Mirena Vs The Birth Control Pill

The birth control pill or "the pill" is a combination of estrogen and progestin. The pill is taken daily, by mouth, to prevent ovulation, which in turn helps prevent pregnancy.

Pros of use:

• Can help regulate periods.
• Can help clear acne, depending on dosage.
• Can be stopped at any time.

Cons of use:

• Can mimic symptoms of pregnancy, including nausea, tender breasts, weight gain.
• Has to be taken every single day, at the same time, to be effective.
• Does have other unpleasant, side effects including possibility of blood clots and stroke.
  

Mirena is an IUD with progestogen. It is an intrauterine system (IUS) that is inserted into the uterus, where it releases hormones that effect the lining of the uterus that prevents sperm from passing through the cervix.

Pros of use:

• No need to take it daily, since once inserted, it is long-term birth control (up to 5 years).
• Lighter periods.

Cons of use:

• Must be inserted/removed by a doctor. If the patient changes her mind, she must make an appointment to have it removed.
  
• Risk of infection is greater due to cervical insertion.
• No way to adjust hormonal dosage as could be done with oral contraception.

The ParaGard is a copper-T IUD (intrauterine device). The ParaGard consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame wound with copper wire, along with two monofilament threads to aid in removal of the IUD.

"The ParaGard prompts the release of leukocytes and prostaglandins by the endometrium. These substances are hostile to both sperm and eggs; the presence of copper increases this spermicidal effect."

Pros of use:

• No need to take it daily, since once inserted, it is long-term birth control (up to 10 years).
• No hormones to deal with.
• Can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 3-5 days of unprotected intercourse.
  

Cons of use:

• Must be inserted/removed by a doctor. If the patient changes her mind, she must make an appointment to have it removed.
• Risk of infection is greater due to cervical insertion.
• Heavier, longer periods.
  

 am using the ParaGard.

I decided to use the copper-T IUD because of the adverse effects that I had with the birth control pill.  I considered Mirena, but due to my past history with the hormones in birth control pills, I decided to go with ParaGard.

Because I am the mother of three children, insertion of the ParaGard was not painful, at all.  But, subsequently, my periods for the past two years have, indeed, been longer, but they have started and ended with light spotting, with heavy flow in the middle of a 7 day menstrual cycle.  I generally also experience spotting after sexual activity.

(This article should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.)