I'm the odd one out and I'm not trying to be rude, I promise. I never even considered using condoms long term with my DH. I hate condoms and so does he, I can't imagine it. I guess I'm out of the loop and didn't realize people did that for long term birth control. Anyway, I learn something new every day!
This. My hubby and I would never use condoms. Just couldn't do it.
I'm the odd one out and I'm not trying to be rude, I promise. I never even considered using condoms long term with my DH. I hate condoms and so does he, I can't imagine it. I guess I'm out of the loop and didn't realize people did that for long term birth control. Anyway, I learn something new every day!
This. My hubby and I would never use condoms. Just couldn't do it.
Third this sentiment. I haven't bought condoms in 10 years since my DH and I have been together. But I'm not ready to take a permanent step either.
My midwife thinks I'll be able to go back on the ring again once I get established with breastfeeding, which is what I really want. I think I could handle doing the NFP but my husband was uneasy about it. I think I might not mind if we had an oops, but he needs to get through school 1st, before we'd have another and he thinks he's going to be good with just one kid. Condoms are definitely out for us, haven't used one since we 1st started dating...
I actually just signed papers to get my tubes tied and DH is planning on getting a vasectomy as well.
I had Mirena before and it was horrible. My periods are usually light and easy. I bled way too much when I was on Mirena. I'm talking a month long of heavy bleeding. Oh, and I ended up pregnant when I was on it.
Wow, am I the only person planning to go back on the pill?
I actually had a really good response to being on the pill (so it can happen! there are people out there for whom this is true!). Lighter periods, zero PMS, no mood swings, no weight gain, nothing. It was glorious. When I stopped taking it to get knocked up, my periods suuuucked. Super bad PMS and it got worse every month.
When I got off the pill to get pregnant my first couple of periods were horrendous. Since we want to have our kids close together I think I'm going to avoid BC and use NFP/condoms. If we get accidentally KU we're fine with it...I think that's why I'm willing to be laid back about it. If we wanted a bigger space between kids or didn't want more kids I would put more thought into a proactive BC plan.
IUD sounded good till I read some horror stories about using a Diva Cup when you have an IUD.
That's another reason I didn't like the IUD - I love mah Diva Cup!
Did you experience badness with using both or did you hear bad stories like I did? I'm really curious if there is any truth to the badness. I mean really, as someone who has always had extremely heavy periods, the diva cup was like heaven. After not having to go and change a damn super heavy flow tampon every 1-2 hours for the first few days I was sold.
I had just read that the diva cup wasn't recommended with IUDs. Since it could lead to expulsion of the IUD. So I never experienced anything personally, since I was too scared to combine the two!
We'll use condoms again. I'm not a huge fan of them, but they work better for us than other forms of bc. I haven't liked hormonal birth control in the past and don't want anything implanted.
Just a word of caution for those tracking cycles: bf/night waking can make it difficult to track accurately. It's certainly not impossible, but be careful unless you really don't mind getting pregnant again whenever, especially since you can ovulate before you get your first period back.
Hey all...quite enjoying everyone's input on this issue. Thought you might want to ask your pharmacist your questions. I have a lot of info I can contribute to this conversation and it looks like majority of you haven't even had this conversation with your OB or family doctors yet. I'll start by adding my 2 cents based on some of the things that are being said or asked but please ask questions. I apologise if this post gets long.
For those planning to go back on the pill...remember there are 2 types. Estrogen plus progesterone (combined pill, I'll call this COC) or progesterone only (I'll call this POP). If you plan to breastfeed, contraception with estrogen isn't recommended as it can affect milk supply thus POP is your only option. Yes you only have a 3 hour window for missed pills like someone said.
Someone mentioned going back on the ring, that's a combined method so also out
mirena is a good option for this wanting to go back on or try for the first time. Lasts 5 years. Many people lose their period entirely, some don't (someone asked about this). Your partner shouldn't be able to feel the strings, some can, often it's because they've been cut too short and therefore don't wrap up around your cervix but instead poke down.
Copper IUD an option too but seriously they sound like crap to me. Most women don't like them.
Implanon also an option as its progesterone only. Personally I see more people get these taken out than put in these days. Also you get left with scars on your arm everytime they put them in and take them out.
