Birth Control after delivery

mothernorth · April 2016

I know it's awfully early to be planning birth control methods for after delivery, but after we found out we are having another boy and FI was kind of hoping for a daughter, the look on his face was a dead giveaway that he probably isn't going to want to go through with getting a vasectomy now. I don't really blame him, and I am not comfortable with the idea of tubal ligation yet but another baby too soon after this one is not in our cards so my questions are:

Which kind(s) of BC have you used before?

Was it Pill/Implant/Shot/IUD?

How would you describe your overall experience with it? Did you like it?

Pros/Cons:

jillianpardo · April 2016

Following! I'm going to look into an iud. I saw there was a 3 year one which would be perfect. I always wanted 4 kids.

LGW2015 · April 2016

I used BCP (ortho tri cyclen lo). I was on it for 10 years bc of extremely painful cramps, and I never had a problem on it. My acne improved some, and I never had any side effects, no weird hormonal stuff, etc. It did make me incredibly nauseous in the beginning so I just always took it at night right before bed and never had a problem after that. The only downsides I would foresee with BCP (unless you have bad side effects from it in which case it might take a while to find one that works for you) is that you have to remember to take it every night (which for me was almost never a problem. Once I get in the habit it stuck, and I always kept it on my bedside), and the potential wait for your cycles to regulate when coming off of it if/when you want to TTC again. But if it's going to be a while for you, then it's probably not a problem because you can just plan to come off a couple months before TTC (which is what I did).

kmalls · April 2016

We employed the super (un)reliable pullout method plus avoided the fertile window.

Maybe not do that...

LizaKate1213 · April 2016

I had the Mirena IUD after DS was born. When I was younger (age 16 to about 24) I used BCPs (tried so many) and NuvaRing but they caused me huge anxiety and some even made me rage! It was awful. I also had no sex drive on any of them. Mirena was the only one that didn't mess with my mind or sex drive. I might try the new, lower hormone IUD after this baby. I also didn't have a period the first 2.5 years on Mirena then after that it was only a couple of hours of light spotting once in a while. Oh, also, I had the copper IUD ParaGard for the first 9 months after DS but when my cycles returned the cramping and heavy bleeding were intolerable. I felt like I was in early labor and was bleeding through at least a pad or heavy tampon per hour for 3-4 days straight then would bleed moderately for another week. It was pure torture. So, yeah, Mirena or the new IUD for us.

CopperBoom86 · April 2016

I had the Mirena IUD for four years and absolutely LOVED it. For about three months after getting it, I had light spotting on and off and after that, nothing. No period for almost four years and it was glorious! I had no trouble with the IUD, whatsoever. The only minor adjustment we had to make was getting the "strings" trimmed. When I first got it, DH could feel them during sex. They're actually plastic, so you can imagine that was quite the mood killer when they jabbed him just right.

Also, it cured my acne. I had terribly painful cystic acne from age 16 to age 24, then after those three months of spotting (I assume the time it took for the low dose of hormones to really get into my system), my acne began to fade and now my skin is crystal clear.

After I had it removed last spring, my periods resumed immediately and were lighter and less painful than before I had the IUD. We were able to get pregnant after three months of trying, so it clearly didn't affect my fertility.

The only con I can think of was that implantation and removal were slightly painful (more uncomfortable than painful, really). Even so, I would highly recommend Mirena. For me, it was a fantastic, low maintenance form of BC.

ETA: Like the PP, I had lots of issues with BC pills. Yaz was the absolute worst. I was all kinds of messed up on that one. I had manic episodes and even thoughts of suicide. DH (BF at the time) and I almost broke up several times because I was such a crazy person. When I got off of it, I was depressed for a few months because I could see how insane I had been and I felt like a year of my life had been stolen. So yeah, be careful with BCPs!

dreamrunnr7 · April 2016

CopperBoom86 said:

I had the Mirena IUD for four years and absolutely LOVED it. For about three months after getting it, I had light spotting on and off and after that, nothing. No period for almost four years and it was glorious! I had no trouble with the IUD, whatsoever. The only minor adjustment we had to make was getting the "strings" trimmed. When I first got it, DH could feel them during sex. They're actually plastic, so you can imagine that was quite the mood killer when they jabbed him just right.

Also, it cured my acne. I had terribly painful cystic acne from age 16 to age 24, then after those three months of spotting (I assume the time it took for the low dose of hormones to really get into my system), my acne began to fade and now my skin is crystal clear.

