Birth Control and the childfree

[Kari]

I have talked about this at length in the Feminism and Women's Issues forum, but I do think that Birth Control has a special meaning to the childfree, as it really is our only means of ensuring our lifestyle (besides celibacy, but hey, that's not happening).

I've been doing a lot of research on birth control. As some of you know, I had a full scale nervous breakdown because of a pill (Ortho Tricyclen Lo), and was never adequately warned by my physician that this could happen to me, nor was it on the warning label. Only NOW are warnings of severe depression being put on the labels, when during my research I have discovered message boards with literally HUNDREDS of women talking about the same symptoms, same results, and some who even attempted suicide, only to be put on more anti-depressants. I must say, it was the most fantastic and terrifying day when a mere two days after stopping my pill, and being completely off anti-depressants, I felt totally fine- with my life in shambles behind me over something that could have been avoided. I lost almost a year of my life. It could have been a lot worse. I was fortunate enough to be with a wonderful, understanding partner- anyone else would have been out the door.

Because of my sensitivity to hormonal BC, my husband and I are using condoms, which are okay but never ideal.

In my research, it seems that BC hasn't changed all that much in 20 years, and some of the newer innovations (Patch, Nuva Ring) are faulty, with a lot of health risks.

I always wonder if our society felt differently about abortion and children if birth control methods would be made safer and better?

[haunted]

you know, I never thought of that.

I'm someone who needs BC for health reasons. it's kind of war because of all the side effects...and the cost! augh. the cost is insane.

there are many reasons for women needing birth control and every hesitation a doctor has had for me doing what I need with my birth control seems to have to do with reproducing. even though I don't care about that.

I guess I'd have to say, I wonder too if it'd be different. hm.

[iciclespark]

I'd wager more funding would be allocated to fine-tuning these methods if the religious politics of 'OMG we are meant to reproduce' weren't at play.

There's also the fact that many doctors will not sterilize women who haven't had children or who are younger than 30. While granted, I am a wussy about medical procedures and it's likely going to take me until I'm 30 to go in and be sterilized, it shouldn't be a war to get sterilized if you don't wish to reproduce.

*sigh*
*misses pre-BC days when I didn't pack on pounds like whoa*

[Kari]

you know, I never thought of that.

I'm someone who needs BC for health reasons. it's kind of war because of all the side effects...and the cost! augh. the cost is insane.
.

It is expensive, indeed, far more expensive than it should be.

Also- the ADS for birth control piss me off. Like the Ortho TriCyclen one with the married people. Cause, you know, birth control is only for marrieds. :r It's either that, or a pretty girl in a pretty pink dress dancing in a fucking fountain saying, "I'm gonna be a GREAT mom some day!". Never do you see a woman being like, "Kids? Not so much. That's why i take Yasmin!"

[Rinky vs.4.0]

Here in the UK you can't advertise prescription drugs on TV, so I have no pill adverts to make fun of. There are some hilarious European condom adverts that are VERY 'Kids? You must be joking,' though. The UK condom ads tend to focus on the safe sex angle and show naked people grinning inanely in bed.

[Kari]

Wow. No prescription drug ads? You are all missing out on LOADS of fun!

It's sad, really.

[Master Shaman]

This is weird. Here, birth control ads are targeted more towards the younger women, particularly those who aren't married or are too young to have babies. Nobody cares if married couples have more children, but our society really doesn't want to have to support teenage parents.

[Rinky vs.4.0]

No, thank god. If I need a drug, I'll trust my doctor to make an informed choice. I can't wrap my head around advertising prozac or contraceptive pills like they're candy. It's not as if I can waltz into my Gp's office and say "Due to their current amusing advert I want you to give me x-drug," anyway.

Oh, and I found some funny (http://www.visit4info.com/details.cfm?adid=5060) condom ads too!

[diary of wood]

Wow. I've been on Ortho TriCyclen Lo for three years. While I'm not a severely depressed person, I do sometimes wonder if the chemicals in my pill do contribute to my iffy moods at times. I wouldn't doubt it. I also recently realized that I never got migraines until after I had been on the pill for a few months, and wonder if there is some correlation between the two.

My yearly gyn appointment is coming up. I think I'll bring up the migraine concern and see what she says.

