Mirena or ParaGard

[funnyornot]

I am 27 years old with a family history of breast cancer. My mom was diagnosed with BC a few months after her doctor put her on birth control pills. To be cautious, I have never been on pills or any other systematic hormone-related contraception (e.g. Nuvaring, patch, shots etc). It seems my best bet would be IUD. I read a lot of archives on Mirena and ParaGard here and else where. I cannot decide which one to take.

Most Mirena users are happy with it. Some reported weight gain and mood change. In addition, very few women were diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after they had Mirena inserted. They all attributed to the low dose of levonorgestrel contained in Mirena since breast cancer is a hormone-sensitive cancer. However, Mirena's hormone is very low dose and only supposed to affect locally within your uterus. It should not be circulated in your blood, unlike the pills etc. If not in blood, how can Mirena affect your body systematically can cause weight gain, or breast cancer?

Apparently I've seen no complaints on breast cancer among ParaGard users, although a few mentioned weight gain. However, there's a consistent discussion on cramp, heavy bleeding and discomfort. Perforation is also not uncommon.

So here I am, confused and indecisive. Please help. Any experience or story is welcome!

[kgill78]

I chose the paraguard because I CANNOT deal with hormones AT ALL without becoming a complete psychotic mess.  It hurt putting it in because I have a tilted uterus and he had to put some device in there to straighten it out and that hurt quite a bit.  For the first year or two I bled like the devil and cramps were the worst ever.  The bleeding can be so bad that it will bust through a supersize tampon and a pad (that's only once in a while though).  Depends on each person though.  I have heard of people with the paraguard that stop having their periods all together.

[Mimijopinon]

I chose Paragard because I wanted to avoid anything with hormones. When I had it put in, the doctor told me that I would have spotting and heavier bleeding during the first couple of months, and I would be a bit crampy for a few days. She was right on both accounts, although, neither one of those symptoms really disappeared. I had heavy periods that would last about 2-3 weeks, and would constantly feel a slight pain on my right side near my kidney. Because it wasn't in the same place as my uterus, I didn't really link it to the IUD.

In April 2009 - the pain began to increase significantly. It was to the point where I was unable to function normally. It affected my work, my relationship with my husband, kids, and kept me from doing the things I liked to do. I didn't relate it to the IUD because doctors would constantly tell me its sitting properly, and wasn't the reason for the pain near my kidney.

After months of agony - I saw many different specialists, ultrasounds, CAT scans, took blood tests, urine tests, and narcotic pain meds daily to help me get through the day - I finally decided to take it out as a precautionary measure. The very next day, the pain was gone. Slight cramping and pain, but nothing in comparison to what I endured for months.

I have heard good and bad things about this birth control option. I wanted to share my experience with other women who may experience the same thing I did. Doctors couldn't even figure this one out!

[JENNA1030]

Also, the paraguard seems to have more immediate side effects, such as heavier cramping and bleeding that lasts longer.

[JENNA1030]

I have the mirena, I got it back in July. At first I was very happy with it. Recently I have been having mood swings and loss of sex drive. In addition it is incredibly painful to have sex. I am going on monday to have it checked out. It could be something completely unrealted to the mirena.

My doctor didn't even suggest paraguard for me. I have read alot of reviews of people who hate Mirena and lot who say it saved their lives. I would talk to your doctor, since you hever never been on any type of BC they may not want to put you on an IUD right away.