Best (oral?) contraceptive for this situation?

[Anonymous]

We're tired of condoms and getting dangerously lax about using them. Haveatwood, youngest is 1.5 year old who still nurses twice a day. Think we're done having kids but not 100% sure, so not ready for vasectomy or tubal.

What birth control is recommended for someone in my situation? Oral contraceptives? Type?

I had an okay experience on the pill in my 20s, but am now 38 and not sure how that changes things. I get skittish based on friends' recent bad contraceptive experiences: one who almost died from blood clot on Yaz, and one who had an accidental IUD pregnancy and miscarriage. Maybe I should stock up on the sponge like Elaine?

Obviously I will talk to my doc and have an appointment scheduled, but would appreciate hearing from other women. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'd go IUD in your case. Accidental IUD pregnancy is insanely rare. I love my Mirena, but know other women who did well on the copper IUD if you'd rather avoid hormones.

[Anonymous]

Haveatwood = have two kids

[Anonymous]

Thank you for that quick response. Have you experienced any Mirena side effects from the hormones?

I do have to put that friend's experience in perspective--I also know of quite a few women who are happy with IUDs and have had no problems.

[Anonymous]

My only Mirena side effect has been not having a period. I've actually felt much better on it than I ever did on oral contraceptives - I think the steady flow of hormones is easier on my system than the surge on a daily pill.

[Anonymous]

You can also do the progestin only pill while nursing. Very, very safe. But the IUD is a great option!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can also do the progestin only pill while nursing. Very, very safe. But the IUD is a great option!

Yes this is an option but not much better than only sometimes using the condoms. We have 4 kids, two of whom were concevied while taking that pill and nursing.

[Anonymous]

I've had a great experience with my Mirena. No periods, no hormonal side effects, and doesn't interfere with nursing. I'd say Mirena is better than the pill in terms of side effects for me, perhaps because the dosage is both low and constant.

[Anonymous]

Have had great experience with copper IUD. Only side effect has been slightly heavier periods.

[Anonymous]

IUD

[Anonymous]

I hated Mirena. The hormones in it made me really moody and I spotted all the time. I've heard good things about Paraguard though. It's the IUD without hormones.

[Anonymous]

Paragard. I am on my third (used it between kids, no problem getting pregnant after wards) and just love it. In my case only the first period is heavy. Hormone based contraceptives do a number on me, so this is perfect.

[Anonymous]

Loved my Mirena! Favorite birth control of all time. It was hard the first few months, some cramping and spotting. Totally worth it for the next 4.5 worry-free years!