Help with Birth Controls

I have Paragaard IUD. It is non-hormonal. It lasts for 10 years. It has copper on it which apparently prevents pregnancy (99.9% like everything else I suppose). I cramp a week before my period, have a normal cycle (5 to 7 days, but I have never been "normal"), and then it is over.
At times my husband says he can feel the string.
Other than that, no problems.

I love Nuvaring! I go 6 weeks between periods (I use two rings) and then have my period for a week.

I had decided on the Essure procedure until I realized you couldn't do it if you were allergic to Nickel, which I am. So, check it out.. maybe it would be right for you!

tried nuvaring for 6 months and had 2 periods every month for the last 4 months. My doc checked me out- nothing wrong with me. She said my body is fighting the hormones and I should keep trying for a few more months. dh and I just gave up and have decided to try for baby #2 instead. Doc said the birthcontrol was still working although periods were unpredictable. Shame- I love not having to take something daily- nuvaring was a great option.

I just got back on Nuva Ring after being off for a few years trying to have and then having a baby and then breastfeeding! but, when I was on it before, it was super simple, no in between bleeding, and easy to use. I'd give it another month or 2 before deciding if it's not right for you. My thought is, have you ever used the pill? Maybe hormornal birth control just doesn't work for you?

Given your difficulties, why not have your husband use a condom or get a vasectomy, which is far less an invasive procedure than getting your tubes tied? IMHO, we're the ones that birth the babies, so that's the least these "understanding" husbands can do.

I, personally DID NOT like Nuva Ring!!! It was uncomfortable and my body went haywire!!! the ONLY method that has worked for me was the Depo Shot but i know that most do not like the long term side effects. It causes your periods to stop. I dont mind but most women do. Also, i tried Seosonique and to make a long story short, I started in July 2008 and found out i was pregnant in October 2008 ;/

Talk with your husband. If getting a permanent fix is an option, it is more invasive for women than men. For men, it is also reversible. Make sure you want no more, both of you.
It does take a few months for a few options. I was told
up to 6 months. Hormonal ones may not be for you. I am on
the non hormonal iud. I have not had what I would call a cycle. I have a few light days, then a couple of weeks of nothing, then a few light days, then a couple of weeks of nothing. I was not regular to start with. I have had it for
4 months. Give it more time. One month is not that long, to start another way without letting your body get back to you, will not help. If you change, please give your body a few months to get back to itself. That means using a condom.

S.:

Birth controls SUCK don't they!!!!!! I feel your pain!

I have been on the ring for over a year and my sis has been on it for 2 yrs. My cousin has been on it for like 3 yrs. I have 2 children. The other two have none. They both love and swear by the ring. I really like it too with the exception that I sometimes have minor side-effects due to the hormone being to low. We are upping the hormone by me switching to a low-hormone (but more than the ring) pill.

I just wanted to tell you that you really need to give the ring 6 mos to regulate in your body, esp. since you just came off mirena. If the ring is not working well after 6 mos, then I would consider another option but most drs. actually prefer the ring or the mirena because they are low hormone and thus, the best for the body. Obviously the mirena messed your cycle up so give the ring time to "mellow out" your body. I have a feeling you will like it quite a bit more after 6 mos. My sis and cousin swear by it and i liked it too except that it just was not enough hormone for me personally to always keep me symptom free.

Good luck!
T.

With all new methods of bc, give your body at least 3 months to adjust. If your still having problems then I suggest you try Thermachoice or Essure. These two procedures are done in the office and all you have is a office copay. I know Dr. Autrey's office provides these services. He is located off of 75 and Forest lane. ###-###-#### Good luck.

HI, I have heard a few experiiences like yours with Mirena.
I dhave not used it but did use the Nuvaring for 5 years. It worked wonderfully. I usually had a night of discomfot.cramping the night I put it in but other than that I had no probelms with it. It helped to regualte my cycle! DEFINATELY TALK WITH YOUR DR about this!!! There may be some thing going on that only the gyno. would catch.

Essure is a non-invasive, non-hormonal Birth Control procedurs (permanent) done in the DR's office. I had all kinds of reactions to hormones and got pregnant with child #1 while on the Pill. Other than some cramping that day there is no down time. GOOD LUCK!

S.,

If you're not wanting anymore children, why not your husband get a vasectomy? It's an outpatient procedure in which he'll be back to work the next day, is reversible and a lot less risky than getting your tubes tied. All the hormonal birth controls out there put you at risk for breast cancer, other cancers and blood clots and strokes, so you're already putting yourself at risk. Why not do something quick and easy and works without any side effects for either of you.

Jenn

Just because you were spotting and bleeding with the Mirena doesn't mean it didn't work. Some of us have heavier cycles than others and you never stop bleeding. I had mine for years and bled every month. It was MUCH lighter than my my normal cycle though, and the cramping FAR less. I was grateful for every month! You should not compare yourself and body to others and their experiences. Be kind and give yourself a break. I have been on every kind of birth control their is, and my body reacts differently than others. Find what is best for you, without unrealistic expectations giving you extra stress.

I currently use Nuvaring and love it. It took about 3 months to regulate now I have to make sure it is on the calendar or I totally forget about it! I plan to get essure this summer because I am totally finished but haven't been in a rush because Nuvaring has been so easy.

The only downside I had with Nuvaring was loss of my extremely high sex drive; so that could have a negative effect on your sex life with your husband.

I went on the ring for a few years and had no problems; no spotting, no weight gain, no headaches, nothing. It was my favorite method and would be back on it if I wasn't nursing. It didn't get in the way of sex, to be honest lol, once i learned my body and how to make sure it was in the right spot. It's great bc you dont have to think about it everyday! Good luck with it!

Please if you are considering different options take into account all the facts and data on all products. I know some have mentioned the essure procedure. I had the procedure done 2 1/2 years ago and it is 99.9% effective, but I am one it did not work on. I am now 8 months pregnant with my 5th child. It worked for 2 years but then I found my self pregnant. Good luck!!

I also used Nuvaring before and I would have my period every week and half it seemed. I also started getting migraines right before each period. I had to get rid of it. It was very easy to use and didn't do that to me at first. Now we gave up everything and use natural family planning and my body works exactly like it should now.

I think the mirena has messed up your cycles. I was on NuvaRing for many years and loved it. I would give it a couple of more month to straighten out. You could also just stop taking anything for few cycles (until they get regular) then start up with the NuvaRing.

To S. and all the other women who responded....I am now a grandmother but when I was married 33 years ago I had an IUD and did not find out until several years later how it works....it changes the lining of your uterus so that you do become pregnant but the baby can not implant in your uterus and you abort...I did not know that I was aborting my babies and had to go to a healing retreat to recover from this experience....I recommend Natural Family Planning to all of you instead of any birth control method, including the pill which can work the same way if you by chance get pregnant....Natural Family Planning is safe, free and actually improves your relationship with your husband...the rate of divorce of people using NFP is much lower that those using birth control...the website is http://www.ccli.org/

God Bless,
C. (Nonnie) of 4 beautiful granddaughters