Another Birth Control Question

[mla1977]

I've had Mirena for over a year now and I love it. I haven't even had a period since the day after I got it. An IUD has the lowest error rate of all contraceptives since it takes out the user error. I am more confident in this than I ever was with the pill.

 

[gregokdisney]

I've successfully avoided pregnancy for 3 years with a Mirena IUD and no other form of birth control!

I've read that Mirenas have less of a failure rate that tubal ligations!

 

[JJsmama]

Your wife can get a book called "Taking Charge of your Fertility." It is very helpful and gives a detailed, clear lesson on how to know when your wife is fertile and can concieve. If she does this, you can avoid the fertile time and not worry at other times.

I was very unhappy with an IUD for two reasons: 1. I had constant cramps and 2. the IUD allowed me to concieve but would not let the pregnancy implant so I had an early miscarriage. I was not aware that this was the way the IUD worked until then and I had it removed soon after.

I have heard the new Mirena is a little different but am not sure about all the particulars.

Good Luck. I would HIGHLY recommend the book above.

 

[Hillbeans]

I had briefly considered the Essure and Mirena, but opted for the Tubal last August. The surgery itself was simple (even though it was in a hospital and I was put under) and I was back to work after 2 days rest. The first and 2nd cycle afterwards were pretty bad and I had doubted my decision, but it got much better and now that it's close to a year ago I am so pleased that I did it.

 

[MrsPete]

Three thoughts:

1. Since you're certain that this is your last child, why are you against your wife having surgery? It's not all that big a deal.

2. Of course I don't understand everything about diabetes, but if infection is a concern, why not just take a round of antibiotics for the week or so you'd be healing? Infection wouldn't be a forever-risk . . . just a week or so.

3. I had an IUD once, and it didn't take long to figure out how they work: Mine gave me my period ALL THE TIME. It wasn't strong all the time, but it just never stopped. That pretty much eliminated any chance that I'd become pregnant, but somehow I wasn't really happy with the product and had it removed.

 

[MrsPete]

I was very unhappy with an IUD for two reasons: 1. I had constant cramps and 2. the IUD allowed me to concieve but would not let the pregnancy implant so I had an early miscarriage. I was not aware that this was the way the IUD worked until then and I had it removed soon after.

Yes, I didn't realize that until I came home with the literature about mine, and I did have a moral problem with that.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

My best friend has the Mirena and loves it. I have Implanon and love it.

 

[Shannon G]

3. I had an IUD once, and it didn't take long to figure out how they work: Mine gave me my period ALL THE TIME. It wasn't strong all the time, but it just never stopped. That pretty much eliminated any chance that I'd become pregnant, but somehow I wasn't really happy with the product and had it removed.

this sounds like Paraguard (the copper IUD), not Mirena. Side effects of Paraguard do include heavier periods, etc (I had a friend who had one and had it removed because it made her cycles so bad). Mirena, on the other hand, often has the opposite effect - I'm on my second (got my first almost 6 years ago) and don't get a period anymore.

Yes, it can move, but as a PP stated, it has strings so that you can check every so often to make sure it is in place.

 

[cassiez76]

my MIL got pregnant with an IUD 34 years ago.

i'd say use 2 forms if you really don't want another child.

 

[MrsPete]

this sounds like Paraguard (the copper IUD), not Mirena.

Possibly. It was about 6-7 years ago, and I do not remember.

 

[goofyernmost]

Ok..don't take this the wrong way, but what's the problem with your wife having a procedure done? I mean, I just had my tubes tied (with an ablation) and it was the BEST thing I have EVER done for myself! No worrys about getting pregnant or no more periods. There were no complications and no pain either. Very simple. Now I don't have to worry about birth control.

If you are really as scared as you say you are and it is posing a threat to your intimacy, then by all means let her have a tubal!

I'm confused by these statements. My wife had a tubal over 34 years ago. It was done right after childbirth and we never had a single problem and never used any form of BC after the procedure, but her periods didn't stop so I don't understand how that is happening. Are you sure that is what you had? A tubal doesn't stop the cycle, it merely prevents anything from getting to a place where conception can take place.

I'm saying this after 34 years have passed but to my knowledge the human body still works the same. I thought the only way that periods stopped was if the ovaries were removed. Educate me here...has the procedure become that much more radical then it used to be?

 

[HelenePA]

I'm confused by these statements. My wife had a tubal over 34 years ago. It was done right after childbirth and we never had a single problem and never used any form of BC after the procedure, but her periods didn't stop so I don't understand how that is happening. Are you sure that is what you had? A tubal doesn't stop the cycle, it merely prevents anything from getting to a place where conception can take place.

I'm saying this after 34 years have passed but to my knowledge the human body still works the same. I thought the only way that periods stopped was if the ovaries were removed. Educate me here...has the procedure become that much more radical then it used to be?

the person you quoted also had ablation done. it destroys the lining of the uterus so no more periods. for some (like my friend) her periods did not stop with it.

 

[tzolkin]

I recommend this book http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274455941&sr=8-1

Technically there is a very short period in time when you can actually get pregnant, and this will help you avoid those times if condoms aren't your thing. If not, condoms. I don't trust IUDs.

I have this book and agree that it's great for all women to read, however I really don't think it would be of any use for the OP since his wife has a Mirena.

Since you (usually) do not have a period with Mirena I think it's fairly impossible to chart and figure out when your "fertile" days might be.


OP, I have had a Mirena for 3.5 years and have not worried about getting pregnant. It is supposed to be as effective as sterilization. If you or your wife had opted for a tubal or vasectomy would you still be worried about pregnancy every time you were intimate?

At my last gyn appt I discussed Essure with my dr. I think I'm going to have the Mirena removed and do that since it is permanent and does not have any hormones. DH is willing to get a vasectomy, but I'm actually the one that's not comfortable with either of us having surgery.

 

[goofyernmost]

the person you quoted also had ablation done. it destroys the lining of the uterus so no more periods. for some (like my friend) her periods did not stop with it.

Oops! Sorry, I missed that part. That's what I get for joining in a discussion that I am not equipped (get it, equipped, tee hee) to be involved with. Nothing to see here...move along.