Decision Making on Choosing a Contraceptive

Updated on May 24, 2008
A.W. asks from Huntington Beach, CA
8 answers

I am a mother of 2. My youngest is almost 20months. I love my two boys and I have made a decision that I am done having kids. I want to put all my energy in raising the boys. My husband won't fix himself and my mother told me to stop complaining about and to just take care of it myself so my mind can be put to ease. I talked to my doctor and she approached me with 3 posible options. Tubes tied, Para Gaurd, and Mirena. I want the best protection possible.And no side effects. Having problems making a decision and could use some advice.

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W.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello A.- I have 2 kids also and know that I am definently done having kids. I wanted to get my tubes tied after my 2nd child was born, however the doctor told me since I was only 21 at the time he adviced against it. So, I had the Mirena inserted 7 weeks after my son was born and have had it ever since. It has been so easy. I don't have to worry about taking a pill or changing a patch, nothing. I just recently had a second on inserted about a month ago and have never in the 5+ years I have had it had and issue. I have not had a menstrual cycle since 2003 and it is nice!!! I was alittle worried at first,but it is completely normal. That is the only side effect I have incountered and it's not one I can complain about!!!! I read all the paper work possible on the Mirena and there's not that many side effects. I have a web site if you would like to read up on it more www.simplymirena.com or you can call 888-84-bayer or you can also visit mirena-us.com and if you have any more questions feel free to contact me again!!! Best of Luck!!!
W.

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G.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a Mirena IUD and love it. There is nothing that is goiogn to have absolutly no side affects. The Mirena is a hormal option but the hormones are lergely localized. I had cramping when it was placed and spotting for a month or two. (nothing crazy at all) and then it's done and I love it. I spot for couple days for my "period" once a month.

The para gard was my first choice but the long paionful periods that are associated with it made me rethink and got the the mirena. If you are done done done a tubal is an option but maybe the Mirena or Para Gard first then if you're still done after that cycle you can get the tubal. Your are able to have the IUD removed and be fertile almost immediatly if you change your mind while you have them.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,

I was in the same predicament as you, but now I find myself expecting our 4th child. Happy as I am, I am very hesitant on getting my tubes tied b/c I've heard so many horror stories. One thing's for sure, after the birth, I will begin using Mirena. I've heard so many positive things about it and it's pretty safe. Good luck!

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

As a labor and delivery RN, the OB doctors I work with all recommend the Mirena IUD. It has the same rate of success as getting your tubes tied without the complications of surgery, and post-op pain etc. This is also a good option just in case you change your mind about having another child. Another option that the Kaiser insurance folks are supporting is the Essure device. This is done as well in the MD's office and is meant to be permanent sterilization-nothing to remove in 5-7 years.

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S.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

I got the Mirena IUD and I have had no problems with it. A friend of mine as well has it, and no problems with her either. Her periods are only about 2 days long. I am still breastfeeding so I haven't had any yet, but I am sure they will be short as well. The only problem that I have had is my husband has said he can feel it sometimes during intercourse, but the doctor said over time the string should soften. My insurance covered the whole cost.

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J.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Tubes tided has the fewest long term side effects, but is absolutely permenant. I know that at 35, there are plenty of reasons to be sure you're done. However, if there is even a 5% chance that you will change your mind, choose a different option. I will never choose an IUD or anything with hormones (like BCP), but that is MY choice. Every person has to choose what is best for their circumstanses and life choices.

One other quick thing to keep in mind, you will be "off duty" for about 2 weeks (I think that's right) after surgery. If DH is not willing to hold down the fort while you recover, then expect to have someone else there to cook/clean/care for your boys during that time. My understanding, you will be VERY sore the first few days.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used the Mirena IUD for approx. 3 years. In the beginning I had some uncomfortable cramping & strange shooting pains. Some of my other friends experienced the same thing. I had my tubes tied in December. This is probably the best thing I could've done. No more artificial hormones. (the IUD still has some artifical hormones in it) My menstral cycle is back to what it was in high school. Normal - heavy. I haven't had any complications since my tubal. My gynecologist is Dr. Worsch. She is with Doctor office for women next to Hoag hospital. She preformed the out patient procedure in her surgery center. Her phone # is ###-###-####. She is wonderful!!

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A. :)
When I saw this, I knew I needed to respond. I can realte to you because I am a mom of 3 and I have been with my hubby for 7 years. I use the T-method and it has been the most effective. I have not experienced any side effects. This is defintiley the way to go. :) GOOD LUCK!!

- J. P.

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