Which method is better?

Question

I have been on numerous brands of pills(for both preventing pregnancy and regulating)since I began taking birth control 4 years ago,all having too high of doses making me depressed and very irregular with severe cramping/bleeding,not to mention my forgetfulness in taking them on time.I used the NuvaRing which was ok for a while but it tends to fall out too often(it was inserted properly, just doesn't like to stay in, neither do tampons).I have been looking into getting an IUD, but not sure if I should get the hormonal or copper one.I have heard good and bad about both,and not sure which would be better suited for me.I am leaning toward the copper since there are no hormones,but would like some experienced stories/opinions on both.I have a 5 year old son and we plan on having more when my fiance is out of the Marines.He might get out soon on med. discharge or next Sept.,not sure yet.With that in mind, don't know if I want a "semi-permanent" bc or not. Details...

I would hate to get an IUD then a few months later he comes home and we decide to try to have another child. I know getting pregnant as soon as he comes home wouldn't be an absolute stress-free situation either though. Any advice on what kind of bc I should use would be helpful. I'm trying to stay away from pills but I will consider them if necessary. (And yes, when I make my mind up a little more I will talk to my doctor.)

Answer 1

An additional option to ask your doctor about is Implanon. It is an implant that goes in the arm area and can stay in for about 3 years (it can be taken out sooner if one wants to get pregnant at any point in time). I've met a few other women that have used this method and have been very pleased with its results.

Answer 2

If the pill isn't working out for you, then neither will any of the other hormonal methods (patch, Depo shot, and like you said, hormonal IUD).
I noticed someone else who responded talking about IUD's being abortive. That only depends on when you think "life" really begins and I'm so not even going there.
If you are having problems with the hormonal methods, then it makes sesnse to go with the copper. The only issue with IUD's in general is that they do have the tendency to make you have awfully painful and heavy periods, especially if you already have heavy and painful periods to begin with. A doctor needs to insert it and remove it when the time comes so I would talk to your doctor. There is also a risk of perforating the uterus and of endometriosis. Personally, the cramps and bleeding were enough to keep me away from it.
Had you ever considered a diaphragm? I know you said that you have trouble with tampons but a diaphram is a little different and can be very comfortable once you get the basics down. You could always spend the time practicing insertion while your husb is away. Good luck!

Answer 3

I would also like to add info about the COPPER IUD.

I work in womens health =)

The copper IUD actually works in MANY ways!

Copper is a potent spermicide, so it first starts off by killing sperm to prevent them from reaching an egg, IF you have ovulated. The IUD also acts as a sort of BARRIER, it also keeps the sperm, if they actually live, from reaching an egg, LASTLY, it CAN prevent implantation, but numerous studies show that this action is not common in IUD users.

I love the copper IUD! So many women have problems with hormones, and this is truly a method that can be the ultimate win win. NO hormones, and extremely effective.

You can take the IUD out anytime, it does not *have* to be left in for long term.

I know women that cannot use hormones, like myself, and they use one for 1-2-3 years in between children. They want to space their families accordingly...

Answer 4

You stated you may want more children in the future, correct? Then you need to do a lot of research, not just from your own doctor, but from the actual product inserts that you sometimes get when your meds come in a box from the pharmacy. The way that IUDs work is they create a hostile environment in the uterus, making implantation impossible. So, essentially, it doesn't keep you from getting pregnant. What it does is cause you to abort any embryos you may conceive. To me, that's not contraception, it's abortion.

What I would recommend is really getting in tune with your body and your individual cycle. There are really good websites out there that help you keep track of literally everything. You can start with FertilityFriend.com.

There are only a few days out of every month that you can actually conceive, so smart timing on your part will help you avoid pregnancy naturally. You said you wanted to stay away from artificial hormones, this would be a perfect way to do that.

Good luck, and remember, don't take any doctor's opinion as fact, educate yourself!

Answer 5

I looked into getting n IUD as well, but after reading a few detailed summaries of the process of insertion, I decided against it. Good luck in your quest.