Contraceptive gel vs Hormonal IUD

I absolutely loved my Mirena for the first 2.5 years... up until my body rejected it and I began to pass the IUD through my cervix. I believe this happened because of rough sex, which Mirena and doctors say can't happen. Well, it happened, and it caused the worst cramping I've experienced, truly debilitating me until I got it removed. I then tried a new IUD and the cramps, although not as bad, returned, accompanied by terrible mood swings and emotional vulnerability. I was told my body wasn't right for an IUD, which is odd because it worked for 2.5 years! I think everyone should still try the IUD, as it was the best birth control I still have ever used... before I couldn't use it anymore.

Easy to use especially for women that are in perimenopause because it can be part of Menopausal hormone therapy. I have had several through my life and recommend- very effective, easy and periods favorable!

I first got my Mirena IUD when I was 13-14 for hormonal-induced migraines. The insertion was very painful, but the cramping did not last too long after insertion. I had mild spotting for a few months, then my period stopped completely for 5 years. Last year, my period came back and has been irregular since. Overall, my period has been much lighter and my PMS symptoms and menstruation symptoms have been minimal. I also have noticed more stability in my mood and have had decreased migraines since starting my IUD.

The insertion is intense but the place it and forget about it element about IUDs is worth it!

The Mirena was great for stopping periods- I was 18 when I had it inserted and loved not having a period. I did not know of any of the side effects and when I discussed with my doctor, she said that these were not symptoms brought about by the IUD (so she put me on medication to combat the symptoms I was experiencing). I decided to remove the IUD last month- my hair has stopped falling out in clumps, I’ve lost weight and am never bloated, I am never constipated, my sex drive and sexual function are back to normal, my skin has cleared up, my body hair is not growing in as thick, and I have not gotten any yeast infections, vaginal irritation, abnormal discharge or smell. The worst part about this IUD was that it hurt to get it inserted and removed and my pain and anxieties were not taken seriously by medical professionals- if this birth control is right for somebody, make sure you go to a doctor who understands what this birth control method is, what it can do (good and bad- it can work super well for some people), who might not be a great candidate for this (because some people just aren’t), and especially how to help their patients manage discomfort, pain and anxiety during the insertion and removal processes.

I had a very good experience with my Kyleena IUD. I got it right before going away to college for the first time because I didn't want to deal with birth control pills while dealing with moving to a new environment, starting higher level classes, being far away from my PCP, etc. and I knew I wouldn't want to become pregnant while at college or in the year after graduating. Contrary to most, I didn't have any pain with insertion. The speculum made me more uncomfortable than the actual IUD insertion. I had bleeding for about two weeks after insertion then didn't have any periods until it was almost expired. Those periods were very light with very little cramping -- honestly more like spotting. The worst part of having an IUD, in my opinion, is getting it removed. It wasn't necessarily painful -- just a slight pinching or scraping feeling. However, I had a lot of difficulty finding a doctor who would actually do the removal. Most receptionists told me I should return to the doctor who originally placed it, which was not possible for me after moving 12 hours away from that doctor's office, no longer being enrolled in the insurance that doctor accepted, etc. This would obviously not be a problem for someone who doesn't plan on moving during the duration of the IUD. Overall, I definitely recommend Kyleena to anyone who isn't too worried about the pain that normally comes with insertion and/or knows they don't want to become pregnant within the next 5 years.

I was very scared to get my IUD, but ultimately it was a great decision. It is easy because I don't have to remember to take a pill daily and you can always check that it is still in place. My symptoms have been minor and do not cause any disruptions to my daily life. I would recommend this form of birth control, but I would ask about pain management with your doctor before the insertion.

The mirena has been great! I stopped using the pill because it affected my mood and body and since using the mirena IUD I felt myself again.

I have had an increase in sweating excessively on the Kyleena IUD. I had mine placed in November of 2022 after being on the Nexplanon implant for almost 3 years (2 years 8 months). I switched from the Nexplanon due to heavy bleeding for 10-15 days every 16-20 days. The placement of the IUD was painful as I have not had a child before, but the pain was manageable. I have a heart condition that causes me to lose consciousness and I notified my gynecologist that placed it before so she was aware. She was wonderful in giving me something to help increase my blood pressure, lower my heart rate, and keep me conscious after the placement. I did have to wait for about an hour after placement at the office due to my symptoms, however I have not had any issues out of the ordinary since! I do not have periods anymore while on the Kyleena which- for me- is a blessing!

Love the Kyleena! I had lots of side effects with birth control pills (mood swings, weight gain) and experience very few on the Kyleena. The only thing is that my period is irregular. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend it for people who want peace of mind and few side effects.