Birth control problem

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2004
Birth control problem
3
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 11:21am
Due to health problems I can't take hormones. DH is slightly alleric to condoms, but can use them a couple times a month without problems. I'm slightly alleric to spermacides, but can handle some. I'm trying to lose weight so I don't want to try the diaphram or cap. So for now we're using condoms and post ovulation method (meaning we only have sex with condoms on our safe days.) I smuggled the sponge in from Canada to try, but I'm nervous because it's not as effective.

The more recent problem is why I'm writing. My periods have been weird lately. There has been a lot of mucus with the blood, almost like ovulation, just less of it then at ovulation. How possible is it that I could be ovulating twice a month? If this is the case then I feel like there are no safe days to have sex. DH and I are going to have him get a vasectomy, but we want to wait a little while longer before we do it (ie maybe next Spring or Summer,) so I don't want an IUD.

HELP!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 3:08pm
I did a lot of research on this when the study came out on multiple ovulations. Everything that I've learned has confirmed that you will either ovulate once a month, or ovulate again 24 hours later. It can't happen a week later. If you were ovulating during your period, and then again 2 weeks later, you'd be bleeding every 2 weeks because once you ovulate, your period is on its way 2 weeks later. In the study there were I believe 2 women who ovulated more than once more than 24 hours apart, but these women had abnormal, INFERTILE cycles. I wrote to the billings ovulation method people for info on this and they sent me a letter from a professor emeritus somebody or other about the study. If you want to read it I can forward it on. And the new edition of Taking Charge of Your Fertility also agrees with this.

You really don't need to worry, especially since you are using condoms post-ovulation! Once you get a temp rise and wait until the 4th day, the egg is dead and gone and the progesterone will keep you from ovulating again. If you're still really worried you could limit yourself even more and only have sex on dry days post-ovulation. I don't think you need to, but if you're going to drive yourself crazy with worry it might be worth it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 8:58pm
Hi kmt1313, welcome!

If DH is allergic to latex you could try polyurethane condoms. Two brands are, Avanti and Trojan Supra.

I agree with iposh, the only way you will know when you ovulate is to chart your fertile signs, basal body temperature, cervical position and cervical fluid. The temperature shift should identify when you ovulate. A very good book on the menstrual cycle and charting is Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility. When did you have your last pelvic? If you are cycling naturally and are seeing abundant cervical fluid throughout your cycle you might want to have your doctor check it out. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2004
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 9:17am
I plan on buying taking charge of your fertility. I've read about the billings method but didn't know that a second ovulation would be within 24 hours, thanks!! I chart with cervical fluid. It's VERY obvious when I ovulate!! I also get very moody a day or so before I ovulate and sometimes get a twinge (only when it's from the right ovary.)

I called my gyn and she said that more then blood comes out during a period and not to worry about it.

So as for the Sponge, we'll do a test run to see if I'm allergic to it before we actually use it. I'll insert it for practice and leave it in for a few hours to see what happens.

I can't wait to not have to use condoms as often!!!! Jill, DH is only slightly allergic, so if we don't do it every day he's fine. We really like the Lifestyles Xtra pleasure condoms. They don't irritate him and it's less like wearing one, plus they don't smell rubbery like the trojans.