The depot injection not the best option if you are planning for more kids anytime soon. It can take 12 months for fertility to return in some women.
All hormonal methods above carry a risk of side effects. It's different for every one though. You really can't say because your friend had something happen that you will too. I've personally only ever had a Mirena because my medical history doesn't allow me to use every other form of birth control.
Ok that's it for now...please ask away and I shall answer for you!!
I'm getting a tubal with my csection. I previously used a Mirena. I had no issues with it. My hubby told me, after the fact, that he felt something while it was in place. Not so sure I believe him though. I'd get another Mirena if I wasn't going the permanent route!
Has anyone been on the mini pill (progesterone only I believe)? I have very severe endometriosis and any period I get will increase the risk of my left ovary crapping out on me (because I have a blood filled cyst in it). The endo was also severe enough to have led to damage to other organs (bladder, gallbladder, liver, etc). So I essentially need to not have a period until we're ready for baby #2, otherwise I'm likely looking at trouble conceiving again. We were going to just let things happen, but given that I'm self employed and need to work for a bit, we're thinking of trying again when baby turns 1.
I'm in a very similar situation - I want to make sure my endo doesn't come back, but want to wait at least a year before getting pregnant again. I'm unsure what my options are and hoping my doc will have some suggestions.
I might be be one of the few who loves being on the pill - when I am I have great skin, light and predictable periods, and no endometriosis pain. Once we are done with kids I'm hoping to get back on it asap.
I'm having a tubal. I'll admit I'm sad about it, will tear up when I think too long about it, but it's what is best for my body. I think 2 kids is a good number
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
We're planning on NFP and condoms for the time being. Prior to my BFP I thankfully had pretty regular cycles, ovulating pretty much at the same time. I'm going to continue charting again for a little while and if things seem to have stayed the same then yay.
We're pretty sure we want at least one, maybe 2 more kids, so even if something 'accidentally' happens we aren't too worried.
I'm the odd one out and I'm not trying to be rude, I promise. I never even considered using condoms long term with my DH. I hate condoms and so does he, I can't imagine it. I guess I'm out of the loop and didn't realize people did that for long term birth control. Anyway, I learn something new every day!
I feel the same way!! We both hate them, so finding a birth control method that works is key!
We aren't big fans either, which is how we ended up here in the first place
I ever had issues with the pill, but the main reason I didn't want to get back on it was because of what @ayeshaohara has said. I often would forget a pill and then take it the next morning: No big deal. Doesn't work with progesterone only, and I plan to BF.
Wow, am I the only person planning to go back on the pill?
I actually had a really good response to being on the pill (so it can happen! there are people out there for whom this is true!). Lighter periods, zero PMS, no mood swings, no weight gain, nothing. It was glorious. When I stopped taking it to get knocked up, my periods suuuucked. Super bad PMS and it got worse every month.
I'm really looking forward to getting back on.
@Merciel I was going to ask the same thing - I had horrible periods without the pill, and 10 years of extremely light and manageable periods with it. I've never had trouble taking it at the same time every day, I guess you could say it's one of my super powers. Putting any kind of implant inside of me freaks me out. Kind of like how I'm constantly freaked out right now about this giant baby that's implanted inside of me. Looking forward to keeping things out for a while.
I was on BC pills for so long (14 years!) before getting pregnant. Once I got off them I realized how aweful they had made me feel, especially when effecting my sex drive and "readyness" during. I don't want to go back on hormones and am not keen at all on any implants/iuds. We've had several talks over the last few months about this and decided to do a combo of condoms and NFP for a while. If we decide to have a second child (or oops one, lol), I'd rather them be close in age anyway. If not, he'll get a vasectomy.
I was on the pill for 1 year only when I was 17. It was horrible for me (migraines/nausea) and I never again went back on it. For over 10 years I've relied on condoms, which I know isn't for everyone. But for us it's worked great, never had any 'oops'! Obviously sex feels better without them (and after 9 months without them will be hard to go back ) So we'll probably also be a mix of NFP/condoms moving forward.
