Iud - Great Falls,MT

Updated on September 24, 2008
A.D. asks from Great Falls, MT
44 answers

I just gave birth to our 2nd child, and my husband and I have agreed this is the last for us. I spoke with my dr. yesterday about birth control options, and am very interested in the IUD. Any mom's out there that have used it, or are currently using it? What is your opinion? I am a bit concerned about heavier periods, and worse cramping, I already have cramping so bad I usually miss a day of work each month. I can't imagine that it could get worse! Has anyone noticed that side effect?
Also...I am trying to convince my husband to have a vasectomy. It is not going well... he won't even talk to me about it. I tried last night to guilt him into it, telling him how much pain and discomfort I endured to have 2 children, and how I don't see where it should be solely my responsibility for the next 20 years to ensure we don't have any more children, but he is insistant that no one is coming near his "manhood". He said he saw guys at work get it done, and they couldn't sit or walk for weeks, and he is just not going to endure that kind of pain. any advice on how to talk with him (without nagging). anyone else deal with this with thier hubby? Thanks for any feedback!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone who shared their expriences with the IUD. It came in very helpful as I discussed with my dr. my options. I used these expreinces to ask questions I never would have thought of myself. In the end I decided to use the copper IUD. I have had it for about a month now, and LOVE it! I've has some minor back pain, but nothing a little rub from the hubby can't fix. And he has been very understanding and doles out the backrubs when ever I need one. I talked very openly to my husband about the vasectomy and how it felt that he would not even learn more about the procedure. He agreed to do some research on it. In the end we decided to try the IUD, and agreed that if it was horrible and I hated it, we would look at our other options. So far the IUD has been great. I'm very satisfied with the way things turned out. Again, thanks to all the women who shared their personal stories and expriences.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I haven't read the other responses but wanted to give you my 2 cents. I got the Mirena IUD 2 months after my son was born and have not regretted it since. No cramping, no pain, shorter periods and the best of all, it is supposedly more effective than a tubal ligation. So it's working for me!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.R.

answers from Pocatello on

I have 3 close friends that all got pregnant while the IUD was in. I wouldn't do it if I were you. Have you thought about the Nuva Ring. It's very effective and I don't have any side effects from it. Just a tought.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have a Mirena IUD. It has been great. I also have heavy periods with cramping. But since I've had the Mirena my periods - although a bit irregular - have been much lighter & pain free. It has just a bit of hormone that stays local - in the uterus - doesn't get in the bloodstream where it can make you crazy. It's been a great choice for us!

More Answers

A.C.

answers from Pocatello on

I was so nervous about getting an IUD but it was a piece of cake, I would otally recommend it! I got the Mirena one. here are the pros:
- procedure to put it in takes maybe 2 minutes.
- procedure relatively painless, at least it was for me. It helped that I had recently had a baby. My frined, who has never given birth, said it was painful for her.
-cramping was very very light, actually it was hardly noticeable and only lasted during the procedure
- no periods so far, they are supposed to be reduced and less cramping as well
- low maintenence, just check once a month to make sure string is in place

cons:
- make sure you get a maxi pad for after the procedure; I bled all over the place
-you will prob have a very long period initially after the procedure due to the hormones in the IUD

Write down your questions and go talk to your doctor! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Great Falls on

My husband got his vasectomy when our daughter was about 6 mo old. It was a no brainer for us and he was very understanding that it was the least invasive permanent solution (getting tubes tied is an actual surgery etc). It did require that he not lift anything heavy for about a week, but he wasn't on his back and it defintiely hasn't effected his manhood whatsoever, (he's very secure there). It was a simple procedure that was done in the dr. office and he talked to the dr. and nurse the whole time. The thing that I think gets most men, is that it ISN'T very painful and they try to do more than they should too soon, and then that makes the whole recovery take longer. I think that if you have already had hard periods, (and bore your children) that he should be the one to get the procedure.
I really don't know much about IUDs, but I was actually conceived while my mother had one in, (I'm lucky I wasn't deformed) back in the 70's and I'm sure that the technology is better now, but I know that she had a really hard time as she went through her "transition" with pain etc. and that she went menopausal a good 15-20 years EARLIER than her mother and I can't help but suspect it was partially because of the IUD usage. My father got a vasectomy after I was born and I think it was more traumatic then, but my husband's experience was a good and simple one...I think it would show that he's the real man if your husband does it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Pocatello on

You should never force or guilt trip him into doing the vascetomy. I did not want my husband to get one and he did anyway...and it really hurt our relationship.

