ParaGard is a good contraceptive choice for women who cannot tolerate estrogen or desire a hormone-free contraceptive. Labelling for ParaGard was changed in 2005 to state that it is suitable for women in all stages of reproductive life from age 16 to menopause who are in a stable relationship and not at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (so it can be used by women who have not had children). Labeling for Mirena states that it is recommended for women who have had at least one child. Any differences in suitability for different women? Mirena represents a much more acceptable treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding than hysterectomy. This is attributable to the continual release of low-dose levonorgestrel (20 micrograms per day) contained in Mirena that prevents the endometrial lining from thickening up, which is what happens during a normal menstrual cycle. Mirena is also the only IUD approved to treat heavy periods, and it is very effective for this, with an 80% reduction in bleeding after three months and a 90% reduction in bleeding after 6 months. 20% of women experience a complete cessation of periods within a year of starting Mirena. Spotting may occur for the first few months and subsequent periods are likely to be lighter and shorter. Levonorgestrel (contained in Mirena) can cause changes in a woman's bleeding patterns. Ongoing bleeding problems are a common reason women request removal of ParaGard.

Women should talk to their doctor if these changes persist or they have any concerns.

On average, ParaGard increases the duration and amount of menstrual bleeding resulting in an approximately 50% greater blood loss. Which is less likely to cause bleeding?īleeding problems, including heavy bleeding, spotting between periods and cramping are common for the first 2-3 months after ParaGard insertion. An IUD can be removed at any time, and fertility will return to what is normal for the woman once it is removed. ParaGard will work for up to 10 years (although some research suggests it may last up to 20 years), and Mirena can be used for up to eight years. Neither device protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and all IUDs should only be inserted and removed by health care professionals experienced with the procedure. Mirena is also effective immediately if fitted during the first seven days of menstruation, or if a reliable contraceptive method is being used however, your doctor may recommend you do not have intercourse or use tampons for up to 24 hours after insertion to minimize the risk of infection. It is also approved for use within 5 days of unplanned sexual intercourse as a form of emergency contraception. IUDs can be fitted at other times but a pregnancy test may be required beforehand. This ensures a woman is not pregnant before the IUD is inserted. IUDs are usually fitted during a period or within seven days of a period. Levonorgestrel also causes cervical mucus to thicken and makes it harder for sperm to move. The Mirena IUD continually releases a low dose of levonorgestrel (20 micrograms per day) which prevents the endometrial lining from thickening (which happens during a normal menstrual cycle, just before the lining is shed), thereby making the lining inhospitable to implantation by a fertilized egg. If an egg does end up fertilized, ParaGard can also help prevent implantation into the endometrial lining.

Copper interferes with sperm motility and egg fertilization. ParaGard contains copper, and a small amount is continuously released into the uterine cavity. Are there differences in the way they work? In the rare event that you become pregnant with an IUD in place, see your doctor straight away. Which one is more effective at preventing pregnancyīoth ParaGard and Mirena are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (Mirena 99.8% effective, ParaGard 99.2-99.4% effective).

Mirena is an IUD made of plastic that contains a reservoir of the hormone levonorgestrel and can prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. ParaGard is a hormone-free intrauterine device (IUD) made with copper that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.

Copper iud side effects