After I had it removed last spring, my periods resumed immediately and were lighter and less painful than before I had the IUD. We were able to get pregnant after three months of trying, so it clearly didn't affect my fertility.

The only con I can think of was that implantation and removal were slightly painful (more uncomfortable than painful, really). Even so, I would highly recommend Mirena. For me, it was a fantastic, low maintenance form of BC.

My experience with the mirena was very similar to this, in terms of not having side effects that I had with oral BC, having no period during and a light period after, and the poking issue. I went back to the Ob for that and he was able to move it so it was no longer a problem. I got pregnant after 4 months of trying, 7 months after it was removed. It was unpleasant to put in and get out, but overall very worth it, I was very satisfied and plan to get it again!

LizaKate1213 · April 2016

@CopperBoom86, Yaz did the same thing to me! That and NuvaRing made me a complete monster. They put me on it because they believed I had PMDD (which I think was caused by the BCPs I was already on), but it made me so much worse. My entire personality has never really fully recovered as I became very self conscious afterwards of how others were perceiving me.

mothernorth · April 2016

I had a horrible experience with combo pills =/ high blood pressure, crazy brain, forgetful, panicky, my sex drive was ZERO and they completely dried up my lady bits.

I tried the mini pills and loved them, so I am thinking staying progesterone only, but maybe getting the implant so as not to worry about taking a pill at the exact same time every single day (no placebo week, only active pills). Anybody tried Nexplanon? Or any other progesterone-only options been used that you liked?

nlane0723 · April 2016

I'm only commenting so I can give my personal advice. I had to have a tubal ligation before we started IVF (my tubes have terrible scar tissue and I also have hydrosalpinges - dangerous to embryo). DO NOT DO IT, IF YOU CAN AVOID IT. My monthly cycles are HORRENDOUS now. I'm talking about Niagara falls style flow, extra long cycles, and cramps so bad they make me throw up. This is coming from someone who has a pretty high pain tolerance. Pre-tubal ligation, cycles were nothing. Short, sweet, and just another day. If I wasn't done having kids, I would just have a hysterectomy. That's how bad they are.

mothernorth · April 2016

I have heard other good things about Mirena so I'm keeping that in mind! @CopperBoom86 @dreamrunnr7

Also, not doing condoms (just doesn't feel the same!) or pull out (can't take the chance). Natural family planning I've tried and it worked but it's so high maintenance and my cycles are ridiculous and such a hassle to track. Like, 2 cycles a month. It's awful. The mini pills REALLY helped straighten me out btw!

mothernorth · April 2016

@nlane0723 Say no more, woman I'm convinced. I am So sorry you have to deal with all that madness!

MKJeffrey2002 · April 2016

kmalls said:

We employed the super (un)reliable pullout method plus avoided the fertile window.

Maybe not do that...

Yep, that's how I ended up in this bump group lol

mothernorth · April 2016

@LizaKate1213 I had been wondering about paragaurd since it's hormone free, but have heard nothing but horrible things about it. So far hearing many good things about mirena! I just don't want to go nuts and lose my sex drive.

CopperBoom86 · April 2016

AllyTheKid said:

@LizaKate1213 I had been wondering about paragaurd since it's hormone free, but have heard nothing but horrible things about it. So far hearing many good things about mirena! I just don't want to go nuts and lose my sex drive.

Just as a side note, my sex drive was unchanged with Mirena. I know it's different for everyone, but I wanted to add that because it's important to note.

LizaKate1213 · April 2016

@AllyTheKid, the Mirena did not mess with my mind or my body nearly the way any of the other hormonal methods did. My sex drive remained and my personality was not altered.

UponAStar16 · April 2016

I was on the pill for a while, about 14 years. I didn't notice weight gain like people usually complain about, and I got pretty bad cramps without it so it was fine with me.

kmalls · April 2016

MKJeffrey2002 said:

kmalls said:

We employed the super (un)reliable pullout method plus avoided the fertile window.

Maybe not do that...

Yep, that's how I ended up in this bump group lol

It actually worked for us, but that was due to a boatload of luck, I'm sure!

kmvisioli · April 2016

@kmalls we were doing the timing thing too, but clearly that did not work for us, ha.

I know some bc pills contain hormones that are not good while breastfeeding, and would guess some of the other options have the same problem. Condoms or the "mini pill" (just has some of the hormones) are the only bf safe options I know of.

