Hello ladies. Let me introduce myself Im Jenn I am 22 and just had my daughter 8 weeks ago. DF and I are not wanting anymore children right now (if ever) so Im looking into getting either the Mirena or the Non-Hormonal IUD inserted. Im typically not sensitive to hormonal things...I went through a whole pregnancy with NO morning sickness!

Right now we just use condoms and its making me really nervous to think that they could break and all of that! So...My questions are

1. What is the difference in side-effects from the Mirena to the Non-Hormonal IUD?
2. How long do these side effects last for each IUD?
3. What are my risks of pregnancy between the Mirena and Non-Hormonal IUD?
4. Will these affect my milk supply as I am breastfeeding my DD?
5. How much do they cost?

Thanks ladies.

I found some information online I thought might be helpful to you with all of your questions. Just some stuff to think about and maybe check out the websites to help you some more. GL!! I hope you get the right one for yourself. I would love to help you with first hand experience, but I take the pill. I know there are other ladies on here who have the Mirena IUD and can definately help you with their experiences! to the board! Hope to see you around more often!!

Mirena IUD: www.mirena-us.com
-99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years (or less, if you choose)
-Provides lower and steadier hormones than the Pill
-Won't cause significant weight gain
-Easily removed with quick return to fertility
-May also help shorten, lighten or even eliminate periods
-Side effects with Mirena are most common during the first three months after insertion and decrease over time.
-Mirena should not be placed until 6 weeks postpartum. If you are breast-feeding, please talk to your doctor to see if you can still use the IUD.


Percentage of Women Reporting Side Effects During the First
Three Months and Fifth Year of Use:
SIDE EFFECTS AT 3 MONTHS AT 5 YEARS
Lower abdominal pain (cramping) 10.5% 2.0%
Acne or other skin problems 3.5% 1.8%
Back pain 3.1% 1.0%
Breast tenderness 3.1% 1.0%
Headache 2.8% 1.6%
Mood changes 2.5% Less than 1.0%

Paragard IUD www.paragard.com
- 99.4% effective when used properly
- effective for 10 years
- no protection against STI's, HIV or AIDS
-The most common side effects of ParaGard are heavier and longer periods for a few months after placement; some women have spotting between periods. For most women, this typically subsides after a few months.
-the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends it as a choice for nursing mothers.

I'm not sure how much not having morning sickness would have to do with reaction to the hormones since they're synthetic, not actual hormones with the hormonal IUD. I had no morning (or otherwise) sickness either, however, I am very sensitive to hormones.

1. What is the difference in side-effects from the Mirena to the Non-Hormonal IUD?
Hormones can wreak all kinds of havok on some people (like me). Mirena gave me the following side effects which is why I just switched to the non-hormonal:
body acne
bloating
ovarian cysts
depression
severe mood swings
just in general feeling very negative, pissed off and mad all the time

Paragard just gives most women very heavy periods and sometimes more severe cramping with each, but no other emotional or physical because there are no hormones.

2. How long do these side effects last for each IUD?
The Mirena I've found got worse over time. I loved it the first 6 months or so and then started turning into a monster the longer I had it in on top of when I started missing periods. I didn't have one for 6 months and only got one now since I switched to Paragard. I've read that the Paragard heavy bleeding can taper off after a few months, some complain about it longer.

3. What are my risks of pregnancy between the Mirena and Non-Hormonal IUD?
Both are over 99% effective, but the risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher with an IUD.

4. Will these affect my milk supply as I am breastfeeding my DD?
I didn't notice an affect on mine while I had the Mirena.

5. How much do they cost?
Depends on your insurance. Mirena cost me $600 out of pocket. Paragard cost $300, but that was after $100 I had in an allowance and a different insurance plan with different coverages and deductibles. They're not cheap!


In my experience I do not recommend the Mirena to ANYone. I've had too many problems and I'm so hopeful that things will turn around for me now that it's out. Too many women have had such horrible emotional side effects. There are support groups all over the internet.

There are many women on here who have the mirena and have no side effects from it. It really differs for each woman, depending on how you react to hormones and the mirena in your body. I would just talk to your doctor and figure out which one you are comfortable with. Don't freak out though and think horrible things will happen with the mirena, because it may be fine for you. Look things up, I hope you were able to go to the websites I gave you. I would also look at the other posts on here from others talking about IUD's and their experiences with mirena or others. GL!!!

I am one who has it and hasn't had any side effects. I love it and think is is perfect.

You really do have to do the research. Specifically look up side effects for each. I talked to my doctor about options and she pushed the Mirena right out the door because they're paid to do so. I wasn't warned of many of the possible side effects that I experienced. I wish I had done my own research online before I got the Mirena or I never would have gotten it.

With a class action lawsuit in the works against it currently I certainly can't recommend it. There are lots of women who haven't had any problems, but the ones who have have been very severe, so just use caution. And know that you probably wouldn't notice the side effects for months to a year or more after it's in. I'm just sharing my experience to give you a heads up because not everyone can handle the hormones. You may be different. I want people to be aware that the side effects can be severe enough to warrant a lawsuit and countless support groups and websites because I wish the same had been made apparent to me.

I totally agree. I think that women should be aware of things and I don't think that doctors should push things on their patients just because! I would also think that its not really great to scare women either. Definately look up info and make a decision and def def talk to your doctor!!