Should I get an IUD? Diaphragm? - Page 2

[Alcyone]

Originally Posted by 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.

:

[stacynguyen53]

I got the Mirena IUD after the baby came, and have had no problems. Although, my husband tells me that from time to time he can feel the string, which is a little wiry.

[calebsmama03]

Originally Posted by RubyWild

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

It does have hormones. I'll be the lone voice of dissention and say I HATED the mirena. In fact, hated is not a strong enough word for it! I got mine last spring after allowing myself to be fooled into believing the hype over it. Itially I loved it but shortly after insertion started getting horrible headaches every day, mood swings, skin breakouts, lack of "desire" (kinda defeats the purpose of it, no? : ) and various other strange side effects. I didn't link them to the Mirena at first because, after all, the hormones are supposed to be "tiny amounts" and largely local to the uterus. After 4 months I called the doc and was told those issues couldn't be s/e form the mirena because the amount of hormone is too small. I kept it another month but started doing some googling and there are many blogs, web forums, etc with women discussing similar adverse effects (many also reported significant weight gain). I got the Mirena out and the headaches resolved within 2 weeks. The other issues have been more slow to respond but were greatly improved within a few weeks, as well. I have also noticed that since removal my periods are extremely irregular. Used to be 27-30 day cycles, now I'm anywhere from 21 (?!?!?) to 27 days. It seems like my hormones just never got back to doing their job properly after having that horrible thing.

Sorry that sounded so ranty - I just always feel the need to reply and stress how AWFUL it was for me because I seem to be in the minority. If you're someone not sensitive to hormones it could be great for you but I'd be wary if I'd used any hormonal b/c previously and had any s/e form it.

[reducereuserecycle]

NO! a friend of mine became preggo while using an IUD and she and the baby both nearly died. i don't think they are worth the risk after that happened to someone i know!

[RubyWild]

Originally Posted by calebsmama03

Sorry that sounded so ranty - I just always feel the need to reply and stress how AWFUL it was for me because I seem to be in the minority. If you're someone not sensitive to hormones it could be great for you but I'd be wary if I'd used any hormonal b/c previously and had any s/e form it.

Yeah, that's why I can't use it, because of the hormones. People say that it doesn't have a lot of hormones, but for me that's like telling someone with a peanut allergy that something only has a little bit of peanut oil. There don't seem to be many who've had the copper one, though.

[EnviroBecca]

Just wanted to mention two diaphragm-like gadgets you may not be aware of:
The FemCap
Lea's Shield

I have a FemCap. I don't like it nearly as much as the Prentif cap (no longer made) I had before pregnancy, but it is okay. There are two main differences between it and a diaphragm:

1. It is smaller and fits up around the cervix instead of being sort of diagonal in the vagina. This was important for me because the diaphragm (smallest size) took up way too much space to be practical!

2. You can insert it hours in advance--in fact, it works better if you insert it when not aroused and give it at least 15 minutes to settle in--and not have to add spermicide. Thus, you could wash your outer bits and enjoy oral sex.

The studies show it is less effective in women who've given birth. Still, it's worth considering.

[RubyWild]

Originally Posted by EnviroBecca

The studies show it is less effective in women who've given birth. Still, it's worth considering.

Thanks for that information. I've technically never given birth, having had a cesarean for a breechling who couldn't descend, but the fact that I dilated to 5 or so may count, I don't know.