Iud

[abejita]

I originally was leaning toward the copper IUD, because I was first attracted to the no hormones. But the heavier bleeding and cramping concern me about the copper. I've never had cramping and I really don't want to start now. I've also gotten used to not having periods because I usually just leave my nuva ring in for four weeks instead of three...so the possibility of no period with mirena is attractive as well.

[maillotpois]

I went the other way - I had an IUD (copper t) for 10 years after having DD. I then switched to nuva ring and almost died as it caused me to have pulmonary emboli. So I am not a fan of nuva ring or anything else with hormones.

I loved the IUD. No problems with it, no cramping and no near death experiences.

[abejita]

That is another reason I started looking into low or no hormone birthcontrol. Although I do not have any other risk factors, age is going to be more or a concern. What made you decide to switch from IUD to nuva ring?

[badger]

I used to sing praises about the copper IUD, but I'm kind of wanting it out now. I got the first one replaced last August, and I was told since I had one before, I shouldn't have heavy bleeding and such that I did when I got the first one in. Wrong. It was heavy and crampy for the first 3 periods like it was the first time I ever had an IUD. Once my period went on for like 3 weeks, just in time to have my next one! It's finally starting to settle down, but it still takes me a while to get to wearing white panties, if you know what I mean (sorry, TMI).

I was thinking maybe I should've tried Mirena, but I was bonkers on BC pills, so I shied away from hormones. That and the fact it's $300 if I didn't like it and only lasts 3 years. This will be my last IUD, I won't be getting another one when this one needs replacing (I'll be 45 anyways!)

[abejita]

Yeah, the more I started reading about the copper, the more I started leaning toward mirena. From what I read, it is just a minuscule amount of hormone. The bc pills rely on flushing your system with hormones and have them brought to your uterus via your bloodstream. Mirena actually dispenses it onsite and there is no detectable increase in hormones in your bloodstream (although you would think that would be the same case for nuva ring)

[Karma007]

I sang the praises of the copper for the longest time, assuming the heavy/painful periods would get easier. After 2 years, they have not, and it's coming out soon.

I DID have my teenager get a Mirena (better safe than sorry!) and she hasn't had any trouble in 6 months. I would consider it myself, but we're going to take permanent measures instead.

[maillotpois]

What made you decide to switch from IUD to nuva ring?

No particular reason. My IUD was 10 years old and it was technically time for a switch. I had taken birth control pills before, but the new "safe" low dose hormones are apparently worse.

[Tri Girl]

I've been wondering the same thing. We have pretty much decided that we are not going to have children and I just want to stop taking hormone BC. At 38, I'm pretty sure my decision is final! I have been using Nuva Ring for years now. I like the convenience of it, and because my cycle is so wacky- I go months without a period. I wonder what life is like without added hormones- I wonder if I could actually lose weight...
I would like to have surgery to tie the tubes, but I'm afraid of it not being 100% and then getting pregnant.

I don't know what to do...

[Karma007]

Tri,
would your husband consider a vasectomy? My ex had one and it was the best- DH is scheduled for a consult next week.

Another option is Essure (something I've considered) a less invasive method of female sterilization. If DH chickens out after watching a video on the vas procedure, I may go with this. I'm 37, and know I'm finished having kids.

[jessmarimba]

Tri, look into the side effects of the surgery...for some people, it's far worse than continuing with what you're doing. You still can end up with drastic hormonal imbalances that can cause weight gain, headaches, hot flashes, etc.