Birth control questions and comments

[Keroin]

Oh dear, a serious thread from me. It's been awhile.

First the question: Have any ladies here used the Mirena coil and, if so, what was your experience? Good? Bad? Spotting? Discomfort?

I am considering getting one "installed" when I get home to combat my endo, as the oral junk doesn't play nice with my body. I have met one person who raved about it and said she has virtually no menstrual cycle now - big plus for a traveler! But I've read lots of mixed reviews online.

Also, when it comes to those of us who like things a tad rough from time to time, I'm worried about comfort. I have had an IUD in the past and I know that I could certainly feel it at times. Also, it gave me worse than usual cramps every month.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

The Comments: I was just thinking about female birth control in general, recently and what a huge impact it has had, culturally. I look at the number of pregnant teens on this island and I realized how lucky I was to grow up with easy access to reliable contraception. I'm tempted to think it is perhaps the biggest cultural influence on Western Civilization in a very long time. What do you think? Can you imagine a life where you had little to no control over getting pregnant?

 

[unregistered]

 

[HoHoBomb]

I don't think I could have one, a pap smear hurts.

 

[graceanne]

My roommate got one, at my suggestion. She loves it now, but she had really bad cramping for several days after it was put in, and it really hurt her to put it in. She also has very short periods, like two or three days, and they're really light.

To be fair, though, she has endometriosis, and that could have been what caused her pain.

I have another friend who has the mirena, but we're not close enough for her to disclose intimate details, but she's never said anything bad about it and plans on using it the rest of her fertile life.

 

[graceanne]

rant

sorry

 

[FurryFury]

I have an IUD. I don't know the name brand though. It was put in over 16 years ago. I had some bleeding at first. Since then it's done what it was supposed to, hasn't affected my periods one way or the other and I haven't felt it at all.

 

[graceanne]

I have an IUD. I don't know the name brand though. It was put in over 16 years ago. I had some bleeding at first. Since then it's done what it was supposed to, hasn't affected my periods one way or the other and I haven't felt it at all.

I could be wrong, but my mother had an IUD, and I don't think you're supposed to leave then in more than, like, seven years.

ETA: I did some checking. IUD's are only supposed to stay in five to ten years, depending on the type.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/contraceptive/319.html

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_does_an_IUD_last_before_it_expires

 

[FurryFury]

I could be wrong, but my mother had an IUD, and I don't think you're supposed to leave then in more than, like, seven years.

Yep. I went to the Ob-gyn to get it taken out and she said, it was fine.

*shrugs*

 

[graceanne]

Yep. I went to the Ob-gyn to get it taken out and she said, it was fine.

*shrugs*

Ok. *shrugs*

 

[FurryFury]

Hey it's more cost effective this way, as long as nothing bad results.

 

[unregistered]

 

[graceanne]

Hey it's more cost effective this way, as long as nothing bad results.

Yep. I just don't trust doctors. I know, a huge shock that I don't trust doctors. LOL

 

[Keroin]

Thanks everyone for the input! Sounds like, so far, the majority of experiences are good.

I've had an IUD but the Mirena also releases a low dose of hormones, which supposedly make the walls of the uterus thinner. This would actually be good for me because according to the doc, that's another one of the factors contributing to my pain - thick walls. I'm on the lowest does of oral contraceptives, (progesterone), but I did some research and these ones make the walls of the uterus thicker.

I'm also bad at remembering to take pills at the same time every day, especially when I'm in transit. And then there's cost. If I have the Mirena put in, it's a one time deal that costs me nothing. If I stay on the pills, it's $$$ every month.

I guess I can give it a try and if it doesn't work have it removed.

It's kind of sad on this island. I mean, birth control is available but for the girls it means going to see the one and only doctor in the one and only hospital. Guaranteed they will see a nurse or patient that is an aunt/cousin/ niece/ in-law/etc and that person will tell the mother that they saw so-and-so at the doctor's office and then...not good. Shame. For the boys, same sort of situation when buying condoms at one of the few stores on the island. I swear I've seen the same three, dusty packs of Trojans on the shelf for two years. I shudder to think of the STD's floating around here.

This is a very sexist culture and I'm sure the lack of easy access to birth control for women is part of what's keeping it stuck in that rut.

