IUD

[ChildoftheBeat]

I'm getting one on Monday. Since I've never had kids (and thus have a tighter cervix) its supposed to be pretty painful. I'm getting the copper one that lasts 10 years because I've heard all these horror stories about the Mirena and I'm hoping its beacuse of the hormones.

Anyone have one of these things? How dreadful was the insertion process?

[sassypance]

My man and I have been considering this just over the past week actually. We sat down and did some research on it because I royally suck at daily pills. I was on Depo for the longest time but for medical reasons they will not administer it to me anymore. I would seriously be interested in some first hand accounts of having one of these things. Having them suture it in place seems painful enough but I was thinking I would go with the copper one versus the hormone one. I have yet to talk to a doc yet but we'll see. Anyone? Bueller?

[EmmaK]

Can it be taken out before 10 years?

[Jenni XO]

Can it be taken out before 10 years?


It can be taken out whenever you want. :yes:

[Jenni XO]

What horror stories have you heard about the Mirena IUD? I'm just curious.. because I have one and it's been smooth sailing. The day I got it, I had a little bit of cramping [it wasn't too much - I was still able to go to Nick Warren at Nation the same night I got it :D]. Otherwise I've had no issues whatsoever.

The only downfall I've seen with the Mirena IUD is it only lasts 5 years, instead of 10 like the copper one.

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

After IUD insertion, menstrual periods are often heavier, more painful, or both - especially for the first few months after they are inserted. On average, menstrual blood loss increases by 20–50% after insertion of a copper-T IUD; increased menstrual discomfort is the most common medical reason for IUD removal.




:puppydog:

/i honestly didnt even know what it was and googled it, but yeah

[Jenni XO]

After IUD insertion, menstrual periods are often heavier, more painful, or both - especially for the first few months after they are inserted. On average, menstrual blood loss increases by 20–50% after insertion of a copper-T IUD; increased menstrual discomfort is the most common medical reason for IUD removal.




:puppydog:

/i honestly didnt even know what it was and googled it, but yeah


Yeah, I've personally heard worse things about the copper one, than the Mirena. :elad:

[Alexis]

Can your body reject it?

I know bodies can reject breast implants and other implant devices. This seems like it would be a good solution to pills, I'd be more willing to try it if it were painless and didn't have the side effects Doh posted.

[lupitanahsee]

Can your body reject it?

I know bodies can reject breast implants and other implant devices. This seems like it would be a good solution to pills, I'd be more willing to try it if it were painless and didn't have the side effects Doh posted.
you have to be careful esp with the metal ones, because they can cause uterine scarring...which can lead to infertility.

[Jenni XO]

Info from the Mirena website: What to expect (http://www.mirena-us.com/whatexpect.html?C=&c=S1) & Mirena FAQs
(http://www.mirena-us.com/faq.html?C=&c=S1)

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

Can your body reject it?

I know bodies can reject breast implants and other implant devices. This seems like it would be a good solution to pills, I'd be more willing to try it if it were painless and didn't have the side effects Doh posted.


Expulsion is more common in younger women, women who have not had children, and when an IUD is inserted immediately after childbirth or abortion. Women should check the string of the IUD at least once per menstrual cycle to verify that it is still in place.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrauterine_device there's the wikipedia page, its a good starting off point to get some basic info

but yeah up to a 50% increase in my menstrual blood loss...fuck that

[Alexis]

Yeah, um. no thanks.

I'm fine with pills.

[spatulagirl]

A friend of mine has one and hates it. She just sent me an e-mail abou tit (she has had three kids though)

"I got it put in last Aug. Since then the best thing is - spotting. Spotting after sex, spotting for no reason, spotting spotting spotting. The worst things - 2 uterine infections. I can feel the thing in me again, which is a symtom of uterine infection. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. It's like 3 little toothpicks poking at me.

Plus, it's not easy to remove the darn thing. The strings seem to be gone. They say an inpatient D&C with and overnight is the only way to remove it. ugh!"

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

It's like 3 little toothpicks poking at me.



:chilly:

[ramz]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...

[lupitanahsee]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...
thats a perminant solution. maybe some of these women still want the option of children open to them :shrug:

[Alexis]

Vasectomies are reversible, aren't they?

[BuzzCat]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...


Isn't that perm? IUD isn't.

IUD scares the crap out of me though. Although I've never had to worry about getting pregnant, I don't think I'd ever consider it.

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

Vasectomies are reversible, aren't they?


Is vasectomy reversible?

Yes. Success rates for vasectomy reversal have greatly increased thanks to improved microsurgical techniques. Still, there is no guarantee that reversal is successful. The process is also very involved, requiring two hours or more of intricate microsurgery and is expensive (from $5,000 to $15,000). Nearly 2 percent to 6 percent of vasectomized men ultimately seek reversal. Most do so because of remarriage, the death of a child or an improvement in finances followed by the desire for another child.

Nearly 2 percent to 6 percent of vasectomized men ultimately seek reversal. Most do so because of remarriage, the death of a child or an improvement in finances followed by the desire for another child.

How successful is vasectomy reversal?

Studies show reversal results in the return of sperm to the ejaculate in more than 90 percent of men. About 50 percent of couples subsequently achieve a pregnancy. Whether vasectomy reversal is successful depends mostly on the time between the vasectomy and the reversal. Simply put, the sooner you have the reversal, the better your chances of success.