We've used NFP and the pull out method and it's been 100% successful for us, so we'll go back to that. I know it doesn't work for everyone and we would be just fine if there would be a surprise earlier than expected. Once were done having children my H will have a vasectomy unless I end up having c sections, then I will have a tubal. Hopefully we will have one or two more babies before then.
So thankful for this thread! I had no idea that some forms of the pill was not recommended whilst breastfeeding.
I automatically assumed I would just go back on because it always worked fine with me.
Not interested in condoms (yuck) or the mirena either, so this will give me some time to ponder my other choices. Thanks @ayeshaohara for your input as always.
IUD sounded good till I read some horror stories about using a Diva Cup when you have an IUD.
That's another reason I didn't like the IUD - I love mah Diva Cup!
Did you experience badness with using both or did you hear bad stories like I did? I'm really curious if there is any truth to the badness. I mean really, as someone who has always had extremely heavy periods, the diva cup was like heaven. After not having to go and change a damn super heavy flow tampon every 1-2 hours for the first few days I was sold.
I used the diva cup with my Paragaurd IUD and had NO problems. I loved my IUD so much. 8 years of worry free, hormonal free birth control. Yes the first six month or so I had heavier periods but after that they were just fine. And I got pregnant one month after having it pulled out. Once we are done having kids I will probably have it put back in.
I got my first postpartum period 6 weeks after giving birth, despite bf on demand and not more than 3-4 hours between feedings. I got the Paraguard after DS and hated it...I literally didn't stop bleeding for 7 months. We ended up deciding we wanted to try again so I had it removed. I'm nervous about the Mirena-my midwives say that I'm less likely to bleed thanks to the hormones but I'm suspicious I'll be someone who spots endlessly which is also annoying. I dislike hormonal side effects of pretty much everything. I also dislike buying condoms. Im leaning towards NFP and condoms but I have no idea what we will do because these two kiddos will be 19 months apart and we are less open to an "oops" for awhile.
Does the the mini pill typically have more, less, or the same side effects as the pill? @ayeshaohara
Combination of condoms and NFP for us. I loved being on a COC pill but plan on bf so that's out, and I can't use progesterone only pill and we don't want to use any long term options as we plan on having another one fairly soon after this little one makes his appearance.
I used the depo shot for a couple years, the plus was no period and I didn't have to keep track of taking a pill. The negative is my doctor wouldn't let me stay on it too long because of the bone density side effects, I gained a ton of weight with it, and it made it extremely difficult after stopping it for conception. I went to nuvaring afterwards which was nice, but I don't want to go back to hormonal BC because we would like to have another baby within the next year and a half to 2 years. We haven't had to use condoms in so long he doesn't want to go back to that, but I don't want to get pregnant again until after our wedding in the fall. It's a challenge and we are both trying to find a compromise on it... I will definitely be looking on the PP website for options!
I have never been able to tolerate any type of hormonal BC. I first went on the pill in high school because of abnormally bad cramps and heavy periods. It didn't help, and I spotted almost continually, so I eventually stopped taking it. In college, I used condoms as my only means of BC. After DH and I started dating, I tried various types of pills because he finds condoms to be very uncomfortable. Every kind of BC I tried (each with different types of hormones) made me spot constantly, gain weight, and made sex very painful for me. Soon after we got married, I tried the depo provera shot. I liked not having to remember to take a pill every day and it didn't make me spot as bad as some of the other types, but I gained weight and sex was still very painful. After about 6 months of weight gain and painful sex (my dr. kept insisting that it would get better if I just waited a little longer), I finally stopped getting the shots. For the past 9 years, we have only used the pull out method. While not statistically reliable, it worked for us for nearly a decade (we were even beginning to wonder whether one of us had fertility issues since we hadn't accidentally gotten pregnant after using only that method for so long).
It took DH 10+ years to get me on board with the idea of having a kid, and even though it has been a relatively easy pregnancy, I never want to do this again. DH would like to have more kids, but he respects the fact that I don't, and I think he's just happy he's getting this one since he didn't think he would ever get any. I'm sure there are new types of BC on the market since I last tried, but I really don't want to go down that road again. Since I'm quite certain we won't be trying for any more children, I want a more permanent solution. After this baby is born, either I'm getting a tubal ligation or he's getting a vasectomy. We haven't decided which yet, and I don't really care which one of us has it done, as long as I never have to worry about getting pregnant again.
