Comparing Apri vs Mirena

For Birth Control Was put on this because of PCOS, did exactly what it was supposed to do. Got my period exactly every 28 days, no major side effects except for weight gain (part of which I blame for starting college at the same time). Didn't gain weight at first, then I gained 10-15lbs, and overall I gained 35-40lbs. It wasn't easy to lose the weight on this either, even with diet and regular exercise.

For Birth Control I've jumped around to many birth control pills through the years - some landed me in the hospital with severe blinding abdominal pain, some made me suicidal, and some made me nauseous. This is the first one that did not do that so I was thrilled. It also bettered my severe cystic hormonal acne to only about a blemish or two a month. However, it absolutely killed every ounce of my sex drive which used to be high and healthy. That's been very frustrating. Otherwise, okay pill.

For Birth Control Ladies!!! Do yourself a favor and stop reading these. Everybody is different and we all have different insertion experiences. I just got mirena inserted this morning. I am 24 years old and I've never had a baby. I was extremely nervous, as this was my second attempt at inserting mirena. I went last week and my cervix was too tight so they sent me home with a prescription that was to be put in my vagina the next week before I go in again. The second time (this morning) was a lot easier. Yes, it does hurt a bit but nothing I couldn't handle. Honestly the worst part for me was the cramps afterwards. I had bad cramps for about 5 minutes and ended up throwing up. After that I felt much better.

For Birth Control I have had the Mirena for almost four years now. It was been pretty great overall for the four years. A few months ago though, my periods started becoming very long. They would have one to two days where it seemed like it was done and then it would come back and just be light for about four more days. Mind you, I’ve never lost my period, it’s just been shorter and like clockwork and lasting 5 days only. Now it’s lasting double that if not longer. From what I read this is rather common and may mean it’s time to be replaced. But anybody else feel the dread of having to go through the insertion process again? Cause damn, I’m not looking forward to that.