Does anyone have one? Did you get hormonal or copper? What are your experiences with it? I'm considering one, but my mind isn't entirely made up yet.
I had the copper one, and it worked great...many years ago. I did get heavier periods and cramping with it, and wouldn't go that route again, but at the time it was def. the best option for me.
The hormones of birth control kind of creep me out. But at the same time, periods suck. I love having lighter periods, and I don't know if I can go back.
If you want lighter periods, the copper IUD is not the way to go. At least it wasn't for me. I wanted it to work because I don't like taking hormones and in fact, since I have migraines they will no longer prescribe them to me.... but it did cause a much heavier flow.
I just had one put in about two months ago. I chose copper because of my family history and hormones freak me out. I've had bad experiences with hormonal birth controls. Paraguard (copper IUD) is super effective and it keeps the spontaneity. Also, since it's effective for 12 years, it's far more cost-efficient than other forms of birth control. What sucks: increased cramping and increased bleeding. My body is still getting used to the presence of the IUD, but, man, it hurts! Also, my periods last longer. Things are mellowing out now, but those are the real problems with Paraguard. I love Paraguard and I do not regret getting it. :sunny:
They sound like a great option. I'm considering getting one soon. As much as I'd rather avoid hormones altogether, I'll probably still go for the Mirena(hormonal). At least the hormone dose is still much lower than the pill. I had a friend who got the copper one and had no issues from it as far as I heard. I'd imagine the insertion would be the worst part of it as that's when most of risk seems to occur (risk of perforated uterus). It's a bit worrisome, but I'm hoping the pros outweight the cons and nothing goes terribly wrong. I'm going to make an appointment to visit the sexual health clinic next month for more info.
