Birth Control Suggestions....

I have had the Mirena for a year and I love it! My cramps went away and my periods got lighter, but did not completely stop. I don't have to do anything like remember a pill every day or a ring once a month- it's good for five years and that is super for me as I am in school and a stay at home mom to an almost three year old. Just an option to think about. Best of luck to finding what is right for you.

I have a Mirena IUD, and I love it. I know it's not for everyone, but it's certainly been fantastic for us! My doctor is a big proponent, and I'm so glad. I would never have thought of it, but I love it!! My periods are very light, but I do have them. And I don't have to remember to do something daily...which is good since I forget my own name sometimes ever since having kids! :)

I feel exactly the same way. So, I have made an appt. with my OB to discuss the Mirena IUC. It is inserted and then that's it. I have read some stuff on the web and was given a pamphlet after the birth of my baby...so now I am going to actually spend some time talking with my doc. So far it sounds like a great option for me. I like that it is not estrogen based...estrogen and I do not get along very well. Here's the Mirena website. http://www.mirena-us.com/howmirenaworks.html?WT.srch=1

It's something to consider. Sorry I can't offer first hand feedback yet but I still wanted to let you know about this option. Good Luck.
S. M.

The Merina IUD fits all of these except the period stopping issue. I had mine in for 6 months. My period never completely went away during that time, but it was significantly less bleeding. My OB said that it does go away completely in some cases.

I have an IUD and it's been great. I rarely have periods anymore and it lasts for 5 years!! I love it!

I am on Nuva Ring (spillng?) My doc told me it is the lowest in hormones and I leave it in for 3 weeks our for the fourth week and my period only last for 2-3 days. I have not gained ANY weight, if any I have lost weight, about 30 lbs since I have started it. I love cause no more remembering to take a pill. I have had problems with weight gain and break through bleeding when I was taking the pill, have been on about every type of pill out there. I have evan tried the patch, but did not like it cause it always caused a rash no matter where I put it and it came off when I went swimming and I had to remember to cange it every week. I think the ring is what you are looking for. Hope this helps!!

IUD. Inserted by the doctor and lasts for 5-10 years, depending on which one you choose. I have used it and recommend it highly, particularly if you aren't planning more children. It is a bit expensive, but it lasts a long time.

I use the once a month nuvaring, been on it now three years and haven't had any problems. There is lots on line about it and they have a small reminder thing you can download to your computer or they can send you a 'timer' online to remind you to take it out after three weeks. If you can deal with a tampon, you can deal with this. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions or reservations. BTW - my OBGYN gives me free samples whenever I want/need, if the $25 monthly cost is too much. Good luck with your choice. A.

I'm currently on the Nuva Ring and have not had any of the symptoms you've mentioned. My doctor prescribed it to me after I had my daughter because I kept forgetting to take my pills. The only drawback is that you insert and remove it yourself (if you know what I mean). Check with you OB for more info.

i have an IUD. i got it the after my second child was born and then another after the third child. i have had no problems with the IUD. I am married and busy with 3 girlsand work full time. I don't have time to 'rememer' to take a pill or try to take another day off work for an injection. Some people don't like the IUD. They think you have a long painful period but I have had no problems. Actually my periods remind me more of my 20's. I had a pretty easy time then too. Check out the IUD!!! My friend swears by the using the rythum method. I don't htink it works that great....she pg again with girl number five.

I have the IUD as well. What I have seen is some mood swings that I didn't have on the pill. My period still lasts on average 7 days but it is 7 days of on/off versus heaving bleeding as I had before. I haven't had any weight gain. I do have the IUD with hormones. There is one without if that is what you want.

Be careful when getting it though. I had to fight with my insurance company for 1 1/2 years to be reimbursed for it. I blame it on the fact that the company didn't know what they were doing. It took me that long to convince them that an IUD was not a monthly prescription to refill like the pill.

Good luck. I have enjoyed 2 years of worry-free birth control. I will never go back to the pill.

Look for your local catholic church, and ask if their is a natural family planning class any time soon. Ignore the jokes (what do you call a catholic who uses natural family planning...a parent!hahahaha) It really does work if you follow it correctly and know your body well. As someone who recently discovered I have M.S., my birth control options were very limited as well, so, short of hubby gloving up each and every time, this may work for you. Good Luck!

All methods of birth control respond differently to every woman. I tried the Depo shot years ago and I didn't gain weight and I didn't have a period the entire time. But, someone else I knew gained a lot of weight and had a period from the time she got the shot until she stopped.

I think it's just a trial and error thing. What works for one, doesn't necessarily work for another.

Good luck!

