Of course I'm going to talk with my doctor, but I'd like some input on what you've used that has been successful - no pregnancies, not ruining "the mood", easy to use, etc.
I am looking to get away from the drugs (and side effects) of most popular birth control (the pill, ring, etc). What have/do you use that works for you? Don't know if we're "done" yet, so I'd like something that I can easily come off in case we go for #3.
Thanks, in advance, for your input!
I know this is a really old post and you have probably moved on but I saw this as I was searching through some responses for other questions. My sister-in-law is trying this:
Cost is $500 but it's supposed to last for like 10 years.
Check out this option. click the link below to check it out.
http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp
What is Mirena®?
Imagine having hassle-free birth control for up to 5 years (or less, if you choose).1 Birth control that, once removed, allows you to try to become pregnant right away and adapts to your contraceptive needs throughout the different stages of your life. That’s Mirena®, an estrogen-free intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) that delivers small amounts of hormone directly to the uterus. Other benefits of Mirena®:
99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years (or less, if you choose)1
Provides lower and steadier hormones than the Pill
Won’t cause significant weight gain2
Easily removed with quick return to fertility1
May also help shorten, lighten or even eliminate periods3
Are your periods typically regular? You could try the calendar/rhythm method. It's super easy to understand - determine when you ovulate (typically day 14), then don't have sex 5 days before and 5 days after the ovulation date. Some people are very successful at this. Other people are not - we call them 'parents'. Your husband could use the withdrawal method or condoms. You could also look into the possibility of an IUD.
Have you heard of the Fertility Awareness Method? Here's a website and a book if you're interested...
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH
I would look more into "natural family planning" There are various methods, but they can be used very successfully. A great advantage to this is you really get to know your body and its methods better. You will learn which days you are most fertile and which days you are not. Here is a good place to start: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/contra... Talk with your doctor and they can also help you. No birth control medication needed with these methods!
IUD - Mirana - The only way to go -
The dr. puts it in at the office and you never have to worry about - They check for the string at your yearly visits - No periods for me since I had it placed!
We use condoms until ovulation has passed. I watch my cycle and know when the fertile days are. This method works well for us. My husband isn't thrilled to use them, but it's a better alternative than me taking bcp.
We just had baby #2 and I, too, do NOT want any drug/hormonal birth control. Between kids, and while trying to conceive, we used FAM (Fertility awareness method) and that worked really well - great as long as you have somewhat regular cycles. (and honestly, I was able to pinpoint my first postpartum ovulation after 15 months of *nothing* using FAM - it really works even for irregular cycles, but can be quite frustrating to use during that time).
But now that we are not planning any more kids, I'm planning to get a copper IUD in a few weeks (I think the trade name is Paraguard). If you don't hate them, condoms are easy and they work.
I think an IUD would be a great option to look into. The MIrena was mentioned in a PP, it does not have estrogen, but it does contain progesterone. Another good IUD choice is the Paragaurd copper IUD, it is completely hormone free, very effective, and is good for 10 years once in place. It can be placed by your doctor in the office and is a relatively easy and quick procedure. The only other hormone free options are permanent (tying tubes), barrier methods (diaphragm, condoms), and and natural family planning. Good luck in your decision.
I am just going to watch the responses here. I am wondering the same thing. I am officially done with the pill and any other type of hormonal birth control.
I am debating FAM and copper IUD. Both scare me a bit so i curious to see what everyone has to say.
We use Natural Family Planning -- recently switched to the Billings Method, as it allows for more "safe" days during the confusing breastfeeding months. The teachers are so nice and helpful, and my husband and I love the freedom of it (no pills, no hormones, and no barriers). Sometimes we'll opt for a condom during fertile periods, but aim for just abstinence during that time for religious reasons. The method is scientific and absolutely works (it teaches you how to observe your own body's unique - and possibly changing - fertility schedule, unlike the calendar/rhythm method.) Used correctly, Billings boasts at least as high an effectiveness rate as the pill.
Good luck! email me privately if you want more information about where to take a class - I can give you my instructor's contact info.
T.
I don't know if this meets ALL of your requirements but hubby and I have found that the best method is to use a condom with a little spermicide squeezed into the tip on the inside. I get UTIs from spermicide and so this way I never come into contact with it and it works on contact. It really isn't very time consuming when you keep it on hand near by.
