Birth control options?

Question

I've been on every type of birth control that there is I think; the pill, the implant, Depo Provera and the Mirena coil. The coil is so uncomfortable, I feel like I've had period cramps all the time in the 6 weeks that I've had it fitted and I am going to the doctor tonight to ask them to take it out. Pills make my breasts sore, the implant gives me 2 periods a month and Depo makes me depressed and not interested in sex.

I'm running out of options. I'd love to get my tubes tied (I'm 31, am single, no kids and definitely not wanting any) but everyone says, partonisingly that 'I'll change my mind'. At this point I am using birth control not to prevent pregnancy, but because 'they' say that I might want to become pregnant one day.

Are there any other options? Anyone who has had their tubes tied and regretted it? If I used nothing at all, what are the chance that I would become pregnant? I don't have any problem with getting a termination, but obviously don't want to do that often.

Answer 1

Not all Pills will have the same effect on you, ask your doctor to prescribe something else for a trial period if you are unsure what to do regarding permanently tying your tubes.

I had side effects with my first pill after a few years, then tried another one which made my periods really heavy, another one made me have sore breasts like you, and I tried a few others on 3 month trials to find one I was completely happy with. The doctor is there to find something to help you, so make him do his job and reccommend you another one.

Answer 2

I've been taking Loestrin 24 Fe since having my baby in August. I haven't had any problems, but everyone is different. It has definitely helped regulate my period and has cut down on the amount of bleeding. My period typically lasts 3-4 days max.

You're still young at 31 and if there was even a possiblity that you would want to have kids, I wouldn't get my tubes tied. I know they can do reversals, but I've had friends that have had this done and have never conceived.

Trust me - I said I'd never have kids and felt confident I never would. When I found out I was pregnant, I considered all my options, but when I had the first ultrasound it was all over for me. Hearing the baby's heartbeat made it so real. I had my son in August and turned 40 in October and I couldn't be happier. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Answer 3

You could either get your partner to have a vasectomy or if you can't find a doctor who would tie your tubes then go private. If you have enough money saved up then I'm sure you could find a private clinic where they'd be happy to be at your service. If you are not that well off, then perhaps you could save up, and think of it as an investment in the future peace of mind that you are longing for but denied. I would still prefer if you got your partner to have a vasectomy because that is less of an operation than getting your tubes tied, there are more complication with the latter. Usually blokes are up and running in 2 days after the small surgery that is done at your GP's medical centre. Good luck.

Answer 4

If you don't want kids, you need really good birth control. I wouldn't recommend getting your tubes tied because it is a major operation. I had a c section which was also major surgery and I would never go into that voluntarily if I didn't have to. It takes a long time to recover from that.

Anyways, how about an IUD? I know a lot of women on it who like it. There are also condoms with spermicidal lubricant. Low maintenance, now hormones.

I wouldn't do the natural family planning thing. It's too risky if you don't want kids.

There is also the diaphram, but that is a royal PITA, and messy!

Answer 5

Since you dont want kids at the moment and have run out of birth control options, i think the better option is to insist on the other person use a condom until you have reversed your decision. After you have decided on falling pregnant which i know you will later, you can have unprotected sex. I would encourage you not to tie your tubes since sooner or later you will find your Mr Right and kids will be on pipeline. I hope this makes your life easier. Good luck!!!

Answer 6

You could have your tubes tied but have eggs frozen. That way you can still have a child if you want; you would just need ivf. Be careful though, getting pregnant for the first time after the age of forty (I realize that's still 10 years away for you) can lead to birth defects.

You can't really let other people dictate your own sexual health. Follow your heart not the right-wing Christian extremists.

Answer 7

If you are suffering pain since having the coil fitted, I suggest it's been fitted incorrectly. You shouldn't feel anything at all after the first few days when it's normal to have the period-like cramps you describe.

Ask your GP to check the fitting because it really is your best option for safe birth control with the added bonus of reducing your periods too.

Answer 8

Try to track your fertility window then avoid having sex around that week or two... Just another option, otherwise I would consider trying the Implanon again, I had it in for 2 yrs the first 4 months I had a brown discharge continuously the doctor put me on the pill for a month then after that I never got a period...

Answer 9

i dont know what your reasons are for not having kids but the doctor wont let you have it done as
1. you havent experienced kids yet
2. you still have lots of time to change your mind.

im 19 and had both kids one after the other and i asked for my tubes to be tied and because of my age, they wouldnt let me- but i dont want anymore kids.

i know what you mean about the options, im, at the min on the injection and i was supposed to have it done again yesterday but i dont want it again for same reason as you.

i suppose they do different brands on the pill and maybe giving the other ones a try may be worth opting for.

Answer 10

"don't have any problem with getting a termination, but obviously don't want to do that often."

What a truly shocking statment. Since when was abortion a form of Birth Control? With an attitude like that you should go get your tubes tied, you don't want to pass your sickening attitude onto any offspring.

You refer to this 'they' in all your questions. Do they make your mind up for you? To be honest at your age your bio clock is ticking and if your not with a man you want to reproduce with then you have no chance anyway.

Get your tubes tied, get a pet and grow old and lonely!