As for the IUD all i know is one of my sisters has horrible trouble with hers and the other sister than had one loved it.

Good luck with your decision

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I don't know about the IUD thing, but my husband had a vasectomy. He said that the only thing he took for pain was an ibuprofin because there was little to no real pain just the feeling of some pressure. I have had many a girlfriend that their husbands have also had this done and all have said the same thing. Even if there is pain most doctors prescribe painkillers. My husband just didn't fill the prescription. Of the whole experience my husband said the worst part was the collection of the semen sample and the stitch(like one or two total)itched a little. Most doctors give a Valium before the procedure so he won't be as nervous and is just more relaxed. Just reassure your husband that he isn't losing any of his "manhood" and it is a very loving way to help you out with the birthcontrol part of your relationship. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Casper on

A.~ Congrats on your new baby!! After our 2nd I was so anti getting pregnant again that I also discussed in depth with my OB/Gyn birth control options. I ended up going with the Mirena, even though I was really nervous about the insertion and possible side effects. Now I can't imagine what a pain and worry it would be not to have it! The insertion was no big deal (especially compared to just giving birth!!) I've had basically no side effects. It did take some time for my body to get used to it (light spotting for quite a while) but then I didn't have a period for a long time. I was also nursing so that may have contributed. I've had my Mirena for 1.5 years now and I have very light periods...I almost wouldn't even call them that compared to what they used to be. My cramping is a LOT less than it used to be. It has been a really good choice for me.

As far as the issue of your husband and the vasectomy, I've told my hubby that he has to get one when I am done with this Mirena, and he just laughs. Let me know if you find out a good way to convince them. :) I agree with your logic...we've been through enough with 2 pregnancies and labors. It should be their turn! lol. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.A.

answers from Missoula on

I have the Mernia IUD, and have had it for almost 2 years now. I love it so much! I have entometriosis, and ovarian cysts, I use to have peroids so bad I could not even walk for a few days. Now my periods are so light, and only light cramps for day!!! Get it!!! You don't have to worry, and your periods will be lighter, with less cramps! Whatever you do, do not get the copper IUD, those are the IUD's many of my friends have had to get taken out due to their bodies rejecting it.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I got my IUD about 4 months ago and I LOVE it. I got the Paragard (no hormones). I had a pretty normal period. It lasted for 3 days I had some cramping the first day but nothing that an advil didn't take care of. Most other birth controls made me ill so this is wonderful. Just make sure they trim it short and tuck it away so that your significant other doesn't feel it. We have had no problems at all.

Also the new way they do vasectomies are quick and relatively painless. I would ask him if he would at least go talk to a doctor before just saying no. Good Luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi there! I am on the opposite side of the coin from you. My hubby wants the vasectomy and I am hesitant about something so permanent. I just wonder what if something happened or what if we changed our minds about more kids in 5 years, etc.

Anyways, we opted for the Mirena. I had it placed in Jan and to be honest it was VERY painful to have placed for me. I nursed my son shortly after and the pain decreased and after about three days pain was gone all together. I absolutely forget I have it now. I have yet to have a period...I am still nursing and don't know if that is the reason or due to the Mirena.

