IUS vs IUD vs Ring vs Pill?

Question

I'm looking for a good birth control method. I've been on the pill and ring before. I can't remember to take a pill every day of my life, so that's really out of the question. The ring I wasn't to pleased with, it out by all means (hell I was on it for 4 years and never got pregant) I'm thinking about an IUS or IUD that lasts for around 5 years. We aren't plaining on another child until 4-5 years. Anyways, well I guess there's the shot to, but I HATE needles!!

Any personal opitions about IUS/IUD/Shot........

Answer 1

First off, and IUS and an IUD are fundamentally the same thing...both describe a device inserted into the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy. Its simply a matter of semantics.
The IUS simply has a hormone embedded in it to help avoid conception, versus the classic copper IUD (copper irritates the lining of the uterus preventing implatation). They're both little plastic "T" devices otherwise.

Having used an IUD (technically an IUS since it was the Mirena IUD), I cannot recommend it. I had one for 5 months and every single day was misery until it had to be surgically removed because it had punctured my uterus near my right fallopian tube. That tube is now completely blocked by scar tissue. BTW, about 20% of IUD users don't even complete a full year's usage and have them removed for medical or personal reasons.

I CAN recommend the shot. The pain from the shot is VERY minimal; just remember to take your calcium supplements, and if you're going to try to get pregnant, stop the shot about 8 months before you start trying to get regulated. Personally, the shot was great for me. It was effective, reliable, easy, and made my life a breeze...no periods, acne, mood swings, weight gain, nothing!

I take the pill now. I remember by keeping it in the bathroom and taking it every morning when I brush my teeth. No sweat.

The patch might be an alternative but I've heard that it has been directly linked to an increase in blood clots. The ring if you don't like it, obviously wouldn't be an option.

This only leaves barrier methods. There's a new one on the market called Lea's Shield. It claims a higher efficacy rating than the diaphragm because it doesn't need fitting. Its worth looking into.

Good luck with your choices. I think the best thing you can do is discuss ALL your options with your doctor.

Answer 2

Hi I am also rubbish at taking the pill and looked into other possibilities. The injection can be a little temperatmental as you can either get no periods or periods all the time depending on the person. Because it is an injection, you have to wait until it wears off so you could end up with a period for 3 months. The mini pill cerazette is the closest thing to the injection apparently. take that (if you remember ;-) ) to see how you get on with it. The implant sounds ace. The minute it is implanted you are covered and it stops being effective as soon as it is removed; it also as you say, lasts for 5 years. The only thing that put me off was the thought of it being inserted and removed from the skin (Im a bit rubbish with stuff like that)-if you are more hardy than me it would probably suit you well! There is a machine called 'Persona', in which you input your cycle length etc. Every month you wee on sticks and put the sticks in the machine and it tells you whether you are 'safe' to have sex or not (red and green days). My pal swears by it! In theory though, if you know when you ovulate in each month-which is actually only 2-3 days (you could find this out using ovulation strips), you could avoid having sex 3 days before and three days after-thats what I do!

Answer 3

I had tried birth control pills in the past, but started having side effects with my heart because of them. I went to my gyn and got an IUD, the one that lasts 5 years. I absolutely love it, though it is kind of painful when they insert it. I don't have to worry about when to take a pill, all i have to do is remember when my 5 years are up and get another one. Also, with the 5 year IUD, it helps on cramps of monthly periods and also you may not have a period at all (which was a blessing for me since mine was so painful and so heavy). You should talk with your gyn to see what will be the best for you. He will be able to give you all the information concerning the different types of birth control, including the side effects of each.

Answer 4

IUS/IUD can cause heavier periods and the shot can reduce bone density. Have you looked into a contraceptive implant? A doctor inserts them under the skin and they work for years without a shot or a pill to worry about.

Answer 5

I'm not big on IUDs because of the way they work.
Basically, they trick your body into thinking you are pregnant which prevents fertilized eggs from implanting in your uterus. First of all, I have moral reservation about that. Also, I have a problem with pain when I ovulate, which an IUD would not help.
My advice would be to research it well before you decide.