Paragard IUD

I currently have a copper IUD for my birth control, but before that I was on: Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Cyclen LO, Ortho Evra (Patch), Yasmin and Yaz. Each hormonal method resulted in different side effects: chest pain, breakthrough bleeding, depression, migraines and low libido. Yowza.

At the tail end of taking Yaz, I started working for Planned Parenthood, and was introduced to the amazingness of IUDs. I researched it for a while and thought about which one I wanted (Mirena with Progesterone = 5 years or Paragard with no hormones = 12 years). The choice was easy for me based on my past experiences with HBC; I chose Paragard.

Insertion was PAIN FREE! I did not take pain killers beforehand, nor did I receive any numbing agents or dilators. I am 22 and have never been pregnant/had babies. There was 1 minor cramp during insertion, and afterwards I did not experience any cramps, nausea, dizziness, etc. It was like it never happened.

It's been just a bit over 2 months that I've had it inserted, so I've had 2 periods with the IUD. My first period was like my periods before I went on HBC - long, heavy, bloody. (Hey! It IS your own natural cycle!) My second period was light! and only lasted a few days and I did not have ONE cramp. Woo. We'll see what next month brings.

I recommend IUDs because there isn't much to think about (just check your strings to make sure your IUD friend isn't expelling), it's the next most effective method of birth control to Tubal's, and it's reversible at ANY time (with Paragard you theoretically can get pregnant removal day since you are still ovulating).

I am into more natural methods of birth control and medicine, so I feel good about my decision to have a non-hormonal method of BC. Here's to 12 years! (Oh, and cost wise...expensive at first, but I've calculated how much a Paragard costs over a month over 12 years based on the prices at my Planned Parenthood and it's $3.80 a month for 12 years...more cost effective than any other method.)