Birth Control--what a budget buster!!

[chicagodisneyfan]

I was on Nuvaring for 5 years before TTC #1 (I can't take pills, which do seem to be cheaper!). I paid anywhere from $25 - $50/month - I switched insurance plans a couple times, some would cover it, and some wouldn't. I did find that the Walmart pharmacy had the cheapest OOP price when I was paying for the entire thing - the price went up at CVS, so I price checked a couple pharmacies and that helped. I know it may also be available mail order - DH's insurance had that plan, but I switched to my own insurance before I looked into it too far.

After I had my DD, I had Mirena put in. My insurance covered it, so my only cost was a $10 office visit copay. I LOVE it! No side effects, no bleeding, no thinking about it every month or remembering to refill prescriptions. I figure I'm saving at least $1500 (5 years @ $25/month for Nuvaring)!

I'm with you - best thing EVER. I really did not know about IUD until my doctor recommended it.
The freedom from a daily pill is great, not needing to plan a vacation around my period is great, not having to carry tampons is great. Even the insertion took about 3 minutes.

 

[RN2003AZ]

All the literature I had read states that your fertility returns almost immediately after having Mirena removed. I'd double check that part, if I were you, however, it still might not be worth the hassle to only have it for a year or two.

I had my Mirena removed on April 15 after 3+ years in. Never had a period when I was had it in. I had a very light "period" April 18. By May 22, I had a very positive pregnancy test! I can truly say fertility returns IMMEDIATLY after removal!

 

[SandrA9810]

how do you get yourself to take BC when nature's clock is ticking???


This is my biggest issue with even starting a BC. Common sense side says never to have children, too many genetic issues. But i just can't stop the idea of wanting to have kids... And boy do hormones play an evil part in this each month. Factor in the costs of BC... And i put the idea on the backburner for a while. Get my period and nearly die of cramps one day a month, and the idea of no period sounds great. But that's generally not the day you start on a BC.
It's such an evil mind game.
And i also don't have problem with medicine in general, i just prefer not to take any. I'd rather wait out a cold than take something. I just hate taking drugs in general... and there's really no reason why i do.
But with genetic issues... It's too big of a risk to continue what i've done in the past. And should count my lucky stars on that.

 

[hockeyprincess]

I had my Mirena removed on April 15 after 3+ years in. Never had a period when I was had it in. I had a very light "period" April 18. By May 22, I had a very positive pregnancy test! I can truly say fertility returns IMMEDIATLY after removal!

WOW that's awesome!!! Congrats on the baby! I guess that's one thing that was holding me back about an IUD-- Does it REALLY allow your body to go back to normal? As I said, we're (read: I'm ) not sure we're done having children yet... so although I would like the protection for now while we're undecided, if we would decide to try again, I wouldn't want a prior decision to hinder that... make sense? (I know...clear as mud right?)

Thanks for posting this bit of info though...always good to look at all sides and hear from alot of people with experience, not just doctors that may or may not give all relevant info.

 

[ShannonMB]

OP, I know this isn't for you since you said you aren't sure you guys are done having kids yet, but I read a couple posters say they are considering Essure, so I thought I'd give a plug! I had it done a couple years ago and it was a great decision. I love not ever again worrying about getting pg, and I'm too old for BC pills and such (in my own opinion). I did consider Mirena before deciding on Essure, but hubbs and I are more than a million percent positive we don't want any more kids, so I just went for the permanent 'fix'. I highly reccomend it for anyone in our same situation!

 

[disfan07]

First off...anti-abortion preaching...really...it makes me sick when people do that

2nd...what insurance do you have?

I was on seasonique which was covered by our insurance company (Anthem BC/BS). We could fill it twice through the pharmacy and than it had to be mailed order. $5 for each prescription.

Now, I am on Femcon and it is covered as well by our insurance. $10 for a 3 month prescription

 

[kittycat9]

how do you get yourself to take BC when nature's clock is ticking???