Also, I can personally attest to the fact that breastfeeding will keep your period from coming back for a while but that does not mean you can't get pregnant!

LizaKate1213 · April 2016

@kmvisioli, IUDs are also safe while bf'ing. They are progesterone only like the mini pill or hormone free entirely.

AshleyGemini24 · April 2016

I used the implanon for 5 years before TTC. I absolutely loved it. Its safe for breaatfeeding. Every woma. Reqxts diffently to it. I loved mine. I onky had a period like twice a year with no sideaffects. However, my sister had it and hated it.

westcoastfoodie · April 2016

I was on Ortho Trycyclen Lo for a while for migraines, but I was young and kept forgetting to take it

I was a teenager then so it's been a while... I don't really remember much about it. When Nuva Ring came out my doctor switched me to that and loved it. It was easy, never felt it and I didn't have to take a pill every day.

I have struggled with depression my whole life and tried several different medications then finally when I switched doctors she thought to switch me to Beyaz for PMDD. It did help quite a bit and now that I'm not a teenager and can adult properly, taking a pill everyday is worth the benefits so I'll most likely go back to that.

kmvisioli · April 2016

@LizaKate1213 good to know!

KatTheGreat · April 2016

I can't say enough good things about Paragard. Cramps got worse for a couple months post insertion, flow was a little heavier, but it was amazing to use a birth control that only had a few physical effects. No weight or mood impact, and no pills to remember each day. I'll probably get another one inserted after the baby, then have it removed a couple of years later to have the next child. But if I wanted, they're good for up to ten years. The only thing that can really go wrong is during the insertion process, so make sure you have a super experienced OB or midwife insert it and that lowers your chances of complications greatly.

booksandicecream · April 2016

I had major, major cramping since getting my period but I wasn't allowed to go on the pill because Jesus until I went to college. Ortho Tricyclen Lo reduced but didn't alleviate the cramping. When I got to Germany my gynecologist decided the problem was that my pills were American

and prescribed me Zoely, which uses estradiol and nomegestrol. It almost cured my cramping! It has the downside that the hormones don't stay in your system as long so you really have to take the pill at the same time every day. Seeing as I got knocked up the week before my fertile window the first time in my life I had unprotected sex I'd say it didn't affect my fertility

vanessa11411 · April 2016

I had the Mirena IUD for about 2 years. The first year was awesome, absolutely no complaints. The second year sucked, I started getting a crazy amount of yellow/green discharge. I'd constantly go to the doctor to see if I had an infection and I never did. It finally got so bad that the IUD was doing it's job I guess. I did not want to have sex ever. I felt gross all the time with the discharge. I ended up having it removed. The plan after this LO is that DH is going to get a vasectomy.

jeng100 · April 2016

I've used the pill and the paraguard IUD, and I much preferred the IUD. Paraguard is a copper IUD, and I liked not having any hormones. I have a blood clotting mutation so I have to be careful of hormones. The only downside to it was that periods were longer and heavier. Also, when I went to remove it after having it for 2 years it has become imbedded in the uterine muscle, so it was VERY painful to remove.

Kaytee1087 · April 2016

I had 2 Mirenas between DD and this one. I loved them. Right after DD, I wanted to go back on BC. I was on the patch and I liked it, so I went back to it. Well my doc didn't tell me that it could tank my milk supply and I all but dried up. A little googling told me that it was probably my BC, so I called the office and made an appointment for Mirena. My supply never did catch back up, but it didn't get any worse.

I'm terrible at remembering to take a daily medication, so I loved Mirena. We didn't have problems with the strings, either, but I can see how that could be a potential issue if they aren't short enough.

The insertion/removal is a weird/uncomfortable feeling, but it lasts for all of 1 second, for 5 years of protection, so it's totally worth it.

KenderTas06 · April 2016

AllyTheKid said:

@LizaKate1213 I had been wondering about paragaurd since it's hormone free, but have heard nothing but horrible things about it. So far hearing many good things about mirena! I just don't want to go nuts and lose my sex drive.

I had paragaurd for about 5 years! I absolutely loved it. I had tried hormonal birth control in the past and it completely messed up my system (no sex drive and crazy mood swings). I had no side effects with the paragaurd. My periods were much heavier in the beginning but not unreasonable. They eventually leveled out. Insertion and removal was painful but I heard it's less painful after you've had children.

