Comparing Mirena vs ParaGard

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: I had Mirena for about a year and a half. For the first 6 months I spotted every day but had no periods/pain. After 6 months I had zero symptoms!!! It felt so perfect. I didn’t get my period until about a year in. At this time, I had my period 3 months in a row, very light and virtually painless. After that though it stopped. I still had bloating/cramps/ mood swings. Then the worst part. I had cramps every day randomly for about 2 months. I just recently had it removed because I couldn’t take it anymore. Altogether though, Mirena worked for me really well for about a year.

For Birth Control: I just received the Paragard today and wanted to share about the procedure. I'm 30, with 5 kids (just had twins 3 months ago today)I said 'over my dead body I'm getting pregnant again, knowing I'm prone to having twins!'. I told my doc I wanted something as close to being sterile as possible without going under. So, I chose the Paragard. Hormone free and stays for 10yrs, or until you want it removed. The process wasn't painful. But you have to remember, the more kids you have, it's not painful. And, if you just gave birth, it's not as painful either. Of course if you're uterus hasn't been through any changes, it will feel like a big cramp and discomfort. I've spotted so far. I will keep posting on changes every month!

For Birth Control: I'm 34 years old with 2 kids. I had the Paragard IUD inserted 3 & 1/2 yrs ago shortly after the birth of my 2nd child. The procedure was quick. I experienced a little discomfort but nothing unbearable. Fast forward to 2016, I requested my GYN remove the Paragard IUD today. It took all of 30 seconds to remove but did leave me spotting. My reasons to remove included the following: 1) shortly before my period I would spot for approximately 3-4 days and then proceed to bleed for a minimum of 9 days 2) constant vaginal discharge which resulted in me having to wear a panty liner daily and 3) since it's insertion, my cravings for sugar have tremendously increased. After 3 years, I finally just had enough of dealing with these side effects.