6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I had my 6 week PP check up yesterday and the topic of birth control came up. I'm not a candidate for BCP anymore because I get terrible migraines and DH and would like to wait for at least a year before TTCing again. IUD was suggested to me but is this easily removable if we decide to try earlier? A friend suggested Mirena to me but again, they mentioned because of my migraines I might not even be able to do this if the hormones are not low enough. If anyone has an IUD, how are you liking it?

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I had Paraguard for 16 months before deciding to take it out to TTC, except we recently decided to wait a few more months before we TTC.

It is hormone free and is good for up to 10 years before you need to change it. One of the side effects was a heavier period but I think I had a heavier period the first few days but, I am not sure if it was because of the IUD or because my body was just adjusting to having a period again (I EBF and didn't get my period until 7 months PP).

I highly recommend it and think this is a great option.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I got the Paraguard IUD. I just had my first period with it and it lasted for 2 weeks.
I don't know if this is a result of post-pregnancy or the IUD.
I have PCOS so who knows when I will get my period again, but if it is always going to last 2 weeks because of the IUD then I will probably have it taken out.

I love that it has no hormones and that I never have to think about bc.

I will wait and see what happens.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I have Mirena since the birth of my DS#2. Prior to my pregnancies, I was always on the pill. I love having an IUD vs the pill.

I've had no side effects from Mirena. I still get a period but it is very quick and light. However I now it works differently for everyone.

I choose Mirena over Paraguard due to the recommendation of my doctor based on the success rate and feedback from her other patients. I plan to have more children and hope not to have any difficulty conceiving due to Mirena. I most likely will keep it in for another year.

Mirena has hormones (no estrogen)which are localized to the uterus and is good for 5 years. Paraguard is hormone free and lasts 10 years.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I'm so happy you posted this question. I am currently on the BCP and I have hated every second of it since being put back on after having DS. I get spotting (never had that before DS) and my period is all wacky. While it's much lighter, it seems to come and go whenever it wants! So, I was thinking of asking my dr about Mirena at my appointment in 2 weeks. Thanks for this information! Any additional info or feedback would be wonderful.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

My doctor recommended the Mirena after I told her I get migraines, she said it shouldn't make them worse. I still get my migraines just as often with it. I have had it for 11 months and haven't seen an increase in migraines.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I had the paragaurd for years and loved it. No hormones. I am getting a new one now after my 6week pp checkup.

The first few periods were hellish but, I had never had a child before and I was told it comes with really bad cramping if you have never had a child. But after a few months it was wonderful. I never had to think about BC and I loved that.

Message edited 6/30/2009 10:36:55 AM.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I've had Mirena just a little over 2 yrs and I absolutely love it. I was on the pill before and I hated taking a pill everyday. I almost never have a period and when I do it's very light for maybe 2 days. I did have some cramping after insertion and heavy spotting for maybe 2 weeks. No other major side effects.

We plan to TTC late this year or early next year, so that's when I'll have it taken out. If we have another child I would definitely get it again.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

I have the Paraguard now and so far so good. I just got it 2 weeks ago.

Re: 6 Week PP checkup - BC and IUD questions

Thanks everyone for your comments. I wonder if I can call my doctor's office and set up a time for this or do I have to wait until my next appointment in 6 weeks?