Birth Control Options - IUD or Implanon?

Question

Anybody have experience with an IUD? Or IMPLANON?

I'm considering the new Mirena IUD (5 yrs protection - has progesterone) and the 10 year IUD (no hormones).

I also was told about IMPLANON by my ob-gyn - a rod the size of a matchstick that is placed under the skin of the arm - and can be used up to 3 yrs. Trying to decide between and IUD and the Implanon. Anybody have experience they can share about any of these B.C. options?
TIA!

Answer 1

I will get tons of thumbs-downs for my answer, but I can tell you from PERSONAL experience that the Mirena IUD sucked for me. The biggest problem with IUDs is that women's uteruses come in a LOT of different sizes, and the IUD is one-size-fits-all....which doesn't happen. So a lot of women can end up having problems.

If you DO decide on an IUD, I would recommend Mirena over Para-Gard (copper only). While PG has no hormones, the copper can make you have longer, heavier and more painful periods and a LOT of intermittent irregular bleeding. Mirena would at least (theoretically) help to minimize your period once you adjust to the fact that you've got a foreign object lodged someplace where it shouldn't be.

I had considered the original implant (before it was taken off the market), but the chemicals were too similar to a pill I'd had trouble with and decided against it.

Over all, I've been using contraceptives for over 20 years and I much prefer the pill to ANY other method, because I can stop, start, and change whenever I want to, without having to make an appointment with my doctor.

Answer 2

I used the non medicated IUD years ago and love it. Didn't have to remember to take any pills....

The problem with implanted birth control depends on the skill of the doctor. My friend, a doctor herself, told me that many will implant to deep below the skin so that when it's time to take it out there is trouble getting to it.

Answer 3

I get the depo shot it's easy and you only get it every three months talk to your doctor