Post-Pregnancy Birth Control

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Post-Pregnancy Birth Control
5
Fri, 06-18-2004 - 11:00pm
I am currently 7 months pregnant with my first child. I am now in the process of researching birth control methods for after his birth. I am not a good pill taker, and often bled through various forms of BCP. I became pregnant on the patch, and my new weight doesn't make the patch a recommended form of BC. I seem to now be favoring an IUD, but my physician stated that he hasn't inserted one since the eighties, and is unfamiliar with inserting the newer styles. This statement made me a bit nervous about the IUD. Can anyone who uses/has used this form of BC give me feedback? I found another local doctor who inserts them, but would like more info before I consult him. (as in how long after pregnancy can they be inserted, side effects, etc.) I'd appreciate it. Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 9:29am
There are two types of IUD's available in the US Paragard (copper) and Mirena (with low level hormones). The Mirena lasts 5 years and the Paragard 10 years or sooner if you chose to take them out early. The Mirena actual reduces or eliminates periods with time, the paragard tends to make periods a little heavier. In either case the first few months you will probably experience more painful heavier periods until your body adjusts.

I believe they can insert an IUD soon after giving birth provided your uterus is shrinking as it should. Check out the prescribing info on the websites.

www.mirena.com and www.paragard.com

I have had my Paragard IUD for a little over a month and love it so far. It is very low maintance, which I love.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 10:04am
IUDs are becoming more and more popular. They are a great method of birth control - they are as effective as sterilization yet reversible, they are the most cost effective method available to women, and they require minimal maintenance (check for strings once a month). It is recommended that you wait until 6 weeks postpartum, as this will reduce your chances of perforation and expulsion. Try to find a doctor who has done many insertions. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of infection, perforation and expulsion is to have the IUD placed by an experienced doctor. I had a copper IUD and loved it. It did make my periods a little heavier and crampier, but it was still the best method of birth control I've ever used. Let us know if you have any more questions.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 2:36pm
I have never had an IUD but I do know about post-pregnancy birth control(I have 2 children). When I gave birth to my second child, my dr suggested an IUD but I didnt know much about them and didnt think of asking questions (right after childbirth your mind is spinning anyway!). I now wish I would have gone with the IUD. I remember my dr saying it could be inserted right then since the cervix would still be open and the uterus still large. Insertion would not have been uncomfortable. Others here can tell you more about side effects, ect. I was just letting you know about the post-pregnancy advantage. If you decide to go with an oral contraceptive or anything hormonal (not sure if the Mirena IUD fits here since the progestin is so low), wait at least six weeks before you start. You body is in the post-pregnancy mode. At this time it is "easing" back into not being pregant so your body will still "act" pregnant for a time. By this I mean the pregnancy hormones that are slowly leaving your body will still be keeping your blood clotting mechanism in overdrive. During pregnancy your body is preparing for child birth so that when you do deliver you arent likely to hemmorage. The extra hormones could pose a problem. I know this because my dr told me this, and I have a friend who got the depo shot right after childbirth and developed a clot a few months later. Its been 10 years and she still has to take blood thinners. Hope this helps and I hope others here have more to add. Best wishes on the upcoming birth of your baby!

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 2:58pm
"It is recommended that you wait until 6 weeks postpartum, as this will reduce your chances of perforation and expulsion."

Hmm. My dr never mentioned that and of course since I didnt go that route I wouldnt know. But anyway, it could happen due to the uterus contracting after pregnancy to get back to normal size. And also if you breastfeed your uterus will continue to contract. Check with the dr who will do the insertion on these statistics. It may happen but then it may be rare; I dont really know.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 06-19-2004 - 6:42pm
www.mirena.com

Check out that website.I have an IUD.I love it.I went from very heavy periods (using a double pack of kotex overnights each month) to now I just spot a few days each month (now I use a few ultra thin pantiliners each month)....Insertion wasn't too terribly awful but it wasn't comfy either.I felt lots of pressure.I cramped some afterwards but ibuprofen took care of it.The first few months my periods were heavier and sometimes lasted 2 weeks (and were 2 weeks apart).But after 3 months things settled back to normal.All of these side effects are common.The IUD was put in on the 4th day of my cycle-different drs will put it in on different days for different reasons....I had to pay for it upfront myself ($400+) and be paid back by my insurance company.All in all I'm happy and when it's time to get another one I plan on doing that.The Mirena's good for 5 years.I'd see about using a different dr after what your dr said though...good luck!


Edited 6/19/2004 6:45 pm ET ET by mrs_frazier