>Girl Talk
>This is one of those posts in which I imagine we’re all standing around the sinks in a high school bathroom together, dishing on something we don’t want the boys to know about.
In other words, if you’re a guy, get the hell out of here. (Although you’re welcome to return tomorrow! Bye now!)
Okay, ladies, are you still with me? Good. I want to talk about, um, female troubles.
Two weeks ago, I got back on The Pill for the first time since having Bruiser- It was the same birth control pill I’ve used for years with no problems. Only this time, it was different. This time, I had a stomach ache and nausea every single day, and after a week of feeling like crap, I decided to stop taking it- It just wasn’t worth the side effects- and besides, I had my annual exam coming up and I wanted to talk to my doctor about birth control options that didn’t involve remembering to take a pill every day at the same time, since I can barely remember to put on matching shoes at this ridiculously busy phase of my life.
As a result of stopping the pill early, on Monday I started my period for the SECOND time in a month. And it has been, like, the worst period ever. Generally, I have no symptoms associated with, you know, Aunt Flo, but this week I’ve had them all. Times ten. Bloating, cramping, headaches, nausea, ZITS, mood swings, chocolate cravings. I felt like my uterus weighed a hundred pounds. I felt like I was 13 again. I FELT LIKE HELL.
So I went in to see my OB/GYN yesterday and told her I felt like crawling into a hole in the ground because my UTERUS weighed A HUNDRED POUNDS, and we decided that I will be getting an IUD. Which sounds awesome. No weight gain, no side effects, and it lasts five years! Also, periods are either light or in some cases, non-existent! (Of course, I told my mother that and she was all, “That’s not safe!”)
Why am I telling you all this? Well for one thing, I’m excited. And a little scared about insertion day, because I have to take an antibiotic and three Advil, and it has to be inserted during that time of the month. Ew.
But I realized that for all our talk about breastfeeding and poop and circumcision, we’ve never talked birth control. Birth control is something young single women discuss amongst themselves fairly regularly (at least on the TV commercials- heh), but now I’m curious about what all the married people are doing out there. So what are you doing out there? And do you like it? And is it working for you? Discuss!
>I had the exact same experience as you when I started taking the pill again after my daughter was born. So I got an IUD and it was FABULOUS! I didn’t hurt for more than 30 seconds when she put it in and that was IT. I didn’t have a period the entire time I had it in – about a year and a half. Having it removed was totally painless. And you never have to remember it because it’s always there. I’d get another one in a heartbeat.
>Well, after years of infertility problems (5 years to conceive baby #1, 4 1/2 years to conceive baby #2) I never thought I NEEDED birth control. Then baby #3 was conceived 6 weeks after baby #2. So, that being said, I decided on the best form of birth control for me and it is working perfectly. I got Mr. Schmitty snipped!
>I was on the pill for the first 2.5 years we were married, but in January I stopped taking it and we’ve just been using condems since then. It’s been five months of that successfully, which I’m glad about, but I’m also at the point where a pregnancy wouldn’t be a big deal (we’re planning to start trying in the fall).
>You know what we do? This may sound totally weird-o-matic, but we do natural family planning. I just count the days and we do…uh… other stuff on the “fertile” days if I am not trying to get pregnant.Of course, now I am preggers. But it was totally planned.My Mom had an IUD for EVER and LOVED it. She recommended it to me after my first son was born, but I knew we would be trying again.
>I’ve never been as serious about birth control as I am now, which is why this issue was so important to me. I DEFINITELY do not want to get pregnant again right now, but I’m not ready to do something “permanent” either, so… the IUD seemed like the right solution. I have a friend whose husband was snipped- and she got pregnant! It happens sometimes!And I have LOTS of friends who used the family planning method and got pregnant.
>When I went to get my Mirena I made the mistake of reading all the horror stories on the web (“I needed a General Anesthetic!” “OMG the pain! I died!!!” etc.) and I was prepared for the worst.When the doctor said, “Ok, all done,” I said, “That’s IT?”It did not hurt a bit. Seriously. It was no more uncomfortable than a pap smear. Now, I had two kids without drugs, blah blah blah, but if you can squeeze a 5 – 10 pound baby out of your cervix, putting something the size of a matchstick in just isn’t going to phase it. Piece of cake.Mine did not have to be inserted during my period. I was only 6 weeks postpartum, though, so maybe it was different getting it done that early. I needed a pantyliner, after, but that was it. No more spotting than I would have from a Pap.Don’t worry about being on your period. Your doc saw a lot worse when he caught your baby. They don’t even care.And I LOVE it. No side effects. No periods. I spot a little once a month or so, but that’s it. And I don’t have to remember to take any pill or anything.I also don’t have the dryness problems that I had after baby #1. I don’t know if that’s a hormonal issue or what. I didn’t use any BC after #1 (hence, #2), but I was nursing. I’m still nursing with the Mirena. No side effects for baby. Love it love it love it. No PMS. Best. Birth control. Evah!Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
>I got pregnant and had 3 miscarriages all on ortho tri cyclin (the pill). I gained weight on depo provera (the shot). I have been on the ortho evra (the patch) for 3 years now and it is awesome, aside from it costing $55/month. A few months ago I wanted to get an IUD, Mirena to be exact, but all the insertion pain stories scared the crap out of me and I backed out. Maybe you can tell us how insertion was once you go through it. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!
>I’m on the pill and hate it. Unfortunately, I have extremely irregular periods and need the pill for the regularity. I would love an IUD and no periods but I know myself and I would be so ridiculously paranoid about pregnancy being the cause for the lack of period that I would drive myself, and the hubby, crazy. So, the pill is what I will stick with.
>I was off BC for a couple of years after having my daughter, but then decided to try some different options that turned out to be hazardous to my health. The patch was a nightmare and the pills that I took weren’t much better, so I swore off all of it and then after a visit to the doctor I was given some info on Mirena. I was excited, but unfortunately in Oct I started having MAJOR adult onset acne that was no doubt hormone related as I tried every topical cream known to (wo)man. Not to mention the ovulation bleeding! Ugh! It was like having two periods a month. I should have taken stock out in tampons. Anyway, I finally caved and went on Yaz to even out my hormonal issues. The first month I bled the entire time and had every side effect / pregnancy symptom (that’s what I felt like) imaginable, but I rode it out because it was clearing up the acne. It’s amazing what women will do for clear(er) skin! LOL I’m on my 4th pack and most of the side effects are completely gone. I have a really light, almost non existent period and other than some mood swings I’m doing really well, which is surprising because I truly HATE BC pills. 🙂 If my hormones weren’t totally out of whack at the ripe old age of 33…I’d have an IUD!Good Luck and keep us posted. There is nothing worse than hormonal upset…for you AND your family!
