Looking for safe long term-permanent BC.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2003
Looking for safe long term-permanent BC.
5
Tue, 09-28-2004 - 1:22pm
I'm not sure if my DH would agree to a vasectomy or not? I'd rather him have that than for me to go in for a tubal... but what other long term or permanent BC are out there? I asked about getting my tubes tied during the C-section, but was told that it was a catholic hospital & they aren't allowed to perform that procedure there.

I just had my 4th baby & due to the complications of delivery via emergency c-section, it's not advised for me to become pregnant again & if I did, there is a strong chance of my uterus rupturing (possibly even before the baby would be able to be born).

Anyway, baby is only 10 days old, but I'd like to have some info & options to speak w/ my OB/GYN when I go back at 6 weeks.

Thanks!

-Bonnie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Tue, 09-28-2004 - 9:28pm
Hi Bonnie!

My husband was not hip to the idea of having a vasectomy but after alot of research, we both decided it was the best route to take. Now, he says hes glad he did it. For him, the procedure was a breeze. Maybe you could go through the info together.

Also, an IUD might be a good option. There is excellent info in the FAQ section here.

Hope this helps!

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 12:29am
As far as permanent birth control goes, your options are a vasectomy (less expensive, less invasive, recovery time is shorter, but have to deal with unhappy husband), a tubal ligation (more expensive, more invasive, longer recovery time, possible complications, unhappy you...), and Essure. Essure is an outpatient procedure where a flexible coil is inserted into each fallopian tube through the vagina and cervix, there's no incision. Over the next 3-4 months, scar tissue grows around the coil and should block the fallopian tube. This is verified with dye, I believe, about 3-4 months after the procedure. Most women are back to work the day following.

Unfortunately, none of these methods is 100% effective, nothing is. I believe the failure rates for tubals and vasectomies are about the same, Essure is about as effective but may be a little less (don't quote me, I haven't seen the stats in a long time!).

An IUD is a very effective form of long-term birth control, but is not permanent. I'm wondering, with your uterine issue, if that would make you a less favorable IUD candidate, but that's a question for your doctor anyway.

I know a bunch of guys that have had vasectomies, and nobody is complaining about them. I think happyjusttwo's husband may have some discomfort (if I remember right), but without speaking for her, they seem to be happy with it. One justification that I heard was that it was the least he could do after his wife gave birth to their kids and dealt with birth control for years, it was his contribution.

I'm not sure if that helps, but that at least gets you something to start from. Good luck! Let us know if you have other questions...

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 12:43am
I've had the mirena IUD for over a year now and love it.I too had very major complications with last pregnancy and have to be careful until my health improves.The IUD is good for 5 years.The website has good info...good luck

www.mirena.com/

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 9:04am
On the effectiveness rates, vasectomies are 99.9%, tubal ligation is 99.5%, and Essure is listed as 99.8%, although there have not been any reported pregnancies from any women who use Essure and were told that their tubes were completely blocked.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 10:23am
Yes, my husband still has a bit of lingering pain, but it isn't constant & it seems to be getting less. He does agree that "the outcome is worth it". We both prefer how my body is without hormones & it is a MUCH easier procedure than a tubal.

Many couples decide that it is something HE can do, since SHE has been dealing with pills, etc., often childbirth (in our case terminating an unexpected pill pregnancy). I sort of feel that way, but I also feel that you have to do what is right for YOU (as a couple). My husband offered, & I was thrilled to accept! I never would have pressured him to do it, that's for sure.