I have no personal experience with any of the newer BC implants, but my sister just had a baby in November, and she got the Nexplanon implant that goes in the arm right after. She likes it so far because it's good for 3 years, it doesn't interfere with breastfeeding, and it hasn't caused her to gain weight (she actually lost most of the pregnancy weight gain very quickly, even after getting the implant). She and my BIL are planning to try to get pregnant again within the next year, and with this type they should be able to as soon as it's removed.
After my first I loved the Mirena! I was surprised by a month+ long period after getting it, nobody mentioned that might happen. But once that went away, I had very light periods if anything at all. With a newborn it is much easier than remembering pills, it was not an issue with BFing for me, and I was able to get pg only a couple of months after taking it out. I would definitely do it again - except that DH is getting a vasectomy so I won't even do BC this time! What a relief. It was a bittersweet decision but we're broke enough with one kid- two is going to be more than enough to keep us busy and broke! We're pretty happy with our decision. And if we hit the lotto and want a third, we are both more than happy with the idea of adopting.
We've been married for 6 yrs and used condoms up until we wanted to try for this baby. It was very effective for us and came w/o side effects. I was on hormonal BC in college for a few years and it messed me up -I had neausea and vomiting, weight gain etc. and it took a while to get back on a good cycle, get rid of mood swings etc when I came off!!! I'm never going back it just didn't work for me. And since I'm getting older I'd rather skip the increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular concerns that comes w/ hormonal BC!!
We'll probably be using breastfeeding (if myself and baby cooperate for that to work) and natural family planning. Both DH and I hate condoms, and I have not found a birth control pill that doesn't have some negative reaction on my body. I also don't like the thought of having something implanted in me. We also used the pull out method before trying to get pregnant, which isn't 100% effective but after this baby, we are hoping to have another within the next year or two and we're fine with it happening earlier. I'm very comfortable with tracking my cycle as I did it for a year for infertility reasons before I got pregnant.
Does the the mini pill typically have more, less, or the same side effects as the pill? @ayeshaohara
Typically less side effects because you only get the progesterone component. It seems from what I can see that POP tends to be much better tolerated than the COC but neither are without side effects and most women tend to get a really different mix of them, if any. The estrogen component is largely responsible for the yucky side effects though.
As a quick explanation of how they work, think of it like this...the pill puts you into an artificial state of pregnancy. You can't get pregnant if you're already pregnant. The estrogen has a full body effect in that it messes with your cycle to prevent ovulation etc, while the progesterone also does it has most of its activity locally at the cervix...it thickens the mucus stopping sperm from entering the cervix. That effect is short lived if progesterone levels aren't maintained hence why you have a much shorter window for missed pills with the POP vs combined.
Also id like to correct something I said in my original post about milk supply and combined pills. So it's a definite that combined pills shouldn't be used in the first 6 weeks post partum, that's because of the increased clotting risk after you give birth...the pill can increase that. However my information is telling me that the effect on breast milk hasn't been well established, so I can't comment on it definitively. That said the information exists and thus it likely does have some effect on milk supply so it's something to consider. My apologies for not checking that originally.
Oh birth control.... I feel like there are no great answers! I would really like to avoid any hormonal birth controls this time. As of now, my DH is planning on a vasectomy. He's a bit sensitive when it comes to medical procedures so I'm a little worried he might change his mind. We are happy with 2 kids. I am not having a c section so the tubal would be an additional surgery for me. I'm a little nervous to "commit" to something so permanent as a vasectomy or tubal. But we have some time to think about it. My cycle didn't return for 10 months after DS and hoping that will be the case this time (I know it's not a fool proof method either) giving us some time to really be sure.
We're using a combination of natural family planning and condoms. We're hoping to have a second baby by next June.
Very impressed at your forethought! But is there a particular reason you're looking to have two babies so close together? Just idle curiosity:)
I've used both kinds of pill in the past, as well as the ring, with no ill effects. But I'd gone off BC because I'm a cheapskate and wasn't doing the sex regularly enough to warrant it (DH and I were separated for work for a year) before we conceived. So... condoms!
