Anyone Ever Use Paragard IUC for Birth Control?

I debated the same thing after my second baby. I found out that it works by preventing implantation, which bothered me because I had to be on fertility treatments for my first. As a result, I decided not to use that method, but that was just my personal feelings on the subject for my own body. I would never try to push anyone else in that direction! It can be a tough decision, but it does seem as if a lot of other women love using it!

would love to know too

I have a 7 mo and got my IUD three months ago. I love it. I can't tell you enough how wonderful it is to have. No worry about getting pregnant again, no fuss with contraception and no crazy side effects from the pill, etc.

I got the Paraguard because I was breastfeeding and thought the hormone in Merina would hurt the baby. I was wrong, the hormone is localized in your uterus and according to my Dr. doesn't go into your blood stream. If I had to do it again, I would get the Marina because it gives you lighter periods. My period is much heavier now (I have only had one so far so I am not sure if it will remain heavy) but still worth it for the freedom of the IUD.

It is not painless to put it in, it hurts a lot but only for a few days. Well worth it. I have no pain or problems now and don't feel a thing. I LOVE having it. It is expensive, but your insurance should reimburse you.

N.,
I got the paraguard IUD implanted (it pinched when inserted and I was woozy and cramping a day or two). It was great for spontaneity (I had just gotten married), a huge comfort improvement over a diaphragm, and no hormones (bad pill experience in the past). I thought we were set for a wonderful time! ALAS... I was pregnant one month later! Turns out I have an abnormally shaped uterus...arcuate, shaped like a heart so that I wasn't being protected on the right side of my uterus. PLEASE, I strongly recomend having an ultrasound before choosing an IUD to see if your uterus will be properly shaped for it to be effective. Needless to say, my husband and I have an almost eight month old daughter after a year and half of marriage. She is a true miracle, though. We thought the drama was our unplanned pregnancy. The drama turned out to be the anguish leading up to her birth when we discovered she had severe hydrocepephalus in utero. She and we all had a rough start, but things are now stable, she is slowly making progress in her development, and we can't imagine this world without her. However, I'm mentioning all of this just to drive home the importance of being confident that the IUD can actually do what it is designed to do! Good luck!

I just had a Paragard IUC inserted 4 months ago. I initially tried the mini-pill, but after 4 days of crying I had to stop taking it. The doctor recommended Paragard as the best non-hormonal solution for me. I was worried about the insertion process, because, as a previous respondant mentioned, it is usually inserted during your period. As a breastfeeding mother, that wasn't an option. But I used the relaxation techniques that I learned prior to childbirth and didn't have any trouble at all. I was surprised when the doctor said the IUD was in place... I was still waiting for it to hurt. I still haven't had a period, since I'm still breastfeeding. But so far, so good. I would recommend Paragard.

Hello N.-
I do not have any experience with Paragard IUC, but if artificial hormones are a concern for you, there are natural alternatives that are completely hormone free and, just like some other artificial contraceptives, 99%+ effective when used correctly. My husband and I used the first method for the first 5 years of our marriage and the second one for the last 7 years. I like that the methods are completely natural, easy to use, involves my husband's input with our family planning on a daily basis, and it costs next to nothing! I completely breast fed my babies for the first 4-6 months, and didn't get my period with each of them until they were 12-15 months old. With the method you make different observations every day which tells you where you are in your fertility. As a result a husband and wife are able to have relations during the post partum time frame. NFP has so many benefits and is something to consider.

Good luck with your decision.
C.

P.S A general misconception that people get about NFP is that it doesn't work, partly because generally those who use it have larger families. I have 5 children; all who were planned. None of them were "surprises" or "accidents"!

http://www.nfpprog.com/how_nfp_works/symptothermal.htm

http://www.creightonmodel.com/

Hi

I'm half way through my second year with paragard and no problems. My period lasts longer than it did on the pill but I do not get the cramping they said could be a side effect.

I have a paraguard and think it is great. It is uncomfortable as it is inserted and for a day or two after. Motrin helps and makes it ok. I figured that cramping for a few days beat more childbirth any day! (I have 4 kids, the last 2 are twins). I felt the device for a couple of weeks, not uncomfortable, just htere. My period was heavy for about 6 months. It has gotten lighter, but is lasts longer, it is different than ever before. All in all, I do not view it to be a problem at all and love not having to consider birth control.

Hey N.,
Yes I have it and I never was so satisfied with any other form of birth control. I love it. It pinched when they put it in. I was crampy that night. The next day was aahhh, no more pills!!! I've had it for two years. No problems yet. I get my period right on schedule every month. There are no hormones so there's no weight gain or drastic mood swings unless it's my own fault. LOL. Anyway, I swear by it. Good luck.