>Can I get off topic to say, “Mrs. Schmitty…6 WEEKS! GAH, woman! I am crossing my legs in pain just thinking about it!”I was on the pill for 10 years before becoming pregnant and LOVED it. But now I am apprehensive about going back on the pill – I feel like 10 years is enough and fears of blood clots, aneurysms, etc., make me want to look into other options. I am so glad you asked this question b/c IUD always seemed out of the question due to pain stories. Now I will ask my dr about it!
>Up until we had MM, I was in charge of birth control. So six years of marriage + 2 years of dating, it was all on me.Since I’d like to have another child, and the sweet husband doesn’t, I’m leaving it up to him to take care of that end of things now.
>My kids were born 13 months apart due to a, uh, faulty condom issue, so after baby 2 I decided to get the Mirena IUD. The pill gives me migraines, so I didn’t want to deal with that with 2 babies.I’ve had the Mirena for almost 3 years, and I LOVE it. The first few months after insertion, I had very light periods, and then after that they disappeared. And my PMS symptoms are almost nonexistent, which is fab. You may get a little light-headed when they put it in, though, since when they open up your cervix to put it in, all the blood in your body rushes to there. I had both my kids with me, and the nurses had to take care of them because every time I stood up I passed out. It took me an hour to get off the table.Other than that, it’s awesome. I will probably always use an IUD as my preferred method. Wow…sorry for the inane and slightly wordy comment!
>I love having an IUD. I’ve always been terrible at taking any kind of pill regularly, so this was the perfect option. However, I seem to be in the minority so far regarding the ease of the procedure. My uterus is in a prolapsed c-shape, and unfortunately I had to go to the hospital and be put under in order to have it put in. Will have to do the same to get it taken out! My periods did not subside.. to the contrary.. and the cramping is a bit worse. But really, I am quite thankful for this thing and very glad to have it.-K
>So I’m really freaked out by sideffects or long term damage-health issues.So we have been married for 7 yrs now. For the first 2-3 we used a diaphragm. And when was to lazy to deal w/ that condoms.So we decided it was to to get pregnant, it only took once. Which was so cool, no waiting months for the pill to leave your system or any removal of implants.So after having or daughter who is now 4 yrs old. Were still using condoms. And my husband will be getting snipy-snip in the next year 🙂
>I’m sure things are different now but I thought I’d share since you mentioned them. 🙂 I had the Paragard IUD inserted in January of 2002. Not only did it make my periods MUCH worse but I became pregnant with my third child in December of 2002 with the IUD still in place. This time I had a tubal ligation.
>We had issues getting preggers for the first time. The Boy was about 5 years after we were married. Never used bc after him then 4 years later came The Girl. Got my tubes tied after that 🙂
>I have LOTS of friends who have successfully planned their families naturally. : )That being said, everyone should evaluate their own situations, obviously. If you are so serious about never having any more kids, why not just get your tubes tied and be done with it?
>One uneventful year on the pill, another one with a diaphragm, 9 years of infertility. After our 2nd child, I sent my hubby in for a snip-job because I didn’t want to have Mrs. Schmitty’s experience.
>I had problems remembering the pill and that is never good. I tried the shot right after getting married and that was hell – totally wacked me out, hormones suck. and coming off it I bled for a month. next I tried the nuvo-ring and loved it. insert once a month, low hormone levels, husband never even noticed it was there (so he said.) and I was pregnant within two weeks of removing the last one.after the little one was born I knew I was done so had my tubes tied. just wish I could level out my naturally occurring hormones as I get older. =)
>Snip, snip. I know someone who got pregnant after her hubby got snipped; however, her hubby did not follow the very precise instructions given to him about how to ensure that doesn’t happen. My hubby did. Two times, since the first check up showed some swimmers.
>I have the mirena IUD and I LOVE it. I haven’t had a period since it was inserted, a situation which, incidentally, left me thinking I was pregnant again for about 6 months until I finally came to terms with the fact that it WORKS. The only thing was it hurt like a motherf#*%er when they put it in. AM
>I had an IUD inserted after I had my 3rd and I bled for 3 months straight until it fell out! It was the Mirena and I hated it. A few months after that I got pregnant with #4 and had my tubes cut and tied after delivery. 10 months later I got pregnant AGAIN but this time it was ectopic. So while I was in for surgery to remove it they removed both of my fallopian tubes. No birth control worries now.
>I have the paraguard IUD and it’s great! It hurt like a mother when they put it in, but since then, little to no period! And no cramps! And you don’t even have to think about it! It’s great!
>I have been on and off birth control since I was in high school. I originally had to take it because my periods would get so bad that I would literally be sick for an entire day, freezing one minute to sweating the next, in extreme pain, and throwing up. It was not pleasant at all! The only type of birth control I’ve taken was the pill Yasmin. I love it and have never had problems with it. I’m even going back on it in the next week because my skin has been breaking out for the past couple months, and I’ve never had bad skin in my life. Anyway, I never have had an IUD and haven’t heard much about it. Good luck with yours! And please keep my posted how you feel about it, it might be something I consider at some point.
>NFP for us. All of our kids are planned, though we get crap b/c they are stair-step in ages. 4, 3, 1 and I’m pregnant.Seriously, all planned.
>I had Daren neutered. Sorry hun. I do hope you get the answers you need though!
>I had the Mirena IUD for a year and a half, and I became convinced it was making me crazy. I’ve never had depression before, but I would have day-long crying jags and wild, strange ideation that NEVER happened before. I had the Mirena removed, and since then, I’ve not had any more weirdness, and no depression medication, either. On the up side, my periods did stop entirely, and it didn’t hurt at all to either insert or remove..and it didn’t have to be inserted during my period. So now I have Yaz, which, aside from having to remember to take it every day, has worked out well for me.
>Okay, so now I’m a little worried about the pain, reading all your stories. But my OB is great and even her pap smears take like five seconds and don’t hurt a bit. She said doing it during a period made insertion easier, so I think that’s going to help with the pain, also the three Advil! Here’s hoping. I think I might bring my husband with me now, though, just in case. No matter what, I think I can endure a little pain for five years of not worrying about birth control.
