Iud

Any experiences with copper IUD's? What's your take on it? TIA!

I considered Paragard because I like the idea of birth control without hormones. I ultimately decided against it because we are planning on trying to get pregnant about a year from now, when our daughter is 2, and it's more of a long-term method than I'm needing. IUDs can stay in place for several years! We are unsure as to whether we want to have one more baby or two, but when we are done I may get an IUD if DH won't get a vasectomy.

Unless you need help regulating your cycles, I would go with the Paragard over the Mirena (which contains hormones). I like the idea of things being as 'natural' as possible, but that's just me. That said, I am using hormonal birth control right now (Nuvaring) because I have PCOS and the irregular cycles that usually accompany this syndrome.

That's my take. If you get an IUD I hope you love it.

I've had ParaGard for a while. No complaints about it currently. I like not having to worry about taking a pill every day or taking out a ring every three weeks (had previously used Nuvaring). I changed to it for the reasons Heather mentioned - I didn't want to be on hormonal birth control any longer. That said, I did experience some side effects the first couple of months on it. First, having it inserted was painful (don't let anyone tell you differently, LOL, unless you have a very high tolerance). I knew that going in, but yes it hurt. I did experience major cramping, back aches, heavier periods and spotting in between periods. I haven't had a child, so I was worried it would cause a tear, but thankfully it's still in the right place. The side effects eventually went away, my periods are normal again. Side effects are individual, of course, so that's just my experience.

Good luck with whatever you decide!