IUD: Mirena, Skyla or Paragard

Lotusconnie

Hi everyone. I hope to get your input on this -

Due to some reasons I would like to have an IUD placed. I have fairly widespread ADH by two breast biopsies and having breast MRI alternating with mammogram every 6 months for the past a number of years.

I hope to know your input which IUD to choose if available? Mirena and Skyla release a type of progestin daily while in the uterus. Mirena more than Skyla. Paragard does not contain hormone but it will cause more cramps and heavy menstrual periods. I am already slightly anemic due to heavy periods. So I am leaning towards the prior two. Skyla if possible.

My oncologist did answer that breast cancer patients, after treatment, can be put on Mirena, since the systemic absorption is considered low.

A number of studies published on Pubmed did report conflicted data. Several review articles reported Mirena IUD did increase risks of breast cancer, like the risk is between 1.2-1.5 folds of increased risk.

I would like to know your input on this. Thanks so much!

Best regards and wishes to everyone!

Connie

Rosemarysgranddaughter

I am high risk for BC due to family history and my OB was fine with Mirena for me. I would favor what your oncologist says over what assorted medical articles say

Mama2FourKiddos

My GYN didn't have a problem with me keeping my Mirena when I got diagnosed. However after doing some research, including looking at the Mirena website I had it removed. It states right on their website "Do not use Mirena if you have breast cancer or any other cancer that is sensitive to progestin (a female hormone), now or in the past". I figure the manufacturer knows best. My cancer was also 91-100% progesterone hormorne receptor positive, so I didn't want to risk it.

flashlight

Mirena gave my daughter very bad depression, weight gain, and acne, but she had no period. She has a history of heavy bleeding and endometriosis.

Lotusconnie

thank you all very much!!! You are so nice. Love you all!!!!!!

Jenshealth26

I had used the Mirena successfully without much issue for about 10 years. After I was diagnosed recently with BC my surgeon recommended I speak to my PCP/Gynecologist to see about removing it. My cancer was ER/PR positive so the addition of the Mirena wasn't going to help 'my cause" and it was safer to remove if I could. I went ahead and had it removed shortly after the diagnosis (it would have been coming out in August anyway).

Cowgirl13

I would think that it's preferable to go by your oncologist's opinion as he deals with cancer and hormones everyday. I'm past that stage but that's what I would do.

Salamandra

I loved my Mirena. My oncologist and my gynecologist wanted me to take it out after I got diagnosed (I'd just got my second one inserted after a 3 year break). I resisted with some of the same studies it sounds like you're saying. Finally my oncologist consulted with a gynecological oncologist (or something like that), put a note in my file that we'd discussed it, and dropped the issue. The impression I got is that the restrictions are out of an abundance of caution, because the hormones *could* increase risk.

That said:

• my gynecologist said she'd feel more comfortable with the lower dose Skyla over the Mirena/Liletta
• you don't know what your experience with these will be until you try them. I've heard of women who get lighter periods on Paraguard! Many women get heavier periods for a while and then adjust back. I had no bad side effects from the Mirena but plenty of women do.

If you've never tried the Paraguard, it would make the most sense to me to start with it. Maybe you'll have a great experience with it! If not, I found that removal and immediate reinsertion was not nearly as painful as the original insertion.

In the end, I think it will come down to your risk tolerance and an honest assessment of yourself and how you will feel if you are diagnosed after having chosen a hormonal IUD.

I ended up keeping the IUD for another few years and taking it out for unrelated reasons. But you're the one who will have to live with your decision.