>I had the paraguard IUD for 3 years before I unexpectedly became pregnant with the newest love of my life. You have to check those strings that hang out of your cervix every month to make sure it’s still there. Apparently my uterus decided to eat my IUD, and when my doctor went to take it out, she got to see my baby boy (at 8 weeks pregnant) practically hugging the thing. (That option could have led to a termination, btw.. but I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of it perforating my uterus at some point, either).As far as periods go, they got pretty heavy (and lasted 7 days); cramping was a teeny bit worse. No more weight gain as I did with all the other hormonal methods I used previously. Got worse acne, but that cleared up with pregnancy and stayed away. I loved, Loved, LOVED the convenience of not having to take a pill everyday, or a shot every 3 months.. and if my hubby hadn’t gotten snipped, I probably would have chosen that method again (despite the 1% chance of pregnancy).I chose paraguard because it had no hormones; if you don’t mind the ‘mones, Mirena has some to it, and I guess it can reduce your period flow and length, lessen the cramping, and clear up acne. 🙂
>I’m going with the Mirena- My OB said it’s her favorite of all the options. She hates the shot for a number of reasons, but the one that stuck with me was that it causes the most weight gain! NO THANK YOU.
>I, too, had the post-baby problems with the pill and opted for the Mirena IUD. It was a great choice since delivering my 9lb darling caused so many problems I had to go to the ICU – still not willing to think about doing that again! As for the pain, mine was pretty bad. I had to lay down in the doctors office for about 30 minutes afterwards and was given pain meds for that evening. The next day I was fine. It’s been a year and a half. I have what I would call spotting for one day and maybe some PMS symptoms but that’s it. And I have not worried about pregnancy once. It just doesn’t occur to me. I definately recommend it for peace of mind, light to no period, and convenience but would say take more than 3 Advil the day of just in case (if that’s possible). GOOD LUCK!!!
>I had an IUD after Braden was born (no meds needed to insert it, and it really wasn’t painful, just uncomfortable for a moment).I had a Mirena after Ruby was born – and didn’t have a period, but had bad cramping. So, I had the Mirena out & went back to the no hormone IUD & it works great. That’s several inserts & removals & I never had to take anything. Strange that you do – but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.
>My doctor said the antibiotic is totally a precaution she likes to take, which I appreciate, and the Advil, I suppose, is so that it won’t hurt as bad. After I do this, I suppose I’ll be up for a Brazilian- the other thing I’m afraid of doing!
>I got the Mirena about 2 1/2 years ago and I am a convert. I preach the gospel of Mirena to all my girlfriends whenever the topic of birth control comes up.Insertion was a piece of cake for me but I will cop to taking one of my post c-section Percocets before the procedure. I think it also helps to have a doc that’s installed a lot of them. My gyno had done literally hundreds of them, so insertion was done before I knew it.My husband had a vasectomy reversed when we got married (I’m the trophy wife…yeah, right!), so asking him to get another one is cruel and unusual punishment in my book.I hope you love the Mirena as much as I do. It will be my BC of choice until the big M starts.
>I hate that Mirena commercial. “Candidates for Mirena are in a stable relationship….” They might as well say “Promiscuous girls need not apply.”Which makes me wonder: Is the IUD in danger of some kind of failure if you have sex with too many different men? Or is it just too much sex in general is problematic (thus the “stable relationship” criteria; because those people are having no sex at all) :}On another note, I’m never skimming your posts again. I missed the “go away dudes” part and ended up straight at “insertion day”. Good morning!
>I hope that it is a roaring success, but make sure that you ask about side effects or look up side effects. I didn’t do that and started having hot flashes and panic attacks. I thought I was going crazy and I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I was really depressed and having a really hard time. I started searching on the net and found support groups for people experiencing the same symptoms from the Mirena IUD. I contacted my ob/gyn and had them remove it that day. I asked her if she had ever had anyone else have adverse reactions to it and she had one friend who had a severe reaction. I am the minority, I realize that, I just wish someone would have told me to do my research before I put it in. We decided a vasectomy will be the way to go since we are done having kids. I thought the IUD would be perfect until we figured out what we wanted to do.Feel free to email me!
>The IUD does sound convenient, but we use condoms. My mom’s a breast cancer survivor, and I see hormonal contraceptives as a risk factor for me. I am also protective of my fertility and the thought of not being able to decide right away that I want to be fertile again bothers me. My mom also had a bad experience with an IUD (it started coming out on its own and she had to wait a day or two to see the doc), but that was long ago and I’m sure these new ones work great. It sounds like it’ll be good for you!
>My dear mother conceived me while using an IUD. There is still much debate as to the origin of my insanity leanings. I blame IUD brain damage. *twitch*As for me and my uterus, Eric is fixed.
>My husband and I use the ol’ ‘pull out and pray’ method. Which is TMI, I know. But you asked about birth control, and seriously, I can’t wait to see my post next month when I find out I’m accidentally pregnant. But here’s the thing, the first time we got pregnant, I was on the pill and he was wearing a condom. So really, it’s a sea of confusion.
>I use the Evra patch , have done for almost 3 years , its fantastic and the NHS gives it to me for free 🙂 Winner.
>I got fixed. LOL I had the Essure procedure back in June of last year. This uterus is closed for business.
>Since it’s just us girls here, I’ll talk openly.I have the same IUD you are looking into. My periods have not gone away, but they are short and not bad at all. I was previously a heavy bleeder. But the symptoms, acne, stomach cramps, etc. seem to be worse than I remember pre-kids. However, I don’t know if this is related to the IUD. It took months of frequent bleeding until my body regulated to this light period routine.When the IUD was inserted, it was not painful at all. Apparently if you’ve given birth vaginally then you are stretched enough to insert easily. I know I was.ONow the problems I’ve noticed.1. The “string” that is suppose to wrap around your cervix, the one that hangs down? Ya, it poked me for months. It was quite uncomfortable. I went back in to have it checked and the Dr. told me the string, that felt more like a wire, was too long. She then snipped it shorter. Eventually (like a total of 7 months after getting the IUD) all was good.2.My husband mentioned for a long time that he could feel the string during sex. It poked him and was uncomfortable. I don’t know why, but it really bothers me. 2 years later I’m not sure if he still feels it but it is always on my mind. I have to say that this has made sex a lot less enjoyable for me since I’m always a bit tense.Now Hubby’s gotten a vasectomy and I’m just counting the encounters until I’m able to be IUD free.Next step for me? The Diva Cup. That’s right ladies. 🙂
>I had my tubes tied the day after Little Miss was born. But a lot of people had their tubes tied around that time and of the 10 people I know of 4 of them have new babies! I say just slap the man away!!!