I'm thinking about the Implanon. It's the small device that goes into your arm. I believe it lasts 3 years. I don't want anything super long term... The pill makes me gain weight... And I hate the idea of IUDs. I have a friend who had the Implanon and loved it.
The implant also causes weight gain as a side effect.
Likely just going back to doing birth control pills... Can't stand the iud concept and I tend to not have a bad response, nor do I have a hard time keeping track of pills.
I liked the implanon and may go back to it. I had no weight gain side effects and got pregnant the first month after taking it out.
We're using a combination of natural family planning and condoms. We're hoping to have a second baby by next June.
Very impressed at your forethought! But is there a particular reason you're looking to have two babies so close together? Just idle curiosity:)
I've used both kinds of pill in the past, as well as the ring, with no ill effects. But I'd gone off BC because I'm a cheapskate and wasn't doing the sex regularly enough to warrant it (DH and I were separated for work for a year) before we conceived. So... condoms!
There's a couple reasons why we're having babies close together... 1. Im 28 (my birthday is in May), and we'd like to have all our kids done by my early 30's to avoid some of those scarier statistics. 2. We want a bigger family (3-4 kids, 5 would be a surprise) so we kind of "have" to do one a year for the next few years. 3. I'm a teacher and just got into the field so summer babies are definitely a bonus for us- this little guy came a little early but hopefully the next one will be born on schedule. 4. My brothers and I are close in age (one is 15 months younger, one is 3 years younger) and we were very close growing up and I'd like that for my kids too. 5. Although we're not part of the quiver full movement and obviously NFP isn't NOT using birth control, but DH and I do feel called to put this season of our life in Gods hands and let him (sort of) decide how big our family should be. of course, this is all OUR plans and doesn't take into account any of a zillion factors!
@st3lla : I was actually on the pill for about 11 years before TTC, and I also did great on it. Little did I know though that I should have been on it continuously. I didn't have any endo symptoms until some fairly odd/subtle ones in the last few months of me being on the pill, and wasn't officially diagnosed until my laparoscopy last July. I would have preferred not going back on any pill as I feel I've put enough hormones in my body to manage to get pregnant, but I just know it's not a great idea from an endo perspective. @ayeshaohara : I was on 400 mg on Prometrium daily for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, which completely shut down my libido (well that and the fact that it had to be used as a vaginal suppository and came out gross). Would the POP do the same? Or the dose is small enough that it wouldn't be as bad? I also have a friend with endo who was recently put on Lupron (which I know isn't birth control), and has had awful side effects from it (didn't stop her period, numb hands and feet, difficulties with motor planning, joint pain, etc.). I don't know how much you know about it, but what do you know about it and how effective it is at preventing the recurrence of endo?
We're using a combination of natural family planning and condoms. We're hoping to have a second baby by next June.
Very impressed at your forethought! But is there a particular reason you're looking to have two babies so close together? Just idle curiosity:)
I've used both kinds of pill in the past, as well as the ring, with no ill effects. But I'd gone off BC because I'm a cheapskate and wasn't doing the sex regularly enough to warrant it (DH and I were separated for work for a year) before we conceived. So... condoms!
There's a couple reasons why we're having babies close together... 1. Im 28 (my birthday is in May), and we'd like to have all our kids done by my early 30's to avoid some of those scarier statistics. 2. We want a bigger family (3-4 kids, 5 would be a surprise) so we kind of "have" to do one a year for the next few years. 3. I'm a teacher and just got into the field so summer babies are definitely a bonus for us- this little guy came a little early but hopefully the next one will be born on schedule. 4. My brothers and I are close in age (one is 15 months younger, one is 3 years younger) and we were very close growing up and I'd like that for my kids too. 5. Although we're not part of the quiver full movement and obviously NFP isn't NOT using birth control, but DH and I do feel called to put this season of our life in Gods hands and let him (sort of) decide how big our family should be. of course, this is all OUR plans and doesn't take into account any of a zillion factors!
So, I'm a GP and while I understand your reasoning, I just want to make you aware that there is research suggesting that there are significant risks associated with having multiple pregnancies close together.
