Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I don't have a period with the Mirena -- I just weaned my youngest so we will see if that changes. It is hormonal but as I understand it, significantly less hormones. My doctor used a local anesthetic when it was inserted (some sort of -caine I think injected in the cervix). It was no big deal but I've had 3 kids. I don't like condoms but that is just me.

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

My doctor used a local anesthetic when it was inserted (some sort of -caine I think injected in the cervix). It was no big deal but I've had 3 kids. I don't like condoms but that is just me.

Seriously? I've had 2 mirenas, and didn't have an anesthetic with either! The first time I was really uncomfortable / crampy. The 2nd time I had to wait whilst she'd already done the cervix-pinch-&-pull-it-open thing b/c the nurse didn't give her the right setup (whilst simultaneously breastfeeding Matalin so that she didn't fuss). She apologized profusely but said it would hurt more to unpinch and then re-do. It was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I don't imagine a shot of something would have been any less painful.
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Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I have had two mirenas and have been very happy with them. I had a local anesthetic with both insertions and didn't really have any pain (other than a minor cramp that lasted for about 10 seconds) either time. My OB sprayed the anesthetic on my cervix (no shots!) so the application was painless.

One thing about IUDs....DH has had to remove several because they either became infected or they migrated to other parts of the abdomen...so there are risks involved.

[SuzySunshine]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

The horomones from a Mirena are NOTHING compared to the pill. I've been on I don't even know how many pills in my lifetime and I HATED them. The crap they put my body through sucked. The Mirena was heaven, no periods, no side effects and really the insertion wasn't anything bad. Of course I also showed up at the hospital dilated to a 6 b/c I have a high pain tollerance so maybe I'm not the person to ask.

As for NFP, if your cycles are regular (or at least trackable) more power to you. Mine aren't so its never been an option for us.

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

My doctor used a local anesthetic when it was inserted (some sort of -caine I think injected in the cervix). It was no big deal but I've had 3 kids. I don't like condoms but that is just me.

Seriously? I've had 2 mirenas, and didn't have an anesthetic with either! The first time I was really uncomfortable / crampy. The 2nd time I had to wait whilst she'd already done the cervix-pinch-&-pull-it-open thing b/c the nurse didn't give her the right setup (whilst simultaneously breastfeeding Matalin so that she didn't fuss). She apologized profusely but said it would hurt more to unpinch and then re-do. It was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I don't imagine a shot of something would have been any less painful.
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I'm pretty sure that is what happened. The shot felt like getting a numbing shot at the dentist. I think I would have rather just had it inserted than wait for the anesthetic to take effect.

[Michele]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I didn't even know that some docs wouldn't give a never pregnant woman an IUD until 1.5 years AFTER I had my Paragard.

The Mirena was free from the drug rep...I only had to cover placement (which my insurance did).

It's hard for me to say whether or not the Paragard made my cycles worse (bleeding/cramping)....retrospectively I don't think they did....but I went from the pill to Paragard and it was a noticeable change (definitely a heavier flow and more intense cramping)...but thinking back to pre-pill days...I don't think it was much different. Maybe the cramping was worse for the first 3-6 months......but I never missed school or anything.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Clarification for poky: Mirena can cause lighter bleeding, not heavier like they expect with most Paraguards but it depends on the women, the uterus, etc. I think it's 'lighter bleeding' than what? That's the real question. I think for women with endometriosis, it would be heavier than being on the pill (because there's less hormones) but probably lighter than being on nothing. Sorry for the confusion.

As you can see, there are tons of different reactions. As many reactions as there are women really. But I agree with Cassy, it's hard to find a doctor to place it in a woman who's never had children. I hate hormones and rail against them any time I can. I also inform DF that as soon as there's a male birth control pill, he's going on it! And I'm definitely advocating a vasectomy as soon as we've had kids and decided our family is complete (whenever that is in like 20 years...)

[Thirteen]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Well, condoms can be a little "ew" but you know what? I already have to deal with a period. I already pay the bills. I already have to morph my body into some oversized vessel and then be judged by society for the stretch marks on my belly. So screw men. HE can deal with the birth control in a way I see fit. I'm not taking pills, inserting IUDs, sponges, or whatever. As far as I'm concerned, he can put the condom on and deal with the ick of cleanup. I have enough on my list of contributions already. *snap*

Honestly, that is what it has always come down to for me. Plus most men don't go long enough for my satisfaction anyway so this lets me enjoy the ride a little longer.

Lily, I love you.

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

We have tried it all....I'm SUPER fertile and we aren't responsible enough to use condoms or NFP....Ummm, maybe just too lazy or ...well,whatever!
I LOVE,LOVE, LOVED my Mirena...until it FELL out that is...Yah, seriously not sure whay that says about my bits, but I'm pretty sure it isn't good! It is hormonal, but such low doses that other than the lack of a period I would never had known. I had heavy bleeding with the non hormonal IUD...and cramping! Will never do the pill, shot, patch etc again....I can't handle the roller coaster of ups and downs....one of us has to be "fixed"...and quickly.

[HouseofWool]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Count us in the IUD camp as well. I had the paraguard (super sensitive to hormones - they cause splitting headaches for me) and LOVED it. I concieved 5 days after it was removed. I loved not having to think about BC at all. We aren't responsible enough for condoms or NFP at all.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Um.......the Mirena can fall out???? That makes me nervous. Did you know? (i.e. Could I be pregnant? )

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I'm curious too. I guess that is why they tell you to check the string every once in a while.

[Thirteen]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Here's to being a successful IUD candidate.
And, hopefully it will go well -- and it will take. And I won't have to think about it.

If not: there's always condoms and family planning method.

[DCJenn]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

My aunt swore by IUDs, even the old school ones- and she always had them. (before and after the cousins came)

Jenn

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I've been married for 12 years and we just use condoms and avoid mid-month action. So far so good.

We used this method too. (which resulted in 4 pregnancies...)