Your Thoughts on Tubal Ligation Vs. Vasectomy Vs. Mirena?

If you're even talking about the possibility of reversal, sounds like you're not ready to close the door. Vasectomy reversals are expensive, most likely not covered by insurance, and the success rate is only around 50% I think. Tubals are more invasive. If you're having these thoughts, I think you should wait on this more permanent form of birth control.
With Mirena, it's not known exactly how it works. There is the possibility that the egg gets fertilized but isn't allowed to implant. Since for me I believe that life begins at conception, I couldn't do Mirena.

Hey D.:

You stated that you are considering the possibility of adopting a 3rd child... That you're not sure about getting tied because it may not be easy to reverse... Honestly, it sounds like you are not ready for permanent birth control--You still are vocalizing that you may want more children.

A vasectomy and tubal ligation should be seen as permanent birth control. My advice is that you skip the tubal ligation idea (2 weeks to decided this is too soon), choose a temporary birth control option instead. When you are committed to the idea that your reproductive years are definitely over, then your husband can get snipped.

Your kids are still very young. You don't know what you will feel like a few years from now. I don't know your age but I had my second at 34. We didn't want to do anything permanent until I knew I was at the age where I did not want to start over. (I was older when my husband got a vas.) I would research side effects of a tubal. Make sure you are educated.

I agree with a previous poster. If you are mentioning reversal, wait. Best of luck with your 2nd boy.

Hi,
I use an IUD but its a non hormonal one. It lasts for 5 years also. This works by adhering to the lining of the uterus, so if an egg is fertilized it will not implant into the uterus lining as your body already thinks one is there. I ovulate and have monthly periods still, everything is normal, I just dont get pregnant. Its fantastic.
I specifically chose a non hormonal IUD as I don't think man made hormones are necessary nor the healthiest option. In the past 10 years especially biologists have learned a lot about hormones. One of the things we are discovering is that very minute quantities of hormones can have an effect, as detection methods and equipment becomes more able to detect smaller concentrations. I think using hormones for birth control when its not necessary is not a good idea, until we completely understand the multiple effects they may have and concentrations at which they are effective more accurately.

I don't know about Mirena but a tubal is more envasive than a vasectomy. I had a tubal 18 years ago and have been living with the consequences ever since. Please research this thoroughly before you consider having it done. The doctor's do not tell you everything you need to know! Having a tubal throws your body into a menopausal state for some unknown reason. After my tubal my hormones went wacko and I became very depressed to the point I thought I was going crazy. I finally took myself to a shrink (not realizing that my tubal had anything to do with my moods) and was put on antidepressants which helped some for a while but didn't fix my hormonal imbalance (which I didn't realize was the problem at the time). I was getting by for a while but then the meds quit working. After that I was put on almost every kind there is to see if any would work for me but none did, all the time living in the foggy state that these meds put you in. That's when I decided to start researching and trying to find out what was making me feel depressed and miserable. The light bulb came on! At first I was so angry at my doctors for not explaining these things to me. Through my own research I found out a lot about my own body and how it works. Through alternative treatment (Eastern medicine), herbs and a practitioner (acupuncturist) who actually tried to find the cause of my problem instead of just giving me medicine to cover up the symptoms, after 16 years I am no longer on antidepressants. I feel I've missed a lot of quality time in my life with my family because I was on medication that I shouldn't have been on. In fairness to the doctors out there I will say that I should have researched this beforehand instead of just trusting in others to do what was right for me. And of course the side effects aren't the same for all women. One of the things that has helped me is I've been using natural progestone cream for about 10 years now and it really helps to balance my hormones. I can tell a difference if I miss a few days. Google 'tubal ligation side effects' and read the message boards from women who've had tubals. That's the best source of information. Also, here's a website with a comparison chart FYI: http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/birthco.... Good luck!

Understand that insurance covers getting your tubes tied but usually does not cover reversal. I got my tubes tied after two and wished I had not. My youngest is five, I now want another baby. Reversal is not an option at this point. Wait a few years before either of you decide you want no more bio children. Just my two cents. CB

I agree with everyone's posts. I had my tubes tied 3 years ago and wish I hadn't! My husband was very opposed to getting fixed and he stated very loud and clear that he had no desire to have anymore children. We only have 2 and I wish I would have stood up for myself and disagreed. I also have to say that my periods have not been the same since the procedure. I have my period more often as before I could tell you exactly the day and time. Now I just have to play the wait and see approach. If your husband is up for getting fixed...I would put it on him. You have done your job! Have 2 children via c-section is hard enough. And like the other posters...you don't sound so sure. If you can't look yourself in the mirror and say yes I am done. I do not want anymore children...then great...get fixed. But if it is not medically needed...please wait. You can always do it later or send the husband in.

Good luck with your decision!