>Backpacking Dad,The reason why IUD’s are recommended for “women in stable relationships” is that they are less likely to get an STD. An STD in the presence of hardware (an IUD) can be far more serious.(I know Lindsay, men are not welcome, I am here clinically).
>Haven’t read through all the comments, so I don’t know if anyone mentioned my IUD tale:It was great for a year.Then I hemorrhaged for two months (had to get on the pill to *stop* the bleeding).Then another year later, I got pregnant with Oliver. WITH the IUD in place.Not to say that my situation is the norm, but just want to make the point that an IUD is no guarantee against crazy periods or surprise pregnancies.
>I was on the regular pill and I was finally fed up of having my period every month so I asked my OB if I could go on that pill where you have your period once a quarter (Seasonale or something) and he’s like what if you could take a pill where you NEVER had your period and I was like SIGN ME UP DUDE!It’s called Lybrel and you just take the hormone pill all the time and never have your period. The people I told about it thought it didn’t sound very healthy either. I took it for three months and I never had my period. That part was great. One problem for me though.I gained fifteen pounds. In three months.I started noticing after the first month that my clothes were fitting tighter and I was like WTH? Nothing had changed in my eating or (non-existing) exercise habits. Finally, after three months and fifteen pounds I said forget this and I stopped taking it. Did the fifteen pounds disappear?!? NO. I’m going to have to work them off, and probably another ten to be where I want to be.I’m a little nervous about the thing you are talking about. Having something floating around in your body, especially THAT area, doesn’t sound healthy to me. But a million people do it and are fine, so maybe I should consider it. Let me know how it works out for you. Especially the weight gain part.
>Pre baby #1, I was on the pill. After #1, I had the Mirena IUD. I loved it. I never had a period. It barely hurt going in, and I didn’t even know when they took it out.And, I think the only reason it hurt (slightly) is because I was 12 weeks post-partum and had some problems with my episitomy (so it was more the speculum than the IUD that hurt). No more painful than a pap smear.After Baby #2, I will likely get another one. It’s just soooo easy.I didn’t have to take any antibiotics when I had it put in, and it didn’t have to be that time of the month, either. I would recommend the Advil, though. There is a little cramping. Also, you might spot for a while, too.Oh, and I had it out 2 months before getting pregnant again (and we weren’t trying until we actually got pregnant).
>I’ve been on the pill off and on (mostly on) since I was 15 (I’m now 31). I’ve had very good experiences with all except for one month that my preferred brand, Alesse, was short on supply and my doctor prescribed another pill to fill in. That month I was convinced I was pregnant, because I had really sore breasts, nausea, dizziness, blech. Turns out it just wasn’t a good fit for me.I just stopped the pill a couple of weeks ago because, well, it’s a lot easier to get pregnant that way…
>Birth control – a great topic. I’ve tried just about everything. I had whatever it is they stuck in your arm – uh, don’t do that. I bled for 18 months (no exaggeration) and when they finally took it out my muscles had decided to grow around them. Yeah, removal was supposed to be painless, yet it wasn’t. I get sick to my stomach on the pill, so that is out. I have had two IUDs. The first one was awesome and in for 3.5 years before we had our daughter. Then we had a second put in after and life was great until it shifted. We’re not sure what happened, but about 2 years after insertion it slipped and started to irritate my uterus. The irritation caused an infection that wouldn’t clear up, so out came that IUD. We tried condoms and recently tried the NuvaRing. I have to say that while I was baffled by the appearance of the NuvaRing (think small jelly bracelet) that it worked great with no side effects. However, with our crappy insurance it is expensive, so we aren’t using it again. I loved both my IUDs and if the NuvaRing wasn’t so expensive I’d use that. Good luck on your decision.
>I had to stop taking the pill after my second child, when high blood pressure kicked in. (I had toxemia/pre-eclampsia.) Because we wouldn’t mind if I did get pregnant again, now we don’t use any birth control UNLESS I’m taking some medicine that might be a problem for a baby. (Have had a whopping kidney infection lately and have been on tons of antibiotics, for example.) If we use anything, it’s a condom.But I’m 47 and probably SHOULD be more responsible. Even when my youngest was born in 1997 and I was 36, that was considered “advanced maternal age.” (Can’t they come up with a better name for that?) What would I be now — “maternal geezer”?
>Well, I am a chicken so I would never get the IUD (despite having given birth and that being the worst pain ever, yes, I am afraid of an IUD). I use an online program to track fertility so I know when to declare myself ‘off limits’ or when to be care and when I am safe. It predicts it all FOR you. It’s fabulous (fertilityfriend.com) and I don’t really do anything except plug my temperature in every day. Easy. As. Cake!
>First of all, the new IUDs are a world away from what they used to be. Second, there are LOTS of different types of pills now too. But mostly, the best thing I ever did was have my hubby get snipped. Unless you think you may want more kids it is a great deal. I knew I was done (ha-sometimes I do not want the 2 that I have let alone more!) and hubby said the procedure is not bad. Plus sex is GREAT without the fear of pregnancy. Good luck!
>When our youngest was born, he was born via c-section so since we knew he was our last (3rd kid) and we were done I had my tubes tied while they were in there anyway. Big mistake! (And not because I want more) I have had a horrible time with my periods ever since he was born (6 years ago). I was 30 at the time and I’m now reading so many horror stories of young women who have their tubes tied and then have problems afterwards. It is a great birth control method, but I can get my period every 2 weeks, every week, or sometimes not for 2 months with no rhyme or reason. And mood swings? Forget it! My family doesn’t want to be near me on those months when I’m getting my period every week. It sucks!Spice World
>I had a Mirena for two years. Upsides: period was scant if present at all, never had to think about it, bled a bit for the first month but that faded. NO CRAMPS. Insertion was nothing next to pushing out a 9lb baby. Downside: DEFINITELY lowered my libido, and I didn’t even realize it until I had it pulled. And why did I have it pulled? Get ready for gross. I had major surgery that laid me up for quite a while, and was on some pretty serious antibiotics. As a result, I got the worst yeast infection my 50+ yr old doctor had ever seen. I just couldn’t kick it. I had itchiness so bad I couldn’t leave the house, and I was on Diflucan for a solid MONTH. Turns out the yeasties had taken up residence in my IUD, where antibiotics were useless to kill them. I had to have it pulled to ditch the infection. GROSS.
