IUD vs Diaphram

[boston_bbw]

Any women have any experience with either? I am looking for suggestions on something nonchemical besides condoms for pregnancy prevention only.. STD's are not an issue

 

[nycphoto]

Use a cervical cap instead if you are only worried about pregnancy and don't want your partner to use a condom. Unsing any kind of drug has its risks, I would tend to stay away from drugs.

 

[bitslinger]

. . .

 

[SexyChele]

Used to use a diaphram. They are a major pain, IMO. Oh the doctor has you insert it in his office to make certain you know how to place the damn thing. But when it's full slick, slippery spermicide, it's like trying to push a jellyfish up inside you! You get more the spermicide on you, the toilet, the sheets, the wherver than you ever do on the diaphram! Plus, even though I knew it was well-positioned and would stay there, I could never fully relax. Always afraid I'd miss a small gap or something. Therefore, even though it wasn't necessary, I always had my partner wear a condom. Couldn't wait to get rid of the darn thing!

As far as an IUD is concerned, I've never used one but I know a couple who did. It worked fine - all the way up until she got pregnant. Problem was, with the IUD still in place, it was a tricky operation to remove the IUD and hope the fetus would still stay within the uterus. It remained a difficult pregnancy for her as well, as the cervix had to be dialated somewhat to allow for removal, there was always the chance of a miscarriage or premature birth. Everything worked out fine in the end, but mom was extremely stressed out the whole time. (And this with a hyper 2 year old to take care of!)

I would suggest talking to you OB-GYN and see if the two of you can come up with something that you can live with. I will strongly suggest that if you opt for a diaphram that you experiment in the doctor's office WITH jelly so you can ask questions/vent frustrations there. Who knows? Maybe there is an easy way to do this that I never became aware of.

Good luck!

 

[h_i_s]

Neither the IUD nor the Cervical Cap are effective & reliable choices for everyone. You'd be wise to do your homework. Read and research each. Choose accordingly based on your own needs, & requirements. That said:

i've used the ParaGard® (copper IUD, which may be left in place for up to 12 years) successfully for over a year now.

COST is $175-$400/exam, insertion, and follow-up visit.
Some family planning clinics charge according to income.
Statistics rate it as 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Anyone using the IUD must be cautious and responsible in caring for their body, IE: practicing 'safer sex', and being familar with, and dilligent in checking for signs of uterine/vaginal infections.
An IUD puts one at a higher risk for uterine infection, which could lead to the need of a hysterectomy. It can cause complications in the event of future pregnancies. It must be used with condoms to avoid the risks of STDs.

A wealth of accurate information & statistics regarding the IUD, the Diaphragm and various forms of the Cervical Cap can be found at: Planned Parenthood's Web Site .

i have no complaints at all, no eptopic pregnancies, no irregular bleeding, no discomfort, no infections (although 2% DO report such complications).
i enjoy the peace of mind of not having to think about taking a pill, or securing a patch, or inserting a cap etc ect.
i had serious complications when i had used other forms of birth control containing hormones.
The IUD has been convenient and quite reliable and effective for me.
i have two children and do not wish for anymore, i wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is within childbearing age and may wish to concieve again.

i've used the pill, depo provera, and the IUD. i've found the IUD to be the most effective (with the least amount of side effects) and convenient form of birth control for *me*.

¸,ø¤º°sinn0cent1°º¤ø,¸ (proudly owned by, and devoted to INSIDEYOURMIND)

 

[boston_bbw]

Finally, allow me to say that unless you are in a monogamous long term relationship with someone that you completely trust, STDs are always an issue. People are not always honest about their sexual activity.

Bitslinger I say this only because whatever I decide on will be in addition to a condom for my own peice of mind. I just can't get past the mental block of trusting a condom enough to use it alone.

 

[SweetErika]

Bitslinger I say this only because whatever I decide on will be in addition to a condom for my own peice of mind. I just can't get past the mental block of trusting a condom enough to use it alone.

I'd go talk to a clinician at Planned Parenthood or your OBGYN. If you're considering having a child in the future and this is just a back-up to condoms, it sounds like a diaphragm might be a good option for you, but you should discuss it with a professional.

 

[SlickTony]

SexyChele! I haven't seen you around in a LONG OL' TIME!!! How ya doin'?

That said, there's this to be said about the diaphragm, even though I always called mine The Gasket (because inserting it was about as romantic as rushing out to the garage minutes before activity and replacing the thermostat gasket on your car).