Gettibg pregnant within 12 months of delivery has been associated with increased risk of
-placental abruption (the placenta separating from the wall of the uterus) -placenta previa (placenta low down potentially covering the cervix)
Additionally attempting a vaginal delivery within 18months of a c-section is associated with high rates of uterine rupture. Pregnancies very close together after c-section also pose increased risks of placenta accreta (where the placenta implants into the scar and won't detach).
Pregnancies within 18 months of delivery are also slightly associated with preterm birth, low birthweight and small babies (although it's not clear if this is actually to do with other factors that tend to be related to close pregnancies).
There is also a concern that pregnancy puts a huge strain on the woman's body and causes depletion of needed nutrients such as calcium, iron etc that may not have time to recover in between pregnancies. There's an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, bone strength issues, long term issues with pelvic floor, incontinence, pelvic pain, back pain, etc.
Like I said, im not judging and I'm not trying to frighten you, but you should be aware that while there are small risks associated with having kids later, there are also risks associated with having kids very close together. When you're talking about having 4 or 5 that close together, those risks become significant. I'm personally due to have my first just after I turn 36, but we're still going to wait as close to a year as possible to try for the next one.
We're using a combination of natural family planning and condoms. We're hoping to have a second baby by next June.
Very impressed at your forethought! But is there a particular reason you're looking to have two babies so close together? Just idle curiosity:)
I've used both kinds of pill in the past, as well as the ring, with no ill effects. But I'd gone off BC because I'm a cheapskate and wasn't doing the sex regularly enough to warrant it (DH and I were separated for work for a year) before we conceived. So... condoms!
There's a couple reasons why we're having babies close together... 1. Im 28 (my birthday is in May), and we'd like to have all our kids done by my early 30's to avoid some of those scarier statistics. 2. We want a bigger family (3-4 kids, 5 would be a surprise) so we kind of "have" to do one a year for the next few years. 3. I'm a teacher and just got into the field so summer babies are definitely a bonus for us- this little guy came a little early but hopefully the next one will be born on schedule. 4. My brothers and I are close in age (one is 15 months younger, one is 3 years younger) and we were very close growing up and I'd like that for my kids too. 5. Although we're not part of the quiver full movement and obviously NFP isn't NOT using birth control, but DH and I do feel called to put this season of our life in Gods hands and let him (sort of) decide how big our family should be. of course, this is all OUR plans and doesn't take into account any of a zillion factors!
So, I'm a GP and while I understand your reasoning, I just want to make you aware that there is research suggesting that there are significant risks associated with having multiple pregnancies close together.
Gettibg pregnant within 12 months of delivery has been associated with increased risk of
-placental abruption (the placenta separating from the wall of the uterus) -placenta previa (placenta low down potentially covering the cervix)
Additionally attempting a vaginal delivery within 18months of a c-section is associated with high rates of uterine rupture. Pregnancies very close together after c-section also pose increased risks of placenta accreta (where the placenta implants into the scar and won't detach).
Pregnancies within 18 months of delivery are also slightly associated with preterm birth, low birthweight and small babies (although it's not clear if this is actually to do with other factors that tend to be related to close pregnancies).
There is also a concern that pregnancy puts a huge strain on the woman's body and causes depletion of needed nutrients such as calcium, iron etc that may not have time to recover in between pregnancies. There's an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, bone strength issues, long term issues with pelvic floor, incontinence, pelvic pain, back pain, etc.
Like I said, im not judging and I'm not trying to frighten you, but you should be aware that while there are small risks associated with having kids later, there are also risks associated with having kids very close together. When you're talking about having 4 or 5 that close together, those risks become significant. I'm personally due to have my first just after I turn 36, but we're still going to wait as close to a year as possible to try for the next one.
(stuck in a box!) thank you for bringing these points up- we are aware of the potential risks and have discussed with our midwives our desire to have children close in age. Like I said, these are our plans and who knows, this may be our only baby, you really never know! We can plan all we want but you really do just need to take it one baby at a time.
@ayeshaohara : I was on 400 mg on Prometrium daily for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, which completely shut down my libido (well that and the fact that it had to be used as a vaginal suppository and came out gross). Would the POP do the same? Or the dose is small enough that it wouldn't be as bad? I also have a friend with endo who was recently put on Lupron (which I know isn't birth control), and has had awful side effects from it (didn't stop her period, numb hands and feet, difficulties with motor planning, joint pain, etc.). I don't know how much you know about it, but what do you know about it and how effective it is at preventing the recurrence of endo?
