options for bc after a vas reversal (m).

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2003
options for bc after a vas reversal (m).
5
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 1:46pm
Okay the situation is the following; dh and I have 3 healthy children, we experienced an unplanned pg last yr with subsequent m/c, dh had a vas done without any thought other than he wanted no more kids. Anyway to get to the point he is having serious post vasectomy pain syndrome, he is almost 1 yr post vasectomy and it hurts every time we are intimate so he is wanting to have a reversal for the pain issues not to have more kids (note; I would like another but that is another story). My dh doesn't trust an IUD what options are there for us when he has his vasectomy reversed??? NOTE; I do not want to have tubal ligation (I have researched that issue and do not want to be sterilized). I have tried bcp in past have had some side effects on the lo dose progesterone pills, condoms are absolutely out of the question. Any suggestions for us????


Thanks, Anita

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 2:51pm

Hi Anita,


So sorry to hear about your hubby's troubles with the vasectomy!

`
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 3:07pm
Hi Anita, welcome!

There are pros and cons to all methods of contraception. It’s a shame the DH has a problem with IUDs as they are as effective as TLs. I don’t know how many brands of oral contraceptives you tried but there are a great many combination (estrogen and progestin) pills, one of which may be right for you. And there are the new low maintenance combined hormones methods Ortho Evra (the patch) http://www.orthoevra.com/ and NuvaRing (the Ring). http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp

As far as other available methods, have you considered Depo Provera? It is very effective, low maintenance and many women do well on it, however there can sometimes be harsh side effects. Another, but slightly less effective, method a diaphragm, might work well for you. A diaphragm requires being fitted by a medical practitioner and the discipline to use it correctly and consistently. A properly fitted and correctly used diaphragm can be as effective as condoms. If you are interested in learning more about diaphragms look at the FAQs on the Board webpage http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-judie_rae/id1.html I hope that DF will have a successful operation and you find an effective method of contraception that works well for you.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 6:41pm
I am curious as to why your husband doesn't trust the IUD - for pregnancy prevention or safety? It is too bad that he is against it because the IUD is extremely effective (as effective as a tubal, as another poster mentioned) and it is ideally suited to women who have had at least one child and are in a monogamous relationship. Most people have misconceptions about how IUDs work (they actually work mainly by preventing fertilization) and how safe they are (the problems with infection and infertility were associated with the use of a poorly designed IUD that is no longer made). I have tried several different birth control methods and the IUD was by far the best, in my opinion. If you are at all interested, I would be happy to give you more details about IUDs.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 10:00pm
I feel for you, believe me....

My husband has experienced pain since his vasectomy a year ago March. Fortunately, his seems to be improving, and is no longer a daily issue. It was pretty bad for a while there. Has your husband seen a doctor & been examined (ultrasound) to see if there is anything that can be done, short of trying a reversal? From our research, there are things that can be done that might help, and still leave him sterile.

As to what birth control to try, I really can't help you, I don't know WHAT we would try if he hadn't had the vasectomy - I expect tubal ligation would have been high on the list since we KNOW we don't want children (in fact, we were so paranoid about birth control at the time that if it wasn't such invasive surgery for me my husband kept talking about us BOTH getting fixed at the time he had the vasectomy).

Sorry I can't be of more help, I just wanted you to know there are people out there who feel your pain!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Wed, 06-09-2004 - 9:22am
My husband had a vasectomy in February and fortunately has not had any pain at all. He said the first few days he was just sore. If for some reason I would have to use a form of birth control I would go with the copper-T IUD. It is hormone-free and last up to 10 years. If that didnt work out then I would have a tubal. I, like you, prefer not to have surgery, so that would be my last resort. The other posters gave some great and thorough advice. Just thought you might like my 2 cents. Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

Josie