>After being on the Pill for several years, I just switched to Mirena. It’s awesome–seriously,what’s NOT to love? I’ve had it for three months, and it’s great. My periods are significantly lighter and shorter, and my OB/GYN said they’d probably disappear soon. I won’t lie though, the insertion is not fun. It. Hurt. It was pretty intense pain for about 10 seconds, and then I had cramps for the rest of the day. But the tradeoff is definitely worth it. Of course, I haven’t had kids, so I’m sure that was a factor.
>Wow. This was so great; thanks so much for asking this!!I use the ring now, but the thing is I think my hormones are changing due to that ole’ perimenapause & I’ve been getting these awful migraines. And mood swings.So, I’m thinking something with a lower hormone dose — or no hormones – might be in the cards for me. I hadn’t even thought about the IUD… but now I”m going to ask my doc about it.
>LOVE MY MIRENA!!!! (The insertion was a bit uncomfy, but worth all 30 seconds.)
>DH got a vasectomy after we were done having kids (his idea – he wanted to get it done while I was still pregnant but I made him wait) , so I didn’t have to go back on the pill. Unfortunately, NOT being on the pill made my periods longer (9 days sometimes) and heavier and closer together (every 3 weeks instead of 4) so I wound up back on it to regulate my cycle. Didn’t have any problems with side symptoms, though, thank goodness!
>My doctor was pushing the Mirena last year and I went online to do some research and found a message board full of people who had problems with it — depression, weight gain, periods that never ended and I scared myself out of it.Also, for what it’s worth, I’m on a mother’s center listserv here in my town and there was an email from a local nurse practitioner about 4 pregnancies in town that recently resulted while using an IUD. I don’t think it was Mirena though.If you go through with it, let us know. I’m still kind of considering it.
>At least you’re a candidate for the Mirena. (please tell me your OB already measured your uterus to ensure you’re a candidate .)Me, uh not so lucky
>I love Mirena. I should work for them, considering all the women I have converted!I had mine inserted after baby #3 in three years and could not be happier.When I had it inserted I felt a pinch, but it was very short-lived (and I took no meds ahead of time). Then I laughed hysterically at the length of the ‘strings’ that had to be trimmed…imagining walking around with those strings untrimmed…and tripping over them, etc….i digress.I had minor cramping that day and bled for about the next three months, medium flow at first, then VERY lightly.After that ended, I do not really get a period at all…maybe some brownish discharge on the tp, but that is all. I know…TMI, right!I have had it for about a year and a half now and love it.Also..in regards to the ‘strings’ -according to the hubs, they are more like thin fishing line and can be a little ‘pokey’. When I see my OB (oops..was supposed to do that in December) I think I will have him trim them up a touch! :)HTH’s! Good Luck!
>I had an IUD for ten years. Loved it. Now DH is snipped so it’s not an issue.Only side effects I remember was a little more cramping sometimes and checking for the string was a hassle sometimes. Otherwise, it was a breeze.
>Please be careful with hormone related birth control devices, especially if you are over 30. Blood clots are serious business and should be discussed with your physician.
>I’ve never commented on your blog, although I’ve been following it for quite some time. I don’t even have any kids or a husband (although my bf and I own a home and are planning on marrying soon.)A couple of years ago, I got an IUD and I feel really strongly about preventing misconception (no pun intended) about it, as it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t remember to take a pill every day at the same time, he hates condoms (plus, they cause bladder infections), I think Depo is the evil liquid from hell.Also – I’m 32, so I wanted a non-hormonal IUD that I can take out and be able to conceive as quickly as I want to. Also, I’m over 30 and still smoking (that’s horrible) so I definitely didn’t want to be on the pill anyway. They have some IUDs that do release hormones and some that do not – I chose the one that doesn’t.I have to say, the pain of getting it in was…well, quite a pain. HOWEVER – I have never had children and that makes a BIG difference. And even the pain I was in for that short of time was completely bearable. Then for the next 2 days, I had more painful cramping than normal. Then – it was totally fine!I’m very jealous of those who say they don’t have a period at all – maybe it’s because mine has no hormones that I still have mine like clockwork. So,that’s good for the folks that are reassured by their IUD. The non-hormonal IUD you can leave into place for about 12 years. The hormonal one is the 5-6 year one.With all said – I love it. I do get weird looks when I tell people that’s what I use because people still think back to the issues IUDs had in the 70s. IUDs are the MOST widely used form of BC globally.I really think you should do it – don’t worry about the pain, seriously it’s not that bad (and my uterus had never been dilated before.)Good luck! You’re going to love it!
>I just got my first IUD and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I was on the pill for 16 years before #1 and don’t want any more hormones. I tried the patch for a week or two after #1 and it dried my milk so I went off it to get my production back up (hence #2 20 months later…). Now I have an IUD until we decide if #3 is an option. It was uncomfortable going in (like very early labour or PMS cramping) but only for a few hours. Now nothing and no planning – it rocks! And I didn’t have my period when it went in. That’s strange.
>I had the Mirena for a year and a half. The first year was awesome (aside from the fact that it totally killed going in and I had horrible cramps for a couple of days) but afer the first year, I got the same symptoms that the BC pill had given me: horrible acne, weight gain, moodiness. Basically it was PMS constantly without a period. I had it removed and everything was back to normal witin a couple of weeks. I will say, even with all of that, I still recommend the Mirena to my girlfriends who don’t have trouble with synthetic hormones because it was the easiest Birth Control I’ve ever used. You just never have to think about it.
>I got pregnant on the pill, had the shot after my son’s birth, bleed for about almost 3 months straight–also, had such hormonal imbalances because of it, I dealt with depression for 2 years after. 3 weeks ago, my husband was snipped.
>Well, after a long and ineffective birth control journey that surprised me with two beautiful boys born 13 months apart, I now have a mirena iud and I love the darn thing. Since I was breastfeeding when mine was put in, I never had a “real” period. So with the iud, pregnancy, etc. I should have 7 years without a period! How freakin cool is that!
