Uncharted Birth Control Territory

[Thirteen]

Hey all!

Paul and I talked about methods/what we want v. what we don't want, and came up with Paraguard as our first choice. Apparently, this is a problem because I have never had a child before, and the implantation would be difficult, and painful (says the receptionist).

However, I need to meet with the GYN first to figure out if this is in fact the case.
Does anyone else have any experience with IUC/IUD?
We don't want hormonal methods, and we're searching for something that's a little bit "idiot proof."
*snicker*

[MrsK]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

No, I've never heard of Paraguard but I'd love to hear more. We are trying to avoid hormones too.

[Michele]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I had a Paragard before Daegan - so before children....yeah the insertion hurt.....but it was a finite period of time ya know. Afterward I had some good cramping for about 6 hours....and then I had cramping monthly with my cycle....and a decent flow. After Daegan I went with the Mirena which was so nice (no cycle!)....but the insertion was about the same as the Paragard....but then again I didn't have a vaginal birth...so no cervical dilation....but I knew what to expect and so it wasn't as bad.

The pain of insertion felt deep...like in my gut deep...and it hurt such that I couldn't really think about anything else...and the pain nauseated me...but I didn't throw up or pass out or anything and it only lasted less than a minute. It was totally doable and worth it! An IUD/IUC is one of the best birth control options IMO.

ETA: I had the Paragard about 3y. After removal we conceived Daegan first try. I had the Mirena a little over a year and then conceived Kai first try. It was recommended to me both times to have 1 cycle after removal before trying to conceive. Removal was no biggie.

[Bittersweet]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I have no kids and have had the Mirena IUD for four years. No side effects, no worrying, no period = awesome. I won’t lie; having it placed was beyond horrible. However, I was told that my insertion was especially difficult (required dilation) and was not a typical experience. For what it’s worth, after mine expires next year I’ll probably have another inserted … but I’ll demand some serious drugs or local anesthetic first.



Michele, removal really wasn’t bad? Mine expires soon and I have been wondering (i.e. freaking out about) whether pain wise it would be similar to the insertion.

[Michele]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

The removal was nothing compared to insertion. Even the second time when she had fish out the strings that were cut a little too short. Definitely don't sweat the removal!

[SuzySunshine]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I had a Mirena put in after Adele's birth and the insertion was a little uncomfortable with some cramping but other then that no issues. I had it taken out a few weeks ago, it literally took him 2 minutes and I felt NOTHING! I will definitely have another Mirena put in after our next one.

[KCwife]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I thought the Mirena was hormonal???

I do not do well on hormones and have done NFP in the past for avoiding and trying. I will probably do the same after this baby.

I have also had a diaphragm with no problems, but NFP is so much easier.

[MrsK]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

NFP?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Natural Family Planning

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

FWIW, I've been on a pill for almost 10 years now. It is actually been so much better for me since I switched to Seasonale (period 4x per year). I used to get so ill before my period, but now it's a relative cake-walk. DH and I are not in the baby-makin' business yet, so we are uber careful all the time - even with my methodical pill-taking! We had talked about an IUD, but I guess they're contra-indicated in something-or-the-other, so we haven't (I don't remember exactly what).

So - I can't tell you how easy/hard it will be to get pregnant, but I do know others who have been on the pill long-term and haven't had trouble.

[v-girl]

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.

This is us but we've only been married 11.5 years. We call this our "fly by the seat of your pants" birth control. So far we haven't had any "oopsidents" and all three of our children were planned. Obviously our planning is flawed. LOL

[Sheherezade]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

I'm not sure NFP is idiot proof! Ditto condoms. (We did that for a long stretch as well.) I've got Mirena. Same story as what has already been posted. I had no warnings about discomfort at insertion. It was surprisingly icky - but no more than 2-3 minutes of holding your breath. It has been well worth it for the total freedom. Five years, too! Wonderbar!

I'd recommend the IUD method. If Paraguard works for you, I'd go for it.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Mirena is an IUD that also releases low levels of hormones (the theory being that the hormones can be in lower doses cause they don't have to be metabolized through your GI like birth control pills).

Paraguard and other copper IUDs do not give off any hormones.

They're indicated mostly for parous women (not sure how to spell that) i.e. women who have had children because of the pain of insertion if your uterus has not been expanded. Apparently when uteri expand, they actually sort of all go back the same so it's more standardized and thus the insertion is easier. Also, it's important to note that IUDs are contraindicated in women with endometriosis or painful periods because it can cause heavier bleeding. (Which is why I don't have one - endometriosis). You can get them if you haven't had kids but definitely talk with your doctor if you have comorbidities. (I work in Pharma consulting, Mirena was in one of our projects a few years ago - that's why I know all this weird info)

I hate hormones and I'm going off the pills the day after we get married and going with NFP. Unfortunately with endometriosis, they recommend pills because the higher doses of hormones stops some of the symptoms.

[poky]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

Also, it's important to note that IUDs are contraindicated in women with endometriosis or painful periods because it can cause heavier bleeding.

Clarification: isn't it that non-hormonal IUD are likely to cause heavier bleeding, whereas mirena (still an IUD, but with a small amout of hormones) is likely to cause *less* bleeding?

[Thirteen]

Re: Uncharted Birth Control Territory

This is all so fascinating to me
It's just plain crazy how many options are out there, and how different everyone's experiences are.

They seem to be hesitant to implant you if you are a candidate, but most offer local anesthetic.
I'm just wary of all things hormonal - I know my body, and it would be bad news bears.
At the same time, I wonder how it would affect my period: I'm a 5-6 dayer, heaviest on the 2nd day.
Such a purist - no tampons ever (cotton, bleach, etc).
Wonder what would happen if something coppery was shoved into my uterus...
...
:|

I dunno, I just think of condoms and go "ick" - did anyone experience chafing, or spermicide allergy?
Paul told me he wanted to avoid human error as much as possible, and be able to be spontaneous (which I agree with, because my libido is flipping ridiculous and he already has to smack me away with a stick). It just seemed like the best idea.

Was the bleeding heavier/cramps worse than normal while on-cycle for you IUD users? Or was it just the norm?