I've been on Mirena since May of 2007, after my daughter was born and at first, I didn't have periods, just occasional spotting that lasted about 36 hours. August of 2010, my husband and I separated and I started having full blown periods that last about three or four days. I have a friend that I've known for decades, and we've recently become friends with benefits. Most of the time, condoms are used, but they have been forgotten once or twice. I'm not worried about STDs because we both donate blood (plasma in his case) on a regular basis. I've had periods since both incidents without the condoms and the last one which just ended, was heavier than most; but I've been super tired recently, wanting to fall asleep before 10pm.
I don't know if the exhaustion is due to being a recently singled mom while working and going to school or if it's something more. My schedule doesn't really allow me the time to see a doctor and I can't afford to buy a home test to double check on things and be sure. Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
The main reason I'm not worried about STDs is because I've known this friend since the first grade (we're 28 now) and I know him really well; the person he was with before me was his fiancee who left him because she's a moron and disagreed on something stupid I won't get into here. I have condoms, and normally, so does he. I'm not pregnant, I was just very anemic.
You're probably not pregnant, but really... no protection? If you're worried, take a test and buy some condoms while you're at the store!
I agree with previous posters about the Dollar Tree tests, they work just like all the others. But just wanted to add that donating blood/plasma does not rule out STDs. They screen for viruses like AIDS and syphilis, but wouldn't catch things like chlamydia or gonorrhea. I would really recommend STD testing for both of you, either of you could be infected without obvious symptoms. In the mean time try not to "forget" the condom.
With "benefits" comes responsibility.
Saw your add -on. I'm sure you trust your friend in the STD department, but do you trust his flaky ex? I'm sure you've heard the expression, "You're not just sleeping with him---you're sleeping with everyone that he's ever slept with." He could have something and not know it YET. Please get tested.
No offense...but if you are sexually active..there is always a chance for pregnancy. It sounds like you need to see the doc asap to rule out pregnancy and other issues. Do you check to see if the Mirena is in place still? I would double check...Better to be safe than sorry especially is this is just a friend with "benefits" nothing like being a single mom of one going on being a pregnant single mom
I am on my 2nd Mirena - love it. After a while the "whatever" is in it, I think wears off and I start to get a heavier period. I would not worry!
you can get a pregnancy test at the dollar store...I hear they work just as well...
Go to the Dollartree. They carry tests that cost $1. It will give you piece of mind if nothing else.
Buy a test from the Dollar Tree. They work just as well as any of them, and only cost $1.
I agree that the harshness is uncalled for from pp's.
I have a 'hillbilly love story' where I got pg by my now hubby (2nd) as I had just began my divorce from my 1st husband. My life couldn't be more wonderful. *sticks tongue out at all the poo throwers* No, I was not on BC.
So, to answer your question... I'd try the $1 store test. If it comes up negative (which is very likey), I'd see the Dr to make sure all is well and good in the girl parts dept.
Good luck! Keep us posted!
If you can schedule your time to include sex, you can schedule your time to include seeing a doctor.
I am a little disgusted at some of the horrible comments on here. You used to be able to ask anything and get CONSTRUCTIVE feed back. Not a bunch of people trying to break you down. Good grief people... didnt your mothers ever tell you if you dont have something nice to say dont say anything at all. My goodness.
H.,
Who better to confide in than a long time friend. Kudos to you for not bringing a stranger into your home. As far as the Merina goes.. I too have had one for almost 5 years. Mine are not like Sandy's unfortunately in the consistant department. (Before people start bashing me... I AM married with 2 awesome children ...) I had a solid period for the first 3 months maybe longer. Now, it may be 3 months before I had another here and there, it may be spotting one day and then a month later I would have a full blown one. Craziness.. My doctor is awesome and I trust him with my life.. he has said that it is very common for random "breakthroughs" or "periods" . If it is abnormally heavy I would get it checked out because you could be having a miscarriage... your uterus cannot support the fetus so your body will get rid of it (for lack of better words). This is one of the biggest reasons why a lot of people are so "pissy" about the IUD because they say it is the same as an abortion.. I disagree. Anyway, I hope things are getting better for you. We all go through rough patches the outcome depends on your perspective. Keep your head up.
I would go to your GYN & see what he/she thinks about the bleeding. I too have the Mirena, actual almost 5 years now. My has been consistent ever since a few months after my body adjusted to having it. Your Mirena may have gotten out of place. Definitely would have that checked soon! Your doctor will also know other things to check if that's not the problem.
(BTW, people don't need to be so harsh on here... you were asking about medical issues, not relationships...)
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buy a test at the dollar store. they have them and they are just as effective as other brands. good luck.
m
The endocrine system (hormones) is greatly impacted by stress. And sometimes our bodies respond to stress even when we think we have it under control psychologically speaking. It sounds like, to me, your body is both responding to stress and adapting to your birth control. If you are concerned, maybe find a Planned Parenthood and get checked out. I went there when I didn't have insurance and rarely paid more than $5 due to my financial situation. They are usually very nice and just ask you to pay what you can.
Not sure if this helps much! I hope it resolves soon:)
PS
I just read some of the other responses and while I agree there are larger issues to think about, I just wanted to say, IMHO, NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS! Your journey is for you to judge and you alone. You are going through a rough patch and coping the best way you know how. I hope things get better for you soon:)
I can't see how getting pregnant is going to do your schedule any good.
Find a Planned Parenthood center. They can give you a blood test and see about getting you on some birth control.
If the friend with benefits doesn't want to be a father - he should step up with some birth control and/or help pay for it. It's a lot cheaper than child support.
is there a dollar tree store around you $1 tests are all I have ever used...if you need to know, stress can do wonders to your cycle though so it could just be that.
My advice: USE A CONDOM. Seriously!!! You can't just "forget." You are a grown woman, this is inexcusable. If you don't want pregnancy and worry about, act like an adult and use protection.
Dollar store pregnancy tests.
Donated blood is NOT screened for all sexually transmitted diseases. Your nearest Planned Parenthood can help you with all sorts of services on a sliding scale.
Not being able to afford on a test or get medical care "after the fact" is a signal that you're not really taking very good care of your health or your responsibilities to the little girl you've already brought into the world. Better planning and follow-through would be a whole lot less expensive than a pregnancy or STD.
Pregnancy with an iUD can be deadly so I think you need to find the time to see your dr. Your daughter deserves to have a healthy responsible mommy.
If your mirena is still in you need to go see a dr. also do you suffer from lowe back discomfort or pain or feel blodded and fat. These are signs of cyst or tumers on the ovaries. every one i talk to they have these reactions from the mirena and i persoanlly have had them too. Plus your periods getting heavier is probably form the mirena your body is rejecting it sorda in a way. Also you maybe feeling this way because of your load of responsibility and your schedule. A pregnancy at home you can get a pack of three for 1695 at cvs if you check every now and than when there on sale. Even cvs brand can be cheaper so I don't know how your couldn't afford one. We are all tight on money but when it comes to putting owrry to rest its worth it. Plus to be honest from what you said i don't thik you are anyway. But I would try to make time for you and go to the ob.
hi there,
it could just be your tired but one of the things i had when i was pregnant was i was super duper tired so i would start with a test and if your not pregnant and it keeps up or gets worse i would go to the doc... alot of people dont go to the doc and then find out later something bad and they could have saved themselves...
