Mirena removal, when to chart?

myatala

I'm dissatisfied with Mirena so I'm planning to get it removed in a couple months. I want to chart to learn when I O so while we're TTA we know when to be particularly careful (we'll be using condoms anyway, just would rather be super careful when we're not TTC) -- and then if we decide to TTC we'll have an idea of when I O and what would actually be "late" for me, etc.

I haven't been having periods with Mirena and I'm not sure when I should begin charting -- from when it's removed? From first post-Mirena period? TIA for any advice you can offer!

MrsWS

I'm all new to this stuff as well, but I can go ahead and let you know that the ladies on this board will recommend a book called Take Charge of Your Fertility.


Good Luck!

myatala

Thank you!

GinnyJ2012

As PP said I would start the day of removal. I had mine removed, and had withdrawl bleeding the next day. I didn't temp or use OPKs the first month and after 30 days and symptoms that were similar to when I was pregnant with DS I convinced myself I was. Well 4 days and 3 negative tests later my period started. The next month I started temping and using FF and OPKs. The newbie blog at the top of the Trying to get pregnant board has a lot of great information.

Good luck!

SmileyJay

I'd start the morning after you get the IUD removed. The first cycle will likely be really off, but at least you will have the charting info.

TCOYF is a good book. I read it but honestly just found it to repeat things I already learned on these boards and online, but a little more info on the "why" things happen. Temping doesn't have to be complicated to work very well. You will want to temp while using condoms for several months. If your cycle seems to be regular and you are comfortable with the risk of pregnancy, then you can move to only using condoms during your fertile days... 6 days before your earliest ovulation date, and 3 days after ovulation has occurred. The 3 days is because it takes 3 days to confirm ovulation with temping. 

If you really want to avoid pregnancy, you should be using a condom during every intercourse from start to finish. Anything else will involve a certain level of risk. DH and I use my charts and use pull out during my fertile days... but we would be very happy with a pregnancy, just waiting until May because of a trip we have planned. So your situation and reaction to a pregnancy may be very different and involve really discussing with your husband the risks involved with different birth control methods.

The one thing I will say - it is best to let your husband read up on using fertility awareness as birth control. Let him be involved with it too. Mine looks at my charts with me and knows when it is a safe day. Your likelihood of getting pregnant is higher than using Mirena or condoms. He should make an informed decision with you that he's okay with it.  

myatala

TheCraftyKoala said:

If you really want to avoid pregnancy, you should be using a condom during every intercourse from start to finish. Anything else will involve a certain level of risk. DH and I use my charts and use pull out during my fertile days... but we would be very happy with a pregnancy, just waiting until May because of a trip we have planned. So your situation and reaction to a pregnancy may be very different and involve really discussing with your husband the risks involved with different birth control methods.

Yes, we'll be using condoms every time unless we decide to TTC again -- right now we're weighing the pros/cons of having just our son versus adding to our family. Regardless, I'm looking forward to knowing more about my cycles.