Gah, if only I could be sterilized and not have to pop a pill everyday.

[haunted]

It is expensive, indeed, far more expensive than it should be.

Also- the ADS for birth control piss me off. Like the Ortho TriCyclen one with the married people. Cause, you know, birth control is only for marrieds. :r It's either that, or a pretty girl in a pretty pink dress dancing in a fucking fountain saying, "I'm gonna be a GREAT mom some day!". Never do you see a woman being like, "Kids? Not so much. That's why i take Yasmin!"


if I have to see another girl dancing I may vomit. birth control commercials tend to piss me off.

it is terribly obnoxious how the commercials advertise them for people who are "just not ready".

[Kari]

Wow. I've been on Ortho TriCyclen Lo for three years. While I'm not a severely depressed person, I do sometimes wonder if the chemicals in my pill do contribute to my iffy moods at times. I wouldn't doubt it. I also recently realized that I never got migraines until after I had been on the pill for a few months, and wonder if there is some correlation between the two.

My yearly gyn appointment is coming up. I think I'll bring up the migraine concern and see what she says.

Gah, if only I could be sterilized and not have to pop a pill everyday.

More than likely, love, there IS a correlation. I had struggled with depression for many years...coincedentally, same amount of time I was on the pill (I was on Alesse 18 for five years prior). The doctor may try to bullshit you into thinking "oh no, it's not it"- my GYN was SHOCKED at what happened to me.

I am no longer a depressed person. Sure, I have the occassional anxiety attack and down day...but nothing, nothing, NOTHING like what I went through.

[jenniferblaufrau]

Personally, I think it has more to with placing the burden on women rather than on men. I just finished reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and I have started charting my fertility signs (waking temperature, cervical fluid, cervical position) to see if I can pinpoint ovulation and decide whether Fertility Awareness Method birth control is something I feel secure trying. (I'm only going to do it if I find that my ovulation is regular and predictable for several months or more, and I'll probably narrow the "safe window" for extra safety.)

The author makes an excellent point in the book: women are only fertile a couple of days a month, while men are fertile every day, 'round the clock. So why is the burden of contraception on us in 90% of cases?

[Rinky vs.4.0]

I've taken the pill twice in my life. The first time was ok, no side effects for the entirity of the time I took it. The second time, I went back on the same pill and within a day or two was depressed, headachey and felt like I was walking around with a layer of cotton wool between me and the world. I stopped it after a few weeks because I couldn't stand to feel like that anymore and just continued using condoms. I always use and have used condoms anyway, and I feel safer with them knowing that if they break, I will at least KNOW and can get emergency contraception. I've always felt weird about the pill because there are so many things that can affect its efficacy and you're liable not to know it hasn't worked until it's too late.

[Kari]

I wish I were a man.

ONE TEENY SNIP of one teeny tube and it's all over. Gah.

[half1113]

More than likely, love, there IS a correlation. I had struggled with depression for many years...coincedentally, same amount of time I was on the pill (I was on Alesse 18 for five years prior). The doctor may try to bullshit you into thinking "oh no, it's not it"- my GYN was SHOCKED at what happened to me.

I am no longer a depressed person. Sure, I have the occassional anxiety attack and down day...but nothing, nothing, NOTHING like what I went through.

I was on the verge of a meltdown when I took Ortho Tricyclen. My husband was worried about me, suggesting I get professional help. I finally told the doctor the pill was making me a whacko and I need something different. I've suffered from migraines and depending on the pill I would have more migraines.

Now I'm off the pill for health reasons and we use condoms, but we've had a couple of 'who cares' moments this month and I'm paranoid.

[diary of wood]

I was on the verge of a meltdown when I took Ortho Tricyclen. My husband was worried about me, suggesting I get professional help. I finally told the doctor the pill was making me a whacko and I need something different. I've suffered from migraines and depending on the pill I would have more migraines.
The more experiences I read about both here and elsewhere on the web, the more I think that perhaps I should take a break from my Ortho TriCyclen Lo when I finish out this month's pack. I'm very, very curious to see how my moods will differ and if my migraine issues will abate. While the pill hasn't sent me into a nervous breakdown, I have had a couple of episodes in the past two years where I felt as though I was teetering towards a very poor mental state. And while there were other factors in my life at the time which I can point to as contributing to the difficulties I was experiencing, the Ortho TriCyclen Lo may very well have made me worse off. Ugh.