 

[YourCaptor]

For the boys, same sort of situation when buying condoms at one of the few stores on the island. I swear I've seen the same three, dusty packs of Trojans on the shelf for two years. I shudder to think of the STD's floating around here.

Maybe suggest condom vending machines to some up and coming money hungry kid.

 

[Keroin]

...money hungry kid.

They don' exist here. Seriously. Way, way different culture.

Good idea about the vending machines...if they were solar powered. Hm, we don't have one, single vending machine on this island. Interesting.

 

[Windflower]

Have been using the Paraguard IUD since 2004.
(Recommended use: Up to 10 years, - copper, / no hormones)
My personal experience with this one: GREAT
EXCEPT having it put in place. Even with no previous issues
with disease/disorders or other physical complications, THAT was very painful (and I have a very high tolerance for pain -- 2 ''natural'' labor/ vaginal deliveries in excess of 8 pounds, one of which was breech, not even a tylenol).
If I can get away with it, the thing is NEVER coming out unless I am heavily sedated/unconscious --I'd rather push a watermelon wrapped in barbedwire out of my anus.

Menstrual cycle decreased to 3 days, light flow usually, minimal cramping.
Convenient.
Affordable.
Effective.
Safe.

Best form of contraceptive I have ever used (used pills, depo provera, and spermacide insert types too, and all with negative side effects ... to include pregnancy).

 

[Lady_Fiona]

I have the Merina, am 44 and it should last me through to the beginning of menopause (if I am really really lucky).....uncomfortable getting it fitted as I apparently have a pinpoint cervix....whatever the hell one of those is

I had it fitted in March, this is my first month (fingers crossed) with no spotting or bleed. It can take up to at least 6 months and there are still 4% of women who dont stop bleeding with the merina at all. Its recommended for 5 years with a yearly check. No other discomfort and apart from the mild annoyance of the on off minor bleed its worked and is great.

 

[Keroin]

Have been using the Paraguard IUD since 2004.
(Recommended use: Up to 10 years, - copper, / no hormones)
My personal experience with this one: GREAT
EXCEPT having it put in place. Even with no previous issues
with disease/disorders or other physical complications, THAT was very painful (and I have a very high tolerance for pain -- 2 ''natural'' labor/ vaginal deliveries in excess of 8 pounds, one of which was breech, not even a tylenol).
If I can get away with it, the thing is NEVER coming out unless I am heavily sedated/unconscious --I'd rather push a watermelon wrapped in barbedwire out of my anus.

Menstrual cycle decreased to 3 days, light flow usually, minimal cramping.
Convenient.
Affordable.
Effective.
Safe.

Best form of contraceptive I have ever used (used pills, depo provera, and spermacide insert types too, and all with negative side effects ... to include pregnancy).

Thanks Windflower.

I've had the copper IUD before, for birth control purposes, and it worked fine. What I'm looking for now is something to essentially stop my cycle to control my endomitriosis, so that's why I'm considering the Merina, as it slowly releases hormones into your system.

I have the Merina, am 44 and it should last me through to the beginning of menopause (if I am really really lucky).....uncomfortable getting it fitted as I apparently have a pinpoint cervix....whatever the hell one of those is

I had it fitted in March, this is my first month (fingers crossed) with no spotting or bleed. It can take up to at least 6 months and there are still 4% of women who dont stop bleeding with the merina at all. Its recommended for 5 years with a yearly check. No other discomfort and apart from the mild annoyance of the on off minor bleed its worked and is great.

Thanks Fiona. I've read about the bleeding issues and that was one of my concerns. I didn't have much trouble getting a regular IUD fitted so I'm sure the Merina should not be a problem.

I'm glad to hear the spotting is your only real complaint. I'm going to have a long talk with my doctor about it but I also really want hear from people who have used the product. My opinion, based on my experience, is that doctors tend to greatly play down the side effects of various BC products.

 

[LifelongCyn]

I've had the Mirena for about 2 years now. Insertion was uncomfortable, but I had no problems with cramping or bleeding. In fact, my regular menstrual cramps pretty much stopped when my periods stopped at about 3 months. Except for one 3 month period about 18 months after insertion, I have only occasional spotting, usually more like a heavy discharge than actual bleeding. The one thing that I have noticed is that my breasts are much more sensitive during my monthly cycle, I'm guessing when I'm ovulating.

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned, the nylon string that is left in the vagina can be a bit pokey for the first year or so. I've felt it when I was just walking around, and my husband mentioned it once or twice after sex. My midwife said that she could shorten it if it was a problem. After the first year, the string seemed to soften and stays tucked up out of the way.

As for a world without birth control, I shudder to think. My family is immensely fertile, and I'm pretty sure I got pregnant the very first time I had unprotected sex. Luckily, we were trying to get pregnant. lol Without condoms, I probably would've been one of those teen moms with a dozen or so children by now. I also would be either catatonic or on serious drugs. I am not wired for multiple children. lol

I have to say, though, that it was the STDs that scared me more than pregnancy. I was in college when a friend was diagnosed with AIDS. He went from healthy to deceased in about 6 months. It was shocking. Sex can actually be fatal.

I don't understand people who think that wishful thinking is a good sustitute for sex education and condoms.

 

[Windflower]

Paraguard is the only IUD that I am aware of which can be used for up to ten years without being removed.

Keroin ---
Right, I got that. Thanks.
When I see mention of Merina, or any other IUD containing hormones, I put the info regarding Paraguard out there with it. Many browse these topics for information, and some (like myself) can't do birth controls which contain hormones. Many of those people benefit by knowing that a hormone-free alternative is available.

 

[BiaTcHiNFiRe]

I am not using condoms and any anticonception either. In all my life I used the condom just two or three times lol, but thats just because of my poor sex experiences, I had sex mostly with my husband so no condoms were needed. Now I got sex just with my A., so no need for condoms either.

As for the birth control.. I won't waste money on the anticonception pills when I am having sex once in 4 months or so. NOT that rich!!

+ I don't mind to get pregnant with A., not at all. I want His baby, so when it happens it happens. I would be happy.

 

[Kitty_Schrödinger]

I don't have Mirena, but copper coil( hormones didn't agree with me, I tried pill, injection, patch and implant ) - so only can comment regardless discomfort during fitting and later on, during sex.
Fitting was OK. I took ibuprofen couple hours before. I felt almost nothing during, I am told I have tilted, short and soft cervix, whatever that means!- and heaviness/ back ache after. Some cramping. Not sure bout bleeding as it was done during my period.

Cords had to be trimmed, as they were MUCH toooo long, lol. After trimming they softened up and sit curled around the cervix.

Sex is without changes, I feel nothing different, he says he can't feel nothing either now- before trimming cords were bit prickly , but no complaints since, even if we're rough

 

[BiBunny]

I would absolutely love to try the Mirena. No chance of me getting pregnant, anyway, but it would be nice for menstrual control. My only fear is that I really, seriously get into some very rough vaginal play (fisting, double fisting, things that leave my cervix bruised, etc.). Now, aside from the fact that I'm sure that was TMI, does anyone have any experience with this? I'm almost certain the kind of play I like to engage in would make something like the Mirena out of the question.

 

[Homburg]

This is a very sexist culture and I'm sure the lack of easy access to birth control for women is part of what's keeping it stuck in that rut.

The two go hand in hand. Facility for the female to control reproduction was, and is, central to women's rights. For us, the only birth control that worked was me getting snipped. Simple, effective, and thankfully final.

viv never tried an IUD, but the pill and condoms both failed on us.

 

[Cattypuss]

Me and He got STD tested just recently, wanting to stop using condoms (tests all clear, yay!). The clinic were doing a hard sell on Mirena on me. I had said to them that I was thinking of using the diaphragm but they poo-poo'd that, saying it's very old-fashioned and hardly any women use it these days.

Anyhoo I went home and googled and didn't like what I found about Mirena. Yes, I was reading the horror stories, but still, I doubt they are fabricated. I am fat and spotty and am a clinical depressive. I do NOT need a hormone putting into my womb that can cause weight gain, acne and depression, that you very much.

So I'm back to the clinic tomorrow to insist on a diaphragm. I know that once again I will get the hard sell on Mirena. But I am resolved.