After reversal, the chance of finding sperm within the vas within five years of vasectomy is 86 percent. After more than 20 years, it is 60 percent.

[lupitanahsee]

Vasectomies are reversible, aren't they?
well, yeah, but its not 100% positive itll work tho...plus...if it were you, would you want to go have surgery for a short term solution only to go have another surgery when you and your partner decided it was time to pop babies out?

[Jenni XO]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...


Matti manned up last November and got it done. But then again, we're in the position where we don't want anymore kids. Two kids in two years was enough for me, thanks.


I got the IUD because we couldn't afford the vasectomy at first, and the pill obviously didn't work for me [since I got pregnant both times while on it]. I plan on getting it taken out next March when I have to do my womanly check-up with my gyno.

[sxulcmnky]

my mom had an IUD YEARS ago and she had it taken out because all she did was bleed while she was on it... that's bc in itself lol... then she went to the diaphram and had myself and my sister

[Jenni XO]

well, yeah, but its not 100% positive itll work tho...plus...if it were you, would you want to go have surgery for a short term solution only to go have another surgery when you and your partner decided it was time to pop babies out?


The surgery really isn't that terrible. Matti went to work the day after he had his done. :elad:

[lupitanahsee]

The surgery really isn't that terrible. Matti went to work the day after he had his done. :elad:
i wasnt saying it is...surgery is surgery. why would you want to put yourself through it twice. makes no sense.

[ramz]

Vasectomies are reversible, aren't they?
yes, but that's not a trivial procedure... very painful and not guaranteed to work I have heard about a relatively newish thing that urologists are doing where a clamp is used to close the vas deferens rather than the more permanent clip and cauterize solution more often used...

[Jenni XO]

What people also have to remember, is just like everything else, a vasectomy isn't 100% either. There's always the chance of you not becoming sterile.. or even where they've got cut healing and growing back together.

I know someone who's friend's husband has gone in and gotten snipped SEVEN times. And I've known several women who's hubbys got snipped, and they turned around and got pregnant.

So a vasectomy, to me at least, is just like any other form of BC.. not always 100% effective.

[ramz]

I simply can't imagine that any guy would want their wife/girlfriend pumped full of artificial hormones. it is seriously like one of the most dangerously shortsighted medical practices today, IMO...

[Jenni XO]

I simply can't imagine that any guy would want their wife/girlfriend pumped full of artificial hormones. it is seriously like one of the most dangerously shortsighted medical practices today, IMO...


Not to mention that a lot of today's BC are made to prevent periods.. which is not normal or healthy.

[Alexis]

I simply can't imagine that any guy would want their wife/girlfriend pumped full of artificial hormones. it is seriously like one of the most dangerously shortsighted medical practices today, IMO...

Because they can hit it without a condom! duh.


In all seriousness... My life was awful before all the artificial hormones. The pills are the only thing that stop me from having four days incapacitating uterus twisting pain, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. The pills fixed me. I know exactly when my period is coming and I can prepare for it. I can go to work on that day and not worry if I'll be able to drive myself home or if I'll spend half the day on the bathroom floor.

[lupitanahsee]

I simply can't imagine that any guy would want their wife/girlfriend pumped full of artificial hormones. it is seriously like one of the most dangerously shortsighted medical practices today, IMO...
AMEN

personally, for me, no hormones, no thankyou they make me crazy...if i ever do get married tho, he would need to go get snipped if he ever wanted to have sex without condoms. no more babies for me.

[LizE]

Yeah, um. no thanks.

I'm fine with pills.

What she said.

I've never had any problems with the Pill. And while an IUD does have the perks of long term birth control, and not having to remember to take pills everyday, I think the possible side effects outweigh the benefits. For me anyways. :)

I'll just stick to taking a teeny little pill everyday til I want to get pregnant.

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

the whole 50% increase in menstrual flow aside...

doesnt it freak anyone else out to have some foreign object inserted inside their uterus for up to ten years with a little thread dangling out?

:elad:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/IUDCPCopperT380A.gif

[BuzzCat]

*shiver*

They poke around enough in there. A string hanging from the cervix? no thanks.

[sxulcmnky]

Because they can hit it without a condom! duh.


In all seriousness... My life was awful before all the artificial hormones. The pills are the only thing that stop me from having four days incapacitating uterus twisting pain, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. The pills fixed me. I know exactly when my period is coming and I can prepare for it. I can go to work on that day and not worry if I'll be able to drive myself home or if I'll spend half the day on the bathroom floor.
you might have endometriosis... have you ever talked to your doc about that?

[Alexis]

I have a tipped uterus. It doesn't cause any other problems besides the severe dysmenorrhea.

[sxulcmnky]

oh ok well damn that sucks too :sok: :smooch:

[lupitanahsee]

I have a tipped uterus. It doesn't cause any other problems besides the severe dysmenorrhea.
me too!

woot for uterine freaks...or something. mines also biforcated and a radiologist once told me it looked like it had little devil horns.

[ChildoftheBeat]

The increased mentsrtual problems were all things I've heard of, but some women after a few months, see a decrease in those things as well. I know every woman reacts to birth control differently. I guess I'm hoping this is something that works well for me personally.

As far as horror stories, I heard that women have been extremely moody, gained weight, had very tender breasts, etc. This was all with the Mirena, so I thought maybe it had something to do with the hormones. I've also heard some women on the Mirena complain of bad odor.