What I like most about it is that it is a longer term solution for birth control. I would say at least once a month my husband and I have a talk about the big V. The fact that we have 5 years to decide really helps us to talk about ALL the pros and cons without either of us feeling we have to make an imediate decision. I hope that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.W.

answers from Denver on

I had the Mirena inserted about 4 months postpartum. The insertion was completely painless (although a friend who had not ever given birth who had a Mirena inserted said it was by far the most pain she'd ever endured!). My body did take a long time getting used to it, and I did have to go in to have it repositioned as I was experiencing lower back aches and cramps... I "spotted" and had cramps for about 5 months, and I must say, that got really OLD. However, now that I've had Mirena in for 6 months or so, I am starting to like it alot more! I never had any issues with milk supply (I am still breastfeeding). If I can go the next several years without any other problems, the first few months of discomfort will be worth it.

Most doctors are big fans of the Mirena, it seems. My doctor being such a big advocate was the number one reason I went for it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi A.! Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
After our fourth child was born, my husband and I decided we were done having children. I was on the pill for two years and used condoms when I wasn't pregnant the rest of the time. My husband refused to have a vasectemy as well. He wouldn't really tell me why.
After our third child was born, I started having periods that lasted two weeks. I would have a week off and then it would start again. It was really affecting my life. My certified nurse midwife suggested the Mirena IUD. I had it inserted five months after I delivered our fourth child. It was uncomfortable during insertion and felt strange for a week or so. I had some bleeding where as I hadn't started my period yet because I was still nursing.
Once my body adjusted, it has been WONDERFUL! I hardly ever have periods! Sometimes I take pregnancy tests to make sure I'm okay. It has been three years in October since I had it placed. I don't regret it.
I was able to continue nursing until he was one year old, when I normally quit. My CNM told me the copper IUD and having my tubes tied would probably make things worse for me. I had my last child when I was 36 1/2. As you get older your periods get worse anyway. You can have it in for five years. My CNM told me I could have another one put in when I'm 42 and then I'll have an easier time dealing with menopause.
The good news for me is that our insurance covered it because of my heavy periods. They wouldn't cover it if it as just for birth control. So if you have other reasons to have it, just make sure the doctor codes it right for billing and has it in your medical file that you have the heavy cramping or something.
If you change your mind and decide to have another child, you can have it removed and get pregnant again. So it's a permanent option if you want or not so permanent.
Good luck with your decision. I wish you the best!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Provo on

I'm in the opposite boat -- when I told my husband I was going to get the Mirena he volunteered to get a vasectomy. Well, not really volunteered, but I refuse to take the pill any more and I'm not comfortable with the real-world success rates of other birth control methods. After 12 years of birth control being my responsibility it's his turn. I think he stepped up because he knows I want to have one more -- but 2 is our compromise (he didn't want any to start with). Tell him that birth control is his responsibility now and quit being a wimp.
That all said, when my period comes back (still breastfeeding) if it's as bad as it was before I think I might go ahead and get the Mirena anyway. It's supposed to be a HUGE help for that.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.G.

answers from Pueblo on

Hi A.,

Since your husband doesn't want to do a vasectomy, have you ever considered just getting your tubes tied? I had the procedure done last year and it's been smooth sailing ever since. My husband didn't have a problem with getting a vasectomy, but as we all know these type of procedures can be expensive. I was still on Medicaid at the time so it was pretty much up to me as far as choosing a long term birth control option. It's actually a pretty simple procedure. I took off of work on a Friday, checked in to same day surgery that morning, checked out by 11:00 and was able to return to work on Tuesday. I really like the fact that I don't need any hormones to prevent conception. I can't speak for all women, but the "pill" always pretty much killed my sex drive. They go in right through your naval so I don't even have a scar. If you have insurance to cover it, I highly recommend it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I did the pill for years before having our son and finally had enough of the remembering to take it every day. Four months after our son arrived I had the Mirena IUD installed.

There was a small amount of discomfort upon insertion, but I didn't really cramp at all afterwards. Spotting was an issue for about 2 months off and on though. I still haven't had a period and it's been 3 months since insertion.

One thing with the IUD - make sure the string is cut short so it doesn't bother you or hubby - it can be uncomfortable if that pulls during intercourse.

On the vasectomy front, you birthed two children, time for your hubby to step up and take responsibility, but that's just my opinion. My hubby has agreed to do it once we decide we are done, but we aren't sure yet thus the IUD in the interm.