>I had a tubal ligation after my fourth child was born. She was my third c-section. We knew we were done having children, and I didn’t want to have another c-section if we accidentally got pregnant again, so I had the tubal right after my daughter was born. It was the right choice for us, and has been great (that daughter will be 4 in September).
>Hi,I had an IUD and loved it. No problem. Until I lost track of the string. I went to my doctor, who advised me to wait until my period and we’d see what’s what…Well, what’s what is Brian, and he’s 22 tomorrow. I have NO IDEA where the IUD went.After that I used the sponge, which was also great.Good luck!Jenny
>I had also gotten the Paragard IUD in 2001 and I started having periods that lasted 15-20 days. HEAVY periods – caused all sorts of issues.When the Mirena was available, I had the paragard taken out and the Mirena put in. I had some nasty cramping afterward (like a REALLY REALLY bad period) – but I think that’s because I had a removal and an insertion.The cramps only lasted for about 24 hours – and I didn’t take advil before – I so should have. I don’t have periods to speak of any more (so light I don’t even need mini-pads) – just can tell when I wipe (sorry – gross).The Mirena is the most awesome BC ever. I highly recommend it. But, in thinking about it just now – it’s probably been close to 5 years. I guess I better get another one pretty soon!!!!
>DH had the big V after thing two, so it is kind of a non-issue here. Which is good, because I was not a faithful pill-taker like I should have been, and was a little scared each month. a friend has the nuvaring, and loves it…
>I’m so glad I asked this question. I had no idea so many people had IUDs and your responses are all really interesting. This is just not the kind of thing you ask at playgroup, generally speaking!
>I have been taking the pill for ever. For the last 11 years I’ve taken the hormones continuously for about 4 months at a time so I only have 3 periods a year and only when it’s convenient. Can’t argue with that. Since I’m 44, the next stop is menopause.
>I got my tubes tied when my 2nd child was about a year and a half old. It worked for me and it was nice to be done worrying about it.
>It’s great that women have so many options for birth control these days and can openly discuss it without feeling embarassed and/or ashamed.However, I’d just like to ask if you know how an IUD works to prevent pregnancy? I’m sure you’ve done your research and if you’re okay with this method, then it’s your decision to make.I just hate it when women make choices about their bodies without know all the facts first.
>I liked being on the pill and had great periods (if there is such a thing) while on it. It would last about three – four days and I would get mild cramps. After our third kiddo I got my tubes tied. Now I don’t have to worry about birth control but the periods….let me just say OH. MY. GOSH! They are awful! I have a friend who has the same thing you’re getting and she loves it.Happy birth controlling girl!dawn
>I have the one you’re getting, Mirena. I’m on my second one, six years, and I love it. The periods stop almost entirely, no side effects, and none of that pesky nausea and weight gain I always had on the pill. Two Advil get you through the insertion (and removal) easily. The night after they put it in you’ll have some very low grade cramps, and that’s it. Highly recommended. Best thing ever.
>I am doing the “Please God don’t let me get pregnant” method. Colin (my son) is 7 months old and I haven’t had a period yet because I am bf. About getting your tubes tied. Make your husband get fixed. We discussed this a lot with my degree in college. For women, it’s a major surgery, more expensive, and more painful. Men are in and out and feel fine a few days later. Good luck…tell us how it goes.
>I busted out laughing when I read “What are all the married people doing for birth control…”We are MARRIED. With young children!We don’t have sex! We try, oh gosh, we try, but one of us is almost always too tired! If my dh is randy, I’m exhausted. If I have a day or evening off with friends, and come home rejuvenated and frisky, HE’S too tired from dealing with the kids! We keep telling each other we’ll have lots of sex again some day.There’s a joke that unfortunately tells it like it is:A doctor was talking to a teen-aged boy about using precautions if he became sexually active.The doctor held out 2 condoms and said “I usually tell high school boys to carry 2 condoms – one for Friday night and one for Saturday night.”He then reached into the package and said “I usually advise college students to carry 4 condoms – 2 for Friday night, and then 1 for Saturday and 1 for Sunday.”Then the doctor reached into the package and removed TWELVE condoms. The kid’s eyes bugged out and he said “WOW! Who are all THOSE for?!” and the doctor said:”I usually tell married men to keep 12 condoms handy.One for January.One for February.One for March.One for April…”Gees, I never thought that was gonna be true when I first heard it. Looking back, all the married women in the group kind of heh-heh-hehhed, while those of us single women said “YEAH, RIGHT! He’s all over me like a cheap suit now – That’s a funny one!”In fact, I remember not too long ago a friend discussing the possibility of having relations and the husband chirping in with “Oh, but gosh, honey; then your birthday won’t be special if we have sex any sooner than August 15th!” and — not everybody laughed.Gulp
>And Amen to whomever said have that husband of yours get the old sniparoo. He’s had 4 kids – unless you aren’t done – And you sure do cook cute babies!
>i had the mirena after #3. it did not hurt, just some pressure. i feel the need to warn you, though about an unusual side effect. i was so depressed on it, not post-partum, my baby was 2y/o at the time, but seriously, suicidally depressed. this is not a common side effect, not a reason not to try it. just be aware as it is, in fact a real side effect that was not really covered in the literature. when i had my next yearly after having it out my doc mentioned that she had heard of quite a few more cases of the same problem. my advice is to have hubs or a close friend keep tabs on you, because i didn’t even realize it was happening. my gramma was the one who finally ordered me to the docs for help. within days of removal i was fine again. on the other hand, it was a very effective form of b/c, seeing as how i would not let the man anywhere near me.
>LOVE the Mirena IUD. Got it done the day before we went on vacation and it was NO big deal! Couple of advil and 45 minutes in the docs office and it was done. My doc said at one point EVERY woman in their practice had one. Works great, had it for almost a year now. No side effects, periods are almost gone. Two other girlfriends have gotten one since mine and they love them too.
>Thank you for this discussion! I’ve been thinking about Mirena for a few months but was scared of it too. Now I’m going to seriously consider it. I’ve been on the pill, various ones, for 18 years, minus two for trying/having my boy. I’m so sick of the hormones.
>I’ve had Mirena for a year – I love it! No worries, it’s honestly no big deal. Have fun not worrying about any of it once it’s in. It’s my favorite b.c. ever!
