Vasectomy backup?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2007
Vasectomy backup?
8
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 8:42pm

My fiance just got a vasectomy last weekend. I was on Nuvaring for a couple years and it was great except that it totally zapped my libido. Now I'm worrying about whether or not I should get a backup method. I know that vasectomies are extremely successful, I'm just kinda paranoid.

If a backup method is recommended, what should I use? I don't want to go back on the ring because it would be nice to have a sex drive back again. I'm considering one of the low dose pills, an IUD, or the mini pill. An IUD appeals to me because I've historically been bad about taking pills everyday, I just don't know if it's really necessary. So, I'm wondering if anyone here recommends a backup method or if I'm worrying needlessly.

Thanks for any help!

-Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 9:00pm

Well there is a waiting period after a vasectomy before it's definitely "taken". I assume he has to go back to have it checked that there are no swimmers left at some point. After that point there really is no reason to use another method. Until then condoms are the preferred method since it's short term.

If you are interested in another form of birth control I have the Mirena IUD, I know a few other ladies do to and we'll all answer any questions you have.

-Mel




Edited 3/20/2007 9:00 pm ET by lola_spencer

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-16-2007
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 9:06pm

I can totally relate to wanting a backup; I've got a good track record with taking my Pill correctly, but wanted to find a backup method just in case.

I spoke with a nurse practitioner here at school today about backup options and just felt SO much better talking to somebody who was well-versed in these things. She gave me some vaginal contraceptive film and the Today sponge to try, since my boyfriend and I are in a very monogamous relationship and STDs are not an issue for us. Have you considered these options? They both cover the cervix, and contain Nonoxynol-9 (spermicide), which would kill any remaining sperm in the ejactulatory fluid. I haven't tried them myself yet, but if anybody else on the board has any thoughts on them, I would be curious to hear about your experiences.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 03-20-2007 - 10:02pm

Hi sot_fille, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2007
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 8:26am

Oops! Guess I should have been more clear. We will be using condoms until he is certified "sperm free" so I'm considering something as a backup more long term. Because of that, the IUD isn't as expensive (especially considering I've been paying $50 a month for the ring for two years).

The procedure was done as you described. I think it's just throwing me for a loop that I'm don't have to worry about the birth control thing anymore and I feel like I should be doing something.

Thanks all for your help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 8:35am

Enjoy that you don't have to worry about it :D That's the joy of the big V.

Once your fiance is "free and clear" There really is no reason to use another method. That said it still sounds like you're interested in the IUD.

I have the Mirena IUD. It was inserted after I had my son at my 6 week check up. If you don't have any children I've heard it's slightly more painful to have put in then if you have had kids. It was uncomfortable to have done but not painful for me. I had cramping and spotting off and one for a couple of days, nothing an ibuprofen couldn't handle. I had one period and since I haven't had one at all. I have occasional spotting though, and that's common for 6 months or so even. It's not enough to really interfere with anything but I have to wear a panty liner most days for it. I love that I don't have to remember to take something every day. The only down side is that if you are really paranoid about being pregnant it can annoy you that your period may not be regular, or have one at all. It inhibits ovulation in some (but not all women) so sometimes you have a period and sometimes you don't. An IUD stops implantation not fertilization in most women.

If you have questions I didn't answer feel free to ask away.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 1:29pm

Hi Lola, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 5:33pm

thanks for the info. that's interesting because that's not what my doctor told me.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 11:14pm

I've talked to a number of doctors who are working on outdated or incorrect

Judie Cl for Birth Control