I love not having to remember to take a pill every day, so just that makes it worth it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Colorado Springs on

wow-the iud is a hot topic! So I work at a womens clinic, and I have a mirena IUD. I also have a 7mo old and have love dit so far! At work I rarely see women with IUD issues. For people who say the got pregnant with it-yes you can get pregnant with it, just like a pill or nuvaring or patch, etc. BUT it is the most effective birth control short of a tubal. So your chances of preg on nuvaring/pill etc are better. Even women who have tubals can get preg unless they physcially tak eyour tube out. So anything is possible. They have different side effects. Paraguardis 12years, no hormone, longer bleedign at first. Mirena is 5 years (and a bit more effective)less bleeding and cramping.
good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.N.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hi A.,
I've had the Mirena IUD for about 2 years now (also had heavy periods before), and I love it. When I was asking my doctor, she had it and all her nurses had it too! I have to say it's been a blessing, I have no periods, maybe some light spotting and much milder PMS (hardly even notice it). It's an easy procedure to get done, and you can remove it just as easily. It's very low hormones, so that's nice too. I was told I could keep breastfeeding with it in. I encourage you to go online and find the Mirena website, and ask you doctor. I've heard nothing but good experiences from my friends, because MOST women have no period at all. And unlike the shot, you don't have the weight gain and heavy hormones. So good luck in your search for the right choice! As far as your husband-good luck with that!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Billings on

I've had personal experiencce with BOTH the past year, so couldn't resist a comment!
If your husband doesn't want a vasectomny, don't force it and certainly don't try to use guilt on him. My cousin wouldn't get one either, then their baby was killed in a car accident, a terrible tragedy. One year later they had another baby girl, which certainly doesn't replace Emma, but brings comfort. And their other children have a baby sister again, which wouldn't have been possible had he gone ahead with the vasectomy.
In our case, my husband was willing to get the "snip", but I wasn't sure about a permanent procedure (given my cousin's experience!)
I tried a Paragard IUD, which is good for 10 years. The heavier periods were a bit of a pain, but they lightened up after about three months. My body had a strange reaction to it though-- on every first day of my period right after eating lunch I would get tired. It only lasted an hour or so, and got better if I took Ibuprofen. One day I was too busy cleaning and baking for company to lie down after lunch on the first day of my period. My fatigue got worse, and finally I lay down on the floor and literally could not get up. My body felt like it weighed 300 pounds and my muscles were incredibly weak, like they were asleep. My mouth wouldn't move right to talk either. My four-year-old climbed on the counter to get the phone and I called my parents and husband (a doctor). My parents came over and helped me to the couch. I had always gotten better in an hour or so, so I decided not to go to the ER and recovered at home instead. I was back to normal in a few hours, but needless to say, the IUD came out ASAP! And it hasn't happened since (6 months). No one I've talked to has heard of this reaction, so it must be rare. I would definitely recommend trying an IUD, because if it works for you it is great birth control, and you won't know without trying it.
So my husband got the snip instead. His trick was to sit on ice packs in bed (he had his lap-top to keep himself occupied) for the first full day after surgery, then most of the second day too. By the third day he could just take it easy (with good support, like a jock strap-- actually he wore a pair of MY underwear over the top of his!! we joked about that!) His surgery was Thursday afternoon and he was back to work on Monday feeling completely normal. The ice and rest are really important to minimize swelling and speed healing. (we told the kids that Daddy had surgery and had a "sore lap"!!) The men who have problems are the ones who try to do to much. His doctor told him about patient who played basketball the same day as his vasectomy and almost lost his testicles due to swelling! All the best as you make your decisions!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Casper on

