Birth control question!!

I'm just over a year into my 2nd Mirena (6 years total) and love it. I was on the pill previously but had to go off because of family history of blood clots. I have always had really painful, terrible periods that caused me to miss work and school--not anymore! Best side effect ever. I also love that it's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It's so much better than the pill for my peace of mind.

I'm not on any bc right now. I was, but ended up having issues ( seizures and still

On medication for that). It may have been coincidence, but just don't want to chance it. The meds I'm on counteract with some types of bc. So we just use protection and so far it's worked lol.

I got a Lilleta about three months ago and it's been great so far. I got one really light period in November and then just some very occasional spotting. I do however get crippling cramps at least a few days a month, I had them earlier this week and they were horrific.

But I can put up with occasional cramps if it means no pregnancies for the next 3 years,

Oh and the reason my period "stopped" so soon is because prior to the IUD I had the depo for 2 years and I stopped getting a period during the first cycle. So I'm not the norm on that part.

I have a Paraguard because artificial hormones and I don't get along at all. I've had it since 2012 and I love it. My periods got a little longer ( went from 5 days to 7).

I've had the paragard for close to a year and a half now. I absolutely love it. My periods are definitely crampier, usually pretty heavy for a day, and last longer than they used to, but I used to have extremely easy periods so it's not that bad. Fiance can sometimes feel it when it's around my period (cervix is softer). Overall much better than screwing with my hormones or having to rely on barrier methods.

I will save everyone the long backstory on my BC and IUD experience since I've told it before, and it's sorta TMI. But to make it short, I've tried every form for BC for 3 years and my body can't tolerate hormones. I had the Paragard IUD for a year and a half. For 8 months, I was getting back to back bacterial and other infections because my body was trying to reject it. 2 months ago, I found out it was because of the IUD, so I had it taken out around Thanksgiving. 4 days later, I was in the hospital for a week for a severe kidney infection, high convulsion fevers and Sepsis. The Paragard is likely the culprit because of the multiple infections it was causing.

I don't want to scare anyone. Many people have success on the IUD. But, this is just more of a warning. You should regularly have check ups on it to make sure it's still in properly. If you're suddenly prone to any bacterial "down there" infections, address the IUD to your doctor. Know your body and your health. Know your immune system. These are all very important things to consider when going with an IUD.

OP, I hope you have good luck with your IUD!

I got mirena a couple months ago and LOVE it. There was some spotting and cramping at first, but nothing major.

Thanks for sharing, everyone! It's helpful and interesting to hear everyone's experiences.

I am curious- does exercise affect your experience with an IUD? I am a big long distance runner and do a lot of cross training in between races. Does this increase chances of expulsion or pain? Or is it pretty safe?

Mirena works well for me. I had really bad cramping in the begining and now I barely get my periods, although I do feel like I am more prone to UTIs and yeast infections.

I'm about to get the copper one in about a month