>I had a sign on my uterus that said “Just Add Sperm”. Once we decided that 1 was enough (I have two step-children that we were financially responsible for), I went ahead and had my tubes tied.Permanent and all that, but no accidents and insurance covered it 100%
>I had the Mirena IUD for one year. Insertion was PAINFUL, but I’d never had any children AND I had forgotten to take the 800 mg of Ibuprofen… I swear to this day that the doctor hadn’t actually told me that part, and that there was nothing for me to forget, but either way, it was a bitch. But well worth it! I didn’t have a period for the whole year and never had any problems with the strings. I felt so free! I had it taken out because we were getting ready to start trying and also because I don’t react well to ANY level of hormones… not even the smidgen in the Mirena. I don’t see myself ever being on hormonal birth control again (took the Pill for 5 yrs, suffered AWFUL migraines monthly as well as depression), but I have successfully used FAM as a way to avoid pregnancy. It’s completely different from NFP – the combination of taking your basel body temperature, checking cervical fluid and cervical position ensure that you know EXACTLY when you are fertile and when you’re not. If you follow all of the rules correctly, chances of getting pregnant are the same as when you’re on the pill. AND, in combination with regular condom use, you’re totally golden.
>I’m depressive, and the pill just makes it a THOUSAND times worse, so I can’t really handle it.I have an elongated vaginal canal which means I can’t use any of the things you have to put up near your cervix because I can’t get near it.The shot has bad long term effects.Which leaves us with condoms.Apparently we are good at using them because both times we decided to get pregnant, the longest it took me was 2 months. I’m currently 4 months pregnant with what we’re praying will be our first live birth.
>I had an IUD and it got infected. It was 2000, I was just married and in grad school and did not plan to start a family for sometime. I had been on the pill but didn’t want to worry about popping a pill every day (I forgot frequently). Approx. 3-4 months after the IUD was put in (maybe a bit longer) I got flu like symptoms and didn’t do much about it except what you do for the flu. Then I got horrible pains in my lower abdomine and went to the doctor because the fever hit l05. Longer story short, I ended up in the hospital for 4 days and was pumped with some very strong antibiotics and IUD taken out.I’m not saying it’s not right for you but it wasn’t for me.
>About six months after Doodle was born, my husband, Homer, had his appointment with the urologist. We joked he had a bag of frozen peas with his name on it.
>OMG Mrs. Schmitty, that is SO why after we conceive #2 (if…) my hubby is getting the snip! It took us 2 years to conceive our son, and it’s been a year and a half this time around, but I don’t trust nature!
>I used a diaphragm for years and loved it. Quite a few women in my family had problems with IUDs so I never considered one. What I like about the diaphragm was being able to insert it hours ahead if you wanted to. The women who get pregnant after their husbands have vasectomies are almost always ones who’s husbands don’t go back for their follow up visits. At least two or you’re playing with fire!
>YEEEAAAAHHH. Girl, I am like the poster child for IUDs. I got mine 3 years ago and it is absolutely wonderful. The first month or two your period is a little uncomfortable…but that is such a small price to pay for NO PERIOD AT ALL!!!! I loooove it. I was really surprised that the insertion didn’t hurt, although I was mortified to have to go during my period. However, it wasn’t embarassing at all. I’m telling you, when this one runs out, I’m definately getting another! And, about the strings…I have never checked for mine. If something that size comes out of me, I think I’ll know about it and, if you can’t find them, I think I’d freak out. This is totally a great decision and you have nothing to worry about.
>I’m taking my chances. And holding my breath. My husband can only touch me 1 day a month. Ha! The Pill can do all of those things that you described. Even in a short time of taking it. Every pill is different. And your body changes. So what worked before could not work now.
>I had the Mirena IUD inserted not as birth control (hubby is snipped), but as treatment for endometriosis/heavy periods). I had it removed recently. I stuck with it for 2 years, it did make my period non existant. In the two years: I gained 40 lbs that I am now struggling to take off, I ended up taking depression meds that I may not have needed otherwise. I had acne, bloating, and sex maybe twice (I had no desire and my husband could also feel the strings). I actually had it taken out and opted for surgery to treat the endometriosis
>Have you considered the patch?Change it once a week and no tummy troubles because the medication isn’t absorbed through the stomach.
>Regarding the strings:Yes, they can be annoying at first. My husband could feel them, and I thought they were too long, but when I called my doctor’s office to complain, the nurse said that they would soften up over time, and to give it a few weeks before we did anything to the strings.We waited, and now the strings are sufficiently soft that we don’t even feel them anymore. But yeah, now that I remember, that part sucked a little.As far as your chances of being pregnant, every BC method carries some risk (I have a friend who swears that she got pregnant from hallway sex – where you walk past each other in the hall and say, “F&^$ you…” which is the only kind of sex they have, anymore, but that’s another long story). From what I’ve read, the risk of pregnancy with a Mirena is less than the risk with a vasectomy.I’ve also read that letting all those unused sperm build up in your husband’s body can be, um… detrimental to his health. I think it may be B.S., but it is something to consider, and talk to your doctor about.I wish I could just take my uterus out and put it on a shelf until I need it again. Sheesh.(p.s. after baby #2, we were back to, um, needing some kind of BC after 4 weeks, so I guess I was not still bleeding from birth like I thought I was. Took me a day to remember that little factoid)Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
>I have a non hormonal IUD (I think its Paraguard, but don’t quote me on that)Insertion was a piece of cake, likely because it was done at my postpartum appointment. I had very irregular periods (Like, skipping 7 months at a time without being PeeGee, and there’s nothing physically wrong with me) but the IUD has evened them out…the down side is I bleed for over two weeks. Heavily. But, I guess it’s better than having no cycle for seven months and having my husband freak out every day.According to my OB/GYN: the IUD I have in should last about ten years. After I get it removed, I’m demanding the tie my tubes. They wouldn’t do it first because I’m only 25. The IUD was a good compromise.
>I am glad you posted about this. I had my first baby in March and got my Mirena IUD inserted 2 weeks ago. I didn’t take ibuprofen or anything, didn’t know I was supposed to. It felt like an extended pap smear. I have been spotting for 2 weeks now but nothing horrible. So far, so good! But I will be “on the lookout” for the symptoms that some people posted about!
>i just got really old that cured me!