After having our 6th child in Nov, my husband and I decided to try something different. I have been on the pill, mini-pill and we have tried using condoms and we don't like any of those. I was fitted with the Mirena in Feb and I am loving it. I don't have to worry about taking a pill (and with 6 kids who can remember when the last time I went to the bathroom). I used to have major cramping when I would start my periods and now I don't have anything but minor muscle aches. My periods used to be really heavy (I would have to wear the heaviest maxi you can find) and now they are such that I can just wear a panty liner and be fine. But as the previous posts you need to read the literature and decide for yourself. My doc told me that the first 3-5 months were the hardest because your body is trying to get used to the device and so your periods might be strange, but once you get used to it then it will be better. Good luck in your search. And this is one type of birth control that doesn't affect your milk supply if you are nursing. I haven't had any problems with it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.F.

answers from Boise on

I'm actually not a mom (yet) but used the Mirena IUD for over 1 year and totally loved it. After a few months I stopped having periods altogether and had no pain, cramps, discomfort, etc. at all (insertion was rather painful, but only for a couple hours). I think this is the best type of contraception because it is completely hassle free, not a systemic hormone, and lasts for a long time (Mirena up to 5 years - there are others that you can leave in for 10+ years).
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Denver on

I have the IUD with no hormones and just love it - I've had it for about 3 months and have had no side effects at all. I love not having to take pills or use a diaphragm or condom - so easy! My husband just had a vasectomy as well and it was not so bad. He was quite sore and uncomfortable for maybe 4 days and slightly sore for another week. Men have terrible misconceptions about the whole thing - the procedure was done under local anesthetic in the drs office and took under 30 minutes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Denver on

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my husband had a vasectomy and it was no biggie. The ENTIRE procedure took only 20 minutes. He had to lay low for the weekend but he was back to work as normal on Monday. He had very little pain and it's been a piece of cake for him. As long as he doesn't lift more than 20 lbs or exercise for a few weeks, he should be all healed. There was only one stitch. My sister had an IUD inserted after her 2nd was born and it ended up ripping through her uterus until it wound up floating though her body causing great pain, so I'd say your choice is a no brainer!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Just so you can get both sides of the story--

I got a Paraguard copper t IUD after the birth of my 2nd child and found the insertion VERY painful. It definitely worked as a birth control method but it caused me to bleed more and more breakthrough bleeding in the middle of the month. After 5 years, I had breakthrough bleeding for 26 days straight and finally went to the Dr. who told me the IUD was to blame and removed it. The bleeding did stop afterward and I've had shorter, lighter periods since then. I've heard of some people who have had bad experiences with Mirena (mostly due to the hormones), but seeing as there are a lot of people here who like it, maybe the stories I've heard are exceptional.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I LOVE MY IUD!!!
Simple, simple, simple... Also, my periods have pretty much stopped all together. No cramping after the initial placement. In my opinion, the best option.. This way no one has to perminately alter their body organs!! :o)

BTW.. I've has mine for 5 years now. I had to have it replaced a few years ago because it fell out of place but it wasn't bad and insurance paid for the whole thing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.V.

answers from Denver on

Hi A.,

I got an IUD about 3 years ago. I had it removed 3 weeks later! I thought that the insertion process was painful and the removal process painful...but I never had cramps until I got the IUD. I had stomach, and back cramps so bad I would do nothing but lay around! I could also feel it all the time.

My mom on the other had loves it - never has a problem, and has gone back for a new one to be inserted.

I currently have the 3 year implant - it was painful to get, but it subsided after a day. I never feel it, it lessens my periods and it helped me cut back on smoking! :) If I smoke too many cigs (which I am now in the process of quitting!) I get really bad headaches. So all in all this was a good choice for me and my body.

I would say try it, you never know unless you try!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I Have a Mirena IUD and absolutly love it. I have lighter periods, and no heavy cramping. The only draw back that I can see is that you have to get a new one every five years ( I think copper IUD's are 10years) I absolutly love mine and I would highly recomend one