The scarring from IUDs can come from PVD- so if you know the symptoms and what to look for, you should be ok. Yes, they put you at a higher risk for it, but when you are body conscious about it, it can be caught early- no scarring.

I was hoping to hear from some people's personal experience with this. I know putting something foreign in your body seems like a bad idea to a lot of girls, but every other tpe of birth control is, in esscense, the same thing- foreign to your body. Hormones don't make me too crazy (except for Depo- ug), but I don't like the idea of screwing with my bodys natural chemistry. That and the fact that I'm looking for a long term, effective, and easy form of bc- the copper IUD seems like a worthwhile thing to try.

[LizE]

me too!

woot for uterine freaks...or something. mines also biforcated and a radiologist once told me it looked like it had little devil horns.

:thatshot:

[madeofwires]

i actually really enjoyed the nuva ring when i was using it - has the lowest dose of hormones, and you only have to think about it once a month... :shrug:

[sassypance]

I definitely don't think I want to go through all of this trouble and then bleed and bleed from it for no reason. I got on the pill when I was 17 or so because I had debilitating cramps that had me balled up in my bed like I was going through withdrawals. I liked Depo the best out of everything because it was once every three months and I didn't really have to do much except keep my appointment and even then I got reminder calls. The patch sucks, pills have had a history of making me vomit in the middle of the night so I dunno. Maybe that NuvaRing thing but I'm still really uncomfortable just leaving something in there for a whole month. Weird and gross.

[BuzzCat]

My doctor tried to convince me the Nuva ring was great (hormone replacement therapy) and that she used it. I was like oooooohhhhh heeeeellllll nooooooo! Give me the damn pill!

The pill does make me nauseous though, but, doesn't really bother me too much. Usually it's just in the morning because I take it at night.

[ChildoftheBeat]

The Nuvaring is actually pretty awesome- I've been really happy with it. I just wanted something longer term...

[LitainCognita]

I was too terrified to have one. My mother had one and actually had a tubal pregnancy. She didn't know it until her falopian tube ruptured which landed her in the emergency room.

Tried depo, made me crazy and fat.
Pills were ok, until Yaz that is, and i became pregnant with the twins.


I have a gaggle of kids, so I opted to get my tubes tied. :yes: I guess there are risks with anything you take, really.

[ramz]

it's not even the short term side effects that you should be worried about... what about the increased incidence of various cancers in women that have used hormone-laced birth control, etc.? it's not a healthy thing... I'd never let my wife do that to herself...

[BuzzCat]

Well there aren't a whole lot of options when it comes to pregnancy prevention that don't involve some serious changes to the body. We're made to breed.

[spatulagirl]

I quit BC pills ten years ago because they made me miserable and I became concerned about the future health consequences. I just used condoms with my boy toys and then when I got married we used nothing. We are still using nothing. I have two years to get pregnant with a third otherwise it is snip snip for him.

The IUD freaks me out less than hormonal options. Ramz is right about the scary increase of cancers in women who have used hormonal birth control. Once they told us BC pills lower breast cancer, now they think it helps cause it! No thank you!

[Midnight_Junglest]

Yeah after I have this baby, I am considering when I get my 6 week check up. getting an IUD put in for like 5 or 10 years....Not sure which one....

[Jill]

I have been going through the most annoying hell on earth trying to get an IUD put in. After searching forever for a DR who would put one in me (no kids), I finally found one. Had an appointment set up last month and then found out the manufacturer of the IUD didnt take my insurance, so I have to put the money down and get reimbursed. Hopefully I will be on track to get it put in this month, so I'll report back.

I'm getting the Mirena, btw, because supposedly most of the bad side effects (worse cramps and heavier bleeding) are much less than with the copper IUDs. I'm still not 100% happy because I despise taking hormones, but I'd much rather have a small amount of localized hormones down there than no hormones and non-stop bleeding/cramping. I have piercings, so no, the idea of a foreign body inserted into me for 5-10 years doesn't bother me in the least.

[EmmaK]

it's not even the short term side effects that you should be worried about... what about the increased incidence of various cancers in women that have used hormone-laced birth control, etc.? it's not a healthy thing... I'd never let my wife do that to herself...
Uhm, you wouldn't "let" her? :rolleyes:




(:wink:)

[spatulagirl]

I have been going through the most annoying hell on earth trying to get an IUD put in. After searching forever for a DR who would put one in me (no kids), I finally found one. Had an appointment set up last month and then found out the manufacturer of the IUD didnt take my insurance, so I have to put the money down and get reimbursed. Hopefully I will be on track to get it put in this month, so I'll report back.

I'm getting the Mirena, btw, because supposedly most of the bad side effects (worse cramps and heavier bleeding) are much less than with the copper IUDs. I'm still not 100% happy because I despise taking hormones, but I'd much rather have a small amount of localized hormones down there than no hormones and non-stop bleeding/cramping. I have piercings, so no, the idea of a foreign body inserted into me for 5-10 years doesn't bother me in the least.


I have heard the same about the Mirena.

That is new for me though that a doc won't put one in if you don't have kids? What kind of bullshit is that? Seriously? That's whack!

[Jill]

I have heard the same about the Mirena.

That is new for me though that a doc won't put one in if you don't have kids? What kind of bullshit is that? Seriously? That's whack!

