I'm not on seasonale, but my doctor authorized me to use my pills like seasonale. The only time I had any spotting was when I skipped the period week for 5-6 months. My doctor told me (and I agree) there is nothing wrong with not having a period. But then, birth control has always been wonderful for me. I've been on it for a few years, never had to switch brands or anything.

I echo those who previously stated that they had the Mirena IUD, who had never had kids.

I got mine a week ago yesterday. And it definitely was no walk in the park going in. However, it seems to be GREAT so far. I'm having the typical side effects that they warn you about, but it's been great not having to worry about it. Hubby and I arent planning on any kids for at least 2 more years, so this was a good option for us.

Was it painful or just uncomfortable going in?

It just flat out sucked. I know I'm going to seem like a wimpy baby to the other women on here who've had it done, and without trying to be gross or give TMI, I understand now why when they first came out, they were only given to women who had kids already - because your junk stretches easier.

I had EVER intention of going back to work after the appt. Yeah right. I was thisclose to passing out when it was over. I was wearing a sweatshirt, and I got flush while I was waiting to check out. The lady in front of me was taking forever. Before i could get my sweatshirt off because I realized I was about to roast in it, I slowly slid down the wall I was leaning against. They brought me a glass of water. I thought I was going to throw up. I dont get nautious easily, so it really took me by surprise that I reacted this way.

I am NOT a wimp. It was super embarrassing, and I was trying so hard to just....have it done and be over with. It hurt like hell two little times, but when they were finished actually getting it in, it just felt like regular period cramps. It sucked REAL BAD when they were doing it, but as quickly as it hurt, it was overwith too... I wouldnt discourage anyone from getting one, just caution them that it will hurt. I dont think I was properly prepared for what it was going to be like.

I ended up taking the rest of the day off from work and piled up on the couch with Motrin, M&Ms and Coke. I've had some lower back pain this week, but they said that was normal.

Holy shit. I think you just scared me off of IUDs.

No, dont be scared of them. I didnt take enough motrin the morning of. My doctor told me to take 800mg before hand, and I only took 400, so that was one of my problems.

It's really not that bad. The whole procedure was only about 15 minutes, and the only reason it took that long for me is because my cervix was not cooperating, and wouldnt open. When they finally got it open, that was crampy crampy time #1. Once I calmed down and they actually went to insert it, that was crampy crampy #2 - as it slid past to be inserted. Bascially, the cervix doesnt like to be f*cked with, so it "yells" at you for disturbing it's peace. LOL, that's the best anology I can think of.


Do your research. Ask other people you may know who DONT have kids, who have one - I may have been a freak example - everyone is different.

I'm VERY happy I have it now because it means no more condoms - had to use them since I left my last job, and was waiting for my insurance to kick in at the new job...and I dont have to deal with pills, or shots, or anything else anymore. The mirena website has some good info on what kinds of side effects to expect, etc etc. You should check it out. But dont be scared. Just be prepared, that's all.

I just have to express my frustration here - I stopped taking Depo in August (because of weight gain and emotional crap), and that mess is *still* in my system, screwing me up! My body is all out of whack ... :( Wish I had NEVER started that stuff. The doctor told me that it would mess with my bones and that it would be dangerous to take it for more than two years, she didn't tell me the other side effects or that once I stopped taking it, it would take this long to clear out of my system! :eek:

Depo messed me up, too. I wish I'd done more research on the side effects before I had them give me the shot. At the time it just sounded like a great, safe, long-lasting birth control... and fewer periods is always nice, too.

Yeah, Don't be scared off! My insertion wasn't as bad as Amanda's, although her experience is pretty common, but I had a similar problem with not taking the right kind/enough of painkiller before going in. The insertion hurt, but I just breathed my way through it. They offered to give me a local anesthetic if it got too bothersome, but I opted out of it.

I took the train/bus to get it done and had to go by myself (my male flatmate at the time was not exactly my first choice for hand holding while I had a small metal contraption put in a very private place) and I was ok. But that NIGHT was the problem. I had mistimed my medication and was DYING that night. Hot water bottles (or a hot bath), ibuprofen, and a good novel are the best treatments....chocolate and coke work too ;).

Congratulations on your Mirena! No you are not a whimp! Everything you described is pretty normal for women who have not had a baby first. Like you, I had the idea that I would go to my second job (I taught at a community college at the time) right afterwards...wrong!

I advise anyone else on here who is thinking of getting one to follow the instructions your doctor gives you before hand and definitely STOCK UP on Advil (I prefer the liquid gels).

I will warn you that your first few cycles with the Mirena will remind you of the insertion because your body is getting used to a foreign object and it is also not uncommon to have sporadic shooting pains...Make sure you carry your Advil in your purse;)

INDEED. Especially when said baby is sitting directly behind you on a 2-hour flight...

I was going to use Mirena right after i had my daughter but ended up using Paragard, the non-hormonal IUD. insertion was uncomfy but i made it thru, the worst part was those first three periods afterwards. WOW! i was wearing an ultra super tampon (yeah u read that right lol) AND a heavy pad and bled straight thru everything...its been almost a year and things are pretty normal except i swear i can feel it from time to time, no pain, but just the feeling that its there.

I'm planning on using Mirena after Annalisse is born.
I was on Seasonale once and loved it, and I was on NuvaRing and loved that, too.

Yes! My first 3 were TERRIBLE. I just had number 4, and it was...fine. Normal. Heavy normal, but not crazy crazy bad. And I get you with the "just know it is there"

Has anyone been on Femcon FE?

My GYN gave me some trial packs of it to try for a few months, and said there was a generic. Now, I have heard there isn't?

If there isn't a generic, I going to need to find something similar to it because even with health insurance, I can't afford 150 bucks every three months!