Just because a clock is ticking, doesn't mean the alarm is set. And just like you, people have their reasons for wanting to wait. Youth/Age, Job, relocating, money, housing, timing, spacing, relationship status, health, or any number of personal reasons that are known only to them. Are all very legitimate and perfectly acceptable - none of which are anyone's business but their own, unless they're sharing Let's not mistake this thread for a complaint about the rising cost of diapers or the desire to try to conceive... it is after all about the cost of Birth Control, and brainstorm ideas to help the OP. Just to stay on topic

I do second some of the other women on using condoms during ovulation, but also want to reiterate a previous post I made about contact planned parenthood. At least in the interim, until you sort out the insurance issues. They will also help you sort our your insurance rights - let you know what medications you are/are not eligible for. As well as provide with you with a with a sliding fee for service and prescription scale if you need it. You can contact them for consultation over the phone at no cost, or walk in. I used them in college, and my early years right after - I always found them to be very professional, and helpful

 

[SandrA9810]

no i'm not trying to make this a debate, i'm just wondering if other's have the same thoughts. They have their reasons for taking it, but i just can't seem to get past mine to actually do it. Is it really thay uncommon?
I didn't have to worry for the past 6yrs or so. And of course I was just reckless teen that got pretty lucky. Now its become an issue again. Soooo old habits die hard? I mean the thought of pills turn me off (i hate anything that requires me to take meds longer than like two days). So i know i won't keep up with taking the pill everyday. But other long term options just seem so crazy high in price.

 

[livie1205]

my dh got the big V insur covered it, what he had done they can reverse at the cost of 2,000 with a almost 100% reversal rate.I am not saying this is a good choice for you but it worked for us.These days the V doesnt really mean thats final anymore.

 

[Goobergal99]

WOW! My 90 day script for Ortho tri cyclen lo (name brand) is only $30... I get it right through the hospital pharmacy where I work though. I know one time I was desperate and had the script called into my local pharmacy and they were charging me $30 for one month!!! I was shocked and needless to say had it transferred back to work the next day Now that is with my prescription drug plan via insurance but none the less some of you are really paying high co-pays!

Ironically, our insurance does not cover an IUD... which I find really strange since they cover 100% maternity so if I were to go that route I would have to pay out of pocket..... I have been happy with ortho lo for the last 5 years though. DD is 11 now and DH and I have basically decided we are at the point of no return, looking forward to more "us" time. So he may have to do something a lil more permanent in the coming years

 

[tzolkin]

I figured I should share my Mirena experience since every other post has been very positive...

I am currently trying to make a decision about birth control because I am considering having the Mirena removed (have had it for 3.5 years). In some ways I love the Mirena... reliable, no periods, and no vomiting (I cannot handle the hormones in the pills). However, from day one I lost my sex drive (Drs tried to convince me that was because I "have three kids", but I had three kids before I got the IUD ). I also have gained 25lbs and am experiencing hair loss, acne, and facial hair growth. I switched back to my old ob/gyn office and they agree that the symptoms are likely caused by the Mirena. I just made myself an appt with my family dr for a physical to make sure there isn't anything else going on before I have the Mirena removed.

I have no exposed strings and may require surgical removal. I also had issues with the insertion-- 3 devices and multiple appts. These are the reasons I've tried to stick with it and get several years worth of BC out of it.


I'm certainly not saying that everyone else will have even one of these issues, but I think it's good to know what the possible side effects or complications may be to make an informed decision.

I am certain that I do not want to have any more children, but I'm uncomfortable with DH or I having surgery. I discussed Essure with my Dr recently, but I'm nervous about the possible complications. Unfortunately, I don't really feel like I have any other options.

 

[CLEO Z]

I also love my Mirena IUD. As with any device/medication for anything, what works for one, will not always work for another.

