Should I get an IUD? Diaphragm?

[RubyWild]

For years, my Dh and I used condoms (for practically two decades). They're just not working out anymore. Neither one of us wants surgery or hormones. Those aren't options. I am not keen on the diaphragm because doesn't the spermicidal jelly rule out oral sex?

I looked into a copper IUD a bit and saw that there may be heavier bleeding and cramping with it, but then maybe not. Is there another reason not to get one? Cancer?

I don't know what to do, but we need new birth control because I really, really don't want another one and I'm a bit of a fertile myrtle, so I need to make a change in our birth control.

[Leta]

I used a copper T IUD for four years. (Incidentally, I used a diaphragm as a menstrual cup with that IUD the entire time, with no incident or ill effect.)

At first I loved it. I have always had really easy periods, and the longer I had the IUD in, the more crampy and bloody my periods became. I got it put in before I had any children, so that may have had something to do with it, I'm not sure.

I got sick of it, and got it taken out. Two weeks later, I was pregnant with DD.

I had been on Depo, which is why I wanted something non-hormonal. Since I didn't want to bleed like a stuck pig, after DD's birth I did some research and went with the Mirena IUD. It has hormones, but it is like 1/17th the amount of the low hormone mini pills- a tiny, tiny amount. Bascially it's just enough hormone to cycle thru your reproductive system and take the edge off the side effects (heavy crampy periods) associated with having something in your uterus. I had mild acne breakouts for about three weeks after I got it put in, and since then, I have loved it. I've had it for over a year, and I like it even better than the copper T. It is like being on non-hormonal birth control, except you don't have to deal with condoms or foam or anything.

[miasmommy]

I had a diaphragm for many years... It was a Koroflex... and I always used some kind of unscented diaphragm jelly with it. I loved my diaphragm... it was so nice to have no hormones & to be in control of my body.

[spughy]

I have a non-hormonal copper IUD and it works fine for me. I do have quite heavy periods but the cramping isn't anything a couple ibuprofen can't fix.

Honestly, the IUD is the ONLY bc that really works for me.

[choli]

I've been using the Mirena iud for 6 years now, and I have to say it's fantastic. I really recommend it. Extremely light periods, no cramping etc.

[RubyWild]

Originally Posted by choli

I've been using the Mirena iud for 6 years now, and I have to say it's fantastic. I really recommend it. Extremely light periods, no cramping etc.

Doesn't that one have a low dose of hormones, though? I can't use hormones, so I'm looking for something hormone-free.

[dharmamama]

I have heard that diaphragms don't work very well after you have already had kids.

Also, one of my good friends got pregnant with BOTH her kids while using a diaphragm.

dm

[Linda on the move]

I've used both. With a diaphram, one has oral pleasure before inserting the diaphram. It only takes a second to put it in (once you have the hang of it) and is much easier and less cumbersome that condoms. Most moms I know used them while BFing, therfore use them after having kids. They are simple and don't have side effects.

I have an IUD now and love it. I haven't had any side effects or problems and I've had it for 8 years. I use only natural products (sea sponge tampons and cloth pads) and I think that has an impact keeping my periods easy. We reached a point where we were 99% sure that our family was complete, were tired of dealing with controceptives, and yet neither of us wanted surgery. It was the perfect option for us. I love my IUD.

[nonniecita]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

I've used both. With a diaphram, one has oral pleasure before inserting the diaphram. It only takes a second to put it in (once you have the hang of it) and is much easier and less cumbersome that condoms. Most moms I know used them while BFing, therfore use them after having kids. They are simple and don't have side effects.

I have an IUD now and love it. I haven't had any side effects or problems and I've had it for 8 years. I use only natural products (sea sponge tampons and cloth pads) and I think that has an impact keeping my periods easy. We reached a point where we were 99% sure that our family was complete, were tired of dealing with controceptives, and yet neither of us wanted surgery. It was the perfect option for us. I love my IUD.

What kind of IUD do you have?

[KMK_Mama]

I don't want to sway your decision if you are thinking IUD, but the thought of the IUD bothers me. You can technically still get pregnant with the IUD.....conceiving in your fallopian tubes and then when the baby tries to implant in the uterus, it can't and you miscarry....and you'll probably never even know you were pregnant. My SIL actually got pregnant a few months ago with the IUD and she miscarried a month later. The doc said if they took the IUD out, she would probably still miscarry. That is what I don't like about the IUD, but if that doesn't bother you, I'd say that is probably the easiest method! I was about ready to get the IUD and then I got into a car accident and had my spleen removed. They say I can't have it now because of the risk of infection. I also can't do hormones because of my high platelet count. My DH had a vasectomy and we love not having to worry anymore!

[RubyWild]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

I've used both. With a diaphram, one has oral pleasure before inserting the diaphram.

So, oral sex can't happen once the diaphragm is inserted?

[Essie]

Originally Posted by dharmamama

I have heard that diaphragms don't work very well after you have already had kids.

Also, one of my good friends got pregnant with BOTH her kids while using a diaphragm.

dm

I have used a D for yrs and as soon after giving birth my midwife (Kaiser hmo) set up an appt for me so she could check it. If it's fitted properly one shouldn't be able to get pregnant. If you lose or gain 10 or more lbs. you should also get it checked and fitted.

I can't/don't want to take BC pills b/c I've had fibroids removed. Some practitioners have told me this would be fine but I don't want to take chances. Oh, how I would just love to pop a pill! But, to answer the OP the D is fine once you get the hang of it. Personally, I can't stand the idea of it festering in my body all night---I worry about bacteria! but as long as you clean it really well (a really fun job bTW), you should be fine.

hope that helps.

[dharmamama]

Hmmm. Perhaps I was thinking of the cervical cap.

dm

[PlayaMama]

i had an iud and i got pregnant. i think whatever method of bc you use you should check out the fertility awareness guide. the book is really awesome for explaining what is happening when in your cycle.

[RubyWild]

Originally Posted by PlayaMama

i had an iud and i got pregnant. i think whatever method of bc you use you should check out the fertility awareness guide. the book is really awesome for explaining what is happening when in your cycle.

If it could tell me why my cycles are wholly unpredictable (28-38 days in length), that would be great!

[Alcyone]

Originally Posted by RubyWild

If it could tell me why my cycles are wholly unpredictable (28-38 days in length), that would be great!

It might not tell you why you don't ovulate consistently, but if you're charting, you would know when you've ovulated, and then you can accurately predict when you'll get AF.

I used to use the Mirena IUD (the one with hormones) and I stopped getting AF completely. Personally, I hated the IUD because I was always paranoid anytime something felt strange in that area of my body. I was constantly worried that something was going wrong. Maybe it would work better if you aren't a worrywart, but it was not worth it for me. Plus, as convenient as it is to never have AF, I really prefer letting nature do its thing. I had it removed, and DH & I are just using FAM until we start TTC.

[fishface]

Bump b/c I'm thinking about getting a diaphragm. My mom suggested it b/c she wants me off the pill (frankly, I want off of the pill, too because I hate the hormones). I'd love to hear more about D usage and what you liked/didn't like.

[Ruthla]

Have you looked into Natural Family Planning/ Fertility Awareness?

[fishface]

To be honest, that scares the heck out of me. When I was not on the pill, I had regular, predictable periods so I imagine it wouldn't be too tricky.....but DP and I are both students right now and it would be awful timing to have a baby if I screwed it up.

ETA though perhaps I could chart in addition to a diaphragm as I learn the ropes.

[gemasita]

I love the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) because I didn't have to buy a thing (except a thermometer!) and NO hormones! I have always thought it was really simple to do too.