Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I'm in a predicament. I've had migraines since JHS and have been on the pill since HS. When trying for DC #1, I found out I had mild PCOS and went on metformin. During that time and during my pregnancy, i did not have a single migraine. Thought it was a fluke. But this time, as soon as I went on the metformin, I had no more migraines again. After DC#2 arrives, I don't want to go back on BCP and want to stay on the metformin to regulate my periods and get rid of the migraines (I used to have like 2 a week and now none!!!). So I'm considering the options afterward. I've only done some minor research, but I was curious what other people have chosen, why and how it's affected them.

1. Tubes tied: I'm considering this. This is going to be our last child and I'm having a c/s so I was thinking of having it done at the same time. But it just seems so permanent...ya know? I know that they can grow back, but how often does that really happen? If you had this, were there any side effects? Hormonal shifts or anything?

2. Mirena: I see this as a long term option, but it says it puts out a low dose of hormones and I don't know if that will work with me trying to get rid of the migraines. Any insight? I also read that a tampon can pull it out? How likely is this? Can you really feel that it's in place well on your own?

3. IUD: Not particularly familiar with this one. Like the Mirena but without the hormone, right? Same problems as Mirena? How often does this have to be replaced? Use tampons easily? Can you feel it's in right?

4. Anything else you can recommend, besides diaphragms and condoms?

I haven't spoken to my doc yet cause I wanted some real life experiences versus just what he tells me. I can't go back to having so many migraines with two little kids, so any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I use the Paraguard IUD - it's non-hormonal. BCP's and anything else with artificial hormones give me MASSIVE migraines.

I've had it in since November with no problems, BUT... my periods are ridiculously heavy for a good 4 days. TMI, but they're heavy to the point where I can't even put a tampon in because it won't stay.

Aside from that, though, I love it! (and so does DH! )

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

Posted by scarletbegonia

I use the Paraguard IUD - it's non-hormonal. BCP's and anything else with artificial hormones give me MASSIVE migraines.

I've had it in since November with no problems, BUT... my periods are ridiculously heavy for a good 4 days. TMI, but they're heavy to the point where I can't even put a tampon in because it won't stay.

Aside from that, though, I love it! (and so does DH! )

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I also have the Paraguard IUD. I was on BC pills for about 10 years before having DC, so I didn't want the hormones anymore... one of the reasons I didn't go with the Mirena.

I got it inserted back in March but I was still BF so I didn't have any peroids at that point.

I have since had 2 periods. The first one was CRAZY heavy. I had to change my tampons pretty much every hour and a half... with the super super tampons too. It also lasted what seemed like forever.

This last period was better. It lasted a bit less, about a week and although it was heavy for a couple of days, it wasn't as bad as my first PP period.

I will keep you posted. They say a side effect of the Paraguard is heavier periods, but it may subside. I told DH I was going to give it 6 months to see if my periods got better. They seem to be headed in that direction.

I will say it is nice to not have to think about taking a pill every day!

Oh, and the Paraguard can stay in for 10 years I believe.

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I had the pargard for about 9 months. While I loved never having to think about BC, my periods were AWFUL on it. Very heavy, and the cramps were so bad they were debilitating. At first I wasn't sure if it was just me getting AF back after having the babies, but when I got it out, the flow was so much lighter and I had no cramps at all.
So I would never get it again.

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

My doctor is recommending Mirena. I've been on the pill 16 years, minus the time TTC and being pregnant with DS. He said 16 years is a lot of hormones and Mirena has a very small amount. I'll be turning 36 now too and the pill can cause more problems. The very low dose of hormones in Mirena is what results in a lighter period than with Paraguard (no hormones). My doctor doesn't recommend that one. I'm considered Mirena but I'm a little sqeamish about something that stays in there!

Good luck!

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

Bumping for more experiences and hopefully someone who had their tubes tied will answer! Thanks everyone!

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I was always on Ortho Tri Lo, after Sydnie I got migraines on 3 different kinds of BCP. I ultimately went on the "mini-pill" which is the one they give to BFing moms. No more migraines!

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

There is also a procedure called Essure.

http://www.essure.com/

About the Procedure
Unlike other permanent birth control, the Essure procedure does not require cutting into the body or the use of radiofrequency energy to burn the fallopian tubes. Instead, an Essure trained doctor inserts soft, flexible inserts through the body’s natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus) and into your fallopian tubes. The very tip of the device remains outside the fallopian tube, which provides you and your doctor with immediate visual confirmation of placement.

During the 3 months following the procedure, your body and the inserts work together to form a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this period, you must continue using another form of birth control (other than an IUD).

After three months, it’s time to get an Essure Confirmation Test to verify you’re protected from the worries of unplanned pregnancy. The test uses a dye and special type of x-ray to ensure both that the inserts are in place and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked.

Unlike birth control pills, patches, rings, and some forms of IUDs, Essure does not contain hormones to interfere with your natural menstrual cycle. Your periods should more or less continue in their natural state.

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I had my tubes tied during my c/s with DD#2, I have no regrets and NOTHING to think about again.

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I have the Mirena IUD. I decided to get an IUD because I just didnot want to have to think about taking a pill everyday. I knew that I would eventually start forgetting. I chose the Mirena IUD over the Paraguard IUD because the Paraguard had copper and I am just not comfortable with having metal in my body. The mirena has a low dosage of hormones and I am fine with that since I was on BCP for about 7 years. I never had any issues with hormones though.

The BEST part of having the Mirena is that I no longer get my period. I may occasionally get spotting. I have had it since March 09 and my last period was Nov 09.

I LOVE that I don't have to think about birth control at all!!!

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

My dr recommended the paraguard IUD. Supposedly, the heavy periods supside after 6 mths. I am a little leary about it because my periods are so light and not an issue right now but I think Im going to give it a try. Its good for 10 yrs.

The Merena has a small amt of hormone and since Ive been on BCP for so many yrs I wanted to stay away from hormone. The merena can stay in 5 yrs I believe the dr said.

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

I got the paraguard after I had #2 at my 6wk pp check up because I didn't want to deal with hormones anymore. I am know 6mths pp and so far not loving it. Even though they say it's not supposed to interfere with your menstral cycle I've been getting my periods every 3.5-4wks despite EBF With DD#1 I also EBF and except for one AF in the beginning I didn't get my period until 7mths pp. I also went from 5 day periods to 8-9day periods. Not tremendously heavy but heavier then I'm used to. I've already called the nurse at my OB's to complain she told me the combination of my body getting used to it and just having a baby could be the cause and to wait a few more months. I'm going to give it until DD#2 turns 1 and then see. Since I'm 99% sure we're done having children at that point I may just send DH to get a vasectomy! Afterall why should I continue to suffer preventing pregnancies?

Re: Can we talk birth control please!!!!

First off I googles all BC's and all of them had cons. google can be your friend or enemy.

I went with the nuva ring until we decide who is getting tied or snipped.

I've been on the nuva ring almost 4 months now and I really like it alot. No worries at all. no side effects at all.

I plan to be on it for only a year and then one of us is taking the plunge.