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have the copper Paraguard, and absolutely love it. I've only had it for about six months and after the first month, my periods are lighter and short and very regular. Right after the IUD was put in, there was a lot of cramping throughout the day and I spotted on and off for the next few days, but then it was done and I have enjoyed light periods. I would recommend it to anyone and have. I LOVE not having the hormones and noticed that part immediately. It made my mood swings disappear, as well as increased sex drive.
I don't know about everyone else, but this is the best birth control I have been on. I have loved it so much, two of my girlfriends also got it and loved it. It can stay in up to 10 years and then you can have another one put it. Should you decide to have more kids it can be removed and you can start immediately. I love not being on the pill, this is a great birth control. I spoke with my GYN and my family physician prior to discuss how they work, which opens up a whole other can of worms. However, after a few discussions this was the best option for me and I have not regretted it for one second. I suffered through horrible periods for quite awhile and was worried about the cramping and heavier periods that can sometimes accompany this method, but it has not been a problem at all for me.
Please make sure you have an OB/GYN insert it and mine did an ultrasound to make sure it was inserted correctly.
Good Luck with your decision.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have the Mirena IUC. It is a hormone releasing contraceptive. It makes the lining of the uterus thin so periods are either very light or non -existant. I love it so far! Had it about 4 or 5 months.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.N.

answers from Billings on

Hello, I read some of the comments before I decided to put my 2 cents in. I like the lady who suggested the responsibility be his with condoms. But, I've also had an IUD (the copper one) and loved it. For me, the side effects for the first few months were VERY heavy bleeding. Like 1 tampon an hour plus pad. But that only lasted 3 or 4 cycles. I loved knowing I had ten years if I wanted and being able to say "okay" to middle of the night "honey wake up" sex!

Although your ideal might be for your DH to get a snip, if its not his, you can't push it. If you do the condom thing, he might get the idea that it hasn't been a cake walk for you doing the birth control thing. But, if you wind up with middle of the night "honey wake up" sex, you just might end up with another little one (like me!)

Good luck on whatever you decide!
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Provo on

I have had a mirena for about a year now. The insertion was a little uncomfortable but not bad. I love not having to worry about taking pills or anything. But I have random spotting and it drives me nuts. I never know when it will hit so I'm often not prepared for it. I haven't had a regular period just the spotting. I have talked to my doctor and had an ultrasound to verify the position. My doctor said some woman just have the spotting and unfortunately I am one of them. Anyway, it's a great method of birth control there is just no way to know how your body will respond to it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Billings on

I had an IUD between each of my kids. I LOVED it-never had to think about it. I had a para-guard-loved loved loved it! It is wonderful-I never had an side effects and the nice thing about an IUD is that if it doesn't work for you or you change your mind you can have it removed anytime. Good luck with your decision!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Casper on

Buy some condoms. When you and your husband get sexually involved, hand him a condom and tell him that both of you decided not to have any more children and that it is his responsibility to prevent pregnancies as well as yours. Tell him you are not interested in getting an IUD or any other birth control method for women, many of them do have bad side effects. That may change his mind about the vasectomy. I laugh because my husband once told me that using a condom during sex was like taking a shower with a raincoat on.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

A.,

If YOU are done, you are done. That makes you responsible for your fertility. Get your tubes tied if you want to never be pregnant again. He doesn't get pregnant. He won't get it.

sign me, never looked back!!
E.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.G.

answers from Boise on

After doing some research of my own, and on the council of my doctor, I choose to get an IUD and I love it! There are two different types on the market now, one is made with copper around it and will have the side effect of heavier bleeding during periods-this is true, however the benefit of this is it uses no hormones. The other is called Mirena and is plastic. This uses a low dose of hormone and has the benefits of often lighter, shorter and less painful periods. With this IUD, some women even stop having their period while it is in place.
I have always had painful and very heavy periods, so I choose the Mirena, my sister needed birth control without hormones, due to other medical issues, so she now has the copper lined implant.
With both, there is some pain during insertion, I had discomfort for about an hour after the procedure, my sister said she was in some pain for the rest of the day. Your body will have to go through some getting used to things, spotting is common between periods during this stage. I have had mine for a little over a year now and am noticing lighter periods but they usually last a day or two longer then before, but they are much less painful. My cramps used to be debilitating, now they are merely annoying.
As with any medical procedure there are risks. The biggest fear I had when choosing to go forward, was the small possibility of a puncture. In an extremely small number of cases there have been complications due to the device being inserted too far and the result is uterine puncture. After talking to my doctor about my fears and learning what symptoms to watch out for, I felt much better. The chance is very slight but very real. Discuss this before making a decision. Also, in a small number of cases, the unit may be expelled from the uterus within the first few months, so make sure you check to see if it is still in place. My device came with a 3 month guaranty that if this happened it would be replaced at no cost to me.
After all was said and done, I am so glad I decided to get this implant. For me it was the right choice, I don't worry any more, it lasts for up to 5 years, and if I decide to have a child it is totally reversible and my body will return to normal.
Besides, it could give you 5 years to work on convincing your husband!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Denver on