1. It is relatively cheap. It probably costs more nowadays than the $35 I paid for mine, but still, you only have to get one. With proper care, it can last for years. Be sure to hold it up to the light every now and then and inspect it for thin spots.
2. It doesn't feel too uncomfortable if fitted right in the first place. If it starts to slip around, or you constantly feel like you have to go to the bathroom when you're wearing it, consider whether you've gained or lost weight recently. Either one can affect your diaphragm size.
3. When you're NGA, you don't have to go on paying for it, like you do with the Pill.
4. The spermicide goop that you put in it does not require a prescription, even though the Gasket itself does. You can get it at any drugstore, or in some parts of the world, your supermarket.
5. It does provide protection against STDs--yeah, I know, the original query indicated it's not an issue, but it's good to know. You never know when your circumstances will change.
6. It's handy for having sex during your period--it'll keep the flow back for, oh, maybe an hour. YMMV.
   [/list=1]

 

[SexyChele]

SexyChele! I haven't seen you around in a LONG OL' TIME!!! How ya doin'?

**Slight off topic - my apologies**


Yes, it has been a while! A certain gentleman has been keeping me busy, but I love it! Doing well, hope the same for all here!


Okay, end of highjack!

 

[daiseelady]

Any women have any experience with either? I am looking for suggestions on something nonchemical besides condoms for pregnancy prevention only.. STD's are not an issue

here is a discussion thread we had here on the IUD... I have the copper coil IUD and stongly endorse it's use... a year and a half after getting it... the only side effect I seem to have is a bit of a heavier flow than I was used to... but, not having to EVER think about birth control in the last year and a half has been very much worth it to me...

IUD thread

 

[BlueSugar]

IUD is a process, it a medical procedure to put it in and is great for most people. Its a bit of a check up process in the first month or so- but after that its fine. If by chance pregnancy does occur, as stated above, then its quite a mess.

Has she considered the Patch or The Ring as birth control?
If so, and you've crossed them off, then the diaphram is the way to go. Not permanent, a pain in the ass - but worth it and inexpensive.

 

[duckie50]

My periods got very heavy on an IUD.

 

[Georgia Girl]

Two types of IUD's are now available in the U.S.:

*the ParaGard® (Copper T 380A) — contains copper and can be left in place for 12 years
*Mirena® — continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, and is effective for five years

Once inserted, the IUD is effective immediately.

Cramping or backache may occur for several days or weeks after insertion. Simple pain medication usually clears up cramping and discomfort. If bleeding or pain is severe and does not seem to lessen, tell your clinician.

IUDs are the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world. More than 85 million women use them.

IUDs may improve a woman's sex life. There is nothing to put in place before intercourse to protect against pregnancy. Some women say they feel free to be more spontaneous because they do not have to worry about becoming pregnant.

ParaGard does not change a woman's hormone levels.

Mirena may reduce menstrual cramps and flow. Flow stops altogether for up to 30 percent of women.

The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when IUD use is stopped.

***************************************************

The above information is from the Planned Parenthood website.

I have had a ParaGuard for 7 yrs and had one for 6 yrs prior. Upon having the first one removed, I was able to get pregnant within 2 months. The second was inserted within weeks of my son's birth. Because hormonal birth control is metabolized by the liver I cannot take them, they cut the absorption of my seizure medicine by approximately 55%.

The ARCH Foundation is a not for profit organization that assists with the cost of insertion and removal of the Minera IUD for qualified low income patients whose insurance doesn't cover IUDs.

 

[SlickTony]

I would have loved to be able to use an IUD, but for some reason, they never worked for me. I expelled each one, no matter how big it was. I had an early miscarriage with the last one and gave up after that.

 

[boston_bbw]

I have done a little online reading about the ParaGard since it sounded a little too good to be true.. and it just might be. In the material I read it is ideal for someone who has at least 1 child.. which I don't. I have an appt. with my Gyno. the 2nd week in Jan. so I will inquire about my options and get her opinion as to weather or not the ParaGard is one of them. I know my options are limited when it comes to nonhormonal I just hope the ParaGard isn't ruled out too. Thank you all for your input and opinions.

 

[Georgia Girl]

Prior to having my first ParaGard put in place I had not had a child.


I would hope your doctor would be willing to consider other means than the use of chemicals if you don't wish to go that route.

 

[boston_bbw]

OOhh I am going to hold onto that hope. She knows how antimedication I am so the nonchemical BC won't surprise her so she just may.