Thinking about getting another form of birth control?

Question

I have been on the pill for about 10 years, I research birth control a lot, and may be looking for a change. I wanted to know if any of you ladies have had first hand experience with the IUD (just copper) or the Mirena IUD. Please tell me your negatives and positives.

Answer 1

I have a Mirena IUD.  I really, really like it - it's cut down on the volume of blood I lose during my period and on cramping, and I don't have to worry about birth control at all until 2012.  Having it put in was rather uncomfortable, though - they had to measure my uterus to make sure it was large enough, and then once the IUD was in place I had cramps and bleeding for a couple of days while my body adjusted.  I did a fair amount of research before getting it and I know that some people can't tolerate it and have to have it removed, but it's been great for me.  I was initially going to get a copper IUD, but the physician who did the insertion talked me out of it; apparently people on the copper IUD tend to have much heavier periods and more cramping.  I was concerned about having a form of birth control that involved hormones, since I think they tend to make me depressed, but the levels of hormones involved in the Mirena are low enough that they haven't caused any (noticeable) problems.

Pluses besides the fact that it's cheaper than using other forms of contraception are that it has a very, very low failure rate, that I never have to think about it, and that I don't have to do anything that might interrupt s*x.  A huge minus would be that it doesn't protect against STDs - this doesn't affect me because I'm in a monogamous relationship, but if you aren't then you'd need to use condoms as well.

I think the biggest misconception people have about the Mirena IUD (can't remember if it's true for the copper one as well) is that it works solely by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.  This is one way it functions, especially right after you get it, but with time your body develops increased mucus in your uterus that actually prevent the sperm from getting through and fertilizing the egg in the first place.  I have no idea if that will make a difference in your decision, but there you go.

Answer 2

nuva ring works really good........only insert it once a month. my doctor says men like the friction of it too.