Ladies only: Mirena vs Paragard

My gyno suggested I look into Mirena or Paragard since I'm not wanting any kids. He gave me brochures on both. I've already checked and my insurance does NOT cover birth control. My out-of-pocket fees will be:
Insertion fee: $100
6-week follow-up ultra-sound $160
Removal: $50

Mirena: $843.60 (lasts up to 5 years); pro: can eliminate periods; cons: contains hormones & MUCH more expensive than Paragard
--or--
Paragard: $754 (lasts up to 10 years); pros: no hormones & MUCH cheaper than Mirena; con: no change to monthly cycle

I'm not looking for financial advice on which one is most cost-effective, but if anyone's heard of any discounts or rebates (if there is such a thing on birth control) I'd love to hear about them.

My gyno also said that weight gain shouldn't be an issue with either method.

For those who have either one of these, please tell me your likes and/or dislikes about the method you use. Thank you!

I have the Mirena.   I LOVE IT.  although with my history of clots, the hormones worried me, they aren't the kind that contribute.  In fact, since i have PCOS and NEVER cycle, my damage to my lining from not shedding increased my risk of uterine cancer and the progestin (i think) helps with that...

I don't get a period still, but i do cycle with it.  I can tell when i ovulate and actually get PMS like a normal person.  For the first few months i spotted, but very lite.  

I am going on 4 years.  Depending if i can cycle on my own after withthe weight loss, i will either get another or not.  

Good luck.

Catherine

Ps:  only once did i think my string got sucked up inside... LOL

I have the mirena and actually am at my 5 year mark. I have until April to get it out. As far as my experiences I have REALLY enjoyed having it. I have 3 children and my last 2 are TWINS! I was not a good pill taker and I had problems with the nuvaring and I think that my issues with the nuvaring is how I ended up with twins! LOL!  But I wear pantiliners EVERYDAY b/c I spot sporatically but I don't really have full periods. Before this I had very long and heavy periods so the spotting and having to wear the liners have been a fine exchange to the long heavy periods. I do PMS and ovulate like normal but sometimes I can go months without an actual period at all which is cool. I haven't gained any weight because of it directly. However I do have a question, b/c of the hormones certain meds can render it useless and you have to replace. I haven't gotten my surgery date yet and was wondering do I get a new one now or wait. I'm running up on my deadline pretty quickly and if anyone can adivise I would grealy appreciate the info.

Thanks! 

at least you got twins with the Nuvaring.  I got a massive DVT and 2 weeks in the hospital with it...

LOL

I have the Mirena and have only had one (very light) period since November (this month) even though I am menopausal according to my FSH!   I had several ultrasounds before as I was having my heavy periods (12 days+)  investigated but not sure why they are giving you one post fitting?

The Paraguard is known to make periods heavier and longer, so bear that in mind when making your choice.   This was most definitely NOT a choice for me!

I'm on my 2nd mirena -and will likely get 1 more.  I love it.  I do get ovulation and pms (bloaty) symptoms, but no actual period.  I've probably saved the cost in feminine hygiene products.  My gyn also uses it for menopausal symptoms, so 1 more for me even though the odds of conceiving would probably be pretty slim.  Only drawback, insertion does hurt. 

They do an ultrasound after to check placement/positioning of the IUD.

 That is a huge money business.  I have had 4 different placements of IUD's (used for over 12 years) and never once did I have to have a ultrasound to check for placement.  I went after my first menstral cycle and they checked and it was good. 

Seems like a waste when they can just check with the string....  If I had a reason to use birthcontrol and didn't want to wait for a tubal (I'm totally finished having children) I would get the IUD again in a heartbeat, easy peasy and never have to remember to take anything :) 

Gypsy

Ker ching!   Never heard of this being necessary (unless a physical exam gave cause for concern) and certainly not as a matter of routine!

I am also a lover of the Mirena.  I have had mine for about three and a half years.  Early on I had an episode where I spotted for about two months but since that time I have light spotting for about a week each month.  I do experience the bloating, irritability, etc. right before my "period" but it is not horrible.  Prior to the Mirena my PCOS caused very irregular and heavy/painful periods.  I am starting to think about what I want to do when my five years are up.  I am considering the Essure procedure as I am certain I want no further children but I love the benefits of Mirena that will be gone if I go with the Essure.