I believe there are slightly higher risks of perforating the uterus during insertion in women who have not had children. In this country, up until very recently, IUDs were not recommended for women without kids. If you google them you will still find lots of sites that say women without children are bad candidates for IUDs, but you'll also find some sites that say its not a problem. There are still a ton of doctors out there who still go by the old knowledge; I ended up calling around after I went to two seperate doctors who wouldn't even discuss putting an IUD in me and eventually found someone who would (Planned Parenthood will do it without a problem but they don't take my insurance). It is BS, especially considering in other countries they insert IUDs in all women, and they are a lot more commonly used than here.

[Legba]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...

Easy answer: Because women have figured out that trusting men to be responsible for birth control or STI protection is a losing proposition.

[ChildoftheBeat]

I just got mine put in yesterday. Fairly painful but I'm sure there are many worse things. Pretty crampy all last night but I just laid in bed and took it easy. Today I really just feel like I'm going through a fairly heavy period. All in all not bad considering its supposed to be extremely painful for women who haven't had kids. Woot to a (for the moment) cooperative uterus.

I'll report back on how its going.

[Kif]

gl with that...my adoptive mother had an IUD, and due to issues it created, she was not able to have kids afterwards.

[Jill]

gl with that...my adoptive mother had an IUD, and due to issues it created, she was not able to have kids afterwards.

I'm assuming this was some time ago - there was a really bad IUD that they took off the market for that exact reason.

[Jenni XO]

My personal experience with the Mirena IUD: Just spotting for about four days a month. I'm not moody. I don't bleed week after week. I don't have cramps. Lately my breasts have been a little tender, but that's a first and I've my IUD for a year. I am having problems losing weight tho. I haven't gained any weight, but I'm having the worst time dropping it.. which has always been easy for me.


The pill made me nauseous when I was on it. And it made me extremely moody. AND it obviously didn't work for me, because I now have two kids.


The scariest thing to me about an IUD is the chance of a tubal pregnancy. I was talking to my OB, and she said that if I did get pregnant with an IUD I'd more than likely either miscarry or it would be a tubal pregnancy [which obviously needs to be taken care of ASAP]. Since last November tho, pregnancy isn't an issue with me, since Matti got snipped.

[BuzzCat]

The more I know about pregnancy and all the sneaky ways fertile people can get pregnant, the more I'm not upset about not being able to.

[Miss.Soul]

it's not even the short term side effects that you should be worried about... what about the increased incidence of various cancers in women that have used hormone-laced birth control, etc.? it's not a healthy thing.


No it's not, especially if you smoke. I lost a dear friend to cervical cancer a few years ago due to that. She was 24 years old. I quit taking BCPs then and am still searching for something other than god awful condoms to use.

I have heard the same about the Mirena.

That is new for me though that a doc won't put one in if you don't have kids? What kind of bullshit is that? Seriously? That's whack!

When I looked into it, they said if you haven't carried a pregnancy to term your body may not hold it in place properly. Some doctors will still do it, but I couldn't find one in my city who would, and the public clinics will not help you with that.

[Jenni XO]

Matti has been confirmed as sterile from getting snipped. So I'm getting my IUD taken out. :woot:

[sxulcmnky]

Matti has been confirmed as sterile from getting snipped. So I'm getting my IUD taken out. :woot:
did he have to go splooge in a cup to find that out?

[Jenni XO]

did he have to go splooge in a cup to find that out?


Yup. :D

[sxulcmnky]

nice... at least you get your iud out... i wonder what it's like to not be on any form of hormones... it's been forever since i've been off of anything

congrats

[ChildoftheBeat]

So far my IUD has been absolutely fine- no side effects at all. If this keeps up it'll have to be the best birth control ever.

[Jenni XO]

nice... at least you get your iud out... i wonder what it's like to not be on any form of hormones... it's been forever since i've been off of anything

congrats


Yes. I definitely can't wait to be extra hormone free. I think it'll help with my mood imbalances - my hormones are out of whack enough after having two kids.


The only thing I'm dreading is getting a good ol' fashion period back. That will le suck.

[sxulcmnky]

ya that will suck ... stupid bleeding from the vagina

[Alexis]

A new birth control was just approved that eliminates the period! yay.

While I would love not having the uterus pain death for a few days a month I wonder if it's healthy to eliminate your period altogether.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=71800

[sxulcmnky]

other than when i started on this new shot, i haven't had a period in probably 4 years.... yay continuous BCP and/or depo shot...

i *might* be having one again soon though

[badkitty3804]

Sally, do you really like Depo?

I hate having to remember to take my pill every day, but I'm kind of scurred about having the shot and having bad reactions, then having to deal with the side effects.


And IUD? I'm kind of not feeling the whole shoving a foreign object up my bajinko.

[Alexis]

but I'm kind of scurred about having the shot and having bad reactions, then having to deal with the side effects.
.

Me too. I've heard horror stories. 30+lb weight gain, mood swings, constant bleeding etc.

:( I would do the shot too

[lupitanahsee]

i gained ~30lbs and turned into a psycho bitch after having the depo shot for 6 moths. never again.

[badkitty3804]

Viva la birthcontrol!

