Contraception

Hi Mollie,
I have a paragard IUD and have had it since October 2006. It was so simple to put in. The paragard is good for 10 years, but can be removed at any point that we choose.

I cannot have hormones, so I was very happy to have found this one.

I did have slightly heavier periods for the first few months, but after that they evened out and lightened up.

I love not having to think about contraception on a daily basis without hormones.

I can't say enough good things about Paragard!! Let me know if you have any questions!!
B.

Hi Mollie, I have had the esure contraceptive since 2003 and I have not had 1 problem, the procedure was simple, there was no pain and I was on my home after 1 hour of the procedure. I highly reccommend it.

My husband had a vascetomy in November. He was reluctant at first, but afterwards admitted it was easy and very little discomfort. You've been in the hospital giving birth 5 times....NOW ITS HIS TURN. also, risks are lower for the man. Why take drugs that we may find years from now were damaging.

Mollie,
My husband got a vasectomy and it is awesome. Just be sure he's shooting blanks before not using any other contraception.

I have an IUD and it is the best thing for me. I no longer have to remember to take the pill. This one is good for 5 years. So far, I have had it 3 1/2 years. When the time is up, I plan on having a second one. I love the thought of not having to remember to take anything and I dont have to worry about it for 5 years. My doctor checks it during my yearly anualy exam, but otherwise nothing is done and it is wonderful. :)

After looking into all the contracepton we decided to go with a vasectomy for my husband. It is the least invasive, heals in 2-3 days, most effective and the cheapist to reverse. When tying your tubes there is still a chance you can get pregnant, but it is likely to be a tubal pregnancy and could be faital. There is a less chance of pregnancy with the vasectomy and if you do get pregnant, it will be a normal pregnancy. We had great luck. The hardest part was getting him on board. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I recently got the Mirena. My only complaint is that my periods are longer. Much much lighter but spotting seems to last forever. It is only month 3 so hopefully I'm still just adjusting. Fairly easy/painless procedure (little discomfort during but nothing more then what I'd say are bad cramps). Check your insurance, mine didn't cover it and it was pricey.

Mirena all the way!!!! I had it put in about 1 1/2 years ago, and it's been absolutely great!!! I'm never paranoid about missing a dose or changing a patch or forgetting to buy condoms.... plus I don't get a period at all - so no more tampons or pads!!!! I can't guarentee that you won't have a period though - most women still do get one, but it's ultra light and short each month, although you could get lucky like me!!! :-) There are no other side affects (I don't get cramps or extra moodiness or anything like that) and it stays in for 5 years. Your OB-GYN inserts the device and checks it when you get your pap each year. You don't feel a thing after the first day - worry free contraception!! (The first day you do feel a little crapping while your uterus gets adjusted to having it there) There is another IUD that stays in for 10 years (sorry I can't remember the name). My sister had that one put in, but she still gets a regular period and cramps and the whole 9 yards so I would get more details on that one if you're interested in it.

I've had Mirena for 2 1/2 years now. Initially, it was a pain, as I had lighter and longer periods. After, about six months the bleeding stopped and I barely have a period now if at all. I was moody for awhile, but seemed to have gotten over that and the sex drive is not what it used to be. But that could be from other stresses.

Other than the above, everything else is great. It was easy to have done, just a little pinch. I love not having to worry about anything other than having it checked once a year during my annual.

DO NOT get Mirena! I had mine put in back in December and it perforated my uterus and my doctor had to go in surgically to remove it. I would look into paraguard or something else.
And it has some funny side effects.

I got the essure procedure done in March. For me, it was a breeze...in and out of the office. I even got to watch it on the monitor as the doctor inserted the coils. I think it helped that I had delivered my 3rd child 6 weeks before so I didn't experience a whole lot of cramping like some because my cervix was still dilated. I haven't had any problems (although it's only been over a month). The only thing was that about 2 weeks after when I tried doing sit ups I could "feel" the coils and it was hard for me to do any ab workouts. Now I'm fine.

My friend has had the mirena for about 4 years now (you have to replace it every 5 years). She loves it. It tricks your body into thinking you're pregnant so you pretty much have the symptoms of how you were when you were pregnant. The thing I liked about what she told me was that she has not gotten her period since she got it inserted. I would LOVE to have that. You still get your period with the essure. I chose essure over mirena because it's a one time deal and it had a higher percentage of preventing conception. Also, Essure is a permanent procedure so you have to make 100% sure you don't want to conceive anymore.

Your ob/gyn office should have pamphlets on the different types of birth control they offer.

I forgot to add some of the negatives when I wrote last time. With the Essure, I wasn't told until AFTER they inserted the coils that I can't get any MRIs done because of the coils. If I get anything done or any examinations down below (Pap Smear, ultrasound, etc) I have to inform them that I have the Essure. Had I known all this BEFOREHAND I would probably have gone with Mirena (my second choice). I'm ok with having had the Essure done I guess esp since it's not hormonal and it's pretty much a sterilization procedure. My 2 other friends who got the Essure done said they've experienced bad cramping/heavy menstration since they got it done. I'm only on my 2nd day of the second time getting my period since delivering my son and getting the Essure done and I haven't noticed anything different than before. Hope this helped!

Dear Mollie,

If you don't want to take any chances, why are you asking about semi-permanent methods of birth control?? Semi-permanent sounds to me like there's at least a chance of more children. (Things that make you go, "Hmmmm"???) Think about whether you're really sure or not that you don't want any more children.

Anyway, the best method of birth control I know and the one that has worked for me for nearly 25 years is tubal ligation/cauterization. Cutting the tubes and burning them at the point of separation--has been my salvation! I have had no problems, no slip ups, no near scares, nothing. I don't know what else produces results like this with no side effects and no recurrent costs.

Good luck, sweetie. These economic times may help you
to decide.