debating over the pill vs. IUD
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| Wed, 08-09-2006 - 3:44am |
Hi,
I've been reading through the boards here and they've been quite helpful, so I thought I'd throw out my personal debate for consideration:
I'm 21, soon to be a college grad with a sweet and wonderful grad student boyfriend. I'm in school until the end of January, at which point I'll be moving up to DC to *finally* be with my boy (yay!). I've been looking into different kinds of BC, and based on what I've read a Mirena IUD sounds really good- easy to manage, fairly inexpensive, low side effects. However, at my gyno appt my dr gave me a flyer for Tri-Levlen, with a deal where it costs only $13 a month.
So...since I have a few months before I would actually need BC for its intended purpose, I was hoping to start trying something out soon, to see how I react to it, giving me time to make adjustments if needed. I am really worried about libido loss, weight gain, moodiness, and other side effects from birth control, but I don't know if I'd be able to get an IUD because I've never had a baby (and have NO plans to do so!). I am also worried about cost, because as a student I don't have a lot of income and my future insurance coverage and dr availabily is uncertain (esp. since I'm moving). I don't know that I would be able to afford another pill if Tri-Levlen didn't work.
What do people think about Tri-Levlen (a.k.a. Triphasil)? Any advice on what time to take it? I am a night owl but I don't usually get up/go to bed at the same time every day. I feel like the IUD would be easier, but I am willing to give the pill a try if I can be convinced that the side effects really aren't that bad.
Sorry this is so long...I'd ask a friend or somebody for advice, but I'm quite shy in person, and most of my closest friends happen to be the traditional Christian type who would be scandalized by such talk. ;) Thank you all, hopefully your advice will help me make a decision.
Peace,
J.C.

Hi there!
Hi JC,
If you're still in college and not in a monogamous (aka. married) relationship, I'd avoid the IUD until you are.
The pill will be perfect for you.
The IUD costs about $800 to have inserted... granted over those five years of protection, it is cheaper than the pill. But its a lot for a college student to pay for all at once.
The IUD also increases the chance of vaginal infections... which is why it's advised a woman be in a monogamous long term relationship... and with a college boyfriend, you just never know.
Plus, I think you'll have a hard time finding a doctor willing to insert the IUD for you at this point in your life.
So I think the pills the way to go in college! Good luck!
megan
I disagree with one thing here ... I am in a monogamous *unmarried* relationship and I am a recent college grad. My doctor knows my sexual history, and I am STD-free, as is my boyfriend, so I am considered a candidate for an IUD, although a young one. (I am 23, he is 22.)
Megan is right, though, lots of doctors won't give you the IUD unless you are older, have already had kids, or both. So if you decide you want the IUD, it might be hard to find a doctor who will give it to you. And even if you do, you will have to wait for STD tests to come back (and they need to be negative) before you can get it, so that will be extra money. The actual IUD costs about $500, plus whatever your doctor will charge to insert it, although my doctor only charges for the IUD, not for insertion. Also, I was told you need to be having your period when it's inserted, so it takes some prior planning.
Good luck with your decision!