[toriwannabe]

I've been off the pill since Christmas now and I still get migraines, but then again I got them before I went on the pill too. Apparently some pills are more likely to produce migraines than others, so definitely mention this to your doctor.

[Julie]

I love my Mirena IUD. Looooove.

[jeth]

The pill made me a hormonal mess of tears. Seriously, I cried for a straight day once I started it, and while that was partly because I took it at a bad place in my cycle I found that throughout the time I was on it I was still overly sensitive, prone to mood swings, and really, really emotional.

The shot has been a much better option for me. I started out with mood swings the first few doses (which usually went away within a few days, but were of the angry, homicidal variety), then the weird food cravings on the day of the shot kicked in, and now I'm in a phase where the day of the shot my bones ache a little and I feel kind of sore all over. But after a day or two the side effects go away and I spent the next gazillion weeks feeling totally normal. And it's virtually foolproof. Just make sure you show up for your appointment and you're all set.

[SMMY]

I'm BC free at last. Woohoo for menopause!






...after being on the pill for roughly twenty odd years. [post40]

[PotatoFace]

I love my Mirena IUD. Looooove.


Yeah, I am looking into that in a few months when my insurance kicks in again. I cannot afford it without insurance. oiy! I am DEATHLY afraid of an oops. So afraid I cannot describe it. So afraid that I have had sex once in 8 months almost.


But the thing you need to worry about the NFP is that you can ovulate twice in one month. I had a period in the month of October, and it turns out that I ovulated twice in that month and got pregnant on the last ovulation. But once you learn the signs, I hear it is really quite accurate. But there are always accidents.

[jenniferblaufrau]

But the thing you need to worry about the NFP is that you can ovulate twice in one month. I had a period in the month of October, and it turns out that I ovulated twice in that month and got pregnant on the last ovulation. But once you learn the signs, I hear it is really quite accurate. But there are always accidents.
Yeah, I am definitely going to be looking into that. Something I have considered is only having unprotected sex the first half of my cycle--i.e., between my period and a week or so before ovulation--and continuing to use condoms the rest of the time. Even a week or so without condoms would be great. And it could be more, because I tend to have longer cycles (=more time between period and ovulation). So that will reduce the risk even further. The fact is there are risks with any method, and the method we use now is only so effective. I know of people who have gotten pregnant while using BC pills, condoms, and many other forms of contraception. They are all susceptible to failure. Trust me, I am only going to try this if I feel very secure with it. And, as always, I acknowledge and accept that a certain amount of risk is always present.

[nirak]

I love my Mirena IUD. Looooove.

Once I have enough $$$ I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get one.

I found out my mom tried an IUD once- before she had kids! And she had to have it taken out, because of horrible cramping. I'm pretty sure IUD's were bigger back then, but it still makes me nervous. I'm REALLY hoping to get insurance to pay for it so I don't have to worry about it.

Meanwhile, I'll keep working on trying to get my hubby to get snipped. *prod*

[Julie]

My insurance covered it completely. I was so thrilled.

I do have occasional cramping-- and spotting for a week, sometimes more. But it's nothing like a period.

They're smaller and more flexible, now-- Mirena is silicone with progesterone, but very little progesterone, unlike a pill, for example. I <3 it.

[nirak]

One thing I really like about BC is, I don't have a period anymore. (I had a very light period to begin with.)

And at least there's a generic of my BC- so it's only $10 a month. (Still more than I'd like to pay, but not too bad)

It's really hard for me to tell if mood swings are becasue of the pill. I was moody before Birth control, too, and the few times I've gone off it, I have not noticed a big difference.

When I was on the shot, though- hoo boy. I was a monster.

[iciclespark]

I always use and have used condoms anyway, and I feel safer with them knowing that if they break, I will at least KNOW and can get emergency contraception. I've always felt weird about the pill because there are so many things that can affect its efficacy and you're liable not to know it hasn't worked until it's too late.