NoraAurora · April 2016

Yaz also made me crazy. Like...crying one minute and raging the next. And it all completely went away as soon as I realized the only thing that had changed was my bcp. The ring gave me yeast issues. So fun. I really loved Junel, and was on it for about 9 years with no issue...except I did notice that when I went off BCP for TTC, my sex drive improved lots.

I would recommend the mini pill only if you BF (keep in mind that while you may PLAN to BF now, plans don't always work out!) and only if you set a daily timer on your phone to remind you to take your pill. Those newborn days are brutal and all kinds of everything will absolutely get forgotten.

I believe implanon (or nexplanon?) uses the same hormones as the mini pill. That would be my #1 choice, as you don't have to remember to take anything - and I'd rather have someone remove the implant from my forearm as opposed to having to make an office visit to remove it from my ute. Plus I've only heard about ten thousand horror stories about IUDs failing, shifting, doctors being unable to remove them in simple office visits, etc and I just don't want to deal with that shit.

Feeling REALLY excited that DH is getting snipped after this baby (however he has now changed vasectomy date from "a month or two after baby is born" to "maybe after she turns one." Ugh....).

mothernorth · April 2016

I'm happy to be hearing good things about paragaurd now!

queen_frostine · April 2016

Umm... condoms? Worked for us. I was on BCPs for many years but I think they either had negative effects or it could have been just my PCOS, or the combination, but I'm not doing that again. I'm just better without anything in my system (and no way could I personally stand an IUD - I can't even stand to use tampons.)

jillianpardo · April 2016

@NoraAurora the shifting and not being able to remove has been my biggest fear with getting an iud. We have been pulling and praying. Three kids later we are both ready for something.

I like the idea of the copper vs hormonal. I definitely need something that I don't have to remember to take. Nuvaring was fine for me but I don't think I want to even mess with that.

emt87 · April 2016

I had a Mirena iud for 5 years, and agree with all of the good things others have said. After the first few months I no longer had a period, until the last few months when I would have light spotting for a day or two. I also loved the fact that I didn't have to ever think about my birth control, or remember to take a pill every day. I am planning to get another Mirena after this baby.

von1976 · April 2016

I can't do hormonal birth control. Not only does it make me weepy and crazy, but I'm more prone to blood clots than most so it's safer that I stay away from it. We used condoms prior to baby #1. We want more children and I'm not getting any younger, so we probably will not use anything and if it happens--great. If we did want to avoid baby #2, I'd opt for the paraguard if I didn't want to stick with condoms.

anna.oskar · April 2016

I am getting the Depo shot before I leave the hospital with the baby. I had phenomenal luck with it for years! No period at all, no mood swings, just lovely no-surprise-pregnancy life

von1976 · April 2016

@anna.oskar I don't know your plans, but just as an FYI--they don't recommend Depo right after birth if you plan to breastfeed.

anna.oskar · April 2016

von1976 said:

@anna.oskar I don't know your plans, but just as an FYI--they don't recommend Depo right after birth if you plan to breastfeed.

Curious. I shall have to further my research then. My doc recommended it but now I AM seeing the "wait 6 weeks" recommendation.

Thanks!

kmolleltz · April 2016

The main form of birth control here is implanon and I think thats what I will do.

MRSCORKER · April 2016

I'm so worried about my cycles being messed up going off of BC. I got really lucky and had textbook 28 day cycles right away this time but you hear horror stories about annovulatory cycles and it taking a year or more. On the other hand, I really miss my beautiful BCP skin. If I do anything I'll prob go back on ortho LO. I tried the seasonique kind once and it made me spiral into major anxiety. I couldn't function, go to work, nothing. I was basically in the fetal position for a week before I realized what was going on. Now I'm hesitant to try any other forms of BCP besides the one I know works for me.

simcal18 · April 2016

Uggggh. I have no idea what we're going to do. I used BCP for the first three years of my relationship with DH, as well as a couple of short-term stints beforehand to regulate some cycle wonkiness, and I never had any issues with it. But I'm worried about it interfering with breastfeeding. Plus, since I'm hitting my mid-30s and we'll likely be trying for #2 once this baby hits 2, I'm a little bit concerned about it messing with my cycle when I need to come off it. The idea of an IUD skeeves me out a bit and doesn't seem to be the right solution given that we'll be looking for relatively short-term BCP.

I'm guessing we'll wind up using a combination of FAM and condoms until we're ready to TTC again. I actually enjoy tracking my cycles so it doesn't feel like a burden to me, and if we slip up and wind up having #2 a little sooner than anticipated, so be it.

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