My story (may be too graphic for some): I have always had long periods at frequent intervals. The pill never helped to curb this or cramps, etc. Deproprevera was horrible for me (period for 3 weeks and not for 1 week ). After my last child, my periods got increasingly heavy. My Dr. and I were debating endemetrial ablasion. I didn't like this option because it rules out more children (I don't plan anymore, but don't like the permanency of this). If you happen to get pregnant after this procedure, you will miscarry. Then he suggested the Mirena IUD and I went for it. Insurance covered a lot of the cost. Maybe I paid $100?

End of story: My life has completely changed. I swear if I was prettier I could be in an ad for it! After the first three months and one painful cyst, everything has been wonderful. I'm in year three. I have rare periods, that are very, very, very light. I've had no weight gain, unlike the pill and depro shots. I've always had skin issues and this didn't appear to make it worse.

I can plan vacations without trying to schedule around periods. I can travel without packing boxes of huge pads and Super Duper Extra Plus size Tampons. My hubby and I can have sex whenever we get the energy to (kids-lol).

Since I was twelve, I've never known such freedom. I don't hate being female.

 

[deerhart]

I have a blood clotting disease so the pill and many others were definitely out, and having my tubes tied wasn't allowed because I had to be 28 or have 3 kids. I settled for the depo shot and honestly love it. I haven't had any of the side effects and not bleeding monthly is so fantastic! It's 66 dollars every three months so pretty reasonable. I pay out of pocket for it. Ask your doctor about it and see if it's right for you (wow, I sound like a commercial).

Wow shop around for a new doc. Dh had a vasectomy at age 27 after only having 2 kids. Those rules are set by the individual doc and no one else.

 

[southbarringtonjen]

Wow shop around for a new doc. Dh had a vasectomy at age 27 after only having 2 kids. Those rules are set by the individual doc and no one else.

A vasectomy is a simple mostly reversible procedure for men. Having your tubes tied is usually not reversible surgical solution for women.

I think the point is a vasectomy is cheap and easy, and insurance has no issue paying for it. Having your tubes tied is fairly extreme given the other options available to women and insurance won't likely pay for it without a few extra caveats such as age and number of children. Doctors may also be reluctant to perform it on healthy younger women.

 

[sksjasams]

A vasectomy is a simple mostly reversible procedure for men.

No guarantees on the reversal working, and the reversal is NOT covered by insurance. No one should rush into a permanent decision thinking its no big deal to get it reversed. It's a big deal.
My DH had been married for 10 years with three kids and was sure he was done. He had a vasectomy and 2 years later he was divorced. We eventually met, married and wanted a baby, so he had a reversal. We were so blessed and lucky that it worked! No one wants to think about the what if, but what if your circumstances did change and you did want another baby someday?

Just something to think about...

 

[luvmy3]

Depo Provera shots may be an option for you.

Our insurance considered them a vaccination so there was no cost at all.

Do you know why they consider it a vaccine? I guess I never thought of preventing pregnancy as preventing a disease and I find it odd that an insurance company would especially when they can make a ton of money off of it

My B/C pills are $4 a month with insurance.

But, they don't cover Depo-Provera and wanted me to pay $300 a shot. OMG!



Can you maybe look into that rod-type thing that goes in your arm, if the IUD doesn't work out?

Wow, thats alot. I use the generic and pay $20 every 3 months for the medication and another $20 co-pay when I get the injenction.
I am due for my annual visit and I think I'm going with the Mirena. I have been on depo for way longer than the recommended time and I am supposed to take a bone density test every year, but I've blown the last one off. I would rather not have to worry about that.

For those of you that had the Essure procedure done, has it effected your period? I use depo because I am cursed with heavy periods, any other BC I go on would have to lighten or preferably get rid of them for me.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I loved the Depo shots, however I believe in my research, it may have been SOME of the contributing factor of my infertility. I have been told yes and no about it. So, if you are undecided about having more children, be cautious about what is reversible and what isn't.

We don't need/use anything either way, but I would sure love a pill that would stop my periods without preventing pregnancy (should a miracle ever occur), because I have some horrible cramps and my hormones really mess with my gastro system.

Suzanne