Usually, if something goes wrong with the pill, you'll know. It's a different 'know' - you feel sick. You spot. You cramp.

I've had a few rounds of throwing up too soon after taking my pill (stomach flu one time; food poisoning another). And I KNEW I was compromised. If you think something's up, you're supposed to take another as a back up and use condoms for seven days. Taking that other one for me = massive nausea for a couple days, early period, etc. I know my hormones are wonky. I'm quite religious about reading the info pamphlets with any new prescriptions I take to see if they affect BC and I usually ask if it's a medication I've never had before leaving the pharmacy. And if all else fails, I know exactly where to go to take care of the problem in Toronto.

Of course, I'm allergic to most condoms and the lubricants on them, so I can't rely 100% on those. I have to trust the pill. Which is why I am so anal about taking it right on time every night.


Julie (and anyone with one, really) - I've been considering the Mirena, being as I want off the pill because Tricyclen made me pack on weight and Yasmin won't let me get it back off (but I haven't gained any more, thankfully).... do you know any good links with actual user feedback beyond the generic company websites? Did your periods vaporize? Off BC, I have heavy, unpredictable very painful periods, and I like the fact they're light and mostly cramp free on Yasmin (and I can tell you what day I'll get it!). Insertion issues? Side effects?

I'm such a terrible wuss for things being up me, and I'm built rather small, so I always worry when considering these things, but I'm really fed up with the weight problems from taking these damn hormones.

[Kari]

Now I'm off the pill for health reasons and we use condoms, but we've had a couple of 'who cares' moments this month and I'm paranoid.

I have those moments. Most of the time I stop it and...um...take matters into my own hands (or mouth, as it were) cause it's unfair to tell him to wrap it up after that :)

The only time I really cheat a little is when I have my period. And I mean a LITTLE. But I am, for the most part, SUPER STRICT about it. I know when I ovulate. It's painful and very specific. During that time, I don't have sex, and if I do (cause ovulation=horny as hell), I am like a drill sargeant about it. ;l;l

[Charles:]

Are these symptoms only for the estrogen type BC or for the progesterone type too?

[Kari]

I know that Ortho is a progesterone only pill, but I think anytime you put a hormone in your body, something will change in you. I understand that my reaction was severe, but type in "Birth control pill" and "Depression" and a LITANY of message boards come up- all women with the same exact problem and no one told them it could happen.

I think weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, etc are common with most pills.

[Torg]

It is sort of funny that people complain about the overpopulation of the world... and then they don't give access to procedures that could help curb the issue for people who want to.

[iciclespark]

^ Depends on which ortho. My Ortho has estrogen and progesterone. I found it did make me moody. My doctors were wary because of my history of severe depression.

That said, other than being moody around my period as per usual, I don't notice any mood problems with Yasmin, which doesn't use traditional progesterone.... and I have neither gained nor lost weight on it... I wish i'd gone on it first, because I'd still be my old weight and much happier.

[half1113]

I have those moments. Most of the time I stop it and...um...take matters into my own hands (or mouth, as it were) cause it's unfair to tell him to wrap it up after that :)

The only time I really cheat a little is when I have my period. And I mean a LITTLE. But I am, for the most part, SUPER STRICT about it. I know when I ovulate. It's painful and very specific. During that time, I don't have sex, and if I do (cause ovulation=horny as hell), I am like a drill sargeant about it. ;l;l

I'm still crossing my fingers. I'm usually like a drill sargeant as well, but acohol was a factor. We've never decided if want kids or not. We go back and forth. Our last 'who cares' was the weekend before I ovulated. I think he's paranoid as well. I know stressing about it will only prolong the starting. I must relax. We were out of condoms and I tried to offer that but he didn't want to.

[Kari]

We were out of condoms and I tried to offer that but he didn't want to.

;l

I would say, "It's that or nothing, friend!". :D

Or...you could say, "Hmm. Okay. Imagine this time of night with a child crying? That would also spoil the mood, now wouldn't it??"

[half1113]

I tried that the whole you could knock me up bit, but he was focused. I have stocked up on condoms now. I come from a very fertle myrtle family and I've never even had a scare before (and I'm 30), so I'm hoping for the best.

[Charles:]

Which is another reason I love going to gay clubs. Free condoms!!!

