Intrauterine devices, commonly known as IUD’s, are a safe and effective birth control method that’s widely used today. There are two major brands two choose from: Paragard vs Mirena, both of which are highly popular. If you want to learn more about them, here’s a basic introduction:
The Paragard IUD is a copper IUD which is completely hormone-free, and is 99.4% effective. It has been around 20 years, and has been approved by the FDA. Many women prefer the benefits of using hormone-free IUD’s which is why they choose Paragard vs. Mirena IUD. Some women struggle with the hassles of using hormone-based contraceptives such as changes in mood, menstrual cycle, and appetite, which is why they resort to using IUD’s such as Paragard.
On the other hand, Mirena is a hormone-free IUD, which releases the hormone levonogestrel. It is also widely used as some women prefer the benefits of using hormone-free IUDs, especially for women who suffer from extremely strong periods. This is because the levonogestrel released plays an important role in reducing the monthly thickness in the uterine lining. In the case of Mirena, periods can eventually stop altogether.
Another major difference from Paragard vs. Mirena IUD is that Mirena can only stay in the body for only five years. Mirena is also the recommended brand for women who have already had a child.
Both brands essentially have the same advantages and disadvantages when it comes to intrauterine device usage. If you are not sure which brand of IUD to use, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. It’s important to be completely honest to them when they inquire about certain aspects of your medical history. They can talk to you in depth about Paragard vs Mirena and which is best for your lifestyle and medical background.
Mirena
Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device which is inserted into the uterus for contraception. Paragard vs. Mirena is a t-shaped plastic device which releases the hormone progestin, which acts by thickening the uterine lining and cervical mucus preventing fertilization from occurring. Mirena should be administered by a health care professional, and once it is inserted it can stay in the body effectively preventing conception for up to five years. If a woman decides she is ready for conception, she simply has to have the IUD removed and her fertility will resume to normal immediately upon removal.
There are several benefits to using the Paragard vs. Mirena IUD, but what makes it so popular is the fact that users never need to worry about on the spot usage of contraception such as condoms and spermicidals. Once inserted, its’ effective immediately and there are no schedules or hassles to worry about unlike when using the Pill. It also reduces the risk for endometrial cancer, reduces severe menstrual pain and menstrual bleeding, and can be removed at any time. However, it’s not suited for every body type especially for those who have or had breast cancer, liver disease, uterine or cervical cancer. Other issues with the reproductive system may also prevent a woman from becoming a good candidate to use Mirena, such as if they have had vaginal bleeding, an abnormal Pap smear, or pelvic inflammatory disease. As with all intrauterine devices, they should also avoid use if they have had problems with this type of birth control before.
To assess if one is a good candidate for Paragard vs. Mirena IUD, a health check will be conducted inquiring on issues such as high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes, blood clot, or a recent heart condition. It should also not be used if abortion was conducted recently, or if a woman has just given birth. There may be possible side effects to using Paragard vs. Mirena even if you are a good candidate, which includes breast tenderness, absence of periods, weight gain, ovarian cysts, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Paragard
Paragard is a brand of intrauterine device or IUD which is inserted into the uterus in order to prevent conception. Paragard vs. Mirena is a T-shaped plastic frame which releases copper, a spermicidal that prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. In the rare event that the egg is fertilized, the uterus is lined with copper therefore prevents the fertilized egg from being implanted. Paragard can only be inserted and removed by a health care professional; it is designed to stay in the body for up to 10 years and can prevent pregnancy the entire time it is in the body. When a woman decides she wants to get pregnant, she simply has to have the IUD removed and her fertility will be back to normal.
Paragard vs. Mirena IUD is a safe and effect method of birth control that offers long-term contraception. It has several benefits such as: reducing the hassle of interrupting sex for contraception, decreased risk for endometrial cancer, stays in place for up to 10 years, can be removed at any time, and doesn’t carry the side effects linked to hormone-based contraceptives. It can even be used as a form of emergency contraception if it is inserted up to five days of unprotected sex. However, it’s not for everyone and certain health issues must be addressed for one to be an ideal candidate to use Paragard. Women who have had vaginal bleeding, had pelvic infections, uterine or cervical cancer, allergic to any components of Paragard, suffer from Wilson’s disease which prevents the body from normally processing copper, or have had problems with an IUD before, may be discouraged from using Paragard.
If you are considering the use of Paragard vs. Mirena IUD, it’s important to understand the side effects associated with it. These include cramping, bleeding, discomfort or pain during sex, rash and vaginal discharge, backaches and severe menstruation. It should also be understood that the body may spontaneously expel Paragard, although the risk of this occurring is higher if the user has never been pregnant, has severe menstrual pain, is younger than 20, or uses Paragard vs. Mirena after abortion or childbirth.
RELATED:
: What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know){kind=link}