The POP is in microgram doses not milligram so much much tinier. I can't speak with certainty that it won't affect your libido though because as with any drug anything is possible if you ask me. Especially when messing with hormones.
I don't know anything about it in terms of effectiveness in preventing endo. It's a very specialized area. I could do some research but it's a conversation better had with a specialist Doctor. Typically lupron is used for prostate cancer more than anything else, from what I've seen. In which case people tend to accept and tolerate side effects from the meds more because it's life saving for them. Sorry I can't offer you more than that.
Re: After baby birth control?
I had Mirena before and it was horrible. My periods are usually light and easy. I bled way too much when I was on Mirena. I'm talking a month long of heavy bleeding. Oh, and I ended up pregnant when I was on it.
I actually had a really good response to being on the pill (so it can happen! there are people out there for whom this is true!). Lighter periods, zero PMS, no mood swings, no weight gain, nothing. It was glorious. When I stopped taking it to get knocked up, my periods suuuucked. Super bad PMS and it got worse every month.
I'm really looking forward to getting back on.
Just a word of caution for those tracking cycles: bf/night waking can make it difficult to track accurately. It's certainly not impossible, but be careful unless you really don't mind getting pregnant again whenever, especially since you can ovulate before you get your first period back.
For those planning to go back on the pill...remember there are 2 types. Estrogen plus progesterone (combined pill, I'll call this COC) or progesterone only (I'll call this POP). If you plan to breastfeed, contraception with estrogen isn't recommended as it can affect milk supply thus POP is your only option. Yes you only have a 3 hour window for missed pills like someone said.
Someone mentioned going back on the ring, that's a combined method so also out
mirena is a good option for this wanting to go back on or try for the first time. Lasts 5 years. Many people lose their period entirely, some don't (someone asked about this). Your partner shouldn't be able to feel the strings, some can, often it's because they've been cut too short and therefore don't wrap up around your cervix but instead poke down.
Copper IUD an option too but seriously they sound like crap to me. Most women don't like them.
Implanon also an option as its progesterone only. Personally I see more people get these taken out than put in these days. Also you get left with scars on your arm everytime they put them in and take them out.
The depot injection not the best option if you are planning for more kids anytime soon. It can take 12 months for fertility to return in some women.
All hormonal methods above carry a risk of side effects. It's different for every one though. You really can't say because your friend had something happen that you will too. I've personally only ever had a Mirena because my medical history doesn't allow me to use every other form of birth control.
Ok that's it for now...please ask away and I shall answer for you!!
I previously used a Mirena. I had no issues with it. My hubby told me, after the fact, that he felt something while it was in place. Not so sure I believe him though.
I'd get another Mirena if I wasn't going the permanent route!
I might be be one of the few who loves being on the pill - when I am I have great skin, light and predictable periods, and no endometriosis pain. Once we are done with kids I'm hoping to get back on it asap.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
We're pretty sure we want at least one, maybe 2 more kids, so even if something 'accidentally' happens we aren't too worried.
I automatically assumed I would just go back on because it always worked fine with me.
Not interested in condoms (yuck) or the mirena either, so this will give me some time to ponder my other choices. Thanks @ayeshaohara for your input as always.
Does the the mini pill typically have more, less, or the same side effects as the pill? @ayeshaohara
It took DH 10+ years to get me on board with the idea of having a kid, and even though it has been a relatively easy pregnancy, I never want to do this again. DH would like to have more kids, but he respects the fact that I don't, and I think he's just happy he's getting this one since he didn't think he would ever get any. I'm sure there are new types of BC on the market since I last tried, but I really don't want to go down that road again. Since I'm quite certain we won't be trying for any more children, I want a more permanent solution. After this baby is born, either I'm getting a tubal ligation or he's getting a vasectomy. We haven't decided which yet, and I don't really care which one of us has it done, as long as I never have to worry about getting pregnant again.
