I can't take the pill or other hormone (estrogen) type birth control b/c of a blood clot scare I had some years ago.

However, I spoke with my ob-gyn/nurse practioner and she suggested the following two alternatives:

the Mini-Pill
Merena--IUD (5 year)

I got cultures today for the IUD (just in case), b/c it sounds like the better option in my book right now (without the research--which, I plan on doing). Don't want kids yet and have a partner I can trust.

I hate taking pills and was never consistent on when I took the pill (always took it, just times varied horribly). Sounds like with the mini pill, it's more important to have that consistency.

SO, women, men with women on either of these…any input? Anyone experienced down sides?

Thanx in advance…

I have never even heard of the mini pill which sounds intresting….. in terms of the IUD, if there is a failure of the thing and you end up preggos (he it can happen with the deppo shot too, nothing is 100%) how quick can you get it out and will it affect the child to take it out?????

The IUD is a lot less hassle and more effective.  Most of the women I see that have had them put in (or that I've put them in) really like it. Tends to have a decent bleeding and side effect profile after the first 6 months or so.  The mini-pill is less effective even when taken the way you're supposed to -- which is every day AT THE SAME TIME. If you miss a mini-pill by as much as 3 hrs, it's the equivalent of missing a whole regular birth control pill. 

If you decide to go with the Mirena and want any advice, drop me a line.  There are some things you can do ahead of time to make the insertion more comfortable/easier. 

In terms of tj's question; pregnancy on the IUD is very very rare; as rare as in women who've had their tubes tied. IF you were to get pg on it, however, there is a higher risk that the pregnancy would be an ectopic (outside the uterus).  And yeah, if you happened to be a real freak of science and got pregnant with a normal pregnancy with the IUD in, there's always a risk to that pregnany. But again, we're talking a statistical improbability. 

Jen…how do you feel about this new Essure procedure.

Jodi and I have been discussing it….

*runs*

I think it's fine. For couples where the man is too chicken shit for a vasectomy.  LOL. 

Then he wouldnt be a man in my opinion.

Take one for the team. Especially with today's new technology.

Which evidentally Cpher wasnt told about.

LOL

IUD works fine.. had one for 20 years… (well.. not the same one.. get changed every 5 years… duh!! ) lol

as for downfalls.. well.. if you email Jen I am sure she can tell you about them.. as well as it is easier to have them inserted at a certain time of the month…  you know.. when the moon is full.. and the werewolf howls.. lol

I had a friend who did get pregnant with the IUD.. never had the IUD removed and the baby was born.. holding it… no lie.. seriously..  scouts honor….

Yeah, Wolfy… you're right about timing of placement. The other thing is that your doc or NP or midwife or whatever can give you a prescription for 200 micrograms of cytotec the night before to take orally; will help soften the cervix so that the IUD is easier to get in. 

wow, wolfy, that's amazing!

Well, I talked to the boyfriend about it last night; he had heard about IUDs but didn't know what they entailed. So, we went through the packet that the dr. gave me and talked about it. I told him I was asking advice of my friends (you guys *rawk* btw lol) and that I would hopefully have more information to make an informed decision.

Jen, I just may email you. I'll have to dust off your email address from my contacts book lol

Wolfy, I'm excited to hear that yours worked so well and for so long. That's definitely promising!

The doc sent my insurance information to the company and they'll see how much it'll cover. The doc also told me that this company strives to make alternative birth control available for everyone, so if the insurance doesn't cover much, they work with each woman to make it affordable.

Oh, and Wolfy, I was informed by the doc that the full moon would be when it would be inserted, if I go that route lol

TJ, from what I've read and the doc told me, it's very easy to take out and shouldn't effect the baby. Of course, it sounds like Wolfy's friend lucked out and the baby had a baby rattle before being born lol

Thanx guys, for the input.

jennifer.meyers AT midwives DOT org

Jen..
I have never had the cytotec prior to changing the oil….  but then again.. I never had a new oil stick until after I had children…

Is that because C G has not had children yet that that medication would be prescribed to soften?

just curious…

yes, Wolfy, because her cervix has never dilated to let a baby through, and therefore tighter than that of a woman who had had a baby.  The cytotec thing is fairly new, too, just in the last few years.  And not standard care, but something that some of us do to make things easier.

thanks Jen.. I kinda figured that..  that must be why I hear an echo or whistle at times..

lmaoooooo

ok.. kidding aside..actually my ob/gyn does not recomment an IUD for women who have not had a child due to that fact.  But there are lots of women out there who use them who have never given birth…

good luck CG.. !!

Yeah, there are some providers that won't put them in a nulliparous woman, but plenty that do. Especially for someone who doesn't have a lot of other good options, such as in this case. 

sorry, nulliparous = has not had a baby. 

Ahh…thank you for the vocabulary lesson, Jen (she says *sincerely* and not snottily); now I just need to know how to say it so I sound smart too :P

You know, I read what you said about the cytotec but it didn't dawn on me what you were saying until Wolfy pointed it out. Does it hurt then, to put it in without the medicine?

And no, I've never birthed a child lol I know my last doc had suggested another kind of IUD but was leery b/c I hadn't had a child. That was the 10 year one and I didn't like the sounds of that one. I like the sounds of this one.

It can be crampy/uncomfortable to put in regardless of the medicine, but should be less painful if you get the cytotec AND a good pain med (something like percocet) and have a driver. 

Thank you all for your advice. I'm definitely going with the iud. Insurance doesn't cover it but I was referred over to a family planning place that will work with me and make it more affordable as well. I go for a consult with them on Friday and may have it placed within the next 2 weeks or so.

So, thank you all very much! You guys are the best!

Good luck! 

Before I had the peaches pitted, the wife used a pretty reliable form of birth control. It's called Frigidity(TM). It's almost 100% effective when used against… I mean *with* one's long-term partner… however, if used outside the relationship, it tends to be decidedly less effective unless combined with more traditional forms of birth control.

However, I noticed that with a little alcohol and a couple of strings-free foot massages, Frigidity(TM) tends to wear off, making pregnancy possible.