Has anyone had a mirena fitted without having a child first?!
Question: I am on progestin only bc pills and my gyno mentioned the mirena as an option for me even though I am single and have not had children. In a couple of months, I will be moving into a shiftwork job where taking my pill at the same time every day will be nearly impossible (I will be working for 3 days on, 2 days off, 3 nights on, etc.) and the mirena sounds like a perfect solution, except their website says that it is only recommended if you have had a child. Why?
Answers: I am on progestin only bc pills and my gyno mentioned the mirena as an option for me even though I am single and have not had children. In a couple of months, I will be moving into a shiftwork job where taking my pill at the same time every day will be nearly impossible (I will be working for 3 days on, 2 days off, 3 nights on, etc.) and the mirena sounds like a perfect solution, except their website says that it is only recommended if you have had a child. Why?
An IUD is easier to insert in a woman who's been pregnant in the past, and a nulliparous (never-pregnant) woman is more likely to expel one. That's why it's recommended mainly to women who've had children. Doctors are coming around to the idea that women without kids can use IUDs, though.
Older IUDs used to raise women's risk of infections that could impact their fertility, but the newer ones don't tend to do that. Women who change sex partners frequently shouldn't get them, though, since they raise their risk of STDs.
I don't have children, and I had a Mirena for a year. I had to have it removed because of a pelvic infection, but this is unusual.
IUDs are the most effective, reversible long-term kinds of birth control. They've got a pregnancy prevention rate (99%) much higher than the diaphragm (84%).
Some women hate the Mirena, though. It can make you moody and less interested in sex, and cause you to gain weight. Doctors sometimes gloss over these possible side effects.
On the other hand, many women's periods get lighter/less frequent, and some women stop having their periods altogether, while using the Mirena. Depending on how bothersome your menstrual symptoms are, this could be very beneficial. It's also nice not having to think about taking a pill every day. All you have to do is check the strings once a month or so.
If you get an IUD and can't stand it, having it removed is usually a simple process. Good luck with your decision.
Your body is supposed to be regulating your hormones, this is how you were designed. Often the pill is used to force periods to be regular. I