The intrauterine device (IUD) may be an ideal option for women who want a highly effective method of birth control at an affordable price. There are currently two types of IUDs on the market: Mirena and ParaGard. Before making the decision to have an intrauterine device inserted, it is important to determine which type of IUD is the right option for you. Here is a general comparison of Mirena and ParaGard.
Some women are in search of a birth control method that won’t lower sex drive or cause other undesirable side effects. If you are looking for a non-hormonal method of contraception, the ParaGard IUD can be a good choice. This type of intrauterine device does not release any estrogen or progestin like many other methods of birth control.
Women who suffer from painful menstrual periods may want to consider using the Mirena IUD instead of ParaGard. Mirena does release a small amount of progestin, but does not release any estrogen. The hormones released by this type of IUD can help reduce cramping and allows for lighter menstrual periods.
When deciding between the Mirena IUD and the ParaGard IUD, it is important to consider cost and how long this method of birth control lasts. Since there is a one-time fee for the intrauterine device, you do not need to worry about paying for it every month, like the birth control pill. The price can range from $500 to $1,000, according to Planned Parenthood, and the Mirena IUD is the pricier option. While Mirena only lasts up to five years, ParaGard can last up to 12 years.
Be sure to consider the side effects of both types of intrauterine devices before deciding which one is right for you. All IUDs pose a small risk of infertility because they increase the risk of pelvic infection, which can lead to fallopian tube or uterine damage. Infertility may also occur if the IUD pierces or becomes embedded in the uterus. While pregnancy on the intrauterine device is not common, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Since the ParaGard IUD can cause more painful menstrual periods, some women find Mirena a more preferable option. Women who use ParaGard, however, are able to become pregnant right away. Those who use the Mirena IUD may experience a delay in ovulation. The hormonal IUD can also pose the risk of weight gain, headaches, nausea and side effects similar to those caused by the birth control pill.
Contraceptive
According to the Feminist Women’s Health Center, the ParaGard IUD should not be used by women who have copper allergies or Wilson’s disease. Women who have a history of liver disease or breast cancer should not use the Mirena IUD. It is also generally not recommended to women who have diabetes or are breastfeeding.
Before making the decision to use either type of intrauterine device, it is important to consider the pros and cons. Also be sure to talk to your doctor. Women who may be pregnant or could have an STD and who have a history of certain gynecological conditions are not recommended to use the IUD.
Are you tired of or concerned about the side effects from birth control pills? Or maybe you just cannot remember to take your pill daily and constantly worry that you may become pregnant. Does using a condom seem to take away from the spontaneity and spark of your sex life? If this sounds familiar, there is another option that may be right for you.
Paragard is an IUD(Intrauterine Device) made of copper and other components that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. The IUD is recommended for use by women in a monogamous relationship and by women who have given birth to at least one child. The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The insertion of the IUD is usually done in a physician's office with no anesthetic and takes only about five minutes. The IUD is most easily inserted during your menstrual period while your cervix is already slightly opened. It is recommended that you take Motrin or Tylenol shortly before the procedure to relieve any discomfort you may feel during placement. You may have some period-like cramping after the procedure , which should last no longer than a couple of days.
As with most all contraceptive methods, there is a possibility of some side effects. With Paragard, some women may experience an increase in bleeding and cramping during their menstrual periods in the first few months after insertion. The side effects should lessen after the first few months but if they do not, you should contact your doctor to discuss any heavy or prolonged bleeding. Some serious but rare complications of Paragard include perforation of the uterus and expulsion of the device from the uterus. If expulsion does occur, it most likely will be within the first few months after insertion. Your doctor should give you instructions on how to do monthly checks (checking the IUD strings) to make sure the device is still in place. If you miss a period you should always contact your doctor to rule out the chance of pregnancy.
Paragard has proven to be a safe and effective birth control option; however, it is not for everyone. You should not use Paragard if you have been diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), are not in a monogamous relationship, have cancer or an infection of the uterus or cervix, have an allergy to copper or suspect that you may be pregnant. You should also speak to your doctor if you have other concerns as to why you may not be a good candidate for Paragard.
If you are looking for a long term, hormone-free, reversible option for contraception, schedule an appointment with your physician to learn more about the device and whether it is a good fit for you.
Hormones in Mirena and ParaGard
Some women are in search of a birth control method that won’t lower sex drive or cause other undesirable side effects. If you are looking for a non-hormonal method of contraception, the ParaGard IUD can be a good choice. This type of intrauterine device does not release any estrogen or progestin like many other methods of birth control.
Women who suffer from painful menstrual periods may want to consider using the Mirena IUD instead of ParaGard. Mirena does release a small amount of progestin, but does not release any estrogen. The hormones released by this type of IUD can help reduce cramping and allows for lighter menstrual periods.
Cost and Duration of the Two Types of IUDs
When deciding between the Mirena IUD and the ParaGard IUD, it is important to consider cost and how long this method of birth control lasts. Since there is a one-time fee for the intrauterine device, you do not need to worry about paying for it every month, like the birth control pill. The price can range from $500 to $1,000, according to Planned Parenthood, and the Mirena IUD is the pricier option. While Mirena only lasts up to five years, ParaGard can last up to 12 years.
Side Effects of Mirena and ParaGard
Be sure to consider the side effects of both types of intrauterine devices before deciding which one is right for you. All IUDs pose a small risk of infertility because they increase the risk of pelvic infection, which can lead to fallopian tube or uterine damage. Infertility may also occur if the IUD pierces or becomes embedded in the uterus. While pregnancy on the intrauterine device is not common, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Since the ParaGard IUD can cause more painful menstrual periods, some women find Mirena a more preferable option. Women who use ParaGard, however, are able to become pregnant right away. Those who use the Mirena IUD may experience a delay in ovulation. The hormonal IUD can also pose the risk of weight gain, headaches, nausea and side effects similar to those caused by the birth control pill.
Contraceptive
The Mirena IUD (IntraUterine Device)
According to the Feminist Women’s Health Center, the ParaGard IUD should not be used by women who have copper allergies or Wilson’s disease. Women who have a history of liver disease or breast cancer should not use the Mirena IUD. It is also generally not recommended to women who have diabetes or are breastfeeding.
Before making the decision to use either type of intrauterine device, it is important to consider the pros and cons. Also be sure to talk to your doctor. Women who may be pregnant or could have an STD and who have a history of certain gynecological conditions are not recommended to use the IUD.
The Paragard IUD: An Alternative to Hormonal Birth Control
Are you tired of or concerned about the side effects from birth control pills? Or maybe you just cannot remember to take your pill daily and constantly worry that you may become pregnant. Does using a condom seem to take away from the spontaneity and spark of your sex life? If this sounds familiar, there is another option that may be right for you.
Who should use Paragard
Paragard is an IUD(Intrauterine Device) made of copper and other components that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. The IUD is recommended for use by women in a monogamous relationship and by women who have given birth to at least one child. The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
How is the Paragard IUD inserted
The insertion of the IUD is usually done in a physician's office with no anesthetic and takes only about five minutes. The IUD is most easily inserted during your menstrual period while your cervix is already slightly opened. It is recommended that you take Motrin or Tylenol shortly before the procedure to relieve any discomfort you may feel during placement. You may have some period-like cramping after the procedure , which should last no longer than a couple of days.
Are there risks associated with Paragard IUD
As with most all contraceptive methods, there is a possibility of some side effects. With Paragard, some women may experience an increase in bleeding and cramping during their menstrual periods in the first few months after insertion. The side effects should lessen after the first few months but if they do not, you should contact your doctor to discuss any heavy or prolonged bleeding. Some serious but rare complications of Paragard include perforation of the uterus and expulsion of the device from the uterus. If expulsion does occur, it most likely will be within the first few months after insertion. Your doctor should give you instructions on how to do monthly checks (checking the IUD strings) to make sure the device is still in place. If you miss a period you should always contact your doctor to rule out the chance of pregnancy.
Is Paragard the option for you
Paragard has proven to be a safe and effective birth control option; however, it is not for everyone. You should not use Paragard if you have been diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), are not in a monogamous relationship, have cancer or an infection of the uterus or cervix, have an allergy to copper or suspect that you may be pregnant. You should also speak to your doctor if you have other concerns as to why you may not be a good candidate for Paragard.
If you are looking for a long term, hormone-free, reversible option for contraception, schedule an appointment with your physician to learn more about the device and whether it is a good fit for you.
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