>The pill makes me puke, IUDs scare me, and nothing else is that sure… Well, I’m a condom girl and always have been, though with this new one coming, I’m going for the C-section/ tubal ligation combo. Not sure what excuse I’ll have for the condoms after that, but it’s nice that they can be optional, I guess. I mostly kind of like them because, well, things are more, um, contained.
>I had the patch and it caused a big rash to appear on the site where I placed it. It hurt and itched, I had to quit after like 2 weeks.
>Mirena = fabulous. You will love it!I have had no troubles but it did pinch a little going in. But I had mine done at my post-natal checkup so that could have been why. My sister had one and when she got ready to get pregnant again she was able to conceive in three months. No problems there either.
>You are crazy for messing with nature. My friend did the whole IUD thing after she had one child and when it was time to try for a 2nd it was a no-go. 5yrs later she’s still trying.She’s 32. So sad. Putting foreign objects in your body in my opinion is always a mistake.
>I was on the pill for the first few years after marriage, but now that I know more about the health risks, never again. For a few years we did Natural Family Planning. Worked well. Then, we tried for Baby #1. After baby, breastfeeding kept my periods away for a good 14 months. We are open to having more children, so we use no birth control right now. I’m not sure what we’ll do in the future, but IUDs will not be one of the choices, as they allow fertilization, but prevent implantation. To me, that’s an abortion. Also, I feel that it carries its own health risks (not only for potential baby, but for the woman as well).
>I am on the depo shot right now and I haven’t gained any weight, but I’m scared that its hindering my weight loss. I was all for getting the Mirena, but a friends of mine’s step-daughter got preggo for the 2nd time (at age 18) because it came out and she didn’t know it. I backed off after that story. I have my annual next month and I plan on discussing the possibilities of that happening to me with him then because I still would really love to have it…just scared of an unplanned pregnancy!
>I have the Mirena that was inserted last June (at my 6 week postpartum checkup). It is great, although I have a period every other month. It is very light, but a couple of additional days. There was no pain going in, my doc already knew to trip the strings pretty short, and most importantly, I haven’t gained any weight. I am sure you will enjoy it, and if not, there are plenty of other options!
>I was on the Pill from 1987 through the early 2000s and I just decided that enough hormone was enough. So I stopped it on Father’s Day (purely coincidence) 2005. I didn’t know what to expect, but turns out I’m just as regular OFF the Pill as I was ON the Pill, which is nice. We just went to condoms, and I’m fine with that. No muss, no fuss. (But especially no muss!) 😉
>I have an iud. Considering having it removed to ttc #6. Yes, I already have 5 kids. Anyway, had it inserted after my youngest was born and haven’t had an ounce of issues with it. Though, I didn’t have to take antibiotics or advil prior to insertion. Anyway, good luck with it. I planned on having another one reinserted at the 5 yr mark – but if we do TTC #6, then I’ll do it again after that…. and keep it til my dh decides to get snipped. No periods – or little to none – has been extremely nice!
>We used the Natural Family Planning method, but since I have two children now when we planned for neither, we decided to do the IUD. And I was so excited! Of course, I’m the 1 in 1000 who ended up with a perforated uterus. (Which is totally scary but actually no big deal.) Instead, it’s back to the pill for me for now.
>I got the Mirena after the birth of my 6 year old- insertion was a snap- not exactly a joy- but no worse than a pap smear AND, I haven’t had a period since! I just had a new one installed a year ago (they last 5 years) and again- no problems. I don’t know why they want you to be on your period though… anyway- LOVE IT!!! Especially because the hormones are transmitted locally and at a lower dose than the pill. The pill made me psycho (or, more psycho than normal… ha-ha?)I have a couple of friends that had bad installation pain- but I wonder if some of that is technique on the part of the doctor? Also had a friend who’s hubby said the string “poked” him. My hubs is significantly larger than the average bear and he has never complained- so who knows. Good luck with it though- I highly recommend!
>I’m so glad you blogged about this and so glad people are talking about it.I’ve had the Mirena for 5 years now. Insertion was really painful and took three appointments, with the final being they gave me a local and gave me drugs to dilate my cervix. I could barely stand for 2 days after insertion and I had heavy spotting for two months after.BUT, it was totally worth it – no periods, no worries, no side effects for me!!! I love it!I’m getting my first one removed and a second one inserted on Friday. I’m wondering if anyone has had one removed and inserted at the same appointment and if the spotting comes back? My GYN didn’t know when I asked her. If you have info, let me know – greystgirl@gmail.com.Thanks again for posting this blog!
>My daughter has had her IUD for 3 and a half years now. She has had some cramping for about three weeks now. This past Saturday night I took her to the ER because the cramps were so severe.They are sending her to her Dr on Monday morning. They think she mis-carried but not certain. She did test pregnant and they think it’s a tubular pregnancy or she mis-carried. The one thing she didn’t do is go for her annual pap smear while she had her IUD. I don’t know much about the IUD, but I know she said she will never use it again.
>IUD’s aren’t all peaches and cream, I have to say from experience. The whole “no side effects” line is bull. Read the physicians’ info, not the patients’ and see for yourself. http://www.mirena-us.com There ARE side effects well beyond the possible risks and pains of insertion, and they can be terrible. Thankfully, they are not common. But, please, do be informed!PLEASE READ! From the doctors’ insert-Common: abdominal/pelvic pain, discharge, nausea, headache, nervousness, vulvovaginitis, dismenorrhea, back pain, weight increase, breast pain/tenderness, back pain, decreased libido, depressed mood, cervititis/papanicolaou pap smear II, hypertensionUncommon: migraine, vomiting, anemia, dyspareunia, alopecia, excemia, pruritis, rash, urticaria, abdominal distention, altered mood, hirsuitism, edemaAnd these possible side effects are even aside from those like perforation, embedment, PID, expulsion, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Jeez, Louise!For me it was acne, anger, anxiety, depression, (more) migraines and headaches, alopecia (SIGNIFICANT hair loss all over, as well an oh-so attractive bald spot!), chin hairs (lovely!), decreased sex drive, and possibly hypertension.I suggest googling the active ingredient, levonorgestrel, to see it’s side effects. Though Mirena says it’s hormones only act locally (how is that even possible?), you’ll see that Mirena’s self-admitted side effects mirror those of the BC methods that use levonorgestrel systemically.If you do choose to have Mirena implanted, at least be thoroughly informed.Love to all my sisters!