I HATE hormonal birth control. Ok, just wanted to get that out there. It kills my libido entirely, and I will not do that to myself or my husband.
My doctor naturally asked about whether I'm interested in a tubal, being that he'll already be in there for the c-section. I am 38, and at least at this point, my husband and I don't THINK we'll want any more children. We have my son, who is almost 6, and will have this little girl. One of each, that fit comfortably in the house we're moving into, finances, etc. It all points to we should be happy with what we have, and there is no NEED to have more kids. Plus, I'm not getting any younger, so if we did decide to try for another, it would most probably have to be sooner than later, and I don't think either of us really wants that.
On the other hand, this is my husband's first and only child, and I just don't think you can know whether you are REALLY done until you have the experience of becoming a parent and feeling that deep LOVE for your child. You parents know what I mean. So even though we THINK we we don't want anymore, I am still hesitant to do anything permanent.
So my doctor suggested Paraguard. He said that he has had great success with it, and that overwhelmingly, his patients that have it, love it and don't have problems with it. He said that statistically, it is actually more effective than a tubal ligation, and since it's not permanent, but is effective for up to 10 years, it might be a good alternative for me. My only concern is that I've heard so many horror stories about iud's, and the problems people have with them.
Do any of you have or have you tried Paraguard? If so, can you please share your experience with me?
Thank you...
I had paraguard. I had horrible periods, weight gain, cramping, and acne. I was prone to heavy periods though, and I really shouldn't have used it for that reason.
I'm sorry! I just realized that I highjacked your post - my response in no way answered your question about Paraguard. I have no experience with it.
Good luck!
I have had paragard for over a year and I love it. My periods are little crappier but its so worth it! Honestly for me, it was extremely painful to get inserted. I didn't know what to expect and ouch!!! But im a very fertile girl and no pregnancy yet!! As effective as a tubal and no surgery and can be removed at any time?? No brained for me!! I highly recommend it!
I really like the Mirena iud, I have used it in between each of my pregnancies... so four times. It it more localized, so it doesn't go through out your body. I haven't had any problems with it. That is what I would recommend.
Good luck
E.
P.S. I've heard several times, if you don't KNOW you are done, then you probably aren't DONE:) so for sure I wouldn't do anything permanent yet.
I never had any problems with my first one! I never knew it was there. every once in a while it would get bumped during sex. It does hurt, but never enough to stop what we were doing. I had it in for 3 years.
I had it removed after I got married.
After my 5th baby ( my husbands 2nd) I had it put back in. Although we talked about kids before we got married we agreed on 5 ( two of his own). He was done, for me I had such a hard time with the fact that I was never going to have another one. Instead I had the iud put back in.
This time around, again I never felt it. Everything was going great until a little over a year of having it in. Then I started bleeding 2 times a month. Then I was bleeding 3 weeks on, 1 week off. I got really sick. They figured out I had cooper poisoning after a lot of testing. They took it out right away and after a week, my "periods" began to lesson and I started feeling better.
It was after that point I got my tubes tied, my last source of birth control was out the window ( I can't take hormonal birth control).
My dr said it wasn't a common thing that happens, but as I found out, it does on occasion happen. Not sure why it happened the second time after being off of it for 2 1/2 years when I didn't have any problems the first time being on it for 3 years.
I just wanted to let you know what the down side can be...
I still will always recommend them to anyone, just let them know the down side. I really liked my first one! It was the perfect choice for me. The second time.. I just didn't get as lucky :)
The Paraguard made my periods heavier and caused so much cramping I eventually had it removed. I did have it for several years though. I now have a Mirena. I can't tolerate hormonal birth control, but the small amount of hormones in the Mirena don't bother me. good luck.
Talk to the doc about the Nuva Ring. It inserts in the vagina so it doesn't go through the entire system. If it is uncomfortable during intercourse it can be pulled out and then put back in afterwards. My friend used it very successfully for all of her BC time.
My friend had 2 children during her first marriage, made hubby get fixed, then got a wild hair that she needed to have more kids. Got divorced, he was crazy anyway\s and she needed to be away from him. Then she met this great guy who treats her like gold. He had not been married before and had no children. He really wanted kids too. So at 40+ she got pregnant and had a son. They were happy and she knew he really wanted to have more kids and even though she was older she got pregnant again at 45+. They are wonderful son and a daughter. They are a perfect family and she would not have done it any differently. So if anyone tells you that you should not have any more due to age, even in your 40's then you just ignore them and do what is right for you and your hubby.
I had Paraguard put in 6 months ago. My periods started coming every 2 weeks! And that has finally started to subside a month ago, so I spot at the 2 week mark with a full period at 4 weeks, just almost like normal. Doctor said it could take 6 months to a year to regulate, so I am happy I am down to spotting. Aside from that side effect, I very much like my IUD. I am very fertile or my hubby is very potent, not sure, and we are pretty sure we are done with children, so hopefully Paraguard won't let us down, LOL...
good luck!
I have Paraguard and am happy with it. I won't do hormones, or the hormone IUD mirena. Paraguard does NOT make your periods worse. Your periods will be the same as if you were not on hormones, which is much heavier than women are used to from being on the pill. There is a day or two when I have to wear overnight pads during the day, and gave come to love the Always infinity overnights.
The nuvaring was not an option, because everytime I bear down (going to the bathroom, sneezing, etc) it would fall out from my small lady part.
Good luck!
L.,
I started using the Paraguard in 2008, after undesirable results with the NuvaRing and the standard "pill". I've had a great experience with it, and would recommend it. I much prefer it, to the other hormone-BC options I have tried. I'd be happy to talk to you more about my experience if you'd like. Good luck with your decision!
A.
