My husband and I have been married for 10 years and we have a 3 year old. I don't want any more kids (at least not right now). I am scared of the pill because of the risk of blood clots ( I am 30 years old) Also, pills make me grouchy and mess up my periods. Condoms are a real mood killer. What else can I use that is effective?
2006-09-06 05:07:20 · 10 answers · asked by LadyA 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Since you don't want to use chemical contraceptives, I won't recommend the Shot. (BTW, I've been on & off the pill since I was 18, and I've never had a problem, as long as you're taking a pill that works for YOU...and there are MANY options. Clots are about as rare as pregnancy when the pill is taken properly - and an FYI: the shot is marvelous! I loved it personally.)
Nor would I recommend the IUD (many have hormones embedded in them and the copper ones make your life a living hell). Besides, personal experience with one makes me want to scream "NO!! NO!! NO!!" at people even thinking about them!
Since it seems that barrier methods are the only choices left, I might recommend you look into a product called Lea's Shield.
It doesn't need to be fitted like a diaphragm, though it should be used with contraceptive gels/foams. 6-month efficacy is about 92% - well above that of a diaphragm.
It would seem that might be your best choice - unless you want to investigate the diaphragm (FYI - their efficacy is only about 78%.... My son is living proof of it).
Just remember, that NO METHOD is 100% effective, so you always have a chance of pregnancy; since you haven't decided on sterilization (even THAT isn't 100%!!), you should choose a method that works for YOU and fits your lifestyle.
2006-09-06 05:20:08 · answer #1 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are ABSOLUTELY sure you want no more children, surgical sterilization (vasectomy or tubal ligation) is an option you may want to consider.
If you are concerned about blood clots with your hormonal birth control, ask your doctor whether low-dose aspirin therapy would be a good option to cut that risk (though if you are 30 and non-smoking, with no family history of stroke or clotting, your risks should be low anyway).
I am very hesitant to recommend IUD because it does have a lot of side effects, but you have already had children, so you might be a better candidate for it.
Otherwise, I wholeheartedly ALWAYS endorse condom use, even between long-term mutually monogamous couples. No side effects (if you have a latex allergy, you have the polyurethane option), easy to use.
2006-09-06 12:13:56 · answer #2 · answered by Gumdrop Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abstinence is the best form of contraception 100%
Having kids is like a form of abstinence
Apart from the OCP then your next good choices in order of effectiveness are:
(1) laparoscopic sterilization 99%
(2) vasectomy 97-99%
(2a) other hormonal methods - I sort of didn't consider this because you didn't want the pill 97-98%
(3) condoms > 95%
(4) diaphragm and spermicide >90%
2006-09-06 12:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a different pill... as long as your not smoking you should not have ANY problems with blood clots!! there are 31 different kinds of birth control the right one for you should acctually lower your mood swings shorten your periods and decrease your chances of getting many cancers. Try a different pill or try the patch! Other then that only perminent sterilizatin will 100% make sure you do not get pregnant. Good Luck and congrats on your babies and marriage
2006-09-06 12:16:51 · answer #4 · answered by TEMPTRESS 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use an ovulation monitor to check for your most fertile times of the month. The week before your period starts is usually the best time. Otherwise, your husband could just "Pull out". It is not a 100% guarantee, because some sperm could still leak out. IUD's are sometimes effective, but they have the same hormones that make you grouchy. You could use a spermicidal lube during sex. It should kill most of the sperm in his semen, but It is not a 100% guarantee, but then again, no birth control method is 100%
2006-09-06 12:12:37 · answer #5 · answered by Brad 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try going by your cycle. If you are very regular.
We were baby free for 11 years.
Talk to your Ob/gyn
2006-09-06 12:33:55 · answer #6 · answered by schmoopie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the coil or now they do implants that go just under the skin on the wrist
2006-09-06 13:23:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best option for you would be a Mirena.
It is safe, reliable and when you do want to have children again -you can have it taken out.
2006-09-06 12:13:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
cut his or your tubing, or both to make sure it worked.
2006-09-06 12:10:13 · answer #9 · answered by PDK 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
vasectomy
2006-09-06 12:21:14 · answer #10 · answered by CC Top 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