I am looking for non-hormonal birth control and there are not many reliable options. I am considering the copper IUD but I'm worried about insertion and bleeding. With the diapragm, I am concerned that it will be messy and uncomfortable. Does anyone have any insight on birth control that doesn't have the hormonal side effects?
2007-02-18 13:19:39 · 4 answers · asked by mommy_of_one 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I'm a big IUD fan because I wanted something reliable, reversible, and non-hormonal. It's been great for me, and the side effects (increased cramping and menstrual bleeding) diminished significantly after the first year. My first few periods after I got it were extremely heavy, but they're fine now. The insertion did hurt when it happened, followed by cramping for a few hours, but ibuprofen was enough to make it stop. And it was all completely worth it to be off the hormones and on something so reliable.
They're not for everyone, though. The main issue is that they're just contraceptives and don't prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so they're not good solutions for women who are likely to have multiple partners or unsafe sex. Same as The Pill, though, and diaphragms, for that matter.
Also, to respond to a previous answer about IUDs being dangerous... they got a bad reputation in the 70s because of a faulty product called Dalkon Shield that was rushed to market without proper testing (back in the days before IUDs were regulated by the FDA). Bad design caused bacterial infections and even deaths, and Dalkon Shileds were recalled and banned. Americans haven't forgotten that disaster, and it's ruined the reputation of an excellent form of birth control. The ones that are on the market today are extremely safe and lots of women around the world have been safely, successfully, and happily using IUDs for years.
2007-02-19 05:32:20 · answer #1 · answered by lobster_pants 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the ParaGard Copper T. I've had no problems at all with it. It's a relief to not have to think about birth control. The insertion is a breeze. You might have a little cramping, but nothing more serious then what is usually associated with regular cramps. I find it ideal for women that are done having kids, or chose not to have any, since it is a long term birth control (five to ten years). I don't know the statistics on having it removed for the purpose of having kids, which is something you may want to consider.
2007-02-18 17:11:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an IUD the Mirena it is the one with hormones. I love it. I had no pain having it inserted. I just have spotting now with no real periods. My Dr said the copper will cause heavier periods. I have had no side effects from the hormones in the Mirena.
2007-02-18 15:11:27 · answer #3 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
condoms - 80-90% effective against pregnancy(but allergies could exist to the material)
Diaphragms are like 80-95% effective; ruin the mood; can increase risk of cv cancer; very gross.
IUDs can cause scarring and tubal preganancy and are like extremely dangerous. Serious infections are somewhat common with them. but pretty much you wouldn't have to worry about nething on a day to day basis.
2007-02-18 13:27:44 · answer #4 · answered by midnightjoker 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