Paraguard IUD vs. Mirena IUS

I am 7 weeks post-partum and considering my options for safe contraceptives with breastfeeding. My OB recommended Mirena, but I am concerned about the hormone and its unknown longterm effects on my infant. So, I am leaning towards the Paraguard copper IUD. I realize there is a risk of increased bleeding and cramping with periods, but I think it may be worth it to make sure my daughter doesn't get any hormones. Does anyone have the Paraguard? How are your periods? How quickly did you get pregnant again after it was removed?

I've never had IUDs so I can't comment from a personal standpoint.

While I was researching this, I found a discussion on the Mothering.com forums about this exact topic. It's older but quite a few people chimed in.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthre ad.php?t=200926

I have a Mirena, and I'm not breastfeeding but I hate it. I'm completely insane, and I've been spotting since they put it in. The anger/crazy emotional train wreck might be ppd, but I don't think it's normal for a postpartum woman to spot for 4 months. Also, the doctor says that it's probably the hormones in the mirena. Also, my boyfriend can feel the copper wire and it hurts him.

I've had the Paraguard for about 2 years now.  Not a single issue with it.

Original Post by shannynegans:

Also, my boyfriend can feel the copper wire and it hurts him.

 Creepy! I'd have it taken out just for this reason alone!

They're not supposed to feel a wire at all, the copper is supposed to be in the uterus.  There is a string that hangs down into the vagina, if he's feeling these (after a few months they soften), you can ask to have them cut shorter, but make sure that they check your IUD for placement at each gynecological exam.

Original Post by smwhipple:

There is a string that hangs down into the vagina

I meant that he could feel this, it's a sharp metal wire. The Mirena isn't made of copper, it's a flexible plastic. I'm thinking about having it removed if I don't stop spotting soon. It's driving me insane.

It's definitely worth a call into the office to see what they think is going on.  Also, you can get the strings cut very short...or use condoms and see if that helps.  I'm sure that one of the reasons you got the IUD was so you wouldn't need condoms, but a back up method for birthcontroll is never a bad idea.

I just got Paraguard last week.  I have a blood-clotting tendency, so my gyno wouldn't use mirena.

That said, insertion REALLY hurt.  Now, I've never had a child, but the gyno said the cramping is similar to contractions. 

I am still cramping a little, and bleeding, but it seems to be getting better.  I can feel the strings as well.

I've had the Mirena twice, and loved it.  Your periods virtually disappear after a couple of months, and it's effortless birth control.  I also breastfed while having the Mirena in place, with no effect on my baby boy.

Original Post by shannynegans:

Original Post by smwhipple:

There is a string that hangs down into the vagina

I meant that he could feel this, it's a sharp metal wire. The Mirena isn't made of copper, it's a flexible plastic. I'm thinking about having it removed if I don't stop spotting soon. It's driving me insane.

Go to your GYN asap! Nothing sharp or pokey should be hanging out. If there is that means your IUD is out of place and may not work properly!!

The emotional effects was also a concern of mine. I have always experienced mood swings on the pill, but my doc said Mirena would not cause swings. I know my body and know ANY added hormone will affect me--that is why I am thinking about the Paraguard. The string hanging down was also a concern for my husband. Thanks for your response!

I had huge mood swings / anxiety with a mirena IUD - after taking it out I came back to normal in a couple of weeks. There's no way I'd ever get one again - the hormones have been found in breastmilk (as per the product monograph) and can affect a woman systemically as opposed to locally which is how most Dr's sell it.

after reading this post I got a very scary image in my head of poor women walking around w/ robotic computers in the uteruses!!!  go to the doc!  i don't think its' normal to have sharp wires/contraptions causing pain.  I'd rather wear an ancient chastity belt under lock and key!  LMAO

lmao, Vanessa. I think it must be more scary for those of us who haven't had one before. My doctor has never recommended a form of BC other than the pill for me. I had no idea the IUD population was so large!

ETA: Every sex ed. class I took growing up made IUDs seem like a terrible choice for birth control. We were taught that there was a huge risk of developing pelvic inflamitory disease when using an IUD. They made it sound like having a copper contraption inside you was the worst thing on Earth. It's funny how terribly wrong they were!

I've had major mood swings from hormonal birth control which is why I went for the Paraguard.  The insertion was somewhat unpleasant albeit quick and I'm sure the 3 ibuprofin probably helped.  The string was very stiff at first and now I have to search to find it...I've never had anyone actually know that I have it unless I tell them although I do use condoms for the second method so that might provide a bit of a buffer.

There was a particular brand which is no longer sold that had a high risk of infection due to the material the strings were made with.  Also, you want to have the insertion done someplace like a gynecological clinic where they do lots of them, not with a gp that might do one or two in a year.

Older doctors tend to be very hesitant to give an single woman an IUD as they are afraid that they won't use any protection for disease.

I used the Paraguard for 3 years and had it out last July to start trying to conceive.  I was pregnant within 3 months of having it removed.  I had my baby 3 weeks ago and am going to get the Paraguard again in the future.  I loved it.  I didn't want to use anything hormonal because I haven't had the best experiences in the past.  I remember health classes too from high school and they made the IUD seem like such a scary option but my midwife told me that they are the most widely used form of birth control worldwide.  I had slightly heavier periods but no increased cramping. 

Original Post by roo_the_roo:

I used the Paraguard for 3 years and had it out last July to start trying to conceive.  I was pregnant within 3 months of having it removed.  I had my baby 3 weeks ago and am going to get the Paraguard again in the future.  I loved it.  I didn't want to use anything hormonal because I haven't had the best experiences in the past.  I remember health classes too from high school and they made the IUD seem like such a scary option but my midwife told me that they are the most widely used form of birth control worldwide.  I had slightly heavier periods but no increased cramping. 

Ha I heard the same thing in health class and was terrified of IUDs, then I went on the pill and had the most horrific experiences ie hair loss, depression, and mood swings. It was at that moment I realized that it is far more unnatural to take artificial hormones than to have a little piece of copper. 

I had the paragard IUD inserted about 10 weeks PP.  My baby will turn 1 year on the 20th and I just started my period last Saturday.  It lasted about 3 days- no big deal, very light. 

I got the ParaGard because I didn't want to use hormonal birth control anymore; it was making me depressed and causing mood swings. It cramped for a month or so, maybe, but I've had it for over 3 years now and it's been fine. I would definitely recommend it. As far as periods, they are fairly heavy, but I don't think it has anything to do with the ParaGard after all this time.

JUS so u know, when the mirena is inserted, the gyn is suppose to have u feel thewires, which are copper,  there is no copper on the mirena, except the wires, which are suppose to be felt, if you do not feel the wires the mirena is no longer in place. the gyn told me that is how i can check myself to make sure it is in place. so if u feel copper wires that is a good thing.