Birth Control for Newly Married Couple

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Birth Control for Newly Married Couple
11
Thu, 05-27-2004 - 12:52pm
I recently got married and want to try a new method of birth control. We have previously used condoms, but I think that I may be allergic to the latex and I don't like how they can "interrupt" the moment. I've been on the pill also, but I don't like the idea of messing with hormones in my body, therefore, I don't like the idea of the patch, ring or shot either. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Thu, 05-27-2004 - 1:00pm
I just wanted to know why you don't like to "mess" with the hormones in your body? Did you have a bad experience? You could try to use OTC spermicides. You are more likely to get pregnant by just using that. Let me know what you decide to do.

Hugs and good luck

Jaime
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Thu, 05-27-2004 - 3:18pm
How about an IUD? They are very safe, very effective and don't require daily attention. They are the most cost effective reversible method of contraception, lasting 5-10 years depending on type. The copper IUD contains no hormones and may increase bleeding and cramping with your period. The hormonal IUD releases a very small amount of hormone which helps decrease pain and bleeding, and stops periods altogether in about 20% of women. Let me know if you are interested or have any concerns or questions. I had a copper IUD and LOVED it. Good luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Thu, 05-27-2004 - 5:21pm
I also have a copper IUD. I didn't like the side effects of hormones and I wanted to be more natural, I don't like the idea of messing with hormones either. Without hormones the options are limited. I wasn't sure that a barrier method was right for me, they require spermaside which I react badly to. I chose the copper IUD since I don't have to remember it, and I just check to see if it is there once a month. I am expecting my first period with it in a couple of weeks. I was had light periods before so I am hopping the heavier bleeding won't be bad.

Let me know if you would like more information on the IUD and my experience.

-Audra

P.S. Congrads on the marriage!! I am planning a Spring '05 wedding.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 10:12am
Wow! This is my first time here and you all are so supportive! I am so happy! It's great to hear from real people with real experiences. I have considered the IUD, but I'd read that it needs to be surgically inserted and that it can be uncomfortable and also cause a lot of bleeding. Is there any truth to this? Thank you so much for your insight! Congratulations on your engagement also!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 10:17am
Hi Jaime~

I didn't have a bad experience with the pill but after reading up on side-effects and all that I just decided I wanted something more natural. I've heard a lot about IUD and am looking more thoroughly into that. Thanks for the suggestion of spermicides!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 10:22am
I've heard so many people suggesting IUDs. Is the increase in cramping and bleeding extreme? I have cramping now and would hate for it to increase significantly. Also, did you notice any discomfort and spotting? Thanks so much for your insight! I appreciate it immensely!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 5:36pm
I am interested in the experiences with the copper IUD as well. What exactly does it do? I haven't researched it at all. But you all have peaked my curiosity. I have been considering getting off the pill for awhile, and this may be a nice alternative.

Does an IUD help regulate your cycle, like the pill does?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 5:57pm
IUDs affect different women differently. Most women can expect an increase in bleeding with the copper IUD, although I know someone on this board who actually experienced a decrease. Before I got a copper IUD, I had moderately heavy bleeding and moderate cramping. After the IUD, my period tended to be heavier on the first day, but after that it wasn't much different. The cramps were not much worse in intensity, but I seemed to have them longer (a couple days rather than just the first day of my period). I got into the habit of taking ibuprofen whenever the cramps got annoying and it totally took care of them. It also helped decrease my bleeding as well. I didn't have any spotting and there was no discomfort except when my body was trying to expel the IUD. Let me know if you have any futher questions. You can check out www.paragardiud.com, too.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 6:15pm
An IUD is placed inside the uterus through a small opening (the cervix) via the vagina. (kind of like getting a pap smear). There is no surgery involved, and it can be done right in the doctor's office in a matter of minutes. Once inserted, IUDs last for 5 or 10 years (5 for hormonal, 10 for copper). IUDs work mainly by preventing fertilization. The exact mechanism by which they do this is not known, but they seem to kill or damage the sperm, making them unable to fertilize an egg. If fertilization were to occur (rare), then the IUD also works by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The copper IUD does not regulate your cycle at all, because it contains no hormones. The hormonal IUD does not regulate your cycle like the pill, because it releases only a small, steady amount of hormone (whereas the pill gives you a higher dose of hormones for three weeks, followed by a week without hormones that results in withdrawal bleeding). Most women using the hormonal IUD still ovulate and cycle regularly, but the local effects of the hormone on the uterus cause the lining to be thinner, which often results in less bleeding (or no bleeding at all). You can check out www.mirena.com (hormonal) and www.paragardiud.com (copper) for more details.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Fri, 05-28-2004 - 10:54pm
Insertion didn't hurt, it was like really bad cramps for a couple of minutes. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. After 1 day I was back to normal. You doctor can help you decide which IUD is right for you. I went to a women's heath center, were they had do a lot of this, they had tons of information for me and were happy to answer questions. I also checked out the websites for both. They both say the IUD is for women that have had children, but many doctors will do it anyway. There is a higher risk that you will expell the IUD if you haven't had children.

Good Luck with your decision.

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