Birth Control Question... Im Confused!!!

Hi Christie,

I am just like you! I have heard the horror stories about IUD's and I was so afraid of getting one, and I cannot take hormones, either, so this really limited my options. My midwife talked me into getting the Paragard IUD, and I can say that so far, I really like it. I don't have to worry about pregnancy, taking anything, messy foam, condoms, ANYTHING! The only thing I didn't expect was that I can feel the strings much more that I thought I would. There have been no other problems, though, and I think it's a great alternative to permanent options, since it works for 10 years. I did the math, and I will only have to have 2 IUD's in my whole lifetime, since after the second one expires, I will undoubtedly be going through menopause. Anyway, I say go ahead and try and IUD. If you don't like it, you can always have it removed. Good luck!

I have had my IUD for 3 years now and I am prone to infections as well. I haven't had any major issues with mine since I have had it. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you.

I agree with the other ladies that you don't seem ready for a permanent fix!
I also agree with going with and IUD. There are two kinds. The Mirena is one that has progesterine hormones and can be used for five years. The Paraguard has no hormones and can be used for 10 years. Since you can't take the pill, the Paraguard is probably a better option for you.
I have had the paraguard for almost 2 years. I have had zero problems with it from the start.
I was in the same place you are in. After baby number two life just feels right and we are both confident that we are done. But I am only 30 and I didn't want to make a permanent decision yet. Now, if something changes and we really want another, one visit to the doctor and I am ready to conceive again. If not, I will have this removed when I am 40 and by then I will be more likely to commit to a permanent solution.
Talk to your doctor. You have more time to think about it. Go with the side of caution and don't do anything you will regret.
Oh and Congratulations on Baby #2!

If you think there is even the slightest chance that you will want more kids, don't get tubal ligation or a vasectomy. Those are considered permanent, and they are very hard to undo. Instead, try using multiple types of birth control (i.e. male and female condoms). However, if you are certain you don't want more kids, don't let your doctor talk you out of the surgery. You need to be in control of your own situation.

i got mirena when my son was 9weeks old and my periods stopped right away, so that was positive because i didnt have one for over 4 years....on the down side it was really hard to loose weight, i worked out, ate right even did jenny craig for a while...i had it taken out in june and have lost a lot since then... so i guess theres always positives with the negitives....

Here's what worked for me and my husband...

After two babies, I was done. I didn't want any more and was willing to get my tubes tied. We waited until my youngest was three to make sure. (I was on the pill in the meantime.) At that time, my husband and I sat down and had some very frank discussions about the future. If he died or we divorced, would I want babies with a new husband? No, I didn't. If I died or we divorced, would he want babies with a new wife? Yes, he thought he might. Consequently, I opted to tie my tubes.

My gyno was not supportive at first and made us come back monthly for 2-3 months for counseling to make sure SHE was convinced that we were serious. We were. In the spring of 2001, I got my tubes tied and it was THE BEST decision I made (outside of marrying my husband and having my two sons). I have never, not once, regretted my decision.

I know it's hard to think that you might not be with your husband forever, but before sterilizing yourself, you must be sure. (Witness the mamapedia question by the mom who tied her tubes and is now looking to adopt/IVF/etc.)

I will share that my husband got harassed by both friends and family for "making" me go through surgery, when "the snip" is much easier for men. He was insulted that people would think that he wasn't man enough to step up and doubly insulted that they thought I didn't know my own mind. Sheesh. Thus, you may consider not making a big deal about your decision. Some people may think your private parts exist for their gossip sessions.

If you have any doubts, stick with the pill or some other reversible form of birth control.

Good luck!

You should really rethink the IUD idea. I have it and have had it for 2 year as of tomorrow lol and so far we are loving it. I havent had any problems and I'm so excited that in 2 years we plan to get it removed so we can have another baby. I would say do your research, it may not work for everybody, but could workout for you.

i would say go with an iud. i just had one put in recently and i have only had back pain from it. and if you had any bad reactions you could have it removed

All I know is that from your statements, neither you nor your husband are ready for anything permanent.
You will have to find ways that work for you that your body can tolerate but definitely....you're not ready for sterilization.

I'm extremely happy with my (Mirena) IUD. I had a little back pain at first, and some, bleeding, but that only lasted a couple months. Now I rarely get a period and get any type of cramps even less often. Plus, they can insert the IUD soon after the baby is born, before you begin to ovulate. This way you won't have an 'oops' baby. ;)
As for permenant solutions, having your tubes tied is an invasive procedure. Any invasive procedure carries a certain amount of risk. I imagine that would be a reason the doctor wouldn't want to operate. You may also want to check with your insurance company to see if they would even cover it, since it's not medically necessary. Obviously, male sterilation is significantly less risky.
Good luck with your decision & best wishes for you and your new baby.

Having your tubes tied would not be something to even consider for a second if you have ANY thought that you might want to have another baby. I had this done after I knew we were comfortable with our family and two children. There are a number of things to consider for temporary birth control but definitely not a tubal or vasectomy. Those should ONLY be done when you are positive you want no more children.

You having your tubes tied is permanent but him having a vasectomy is reversible and fairly painless. It's an outpatient surgery and recovery time is usually a day or two.

I recommend a Mirena...lasts 5 years!

Tubal ligations and vasectomies should be considered permanent. You should not have them done and expect an easy reversal in the future. While it is possible to get pregnant after a reversal, it not absolutely effective. I had a Mirena IUD placed after our second child. It took some getting used to, but after a year I can honestly say I love it. I am starting to skip periods completely which is nice. When I do have them they are light/and or I only spot. It is good for 5 years. By then you will most likely know if you want more kids. Give it a try. Most insurances pay for them and you can always have it removed if you don't like it.
Good luck and God Bless!!!!!!!!!

He getting 'fixed' is an easy and cheaper, and less painful procedure than if you were to get your tubes tied. Plus, it is possible to be reversed for him, so you can have children later if you wish. A woman reversing her procedure would be quite difficult and the chance of it working should you wish to have another child later is extremely unlikely.

Continue birth control methods, you can use devices like the diaphragm and he can wear condoms with spermicide.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-cont...

I take the Depo Provera birth control shot. I go to my GYN's office once every three months, see the nurse and get the injection. I don't even have to pay a copay since I'm not actually seeing the doctor and my health insurance pays the entire fee for it. It's basically free for me. I've had no problems with getting the injection- no yucky feelings, no daily burden of remembering the pill. The most important part of getting the Depo shot is remembering the two week window when you are due for your next injection. My doctor's office writes the dates I'm supposed to come back on a little post-it note and I stick it on my computer monitor. That way I KNOW when I'm supposed to go back. As long as you stick with staying on your injection schedule, its very effective and less hassle. It might work while you makes some decisions on the permanent birth control.

I would hold off on anything permanent if there is the slightest doubt , wait until you know for absolute definite that you are done. I cannot take the pill , have tried so many and they just do not agree with me , we use the old fashioned method of going by my cycle and avoiding sex at that time , I think you need a regular cycle to be able to do this though , which I have....28 days like clockwork every month. Other than that there are condoms.