Four Year Update

I only have a few minutes, but I wanted to check back in. It's been almost four years since my last update but I haven't stopped singing Mirena's praises!

I went to my GYN yesterday for a long-overdue annual check-up. As I walked through two waiting areas chock full of massively pregnant women, I thanked science for my Mirena. With a nearly perfect effectiveness rate, I have the best birth control outside of abstinence. No surprise pregnancies for me!

My doctor immediately asked me how I was doing with my Mirena. "I sing it's praises every chance I get!" I'm sure it's annoying, but when IUD is a topic of conversation I can't help but tell people how much I love mine. It's been easy, clean, and effective. What's not to love? The doctor did my physical exam, which felt just like exams prior to insertion (sorry - I seriously haven't been back since 2011!). Afterward he indicated that I had just over a year of efficacy left in my current Mirena. He said that if I would like to have another inserted immediately after this one's removal next year, that would be okay. He also reminded me that once removed, fertility is unaffected and I could get pregnant during a lapse in protection. Of course I told him that I'll be getting another Mirena and couldn't wait. With that, my very quick appointment was over.

So after four years with Mirena, here are my reflections:

• I've saved at least $300 a year in the cost of birth control pills and tampons
• I've avoided over three solid years of ZERO period and cramping
• I haven't had a single bloody accident in over three years
• I haven't gotten pregnant!
• I haven't had any pain or discomfort, or for that matter other issues, with my Mirena

I think the provisions of the Affordable Care Act may make my Mirena even cheaper than the ~$400 I paid last time, so I'm really looking forward to "saving" even more money.