permanent birth control?

If you have had a permanent birth control procedure, can you tell me about how you made the decision and if you ever regretted it?

I was all set to have my tubes tied with this c/section (DH would be very willing to do it on his end, but since I will be on the operating table, I thought i might as well)


I talked to OB about it today and he was trying to talk me out of it - he says he advises against it!

1. You might change your mind after the pregnancy.

2. what if you get remarried? ummm...I'm 37 and would have to have this child...find a reason to divorce DH, get the divorce, meet someone new (while I have 3 kids) and then decide to have another child (which I don't want) - I'm pretty sure menopause will take care of BC for me at that time.

3. (I love my OB, but this was a beauty), since my DH is Hispanic, the culture tends to have men want many children. (1. FIL was not Hispanic - where I guess machismo thoughts would originate? 2. FIL died before DH was born, so DH was raised by all women - MIL, 5 young aunts, and his grandmother)


I do have to say that I am a bit uncomfortable with the whole permanent thing. DH is very willing to take care of birth control on his end and has always given me full choice in this decision. Just looking for others who have made this decision.

Re: permanent birth control?

I would never do it but that's a personal choice.

You never know what life is going to throw you.

Message edited 4/11/2011 6:02:31 PM.

Re: permanent birth control?

I think your doctor is just trying to get you to REALLY REALLY thing about it. I'm assuming his thinking is if he is going to do anything that permanent to you he just wants to REALLY make sure it's what you want and NOTHING is going to make you change your mind about it.
Who knows, he may have done this in the past and had a patient regret it later on.
He might be reaching for reasons to not do it.. but I see what his purpose is.

Good Luck with making your decision.

Re: permanent birth control?

My dh got a V when I was diagnosed with HBP. Turned out it was from the BCP's and when I went off, my blood pressure was normal.

We knew we were done with 2 children and even if something happened to either of us or our relationship, neither of us want any more children.

Re: permanent birth control?

I had a really hard time having my kids and by the time I had #2 I was 37. I knew after all we went through that no matter the situation, that I would never be pregnant again. I had my tubes ties with my c/s with DD#2. I have no regrets. I am now 39.

Re: permanent birth control?

I had the Mirena for 5 years. I loved it, but it of course wasn't permanent. When I had it out after 5 years, I decided to take a break from BC for while and then decide in a few months. My OB really talked up the Essure procedure for me if I was looking permanent. My OB said it was done in his office. I have made no decisions yet, but it's the only thing I can think of now that's permanent beside tying your tubes!

Re: permanent birth control?

What about letting your husband have a vasectomy? That is a reversible procedure so if you ever change your mind you are not tied to your decision.

Re: permanent birth control?

like a pp, i think your dr really wants you to think about it. i know of one lady who did regret it. i also know countless women, in my hispanic family, who never looked back. they each have two or three kids.

do you want to try for something not-so-permanent as a middle ground? how about an iud? it's something you don't have to think about for five years. i would also seriously consider having your DH get a vasectomy. both of these are things that can be reversed, just in case.

Re: permanent birth control?

I don't think getting your tubes tied is the worst thing. IF it ever came down to it, you could always do IVF to work around the tubes being tied issue. And you know that's a big iff so it's worth the chance IMO.