I think I may just drop the $20 on one of those cute pill packs that have a built in alarm. http://www.pillpaks.com/

[sxulcmnky]

wow that's cool (bc packs)

and as for the shot... i didn't mind it.. i did gain weight, but towards the end and being on it for like 2/3 years, i started to have breakthrough bleeding a lot, so i went onto the Seasonale, but still didn't have a period because i never took the sugar pills... i wasn't allowed to have a cycle... now i'm back on Lupron for my endometriosis and i hate it... but i'm due for my next shot on the 15th of june, but the specialist said that if it isn't helping with the pain, why am i taking it... which is exactly my thoughts... anyways, i'm waiting to hear back from her about it then we shall see if i can be a normal menstrating woman again

[Jenni XO]

A new birth control was just approved that eliminates the period! yay.

While I would love not having the uterus pain death for a few days a month I wonder if it's healthy to eliminate your period altogether.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=71800


It is NOT healthy to never have your period. Which is why I don't get why these companies are making it happen.


All I get is a little bit of spotting at the moment, but at least I know my body is healthy and still functioning properly.

[LizE]

as much as a pain in the butt ( or vag, rather) as dealing with a period every month is sometimes, i'm still glad i get it. that way i know everything's working as it should.

i think i'd be paranoid that i was pregnant if i didn't get a period every month, even if i was on birth control. :ohnoes:

[Jill]

i gained ~30lbs and turned into a psycho bitch after having the depo shot for 6 moths. never again.

Me too. And on top of that it killed my sex drive.

[Jill]

It is NOT healthy to never have your period. Which is why I don't get why these companies are making it happen.


Why do you say its not healthy? I've never seen any research saying such. It's just your body shedding the lining thats built up; if the lining doesn't build up (which is one of the things BC that eliminates your period does) then there is no need to have a period.

[badkitty3804]

The only thing that I've seen that makes sense about harm in not having your menses is:

1.) Iron retention. But considering that I'm always hearing it about being borderline anemic, I'm not complaining. God, I've been turned away from Red Cross so many times from donating because of it....

And 2.) prolonged exposure to the hormones, etc. in BC is linked to cancer. Everything gives you cancer though, so what the hell.

[sassypance]

Anyone have anything to say about Nuvaring??

[Precious12]

courtesy of http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/prosandcons.html :

Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs)

* Pros:
o Very effective against pregnancy
o Provide protection against pregnancy as long as in place in your uterus- protects as soon as inserted (so don't need to remember to use contraception if you have sexual intercourse)
o Doesn't need daily attention- just need to check to make sure in place at least once a month at time of menstrual period
o Comfortable- you and your partner cannot feel the IUD, although you partner may feel the string
o o The levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena) lessens menstrual flow and can be used to treat heavy periods
o Can be removed at any time
* Cons:
o Doesn't protect against STDs
o Needs to be inserted by a health care provider
o Should not be used by women who might get a sexually transmitted disease. It is best for women who have already had children and are in a steady relationship with one partner.
o Can fall out or can rarely puncture the uterus
o o The copper IUD can have side effects such as menstrual cramping, longer and/or heavier menstrual periods, and spotting between menstrual periods
o Slightly higher risk for infection in the few weeks after insertion

[madeofwires]

Anyone have anything to say about Nuvaring??

i used it for a few months and liked it. couldn';t even feel it. you can take it out for up to 3 hours also at a time and it will still be effective

[Alexis]

My attempt at switching to Loestrin FE failed miserably.

I will take a regular 5 day period over SUPRISE periods and bad cramps at starscape. ugh.

[madeofwires]

My attempt at switching to Loestrin FE failed miserably.

I will take a regular 5 day period over SUPRISE periods and bad cramps at starscape. ugh.

i switched to that about 2 months ago... i love it because i hardly have a period these days versus the week of spotting+ week of heavy bleeding and cramps when i wasn't on anything. shite is $$$ tho....

[sassypance]

Any side effects?? I've been trying to some research on what I believe to be my side effects but there isn't much literature on the topic unless they're true medical emergencies. It's just like mention it to your doctor if you're experiencing blahblahblah.

[Alexis]

i switched to that about 2 months ago... i love it because i hardly have a period these days versus the week of spotting+ week of heavy bleeding and cramps when i wasn't on anything. shite is $$$ tho....

The short periods were great (the surprises notsomuch). My doc gave me four months worth of samples to try before spending the $$, which was awesome.

[madeofwires]

Any side effects?? I've been trying to some research on what I believe to be my side effects but there isn't much literature on the topic unless they're true medical emergencies. It's just like mention it to your doctor if you're experiencing blahblahblah.

hmm no side effects really.. but that was when i happened to start waking up in cold sweats from time to time... although it still happens... so it might just be a side effect from birth control in general to me.

[sassypance]

:werd:

Yeah I'm liking that I'm not vomiting after taking my birth control anymore. I've noticed some muscle soreness, back pain and headaches though so I'm a little concerned. Also the second day I was using it I got lightheaded while driving and just felt odd in general. It's a completely different hormone than what I was on (Alesse) so I just thought that my body was having a hard time adjusting. :shrug: It's only been about 5 days that I've been on it and I'm just concerned if these things are going to keep happening.

[ChildoftheBeat]

I was on Nuvaring for about a year and I loved it- I had no probs whatsoever with it, but I also usually don't have too many issues with bc.

My iud so far has been issue free as well. With the exception of a crazy painful, nightmare period. Which, supposedly, should get better after a couple of months, so we'll see.

[Jill]

So I have my appointment to go get the Mirena put in tomorrow afternoon. :ohnoes: MORE ON THIS LATER.

[ChildoftheBeat]

o The copper IUD can have side effects such as menstrual cramping, longer and/or heavier menstrual periods, and spotting between menstrual periods

YES. This one is not fun.


Buuuut... other than that I love love love it. So glad I got one. NOw I'm just sad because apparently being on hormonal bc before that was keeping my face clear. As in now I feel like I have the skin of a 14 year old. :lame:


Oh, and take LOTS of motrin before you go to have it put in.

[mouse]

So I have issues clotting and cannot use hormone (specifically estrogen) based BC. This copper implant thing? Doesnt use hormones?

edit: reading on wikipedia

[bboyneko]

why can't women get their "men" to man up and get fucking vasectomies? It's a ridiculously simple and nearly painless outpatient procedure with no real aftereffects. silly how our society doesn't seem to be able to allow men to take responsibility for birth control when children aren't wanted in the relationship...

Research on potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease has revealed a surprising association – the development of an unusual form of dementia is much more common among men who have experienced a vasectomy. Although the finding is recognition of an association, not a cause and effect, additional research is indicated.


The dementia is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a neurological disease in which people have trouble recalling and understanding words. In PPA, people lose the ability to express themselves and understand speech. It differs from typical Alzheimer’s disease in which a person’s memory becomes impaired.


Northwestern University physicians began investigating a possible link between the surgery and PPA after a male patient connected the onset of his language problem at age 43 to the period after his vasectomy.


also a reversal where the tubes are "untied" is very expensive and doesn't always work:

Vasovasostomy is effective at achieving pregnancy in only 50%-70% of cases, and it is very costly, with total out-of-pocket costs in the United States ranging from $7,000

[ChildoftheBeat]

So I have issues clotting and cannot use hormone (specifically estrogen) based BC. This copper implant thing? Doesnt use hormones?

edit: reading on wikipedia

Ya there's no hormones... which is why I got it over the mirena... not because hormones ever bothered me in other BC, but because I liked the idea of not having foreign ones in my body.

Now I kinda miss em

[lupitanahsee]

So I have my appointment to go get the Mirena put in tomorrow afternoon. :ohnoes: MORE ON THIS LATER.

thats an iud right?
you found someone to do it that doesnt care you havent had a baby?

[HelenKeller]

So I have issues clotting and cannot use hormone (specifically estrogen) based BC. This copper implant thing? Doesnt use hormones?

edit: reading on wikipedia
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. My doc recommended an IUD and said that one of them uses no hormones and one uses very minimal hormones that are localized, so they don't effect you.

[ChildoftheBeat]

thats an iud right?
you found someone to do it that doesnt care you havent had a baby?

My doc put it in and I don't have babies... but I had to twist her arm to do it...

[mouse]

Apparently, any amount of estrogen will throw my homocystine levels out of whack and Ill have another pulmonary embolism. Feh.

:werd: Definitely going to have to check this out.

wikipedia said the copper T380 one could be in there and effective for 12 years. only fda approved for max of 10.

[Jenni XO]

I have my appointment on May 22nd for a physical with my new gyno.. And then I'm so getting my IUD out.

I have the Mirena, and have had the worst time being able to lose weight after having baby #2... ugh. I'm looking forward to not having any hormones but my own. :D

[Jill]

thats an iud right?
you found someone to do it that doesnt care you havent had a baby?

Yeppers. I had a place recommended to me - I actually had found several places that would do it for me previously, but was having problems finding a gyno that would work with some insurance issues I was having. But I found one - it's all the way in Woodbridge but well worth that drive.

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. My doc recommended an IUD and said that one of them uses no hormones and one uses very minimal hormones that are localized, so they don't effect you.

The way I've had it described to me is the Copper IUD doesn't have any hormones, but can cause much heavier periods and cramping. The Mirena does have localized hormones, but can cause much less regular periods. Meaning you might be lucky and they go away completely, but you'll probably still have random spotting. I'll take random spotting over cramps of death any day, and thats the only reason I decided to go with the hormones.

[mouse]

The way I've had it described to me is the Copper IUD doesn't have any hormones, but can cause much heavier periods and cramping. The Mirena does have localized hormones, but can cause much less regular periods. Meaning you might be lucky and they go away completely, but you'll probably still have random spotting. I'll take random spotting over cramps of death any day, and thats the only reason I decided to go with the hormones.

What if I havent had bad/any cramps ever during the history of me "being a woman"? You think they would be bad or I could have cramps?

[HelenKeller]

Yeppers. I had a place recommended to me - I actually had found several places that would do it for me previously, but was having problems finding a gyno that would work with some insurance issues I was having. But I found one - it's all the way in Woodbridge but well worth that drive.



The way I've had it described to me is the Copper IUD doesn't have any hormones, but can cause much heavier periods and cramping. The Mirena does have localized hormones, but can cause much less regular periods. Meaning you might be lucky and they go away completely, but you'll probably still have random spotting. I'll take random spotting over cramps of death any day, and thats the only reason I decided to go with the hormones.
If you don't mind me asking, what insurance problems were you having? Cause I'm having some too. Ugh.

And yeah, that's basically what I was told too. And that the hormones don't actually effect you. So, we'll see. LOL

Oh, and good luck! :D

[HelenKeller]

What if I havent had bad/any cramps ever during the history of me "being a woman"? You think they would be bad or I could have cramps?
Yeah, my doc said they cause a lot of women cramps. But ya know how it goes, everyone's different, blah blah blah...

[ChildoftheBeat]

What if I havent had bad/any cramps ever during the history of me "being a woman"? You think they would be bad or I could have cramps?

Um... I think they'll def be epic. And you'll bleed like you've been gutshot. Buuuut... on the upside, my periods are shorter and very regular, so when I know its coming I just load up on the painkillers.

[Jill]

What if I havent had bad/any cramps ever during the history of me "being a woman"? You think they would be bad or I could have cramps?

You'll probably be ok with it then, I would think. I haven't been on hormone BC for several years now, and the longer I'm off of them, the worse the pain gets every month. But if you currently dont take hormones and you dont have any issues, I would definitely go for the copper IUD.

[mouse]

Um... I think they'll def be epic. And you'll bleed like you've been gutshot. Buuuut... on the upside, my periods are shorter and very regular, so when I know its coming I just load up on the painkillers.

Great.

Im not on blood thinners anymore. Just on Folic Acid. So hopefully I wont have a raging river of blood coming out of my hooha. :wink:

That's good to know.

[mouse]

You'll probably be ok with it then, I would think. I haven't been on hormone BC for several years now, and the longer I'm off of them, the worse the pain gets every month. But if you currently dont take hormones and you dont have any issues, I would definitely go for the copper IUD.

im thinking the lack of cramps could be my pain tolerance. i mean i know i have cramps, but they arent 'omg, i cant get out of bed or else i will keel over and die' kind.

[Jill]

If you don't mind me asking, what insurance problems were you having? Cause I'm having some too. Ugh.


It was super annoying. At the two doctors offices I went to previously, they don't keep the IUDs in stock, so the process when you wanted one was that they called up the manufacturer of the IUD and ordered one, and the patients insurance paid the manufacturer directly for the IUD. The problem I had was that my insurance covers the IUD no problem, but the stupid manufacturer of the IUD won't accept my insurance. So I would have had to pay full price out of pocket for the IUD, with the possibility of my insurance not paying me back in full because generally the rate insurance pays is less than the full retail price of services and prescriptions. I wasn't trying to front up $500 and then wait around for my insurance company to pay whatever they felt out of the claim. Plus I normally pay for all my doctor stuff with my FSA debit card, and I wouldn't have been able to do that if I wanted my insurance to reimburse me.

I finally found a doctors office that actually stocks the IUDs, so my insurance company can pay the doctors office instead of the manufacturer.

[Jill]

im thinking the lack of cramps could be my pain tolerance. i mean i know i have cramps, but they arent 'omg, i cant get out of bed or else i will keel over and die' kind.

I used to be that way, I'm super excited to hopefully get back to that. Over the past year its gotten to the point where I can be completely unable to do anything for several hours, waiting for all the painkillers to kick in.

[mouse]

I used to be that way, I'm super excited to hopefully get back to that. Over the past year its gotten to the point where I can be completely unable to do anything for several hours, waiting for all the painkillers to kick in.

Damn. And Im limited with what kind of pain killers I can take. :shadyfu: genetics!!!

heh

[HelenKeller]

It was super annoying. At the two doctors offices I went to previously, they don't keep the IUDs in stock, so the process when you wanted one was that they called up the manufacturer of the IUD and ordered one, and the patients insurance paid the manufacturer directly for the IUD. The problem I had was that my insurance covers the IUD no problem, but the stupid manufacturer of the IUD won't accept my insurance. So I would have had to pay full price out of pocket for the IUD, with the possibility of my insurance not paying me back in full because generally the rate insurance pays is less than the full retail price of services and prescriptions. I wasn't trying to front up $500 and then wait around for my insurance company to pay whatever they felt out of the claim. Plus I normally pay for all my doctor stuff with my FSA debit card, and I wouldn't have been able to do that if I wanted my insurance to reimburse me.

I finally found a doctors office that actually stocks the IUDs, so my insurance company can pay the doctors office instead of the manufacturer.
Ew, sucky.

My insurance says that my plan reads "birth control" is covered, not "birth control devices". Fucking bitches. So I have to get my doctor to write a thing saying that it is medically necessary (which it is), but they still may not cover it, and it's taking 4 forevers to do the shit.

Grrr.

[Jill]

Ew, sucky.

My insurance says that my plan reads "birth control" is covered, not "birth control devices". Fucking bitches. So I have to get my doctor to write a thing saying that it is medically necessary (which it is), but they still may not cover it, and it's taking 4 forevers to do the shit.

Grrr.

Thats ridiculous! What insurance carrier do you have? I've not heard of insurance not covering IUDs before...in the long run they are much less expensive than any other form so you'd think they'd be all about it.

[HelenKeller]

Thats ridiculous! What insurance carrier do you have? I've not heard of insurance not covering IUDs before...in the long run they are much less expensive than any other form so you'd think they'd be all about it.
It's Aetna. Yea, my last insurance (Anthem BCBS) didn't cover bc at all, unless medically necessary... and they approved it with a letter pretty quickly. (too bad I changed jobs before I could get it done. :shakesfist:)

[sxulcmnky]

What if I havent had bad/any cramps ever during the history of me "being a woman"?
OMG i hate you :sadblue:

[mouse]

OMG i hate you :sadblue:

I know you do. :neener: Hehe.