I have no personal experience with any of the newer BC implants, but my sister just had a baby in November, and she got the Nexplanon implant that goes in the arm right after. She likes it so far because it's good for 3 years, it doesn't interfere with breastfeeding, and it hasn't caused her to gain weight (she actually lost most of the pregnancy weight gain very quickly, even after getting the implant). She and my BIL are planning to try to get pregnant again within the next year, and with this type they should be able to as soon as it's removed.
BFP 1: 9/15/2013 | DD 5/23/2014
BFP 2: 9/15/2015 | EDD 5/26/2016
As a quick explanation of how they work, think of it like this...the pill puts you into an artificial state of pregnancy. You can't get pregnant if you're already pregnant. The estrogen has a full body effect in that it messes with your cycle to prevent ovulation etc, while the progesterone also does it has most of its activity locally at the cervix...it thickens the mucus stopping sperm from entering the cervix. That effect is short lived if progesterone levels aren't maintained hence why you have a much shorter window for missed pills with the POP vs combined.
Also id like to correct something I said in my original post about milk supply and combined pills. So it's a definite that combined pills shouldn't be used in the first 6 weeks post partum, that's because of the increased clotting risk after you give birth...the pill can increase that. However my information is telling me that the effect on breast milk hasn't been well established, so I can't comment on it definitively. That said the information exists and thus it likely does have some effect on milk supply so it's something to consider. My apologies for not checking that originally.
DS: Born 5-17-16
1. Im 28 (my birthday is in May), and we'd like to have all our kids done by my early 30's to avoid some of those scarier statistics.
2. We want a bigger family (3-4 kids, 5 would be a surprise) so we kind of "have" to do one a year for the next few years.
3. I'm a teacher and just got into the field so summer babies are definitely a bonus for us- this little guy came a little early but hopefully the next one will be born on schedule.
4. My brothers and I are close in age (one is 15 months younger, one is 3 years younger) and we were very close growing up and I'd like that for my kids too.
5. Although we're not part of the quiver full movement and obviously NFP isn't NOT using birth control, but DH and I do feel called to put this season of our life in Gods hands and let him (sort of) decide how big our family should be.
of course, this is all OUR plans and doesn't take into account any of a zillion factors!
@ayeshaohara : I was on 400 mg on Prometrium daily for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, which completely shut down my libido (well that and the fact that it had to be used as a vaginal suppository and came out gross). Would the POP do the same? Or the dose is small enough that it wouldn't be as bad? I also have a friend with endo who was recently put on Lupron (which I know isn't birth control), and has had awful side effects from it (didn't stop her period, numb hands and feet, difficulties with motor planning, joint pain, etc.). I don't know how much you know about it, but what do you know about it and how effective it is at preventing the recurrence of endo?
Gettibg pregnant within 12 months of delivery has been associated with increased risk of
-placental abruption (the placenta separating from the wall of the uterus)
-placenta previa (placenta low down potentially covering the cervix)
Additionally attempting a vaginal delivery within 18months of a c-section is associated with high rates of uterine rupture. Pregnancies very close together after c-section also pose increased risks of placenta accreta (where the placenta implants into the scar and won't detach).
Pregnancies within 18 months of delivery are also slightly associated with preterm birth, low birthweight and small babies (although it's not clear if this is actually to do with other factors that tend to be related to close pregnancies).
There is also a concern that pregnancy puts a huge strain on the woman's body and causes depletion of needed nutrients such as calcium, iron etc that may not have time to recover in between pregnancies. There's an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, bone strength issues, long term issues with pelvic floor, incontinence, pelvic pain, back pain, etc.
Like I said, im not judging and I'm not trying to frighten you, but you should be aware that while there are small risks associated with having kids later, there are also risks associated with having kids very close together. When you're talking about having 4 or 5 that close together, those risks become significant. I'm personally due to have my first just after I turn 36, but we're still going to wait as close to a year as possible to try for the next one.
I don't know anything about it in terms of effectiveness in preventing endo. It's a very specialized area. I could do some research but it's a conversation better had with a specialist Doctor. Typically lupron is used for prostate cancer more than anything else, from what I've seen. In which case people tend to accept and tolerate side effects from the meds more because it's life saving for them. Sorry I can't offer you more than that.