Hi moms. So I had a baby about 7 months ago and still am not on birth control. eek. We've just been using condoms and I know I need to get on something. My OB/GYN initially recommended Mirena, but after some of the things I've heard about the Mirena "crash" I'm worried. Plus I'm not sure if we want a second baby or not and if we do, it will be in the next year or two so I don't want to do anything that semi-permanent. Any recommendations? My mother told me growing up that we have a "history" of blood clots so that I could not take any birth control with estrogen. I was on Depo shot for about 7 years with no bad side effects (my new OB/GYN was amazed at that and said it was a super harsh method) But I also had another doctor test my blood (when I thought I had a clot in my leg but did not) and he said I was not a high risk for clots and that with each generation the risk decreased by 25%. So if my grandma had clots, and my mother, my risk was only 25%, if that makes sense...
So not sure about the estrogen or not, I know there are other methods out there. My doc said that because I tolerated Depo so well it shows I am not sensitive to hormones, which I guess is good. So any input/advice on what you used or have used is greatly appreciated! thanks!
I really hated being on Depo...hated being on the pill...and felt like it took a while for my body to get 'back to normal' (if there is a normal...ha).
If you tolerated depo well, why not just use that? You are lucky you didn't have side effects, because progesterone-only bc methods tend to have lots of side effects. I can't take them at all because I'm very sensitive to hormones. I take LoEstrin 24 Fe and it has really helped to regulate my hormones and basically got rid of my PMS & PMDD. It's also really helping my acne!
I also recommend you look into taking a class on Natural Family Planning. It is an extremely effective method (95-99% if you take a class from a trained couple and have follow-up afterward), is completely natural with no harmful side effects, and is the only truly shared method of family planning, meaning you are both equally responsible for it. Also, it is the only true method of family planning because it can be used both to avoid or achieve pregnancy. It is the only birth control method my husband and I have used during our 15-year marriage, and it has been 100% effective for us!
If you have any concern about side effects and possibly wanting another baby, I'd highly recommend looking into Natural Family Planning (NOT just the rhythm method.)
We've been using it for nearly 10 years and have 3 pregnancies/children, all of whom were planned. I go out of my way to eat natural and organic foods as much as possible, so I can't see pumping myself full of hormones to alter my body's natural processes.
There are so many different pills out there that you can try one and if it doesn't work then move on to another. I take the pill on a regular basis and it works well for me. I read up on the Mirena and was hestiant and decided against it because of insurance. The ring wasn't something I wanted to do either because I had to position it myself. I deciedd to stay with taking the pill. I am sure you could find what works best for you and your body. Good luck in deciding which route to go.
Hi! I was on "Apri" which is the generic for Desogen for 13 years before getting pregnant. I was off of it for 3 months and got pregnant with my daughter. My daughter is now 13 months and Ive been back on Apri for 5 months with no problems at all. I never have side effects and I know its an effective pill, plus it seems to be cheaper than most. It keeps my periods regulated down to the hour most months and its low estrogen. Good luck!
I have a family history of blood clots too, which I didn't know about until I was 28 and had been on the pill for 10+ years. Luckily, I did not have any clotting issues but my Dr. didn't want to risk it and had me stop using them. I had my two kids (16 months apart... we were not consistent with condoms). One week post partum with my second child, I threw a blood clot in my lung. My doctors were surprised because my probability was low. After that, I used the non-hormone para-gaurd I.U.D. I had it removed 4 years later and we had our third child. Now hubby needs to go in for a vasectomy.
Be careful about the hormones. I was pleased with the I.U.D. There aren't many options that don't have hormones. Good luck.
I got pregnant on mirena! Use the copper one or use the pill.
There is nothing eek about using condoms if you are using them correctly. I was adamant about not using any hormonal bc while nursing my kids. And I don't like the idea of an IUD (besides I'm not a good candidate anyway).
I nursed for 16 and 20 months respectively and we religiously used condoms correctly. You can back up the condom with a spermicidal jelly or foam to give you more peace of mind. You can also learn how to track your fertility so you feel more comfortable with using non-hormonal methods.
The Pill! I've been on it for almost 25 years with no side effects, and it works.
I was/am in a similar position as you and you will hear good and bad about EVERYTHING. It comes down to picking one and trying it, if you don't like it trying something else. Last year I was hesitant trying an IUD because my insurance wouldn't cover the device itself but with the new Obama Care Plan I only pay a copay so tried it. It didn't work out for me but I only paid $60 instead of over $400 so insurance is something to think about. I am trying the Nuva Ring now and if I don't like it I can just take it out myself.
My doctor put me on a low-dosage of the Pill and it's been great. I'm also very sensitive to hormones, but the low-dose pills have been mild and effective. I would talk with your doctor about this one- seems like mom told you something she "heard" and the doctor's telling you something based on facts!
I was on the Mirena. I wouldn't consider it semi-permanant. It's good for 5 years (actually approved for longer in Europe) but if you decide to conceive earlier, it's as simple to remove after 1 or 2 as it is after 5. And you can get pregnant right away (my doc said he's had patients pregnant within a month of getting it removed). I had no negative side effects that I can recall, and I've never heard of the "crash" you refer to. It was certainly easier on my system than when I tried depo!
But if you definitely don't want to go with an IUD, there are a lot of pills that work very well and wear off right away too. Ask your doctor, but remind him of your family history (age can also play a roll in the risks of using the pill.)
I am now using Nuvaring... I really like it. Less hormones and less to remember than a pill.
Hi--
What's wrong with condoms? Especially combined with Natural family planning as others have recommend. There's only about 5 days a month that you can actually get pregnant. I suppose an IUD is an option, but they aren't any more effective then a condom. In fact, if memory serves me correctly they aren't as effective. Anything involving hormones manipulation can really mess with you. Especially if you are going to try conceiving again in a year I would suggest not messing with your hormones. Just my thoughts, though :-)
Good luck!
J.
I have NOTHING good to say about Mirena.
Personally I would suggest you get to a female doc and talk openly and at length about your concerns. Sounds suspiciously like your current doc is getting a kick back from the pharmaceutical rep for pushing Mirena. Why was that the only option offered/discussed??!?!? Would gladly share the name and loc of mine if you respond directly. Good luck!
It would seem to me that your doctor knows more than your mom...
But, since hormones are your base concern, why not go with a ParaGard IUD? It's hormone free, and when you have it removed, you can start trying for a baby immediately. It's just as effective as the pill.
