75 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I did everything wrong the first time. I went alone to the hospital... on a bicycle . Oh NO! You poor woman Arwen. Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 I went alone to the hospital... on a bicycle The bicycle was obviously the last means of transportation that I wanted on the way back. Oh dear.... eeeeek! You have added to my "squirm" factor significantly. I think I need this thread to just convince me to go ahead and have the surgery. lol Link to comment
arwen Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Nooo noooo didn't you read the part where I said 'Yay Mirena for taking my periods away'!? Really, I'd do it again, it's just one day of pain! Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 I don't get periods on Yaz either. They disappeared. I don't like that though because I'm forever paranoid and I end up taking a pregnancy test each month. It becomes expensive. Link to comment
arwen Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I don't get periods on Yaz either. They disappeared. I don't like that though because I'm forever paranoid and I end up taking a pregnancy test each month. It becomes expensive. It used to make me paranoid as well. Not all women lose their period on Mirena though (but I guess if you did on Yaz?). Maybe there are other options that are better suited for you- I am not up to date at all as for what is available now. Link to comment
hiphop3 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 this friday i'm getting my iud i'm scared but i'll let you know how it goes! Link to comment
rikka Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I had Mirena "put in" about 2 years ago. I love it and will definitely be renewing it when the time comes. I had to have two tries at the insertion - the first time the OBGYN messed up and the IUD was not going to stay inserted. The second round (one month later) I had an intern insert it - there was far less pain than the first round - though it was still moderate. It was a few moments severe discomfort and then a couple of days of moderate menstrual pain. I spotted for the first 4-6 weeks and now I have nothing but minor spotting every month. I have never had any children, I went for the insertion on the first day of my period, I took some ibuprofen before I went. Yeah, that is my experience with it. Link to comment
hiphop3 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 i think the biggest risk with it is if you were to get an infection while it is inserted. it can travel into your uterus and if you leave it the infection untreated for a long time, you can become infertile. but the person who i spoke to at the clinic said you need to be infected for a loooong time, and chances are you will catch the infection b/c of symptoms or when you get tested next. then you just take the meds to clear up the problem, and you're good. no fiddling with the iud. Link to comment
Rose21 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 But if the copper one doesn't have hormones, wouldn't that be just like Depo? Depo didn't have hormones, and that's what SCREWED me up. It didn't have estrogen and it made me psycho. I'm fine on the pill. Link to comment
hiphop3 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 But if the copper one doesn't have hormones, wouldn't that be just like Depo? Depo didn't have hormones, and that's what SCREWED me up. It didn't have estrogen and it made me psycho. I'm fine on the pill. i just read this on a website: Depo-Provera® is a hormonal birth control method that contains a progestin. It does not contain estrogen. mirena contains progestin too and no estrogen. and yeah, copper has no hormones. Link to comment
Rose21 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 So the copper IUD would be the one for me if I wanted one. See, for some reason I'm fine with B-control pills that have Progesterin AND estrogen, but with things like Depo that ONLY have progesterin it makes my body go nuts. Seriously talking bipolar! Link to comment
Rose21 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 So more then likely, Mirena would cause the same affects as Depo would be for me. Do they make a copper mirena? Link to comment
yellow_sweater Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 So more then likely, Mirena would cause the same affects as Depo would be for me. Do they make a copper mirena? No. They work in completely different ways. The amount of hormone in the Mirena is MINUSCULE compared to the amount in the Depo. Think about it--that progestin has to last you five years instead of three months! Furthermore, the hormone of the Depo is injected into your muscle, where is spreads systematically (throughout your body). The hormone of the Mirena is totally localized (stays in your reproductive system). I'm pointing this out because I had THE CRAZINESS (exactly like you!) on the Depo, but I've had the Mirena for four years with NO problems. There is no such thing as a copper Mirena (which is the brand name for a type of IUD). There is, however, another type of IUD that is plastic with copper coils and lasts for 10 years (called Paraguard). Hope that helps! YS Link to comment
hiphop3 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 they don't have a copper mirena, but there is just a copper iud. the effects of mirena are waaay less than depo i think. it is localized, so the chemicals don't go to your brain (like the pill does..i'm assuming depo does too) also, the first 2 months are supposed to be the worst regarding emotions on mirena. that is if there are any emotional effects at all. this is b/c your uterine lining is still thick and the blood vessels easily absorb the chemicals. but eventually mirena will thin your uterus walls (that's why many women stop their periods all together or they become less frequent) and then your blood vessels can't absorb the hormones at all. Link to comment
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