What Lead You to Consider IUD Use?
I wanted a birth control option that was super effective and as hassel-free as possible (I am terrible about remembering to take pills!!)
Helpful Questions that You Asked your Doctor
I was concerned about whether to choose the ParaGard IUD or Mirena (since it has hormones). I was also concerned about possible risks at the time of insertion as well as effectiveness of each IUD.
How Did These Questions Help in Your IUD Decision?
My doctor explained that since I have already had a child, have been able to tolerate hormonal contraception in the past, and was fairly certain that I would know whether or not I wanted more kids within the next 5 years, that the Mirena IUD would be a better option for me.
It was also helpful to hear that the Mirena IUD wasslightly more effective: Mirena is 99.9% effective whereas ParaGard IUD is 99.2-99.4% effective. Plus, my doctor told me that it is more effective than a tubal liagtion and that Mirena IUD and a vasectomy are the most effective birth control methods.
My doctor aslo explained the insertion risks: Perforation (being pushed through the uterus), Infection (some risk of PID associated with IUD use, but the risk goes down the first 20 days after insertion), and expulsion (IUD could slip out of the uterus - but this is more likely to happen in younger women and those who have never had a baby... so this was unlikely to happen to me given my age and history of having children).
What I'd Do Differently
- I wouldn't do too much differently. I did my research & asked the questions that I needed to know the answers to in order to make my final decision. My doctor was very helpful, and I ended up having the Mirena IUD inserted.
- My doctor briefly went over what to expect during the insertion. It was a bit more uncomfortable than I thought it would be (but not TERRIBLE).
- I would advise women to be cautious of all the posted stories about how terrible the insertion is and all the bad side effects women report. Each of us is unique & most only tend to complain of they had a bad experience - so many posts are biased!
