IUD help!
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| Sat, 03-03-2007 - 2:17pm |
Anyone have an advice/information on this?
We are done having kids & are looking for a really reliable method of birth control. I've been on the pill for 9 months & have had to switch 3 times (complications - major mood swings, numbness in my limbs, big time weight gain)
My GYN told me yesterday that I am just not a candidate for hormonal contraceptives (rules out the patch, the pill, injections, IUD with hormones, and the Vaginal ring)
I am also not able to have surgical sterilization (tubal) because of previous surgeries.
That leaves Husband having a vascetomy (he's fine with that - we've just had 3 different friends who got pregnant years after having one), condoms (not effective enough for me) Diaphragm (only 94% effective), Cervical Cap (only 84% effective) and an IUD.
My DR. is recommending the IUD (ParaGard T380A) I don't know anyone who has one & was hoping for some advice. I know that it lasts for up to 10 years & is 99% effective with no hormones.
Thanks : )

I only have the IUD with hormones (Mirena). It was uncomfortable to have inserted and then there is some cramping bleeding afterward. I've had some spotting off and on since I had it put in (a month ago) and that's normal for even 6 months. With the one I have having your period lighten up or stop all together happens to a lot of women. The hormones are localized so a lot of women that can't handle hormones from the pill or shot can use it. Did your gyno tell you why you couldn't use something with localized hormones?
I'd talk to the doctor about your husband having a vasectomy and having it done for him. It's really rare to get pregnant after having it done if he goes in for the check up to make sure there are no live sperm afterward. Find out exactly what kind of vasectomy they had done, some doctors take out a piece of the tubes so there is less of a chance of regrowth.
-Mel
I had the Paragard inserted last September. It was uncomfortable, but I was able to drive myself home afterwards. I just got done giving DD breastmilk, so my periods have been irregular since I had her. I just got done with one, and it lasted about 4 good days of flo and a couple of days spotting before and after. It is a couple days longer than before and a bit heavier flow than before. But, I didn't want to use any more hormones as I'm 40 and also wanted to have a reliable method to use to get me through menopause (runs early in my family). Have you checked out the Paragard website? It had a lot of good info on it when I was researching it.
HTH
Sallie