Advice needed: back on pill, or try IUD?
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 10-11-2006 - 10:07am |
Hi, everyone! I could use some advice. I was on the pill (Ortho-Cept and then Ortho-Cyclen) for about 11 years. I decided earlier this year to stop taking the pill, at least for a while. Overall, my experience on the pill was great. My periods were regular, I didn't have bad cramps, no weight gain, etc. Unfortunately, I was getting a bad headache or two during my period, and I felt like my sex drive was becoming non-existent. So I've been off the pill since February. The headaches are less frequent, and I feel like my libido has returned.
But now the "thrill" of using condoms with my husband has worn off (and it really was kind of fun for a while, trying out different kinds of condoms), and I'm ready to get back to a spontaneous sex life. I told my doctor I'd like to explore other options besides the pill, because I'm concerned about the libido issue, but that I'd also like to avoid messing with my hormones too much, since my mother finally had to stop taking the pill in her 30s because of menstrual migraines, and I'm afraid I'm heading that way. He recommended Mirena.
I'm not sure whether I should go with Mirena or go back on the pill. After I tried to switch to Seasonale a while back, I learned that it's very important to me to have regular, predictable periods. I get that with the pill, but I also get the occasional headache and the lowered sex drive. I'm just afraid to make the leap to the IUD since (1) I don't really know what to expect and (2) it's not as easy to stop as the pill is.
I'm at a place where I'm thinking the devil I know is better than the devil I don't. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Thanks for any advice you can give!

Amie
Hi emily_jd, welcome!
Jill
I just thought I'd share my experience as well... I've used the pill and both types of IUDs (Minera and paragard). So far for me, paragard wins, hands down. Personally, I love being hormone free, it is the best I've felt while using any form of BC.
I guess my periods are a little longer now with pargard (7 days); however it is hard to compare since I've been on BC most of my adult life, so I don't really know what it would be like without paragard or hormones. My libido is definitely stronger now than it ever was when I used hormonal BC (including when I used Minera).
As far as what the other poster said about the cost of the IUD, well, if you have insurance it can actually be the cheapest method out there. Personally I paid just $10 copay one time when I went in for the insertion and that is it. With pills I would have paid at least $10 a month. However, even if I had paid the full price of the IUD (about $400) it lasts for 10 years, which is less than the $1200 I would pay in copays for the pill in that same time frame.
Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose!
It seems like you've got some great advice already but I thought I'd respond...it seems like it comes down to how annoyed with the hormones you are. Are you willing to give Yas/Yasmin or NuvaRing a shot, or want to go straight to the IUD, whether it be the Mirena or Paragard? Migraines are not unheard of to get on Mirena as well, fyi. You may want to consider the Paragard if your natural periods are not too heavy/crampy, but it's something to talk about with your doctor. Trying out hormonal methods take a few months in your system to adjust to as well, so that would take time and could lead to frustration, but would be cheaper to try out.
If you get regular periods when you are cycling naturally, once your body adjusted to the IUD you would most likely have them again, but they would be shorter or longer and lighter or heavier depending on what type you got.
I had to go off the pill because it interfered with my medications and I wasn't protected. I had to choose whether to keep taking it for the sake of short and regular periods and use condoms, or get an IUD and be protected. I opted for the Paragard. The turning point for me though was when my periods started getting longer and longer on the pill due to the drug interactions. Probably would have gotten the Paragard eventually though.
Hope you find something that works!
I just wanted to say that so far I've loved the Mirena IUD. I was on the pill for six years and got married more than a year ago. I discovered that I have a genetic gene disorder that put me at more risk of blood clots, so my doctor suggested that maybe I try the Mirena now that I was married and was not planning on having children for a few years. I was very hestitant to do it... but am now very happy with my decision.
The main things I like about the Mirena: (1) Cheaper... I was paying $420 a year for birth control pills. For the Mirena, I paid a one time co-pay of $130 and it is good for five years. (2) I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day. (3) The progesterin in Mirena is released directly into the uterus, so I don't feel the effects of the hormones like I would if it were in pill form. (4) I love the spontenaety of sex with my husband. (5) My periods are further apart and much much lighter. I only need a pantyliner! No pads or tampons!
What I don't like about the Mirena: (1) The insertion hurt very very much. But that could have just been because I've never had children. (2) My pre-birth control acne has come back. I do not believe the Mirena is causing my acne. I had acne problems before I started on the pill, which the pill then controlled... but now I'm no longer taking those hormones, so the acne has returned.
The fact of the matter with an IUD is that even if you end up not liking it... you can have it removed! But I'd give it a try. It's a great long-term method and very convient and cost-effective!