Permanent Birth Control...What Did You Do, and Why? TMI Please!!!!

My husband & I aren't to this stage yet, but I wanted to say I love Julie B's explanation... that it was time for her husband to assume some responsibility!!

I'll have to remember that for my argument later...hehe

My husband had a vasectomy at the end of July. We're 40 and have two small children, so we wanted to do something permanent. I discussed a tubal IF for some reason I needed a c-section with my last baby, but I didn't. I also know personally of two stories where the tubals grew back and REALLY unexpected pregnancies occurred! That IS rare, but my doctor told me it wasn't as rare as you would think! It can also occur with vasectomies but is even far more rare than with a tubal. I was leery of the implants into the fallopian tubes they do now. Kind of new, the idea behind the scar tissue being what keeps you from getting pregnant sounded ripe for causing pain, and you still have to wait 4-6 months afterward to use it. Tubals and Essure are also FAR more expensive than vasectomies. Unless you're one of the lucky few whose insurance covers all of those almost completely, you'll pay $20-$160 for a vasectomy and several hundred to several THOUSAND for a tubal or Essure!

And the BIGGEST reason -I carried two children through two miserable pregnancies and had the BC be my responsibility for the past 12 years. I gave birth to those two children, and it was high time my husband assumed some responsibility! After watching our two be born, he admitted that a vasectomy really wasn't that big of a deal! It was outpatient; took 15 minutes and he was sore for 5 days. That's it! He has one final sample to give until we have the "all clear" but I can already tell you it's done WONDERS for our sex life!

We went with a vasectomy because it was the simplist and timed it right before the birth of our last child so our recovery times were the same. If anything, it improved our sex life because we didn't have to worry about it anymore. 2 of our kids were concieved while on BC (different kinds) so removing that worry was great.

Vasectomy. Why? Because my body has been through plenty, and I don't think I want to do surgery and/or change my hormones when a vasectomy he can do is an office procedure that generally results in a bit of discomfort for a couple of days.

Another option that I have considered, more because of my very heavy periods as I age (I am now 48) that may be fibroids, is a procedure where they essentially, under local anesthesia, put a very heavy "balloon" up your uterus, fill it with scalding hot water, and that cauterizes the uterine lining so you no longer have the ability to create an endometrium. That would permanently alleviate the ability for implantation while leaving your ovaries alone. It's used for fibroids, but essentially also makes you sterile.

Vasectomies are reversable as long as the ends are tied instead of burnt. Same with a tubal ligation. I think most people are suggesting the vasectomy (and getting the flowers for those comments) is because it is a less invasive procedure and can be done (I think) at the doctor's office.

Plus it's his turn! Men need to be more proactive with birth control. Hello! They are getting sex, too!

I have taken the pill, the patch, and the shot and none of them are good for long term. They all mess with hormones which is something I am no longer willing to do to myself. As far as sticking something into myself (in the uterus or tubes).....uh, NO! Not on your life! That scares me too much. I would always think it might rupture something in there and/or wreck my insides - or worse.

My husband and I knew we only wanted 2 children, so after our second was born, he got a vasectomy. It was the best thing ever!!! It is so nice not having to worry about anything!!!!! Plus he had basically no pain!

I have a copper IUD, and while it's not permanent, it's efficacy is equally high. I strongly recommend it - just check this sight for all the moms who are wondering about reversing permanent birth control. I'm not saying you're going to change your mind, but wouldn't it be nice to have the option while also having an equally effective birth control?

Anyway, putting it in was a snap, my periods haven't gotten much heavier, and it's really nice not to have to stop every time and get the birth control ready. I also was a diaphragm user, and I would never go back to that what with the ease of the IUD. And, assuming you don't change your mind, you can have it in for 10 years, and then you can just put another one in. After that, you probably won't have to worry about birth control : )

Anyway, think about it. After all, if it doesn't work out, you can always go a more permanent route, but this might be something to try out first. Good luck.

My husband had a vasectomy about a year ago. I am SO happy he did! He had been voting for Essure, but I said no, I had two babies and now it was HIS turn! He had it done and actually it was worse for him than for most men ("the boys" swelled up to the size of oranges, no kidding... poor guy! But after 2 pregnancies myself, I guess I didn't feel that sorry for him. Ha ha)

Anyway, after 2 weeks he was back to normal and it has been so nice not having to worry about birth control anymore.

my obgyn explained that vas was much less risky op, quicker recovery etc. we went that route and have been very happy.

I had a tubal 8 months ago, but only because I had a c-section with my son. If I had a vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean), my husband would have gladly gotten a vasectomy. Our main reason for permanent birth control was health-related. Three babies, two c-sections, and varicose vein surgery - all within a four year span - has taken a toll on my body. I also don't think we could afford to have a family larger than 5. I am very pleased with the tubal. Our sex life is better without the worry of pregnancy.
To Julie B: do you know if the possibility for tubes to grow back is anytime or years down the road?

I did the Essure and loved it. In and out and DONE. You need another bc method for three months to be sure your tubes are scarred closed but other than that it was a no-brainer!

I had the Essure implants done almost 4 years ago (covered by insurance) & I am 100% happy!! It took about 20 minutes in my OB's office with no pain (small cramp when coil was inserted, not even as bad as a period cramp) & no bleeding or spoting afterwards. No change in moods, periods, weight,hormones or sex life (I think sex is what YOU make of it with your partner anyway!!) I highly reccomed it because its 100% effective. You have to use BC for three months afterwards & then go in for an x-ray to make sure your tubes sealed around the coils. Any side effects possible are minimal. Talk with your doctor about all your options & don't take anyone's advice as medical advice. Good luck!

I got my tubes tied and I could not laugh for about a week. I am ok now. I have heard it can put you into early menopause though. I also have had the ablation done and I love it.

Copper IUD

Lower fail rate than even a tubal, just needs to be replaced every 10 years, and unlike a tubal it doesn't mess with your hormones.

My H wanted a vasectomy, but I didn't let him, as he may want to start another family someday. I know, pessimistic outlook, but my uncle had a V with his first wife, and 20 years after her death wanted to have a family with his 2nd wife and couldn't.

Essure. Quick, practically painless and effective.