The copper IUD is great! It lasts for 10 years! No hormones. I didnt have any trouble with it. I had it in for about 6 years until I met my current hubby and decided to take it out, which is done by your doc. Its an in and out procedure and can be done in an office visit. I has to be done while your on your period getting it inserted. It is uncomfortable to get it inserted, I had some cramping but after it was done, IT WAS DONE!! I really like it because there are no hormones and it last for so long and is reversible. Today there are several types availible, but I totally recommend it! good luck!

Based on the things you don't want, you're limited to barrier methods - condoms, diaphragms, etc.
I personally did A LOT of reasearch when I was deciding on a BC option and I finally decided on mirena. Now, while it is hormonal and it did stop my periods (which I have been oh, so thankful for) - I don't ever have to think about it (it's good for 5 years), I have no cramps (I used to have horrible cramping monthly), it's low-dose hormones so I have not had any hormonal side-effects: gaining weight, mood swings, etc. Now, I know I am just one person, but I have talked with other moms who love this BC option too.
My husband and I had always used a barrier method before now with success, but after the birth of our second we really didn't want to take a chance at an unplanned pregnancy so we decided to beef up the BC and have been pleased.
I hope this helps a little. Here is a good website with just plan information about the different methods of BC - http://www.4woman.gov/faq/birthcont.htm#two

The Mirena IUD is awesome! You do not have periods, no weight gain, no mood swings, no bloating and no headaches. I had no side effects. Another person said the periods do not go away - yes they do, that's one of the advantages of the Mirena. You will spot for 6 mos. to a year (yes, that's seems like a PIA factor but to get 4 years with no periods is worth the payoff). It last for 5 years. I will be getting my second one this July. It is only for women who have had children.

What ever you get DO NOT GET DEPO PROVERA... that is a horrible birth control. I have only recieved two injections and I have gained almost 40 lbs since then. I have been in a constant state of PMS, losing hair, acne on my face and back (really bad and I've never had it before), no period for six months (but before that I was bleeding uncontrollably), severe migranes (where even prescriptions couldn't dull my pain), major decrease in libido, vaginal dryness during intercourse, and the list could still go on. I am still waiting to get my period back. My husband and I are trying to have another baby but can't because of this aweful drug. If you want more stories about this horrible birth control visit this site:

http://www.geocities.com/oneida_co_ccl/depoprov.html

That is the worst drug ever and it needs to be pulled off of the market.
Please do not get it. It's not worth it

I highly recommend you purchase the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Dr. Toni Weschler. I have used this book to both avoid and get pregnant. The knowledge of your own body and cycle is completely worth it!!!

I personally cannot take anything that contains hormones because of a blood clotting issue. The Mirena IUD contains hormones. I did not like the complications of anything else (copper IUD) because I seem to always be the ONE out of 10,000.

I hope you find the solution that is best for you! GL!!!!

I went through the same thing about 6 months ago.....I didn't want to do the daily pill thing so my dr. suggested the nuvaring, but it has hormones and made me wacky so I went back to the dr. and she then suggested the Today sponge. It's been great, you use it only when you need it and you don't have to worry about those pesky little hormone side effects.

Good luck!

Condoms. Vasectomy. Tubal ligation. Rythem methond. IUD. Prayer.

OR Abstinence, but I don't think anyone would vote for that one!! LOL.
Those are about all your choices.
Good luck,
L.

I second the nuva ring. I have tried every pill out there, and have gotten all the side effects listed! severe migrains, weight gain..mood swings. the Nuva ring has been wonderful- except i spotted for a week straight and then got my period. But thats normal for any hormonal change.. Sicne you are adding hormones to your body, you are bound to get some kind of side effect and they effect everybody differently. I would talk to your doctor about what is the best one for you.
Good luck,
S.

Hi! I used the Mirena. I loved it. I didn't have any side effects. The first few months on it my period was crazy. But after a few months, My period went from very, very light (like one day, pantyliner only) to none. Depending on the month. I had no side effect. But keep in mind that every woman is different so what happened to me could be completely different for you. www.mirena.com. Talk to you later!

Call your local Catholic church and find out about Natural Family Planning. We used it and were VERY HAPPY! It does include both husband and wife it is not a wife only deal! It is VERY EFFECTIVE if you follow it as taught! You don't have to worry about any negative side effects! We have used it for 26 years and are very satisified! I am now reaching menopause so my use of it is almost over but, great information to learn about how your body works!

Best of luck!

V.

I LOVE the Nuva Ring!!! I was on pills and broke out really bad, gained 15 lbs. in 3 weeks , and had violent mood swings. But since I was put back on the Nuva ring I don't have any problems except remembering when to take it out.