I know a lot of women don't consider bc until after their baby is born, but I want to be sure I have something that will work for me.
Birth control pills don't work for me(and YES! I did take them religiously at the same time everyday), and w/the depo I gained a lot of weight and bled the entire time. My ob recommended the IUD. I know they are safe now and all, but I was wondering if anybody has used that form or knows someone who has, w/good or bad results. Thanks in advance.
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Maggie 26
Josh 23
Madeline 3/4/99
Charlie /5/24/00
#3 Katrina Rose EDD 4/29/02
Thanks for the link! I went and read all the articles and I really think this is what I will try this time. My hubby and I really want to wait until this baby is 2 before we start to think about another one. <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif"> No more surprises thank you very much!
I can understand that. You are far braver than me if you are thinking of a fourth one. Hubby and I will be trying for a third hopefully to get a little girl.
I had an IUD for 3 years, I just had it taken out this last November! I thought it worked great! The easiest form of BC, and 99% effective. I had the usual complaints that everyone with an IUD will have, longer periods, I went from 3 days to 6-7 days. The last 2 days being very light mainly just brown mucous. And stonger monthly cramps, I could even feel the mittleshertz = ovulation cramps. Having it in was very painful for me though, they insert it when your on your period, I called the Dr's office ASAP, but with a 3 day long period, it was very difficult to get in, I got in late on the 3rd day. The Dr. said I was hardly bleeding, so as for my discomfort during insertion. Getting it taken out was a breeze, not worth the $200 - $300 fee. I just went to family planning told them I didn't have insurance and paid $40. Much cheaper, since my insurance didn't cover the proceedure. Definately check with your insurance carrier, they may not cover it, I didn't find any that did. BUT Family planning is cheap and though it may be embarassing, it still works the same.
The first 2 months with the IUD were difficult, very uncomfortable with the crampyness and spotting, but it soon ended. If you can stick it out for the first year, You'll really like it. It's just a matter of getting used to something new. Just look at your other options for BC, but also keep in mind the side effects too, because there is no effective birth control without out any side effects. The IUD is a great choice, but the first couple of months may be rough, after the first year though, you begin to love it.
Thanks, Shaelle and Whitewolf. I think w/my prior history w/bc, the IUD seems my best option. I will be going to Planned Parenthood to get it, and I'm hoping that this works for me. Since all the articles say there is a chance, albeit a small one, for conceiving the first year, should we use condoms too? I have a slight allergy to latex, nothing too drastic, more annoying and would like to avoid them.
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Maggie 26
Josh 23
Madeline 3/4/99
Charlie /5/24/00
#3 Katrina Rose EDD 4/29/02
I wouldn't worry too much about using condoms. Mainly you need to check regularly for your string as to be sure that you haven't lost the IUD or that is has fallen out of place. This is where your risk of pregnancy comes from. At first you should check every couple of days then to every couple of weeks then eventually to once a month. This will get you used to what you are checking for. It got to the point with me I would only check once every 2 or so months. I don't want to scare you or anything, but getting the IUD was very uncomfortable and the side effects at fisrt really made it difficult to stick it out. The first couple of months were no joy. I was always crampy and had mid cycle spotting. It definately was better after 3 months, but it made it very hard to think that I made a good choice. Most women have their IUD removed before the 1st year. I can't stress enough to try to stick it out for at least a whole year, because it probably took me that long to realize the benefits of the IUD. No pills to buy or remember to take and no shots to make appointments for. Just monthly cramps that were a little stronger (really stronger at first) and a period that was a day or so longer. I also knew that I couldn't just make a spur of the moment decision to just get pregnant, I had to actually schedule an appointment with the doctor first. Then as soon as you get the IUD removed you are good to go. I had mine removed the middle of November, I had one period and, got pregnant the middle of December. Virtually no waiting. Just hang in there even though it may seem bad, it will get better, and you will love the convience.