I would opt for one of the newer IUD's some of them can reduce your period down to almost nothing. As for your husband... I have always made it my policy not to ask him to do anything that I would not do. Those procedures are permanant and what if you both decide later to take a different path... or God forbid if something should happen to either one of you. You may decide later that you did not want to do it and there is no taking it back once it is done. Just a thought.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.K.

answers from Pocatello on

I wouldn't force a vasectomy on him. What if something happened to you and he re-married and wanted to have more children? A reversal is so expensive too. I don't know anything about IUD's sorry.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Pocatello on

I have a Mirena IUD and I love it. I recommend the Mirena (I think it's plastic) IUD rather than than the copper one. Mirena is supposed to make your periods lighter with less cramping and some women don't have a period at all. The copper IUD causes heavier periods and more cramping than usual. I have never had a copper one so I don't have personal experience with that, just what I've heard about it.

My last child was born in August 2005 and I had Mirena put in in October 2005. Some people say that it can hurt when it is inserted but it didn't cause me any pain at all. It has worked really well for me. I did have some pretty bad cramping (never had a really heavy flow with the bad cramps though) for about the first year but it only lasted a couple of days each month and ibuprofen relieved the cramps. Now I just have 2-3 days of spotting every month and no cramps. Mirena is good for 5 years. The copper one lasts for 10 years.

Talk to your doctor about your options. I don't have any suggestions about convincing you husband to get a vasectomy. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Grand Junction on

I have had the IUD in now for almost 7 years and I love it no pill to worry about. I do have more cramping but not much and yes your periods are much heavier the first couple of days but after that mine are normal. I haven't had any problems. I couldn't convince my husband either to get snipped so I am sorry I don't have advice on that issue. If you figure something out that works I would love that advice also. Both my husbands brothers have had it done and they had no problems but not my husband he says the same thing as yours. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Grand Junction on

If i were you i would check into getting the mirena. it seems to have less side effects then the copper t does. It will also help with the cramping and the heavy bleeding you seems to have. It is worth checking it out. it is a little pricey but last 5 years

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Denver on

I used the pill for years. After our 2nd child, I also wanted to be done. But I also wanted to get off of hormones. So, I have an IUD. I like it. I don't have to remember to take it. Yes, there's more PMS, cramps, & heavier periods. It's better than a baby, though. I also want my husband to have a vasectomy and he also won't discuss it. I've seen too many friends have the unplanned 3rd child. An IUD is 99% effective. I'm afraid of being in the 1%. The only 100% method I'm aware of is abstinence. I told my husband we weren't having sex until he had a vasectomy. That has been an empty threat. I'm curious to see other posters' solutions.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have loved my Mirena. I got it 4 years ago. Insertion was uncomfortable and I had some cramping and breakthrough bleeding for the first month or so. After that, light periods every other month for 6 months and then...no period! Yay! Doesn't work that way for all women but I love it.
Any contraception has its risks. Talk to your doctor about both the benefits and risks if you are considering it. And since you don't want more kids, you husband won't consider vasectomy, and you don't want to constantly think about it, this is a great option. It lasts for 5 years and you don't really have to worry about it. Just make sure to get in for your annual (you should anyway) and the Dr. will check to make sure it is still in place.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Pocatello on

How about if you BOTH get sterilized? Maybe if he thinks you will maybe he will also.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions