Quote Originally Posted by Grog View Post
Dear Wise Women of TE,

I'm considering switching from the pill to an IUD (Mirena) for contraception. I haven't had children but we're planning to do it later, maybe in 2 or 3 years.

Any thoughts? Experiences? Stories? Advice?
Most doctors I've run into are unwilling to consider Mirena for me. No kids. I don't plan on children, but that doesn't change their opinion. Instead, I'm on Depo-Provera. I don't mind getting 1 shot every 3 months, and for me it works well. No period means no menstrual cramps means 10 less days a month where I'm sure to try to bite heads off. I have had more weight gain on it than I like, but weight can be lost, and it sure beats my 100% natural cramps.

Since Mirena does have a hormonal component, you might want to make sure the hormone mix is similar to the mix of your current birth control pill. It's a pretty good bet that the reason why Depo works so well for me is that the hormone mix meshes well with what my body does anyway. Mimicking my body's natural state would be bad, since that way lies massive doses of ibuprofen. If the hormone mix in Mirena (or any other hormonal birth control) is bad for you, it can have all kinds of fun effects. Depression, weight gain, mania, more cramps... A good hormone mix doesn't give you new PMS symptoms and helps existing ones.