Comparing Apri vs Mirena

For Birth Control Before Apri, I was on Natazia. Before Natazia, I was on Cyclafem. I gained 30lbs and so having the other BCs after it didn't make me gain or lose anymore weight. I also have high metabolism. NATAZIA: Periods came on time, were light, and the pill made it easy to not get pregnant even if I took it 5 hours ahead of the time I was supposed to take it. I was on it for 6 months. But it was too expensive APRI: It was alright, I was scared of the reviews, but I'm a different person so I shouldn't expect the same. My periods were heavier than Natazia. I had to stick to wearing regular tampons but a super on the first couple days. Later on, My periods got slightly heavier each time. 4 months later, it finally came on time, my periods stayed heavier but lasted 4 days this time. I'm most likely anemic so I experienced almost passing out on the last day of this period and cramped more on this BC. Talked to my doctor and I'm switching to another one.

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 had the Mirena inserted after using Paraguard (which was a nightmare). Pro: as a birth control, little to no period. My regular periods before this weren't very heavy and I've never had terrible cramps. I will occasionally have back aches and cramping but not unbearable. Cons: insertion is fairly painful, I got lightheaded during insertion and it feels like the worst cramping you could imagine. Also and the biggest thing for me is the weight gain. I had stayed around 151-157 for about the last 10 years. Since getting the Mirena I have steadily gained weight. I'm now around 167. I used to just be able to clean up my eating and lay off the junk food when I noticed I was putting in a few pounds and be back to normal. Not anymore. I'm really considering having it removed. I feel fat and bloated pretty much all the time.

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.