Then again, havent your issues been resolved, for the most part?

[Kristalight]

Thats ridiculous! What insurance carrier do you have? I've not heard of insurance not covering IUDs before...in the long run they are much less expensive than any other form so you'd think they'd be all about it.


It is because Norplant is still on the market and that is an optional implantation and not great. Also, there are a lot of problems and side effects with people acting to coppper IUDs so they don't want to have to cover all the related problems. Insurance wise, it's kinda hard sometimes to prove medically neccessary since there are so many alternatives. I personally would rather have my tubes tied.

I looked into Mirena but I choose taking Seasonale instead. I sucked it up and felt that no periods ever and a little more control over it was better than the IUD.

[Jill]

It is because Norplant is still on the market and that is an optional implantation and not great.

I didn't know Norplant was still on the market. They have a new implant called Implanon but according to the doctor I spoke with, its greatly improved over Norplant and they've eliminated lots of the problems with it. I almost got that over the IUD but it still has enough hormones that it wasn't an option for me.

[Raverjimbob]

My wife is considering Mirena. She is supposed to have it put in next week. She is now thinking of holding off, as she started reading a lot of horror stories online.

I am glad I am a guy, lot less maintenance needed.

[Jill]

My wife is considering Mirena. She is supposed to have it put in next week. She is now thinking of holding off, as she started reading a lot of horror stories online.


I've learned to take info on the internet with a huge grain of salt...you can find forums full of haters on the best products in the world. I've found tons of people on the web that both love and hate it, so I guess we'll see how it turns out.

[Raverjimbob]

I've learned to take info on the internet with a huge grain of salt...you can find forums full of haters on the best products in the world. I've found tons of people on the web that both love and hate it, so I guess we'll see how it turns out.


I agree, she is just scared that she will be one of the woman who bleed 24/7/365

[LizE]

I'm considering switching birth controls.

I'm on the Pill right now, but for some reason my system is all out of whack. I don't get my monthly visitor when I'm supposed to anymore, and I know I'm not pregnant (I've taken a couple tests just to be 100% positive) so I dunno WTF is going on.

One reason could be that I'm always over at someone's house where two other females live, and MAYBE my schedule is trying to synch with theirs. Who knows.

I'm going to see my doctor before I make any sort of decision though. Sigh, this sucks. I hate wondering when or IF I'm even going to get a period every month. That's why I went on the freaking Pill in the first place. :(

/rant

[Kristalight]

I'm considering switching birth controls.

I'm on the Pill right now, but for some reason my system is all out of whack. I don't get my monthly visitor when I'm supposed to anymore, and I know I'm not pregnant (I've taken a couple tests just to be 100% positive) so I dunno WTF is going on.

One reason could be that I'm always over at someone's house where two other females live, and MAYBE my schedule is trying to synch with theirs. Who knows.

I'm going to see my doctor before I make any sort of decision though. Sigh, this sucks. I hate wondering when or IF I'm even going to get a period every month. That's why I went on the freaking Pill in the first place. :(

/rant


Try Seasonale. I had a lot of issues with the Patch, Depro, and Ortho. I LOVE Seasonale! Only 4 periods a year and even then you can skip those weeks.

And i know it sounds cooky but it's true about cycles synching up. I went to an all female college. That was interesting. You can also not get a period due to body weight and stress.

[K-netic]

What people also have to remember, is just like everything else, a vasectomy isn't 100% either. There's always the chance of you not becoming sterile.. or even where they've got cut healing and growing back together.

I know someone who's friend's husband has gone in and gotten snipped SEVEN times.
Does he also happen to have an adamantium skeleton and shoot claws out of his knuckles?


And I've known several women who's hubbys got snipped, and they turned around and got pregnant.
Well, that's just suspicious.

I simply can't imagine that any guy would want their wife/girlfriend pumped full of artificial hormones. it is seriously like one of the most dangerously shortsighted medical practices today, IMO...

There is no way in hell I'd get snipped for a girlfriend. Pump her full of hormones! My wife on the other hand would be a different story. After kids I'll probably go under the knife. :sadblue:

[Raverjimbob]

Well, that's just suspicious.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Jenni XO]

Well, that's just suspicious.






It'd be easy to kill said suspicions.. all the hubby/boyfriend has to do is get his swimmers tested, and see if he's still sterile or not. :elad:

[sxulcmnky]

I know you do. :neener: Hehe.

Then again, havent your issues been resolved, for the most part?
pshaw.. i wish

nah they just changed my pill AGAIN... now i have given up remembering their names and just say "refill the last one i had". i was having my period (which we all know i am not *allowed* to have according to my doc) and that was causing more pain (the kind where i would have to stop walking because of twinges of pain) and thus we needed to up the levels or something so she gave me a stronger one.

so ya... it's never going to be resolved... until they rip out my uterus and ovaries (ovaries feed the disease with estrogen, uterus is where the endo mostly is) that is.... but then it could also not fix it because the endo is also all over my abdomen organs, so taking out the uterus and ovaries won't necessarily fix it... and there is new studies that the endometriosis can grow without the presense of estrogen... it can make it own... trickey little fuckers