[iciclespark]

Or Planned Parenthood :)

We keep a few on hands for emergency use for various not so common situations... because when I'm horny, I want it, and if I forgot a pill yesterday then I'll be damned if that stops me from snogging.

[Julie]

Progesterone only pills are referred to as "minipills", often.

Mirena is progesterone-only, but releases a dose of progesterone that is equivalent to a minipill a month, and directly into the uterus which helps stop some of the weight gain/depression... but I'm pretty sure I gained a couple of pounds due to it. Nothing at ALL like I did with the pill, though.

[Master Shaman]

It seems to me that the Mirena is by far the best contraceptive method available today. It has excellent efficiency, it's relatively low-maintenance, it has very little (and not so upsetting) side effects and it will last for 5 years. Because of that, I don't understand why doctors would say "you'll change your mind" to patients who request it - that's the whole point, right? It's not permanent.

The only problem with IUDs in general is the fact that they don't prevent ectopic pregnancy. However, if you are aware of this risk and of ectopic pregnancy symptoms, it will be far easier diagnosed than in women who don't have IUDs.

[nirak]

It seems to me that the Mirena is by far the best contraceptive method available today. It has excellent efficiency, it's relatively low-maintenance, it has very little (and not so upsetting) side effects and it will last for 5 years. Because of that, I don't understand why doctors would say "you'll change your mind" to patients who request it - that's the whole point, right? It's not permanent.

The only problem with IUDs in general is the fact that they don't prevent ectopic pregnancy. However, if you are aware of this risk and of ectopic pregnancy symptoms, it will be far easier diagnosed than in women who don't have IUDs.

There's is a very small risk (I mean TINY) that it can have complications that lead to inability to carry a child- mostly if during insertion the IUD rips the uterine lining, which is rare. This is why doctors warn women who have not had children.

Other than that, the IUD is actually ideal even if you do want to have children later- you can start trying as soon as it is removed and don't have to wait a month or two until the hormones are out of your system, like you're supposed to with the pill.

[Julie]

Yup. It's a very tiny chance, but many doctors ACT like OMG IT WILL AFFECT YOUR FERTILITY!!!!!

Annoying.

[jenniferblaufrau]

I don't really know why, but the concept of an IUD SERIOUSLY squiggs me out. Maybe it's the name... INTRAUTERINE DEVICE. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ;l

[Alex]

Which is another reason I love going to gay clubs. Free condoms!!!

My dentist is in a gay clinic. Everytime I pay (through the nose as I don't have insurance), I take a handful of condoms because I figure I deserve them.

btw, Target has great prices on the big boxes of condoms. :D

[jenniferblaufrau]

I can never find bulk deals on condoms because my boyfriend needs the big ones (Trojan Magnum).

I guess I can't really complain, though. ;l ;l ;l

[Charles:]

I can never find bulk deals on condoms because my boyfriend needs the big ones (Trojan Magnum).

I guess I can't really complain, though. ;l ;l ;l

Show off!

[Julie]

well, the magnums are only longer not thicker....

and we all know which size REALLY matters. ;)

[jenniferblaufrau]

Oh, they're definitely thicker. The regular ones are way too tight. The Magnums are just right. :D

I wasn't trying to brag. :p I'm just saying that you can't have it all. You can't hit the cock jackpot AND get a good bulk deal on condoms.

And I'm OK with that. ;l

[Kari]

Mike and i use the Durex Extra Sensitive (sans spermicide, I am allergic :(). They are more expensive, but really worth the extra money. Kimonos are great as well, and once in a while, I enjoy a Rough Rider :D!!!

[iciclespark]

Kimonos are alright...... Beyond Seven are nice - more room ;) Also, they're not latex nasty and don't hurt me.

Isn't there like a string to check for on an IUD? I think that's my big hesitation: reaching up to hunt a string down. It took me 8 years of menstrual hell to try tampons due to the creep out factor of cotton and string up my twat. It's not noticeable or anything right?

(I sound absolutely stupid, I know, but I'm hungover and easily creeped out by these things. My doctor suggested the patch and I got nauseous at the thought of something always on my skin)

[Julie]

There is a string, but it's not noticeable unless you're looking for it. :) Like, it's not going to poke your boy or anything.

[jenniferblaufrau]

Mike and i use the Durex Extra Sensitive (sans spermicide, I am allergic :(). They are more expensive, but really worth the extra money.
Totally agree. I used to use those. They don't make them in larger sizes, though--not that I'm aware. Booooo. And I'm not allergic to spermicide, but I hate it and won't use it. It tastes bad and it has been linked to many types of cancer in women.

A friend of mine in Germany was once telling me that "normal" condoms are made larger in northern Europe (Scandinavia) and smaller in southern Europe (Italy, Spain), since the average penis size increases as you go further north.

I'm not a size queen, by any means. ;l This thread just reminded me of that.

[PotatoFace]

anyone know of a great non latex condom?

I cant use latex

[iciclespark]

IIRC Beyond Seven is made of Sheerlon, not latex, and comes in a variety of types. They also tend to be better than other condoms for sensitivity eg it doesn't feel like a sock to the guy and thus doesn't kill erection. They're pricey, but I don't mind them and they don't irritate the hell out of me like latex. They're also a little roomier than average condoms.

[PotatoFace]

hmm where can you buy those.

im so tired of just sticking with oral. i cant take pill birth control because of the baby and i go crazy on it and i have a pretty wicked latex allergy. I am just deathly afraid of an oops. it has scared me into chastity

[iciclespark]

Chastity is a terrible thing.... Oh wow, I just googled their official site and they're apparently latex after all but they don't react with me like all other brands of latex condom. That's a shock! I wonder if it's because they're thinner than the average condom (www.beyondseven.com)

However I did google a bit for latex-free condoms for you, because being unable to bonk is a horrible thing. This site here has a section for non-latex condoms and ships within the US (although looking the brands there, I'm wagering they're available in regular stores or sex novelty stores, which usually carry a lot more variety on the whole). I recall seeing the Avanti series by Durex in a regular pharmacy so they should be available. Can't vouch for them personally.

http://www.ripnroll.com/Poly-Rips.htm

Warning: there are articles that pop up during a google that indicate that a) non-latex condoms may break more easily than latex and b) they have not been evaluated as thoroughly for leakage/oops factor risks.

Another option, since you're in a committed relationship and the STD worries I assume are all long past, is lamb skin condoms - protect from pregnancy, do not protect against STDs. I've seen those in specialty stores as well.

Regarding Avanti by Durex, this page has consumer reviews you can check out:
http://www.condomdepot.com/reviews/detail.cfm/pid/2113

(Ha! That site reviews our secondary/cheap back-up condom as one of the top 10 of 2005 - Trojan Her Pleasure ribbed. When we can't afford Beyond Seven, they work VERY well although I get a bit itchy later)

Last, you could go with the Reality Female Condom, which is poly-urethane and thus, non-latex.

[frangipanigrrl]

I'd wager more funding would be allocated to fine-tuning these methods if the religious politics of 'OMG we are meant to reproduce' weren't at play.

There's also the fact that many doctors will not sterilize women who haven't had children or who are younger than 30. While granted, I am a wussy about medical procedures and it's likely going to take me until I'm 30 to go in and be sterilized, it shouldn't be a war to get sterilized if you don't wish to reproduce.

*sigh*
*misses pre-BC days when I didn't pack on pounds like whoa*


I first approached my doc about sterilization at age 22 or so and was told I had to be at least 30 OR have 2 kids already. Well, I turn 30 in 2 months and am FINALLY going to qualify. My partner and I have been together for over 12 years and never wanted kids but have had to wait, use multiple birth control methods and hope like hell a pregnancy didn't occur. It would have been less stressful and easier if I just could have gotten fixed 8 years ago like I asked damnit! Now my doc is retiring in a few months and I have to find a new one (which is nearly impossible where I live) and make the request again. I have to wonder what raodblocks they'll put in my way now to attempt to keep me a potential reproducer.:r

[iciclespark]

You should tell them that women in your family have died from childbirth and the thought of being pregnant is traumatic. Tell em whatever you have to, that's my motto. We shouldn't have to go through a drill to get a fucking medical procedure done that is one that a person can choose.

[PotatoFace]

I first approached my doc about sterilization at age 22 or so and was told I had to be at least 30 OR have 2 kids already. Well, I turn 30 in 2 months and am FINALLY going to qualify. My partner and I have been together for over 12 years and never wanted kids but have had to wait, use multiple birth control methods and hope like hell a pregnancy didn't occur. It would have been less stressful and easier if I just could have gotten fixed 8 years ago like I asked damnit! Now my doc is retiring in a few months and I have to find a new one (which is nearly impossible where I live) and make the request again. I have to wonder what raodblocks they'll put in my way now to attempt to keep me a potential reproducer.:r


have you thought about your husband getting a vasectomy? the proceedure itself id much easier on him than you getting it done

[Julie]

Not necessarily-- Essure is just as easy on you as a vasectomy is on him-- maybe moreso.

[nirak]

Not necessarily-- Essure is just as easy on you as a vasectomy is on him-- maybe moreso.

Plus, some guys are too nervous about it. *glares at husband*

[PotatoFace]

Not necessarily-- Essure is just as easy on you as a vasectomy is on him-- maybe moreso.


Very true.

I was thinking about the good old tubal liagation. My mother had one when she delivered my brother by c section. So she just got over both at once.

[frangipanigrrl]

have you thought about your husband getting a vasectomy? the proceedure itself id much easier on him than you getting it done

Yeah...he may actually be doing that this year as well. He turned 30 a few months ago and also was not eligible til then.

I just feel like the tubal will give me control over my own fertility....in case in 10 years we're not together or something.

[PotatoFace]

true. i understand that. plus, 2 forms of sterlitity are always better than one!

Seriously. I mean there are a few women who have become pregnant after a tubal. This way if you both are sterilized the chance of an unwanted pregnancy are really nothing.

[katz]

^ my best friend here in the city had her second and third daughters while her tubes were tied. after the third it was the husband's turn.

[nirak]

^ my best friend here in the city had her second and third daughters while her tubes were tied. after the third it was the husband's turn.

Meep! scary.

I have a friend that fathered a child a year after his vasectomy. I like the idea of both my husband and I getting fixed.

[katz]

my friends husband had to go twice because the first operation it didn't take. you're supposed to go every 3-6 months and do a sample test to make sure there are no swimmers. he's been swimmer free for 2 years now *L*

[by the woods]

The author makes an excellent point in the book: women are only fertile a couple of days a month, while men are fertile every day, 'round the clock. So why is the burden of contraception on us in 90% of cases?
That's a really good point.

I got the Mirena IUD about 3 months ago. I still have some random cramping but for the most part I love it.

[queensiefaerie]

Here in the UK you can't advertise prescription drugs on TV, so I have no pill adverts to make fun of. There are some hilarious European condom adverts that are VERY 'Kids? You must be joking,' though. The UK condom ads tend to focus on the safe sex angle and show naked people grinning inanely in bed.

Be glad you don't have those presription adverts!! God, I hate them & the lists of side effects to each drug is insane! It's almost like....Should I even bother?

I just started the Nuva Ring....Like last night....Took me some courage to start! I finished my last 3 ortho pills before i used the ring. But now After reading here about Mirena & IUD, why didn't my Gyno suggest it to me when I went Friday? I mean, I told her my symptoms, what made her think I wanted to keep them? I must admit, she was the nicest gyno I've been to in a while, but I am just boggled why she didn't just recommend an IUD to me!! I have a question about Mirena: who removes it? a Doctor? I wasn't sure (sorry for the dumb question!)

Ortho sucks...I was on that for a long time. I felt like a sexless zombie, esspecially recently. The weight gain I just got use to it. Now I don't know if I should keep on with the NuvaRing or just go back and tell her I changed my mind! [post81]


I also like to share a site that I think will be useful to others here, that I found trying to solve this mystery of birthcontrols.
http://www.fwhc.org/index.htm

Ps....ROCK ON CHILDFREE!!

[jeth]

I would imagine a doctor would have to remove an IUD. They have to get it in past your cervix, and if you've ever had anybody up there for any reason sans anesthesia you know that you definitely want a qualified professional taking everything back out.

[Julie]

Yep, your doc or nurse practitioner removes it, and it can be replaced at the same time.