IUD vs mini pill?

Question

So I had mine placed 8wks pp. everything’s been fine but I recently read on the mirena website it’s more likely to get embedded if you’re breastfeeding which my dr never told me. My SIL has had hers for five years- she went for a pap last week her dr said it was fine. She went in this week to get it removed and her dr couldn’t find it, did an ultrasound and everything. Now she has to get it surgically removed and might need a hysterectomy. How fucking scary and heart breaking. I made an appt to get mine checked bc I was already freaked after reading the breastfeeding thing. I don’t know if I should have it removed and attempt the mini pill. Any opinions on IUD vs the mini pill? I want to have my decision made by my drs appt. I’m just worried about the mini pill not being too effective and winding up pregnant. I’m stuck on what to do. 😓

Answer

I had a mirena my first child. I was breastfeeding. I had HORRIBLE cramps. I was terrified that it had moved. dr did an ultrasound, and it didnt. however, I had it removed. and went on the pill. 
this time around, I went straight to the mini. NO MORE FOREIGN OBJECTS. 👍

Answer

I have the cooper IUD, the one with no hormones. I’ve never been on birth control before this but now that we have to two kids my husband and I wanted 1) something with minimal or no hormones and 2) something effective. 
I asked my doctor how many times he had seen a problem with an IUD. His reply was that he has performed thousands of insertions and he had only seen one case where there was a problem, and it was only because the woman left it in past the time she was supposed to remove it. 
What happened to your SIL is pretty freaking scary and it sucks. I do know one person, my friend’s SIL who has had it removed surgically at least two times. My mom had the copper one (same one I have) for eight years without issues. I went ahead and took the leap of faith. Mentally, physically, emotionally and financially we are not ready for a third kid so this is what we are doing now. 
I don’t know if this guarantees anything but maybe checking your strings frequently enough will give you some peace of mind knowing that it’s still there in a reachable place. But remember your cervix changes position throughout the month so maybe you won’t always feel the strings so easily (I don’t know this for a fact). Also, I’m not a medical professional so I would address all my concerns to your doctor.

Answer

It’s rare for that to happen with an IUD. The problem is it’s more common to get pregnant on the mini pill then it is to get a perforation with the IUD. So....pick your risk. For me, I’m on the mini pill until I stop breast feeding then I will get a PARAGUARD IUD. I had my previous one for 8 years without issue.

Answer

Wow, that is not something that I had previously heard of and I work at a hospital where IUD insertion is becoming increasingly popular. I think the decision to continue using your IUD vs trying the mini pill will come down to your lifestyle. Taking the mini pill correctly can definitely be challenging! You have to take it at the exact time every day to prevent pregnancy. Even taking it more than three hours later than the scheduled time could increase your chance of pregnancy. This means that if you are out of the house, you must drive home to take the mini pill if you forgot to take it. Would you be taking the mini pill instead of a combination oral contraceptive pill (OCP) containing progestin plus estrogen because you are breastfeeding or can you not take estrogen for medical reasons? If the mini pill is temporary and you can switch to a combination OCP after you are done breastfeeding, you may feel like it is something you can take short term. I read that low dose combination OCPs may be taken once milk supply is established, but that is something you would have to talk to your doctor about.
About IUDs: according to the CDC, studies show 4 in 1000 women have issues with IUD placement and 1 in 1000 women experience uterine perforation. If I were you, I would go to my OB/GYN to confirm placement and have them show you how you can periodically check the placement yourself. Since it is considered “rare” for IUDs to perforate and migrate to other areas, it may still be your best option.
This is coming from someone who, when asked which birth control method I wanted, declined and ended up pregnant even after taking planB. 😂 Good luck with everything! I hope it works out just fine for you 😀

IUD vs mini pill?

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