What Method of Birth Control Do You Use?

Hi B.,

I also had issues with hormonal BC, including the Mirena IUD. I use the other IUD available, called Paraguard. It does not use hormones, and works for up to 10 years! Most doctors don't even mention it when you discuss BC options, and automatically offer only Mirena - so ask if you're interested! I've had no side effects at all - NONE. In the past year of use, I've had one period which was a day longer and more crampy than usual, but that's truly the only thing I've noticed. Because there's no hormones, there's no breakthrough bleeding. I'm a big fan. Good luck as you explore your options.

A.

I used an IUD (Mirena) for 5 years while we were deciding if we were done or not...after 3 years my husband got a vasectomy and I left it in for the remaining 2 years just in case( I was really paranoid!). I loved it...my period became lighter and I didn't have to worry about the "everyday" issues of other methods. My insurance company didn't cover it, but we were able to make payments to the Dr. and it was worth it. I know planned parenthood also uses Mirena, and it is based on your income level which helps a lot! Best of luck with your decision :)

My husband and i are also thinking of permanent birth control (vasectomy). I just don't think i am ready to take that step. Not that we can afford a 5th!! I am not allowed to take birth control due to very high blood pressure. We just use natural planning. It really works for us. If you really know yourself and your cycle i don't think it is a problem. There is a lot of withdraw...not to be to personal. I have had no unplanned pregnancies since i started using this method in 1997. I learned from expierience after my first 2 suprises...lol! (The last 2 were 100% planned)

Hi B.,

I use the paraguard. It lasts for 10 years with no side effects.

I hope this helps?

hey B.. I have the Mirina (IUD) and I absolutely love it!!! It is simple to have installed at your OBGYNs office and if you decide u want to have another baby, it is easy to have removed. It lasts up to 5 years. I had some minor spotting and cramping when it was put in and no periods since! It has very little hormones. I def recommend it!

We use a form of natural family planning called the Marquette Method http://nfp.marquette.edu/ . It is NOT the rhythm method and we have been very happy with it. I had problem with some hormones earlier and refuse to go back that way. This measures your hormone levels and tworks with your cycle. Feel free to email me any questions and I'll be happy to try to answer them.

Hi, B.,

I made the same decision about the pill and all birth control with hormones. Now I use a diaphragm - I try to combine it with awareness of my ovulation cycle, so I am especially careful to insert my diaphragm when I know I'm fertile. "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler comes highly recommended as a resource on fertility.

I have also heard great things about the Intrauterine Device (IUD) - there are two options, one with hormones (Mirena) and one without (copper). However my insurance doesn't provide enough coverage for me to try this option, so I don't know firsthand. I do know the IUD is best if you know you don't want to get pregnant for a while (like a year or more, maybe?), because it's a bit of a procedure have it inserted.

Good luck!
H.