We're using the pulling out method...and I keep an eye on the calendar.

Anonymous wrote:I know you say you don't want a foreign object, but....

Just get a hormone-free IUD. No mess, no fuss, no pregnancy.

I've read too many articles about complications from IUDs -especially Paraguard, from extreme hair loss, to weight gain, cramping to having the damn thing get stuck and needing invasive surgery to remove it. For something that is "non-hormonal" it sounds like it has just as many bad side effects if not more than the pill. It sounds like the diaphragm isn't anyone's favorite either. I feel pretty much screwed here. Guess were stuck using condoms.

I tried it, didn't like it. Found it difficult to use, and almost impossible to reapply spermicide. Don't like the failure rates.

Gross.

I know you say you don't want a foreign object, but....

Just get a hormone-free IUD. No mess, no fuss, no pregnancy.

Anonymous wrote:I think a really good education on your fertility, which a number of people recommended on here, is Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Before DS was conceived, I quit the pill (obviously) and was absolutely amazed at how much more NORMAL I felt. I had been on it for nearly 12 years, since college. I didn't take the mini pill after he was born either, and decided against any other hormonal method for the reasons you list above. I'm still breastfeeding and waking up at least once a night, but I am hoping to start the charting methods put forward in that book, so that I can better understand when some kind of barrier method is absolutely critical, and when it isn't.

I haven't actually used the diaphragm, though, so can't comment on it.

This is OP - yes I've read all the websites about diaphragms and I've read Taking charge of your fertility. I think that book is great for TRYING to get pregnant, but I would not use that as the sole method of avoiding pregnancy...hence finding some other barrier method.

Anonymous wrote:Isn't a diaphragm a foreign object?

Yes but you remove it after you are done using it. Paraguard is implanted into your body and is meant to stay there.

Well not to humblebrag but we had to stop using the something like that but DH's thing would also bump up against it.

I use the Today Sponge. Easy, and can stay in got up to 24 hours.

I tried this about 6 or so years ago. The pharmacist at CVS practically laughed at me. It's impossible to find spermicide. It's disgustingly messy. needs to stay in for a certain # of hours after intercourse.

I think a really good education on your fertility, which a number of people recommended on here, is Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Before DS was conceived, I quit the pill (obviously) and was absolutely amazed at how much more NORMAL I felt. I had been on it for nearly 12 years, since college. I didn't take the mini pill after he was born either, and decided against any other hormonal method for the reasons you list above. I'm still breastfeeding and waking up at least once a night, but I am hoping to start the charting methods put forward in that book, so that I can better understand when some kind of barrier method is absolutely critical, and when it isn't.

I haven't actually used the diaphragm, though, so can't comment on it.

Isn't a diaphragm a foreign object?

What about Paraguard?

Here is information from Planned Parenthood, in case you haven't already seen it:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/diaphragm-4244.htm

If women always use the diaphragm as directed, 6 out of 100 will become pregnant each year.

If women don't always use the diaphragm as directed, 12 out of 100 will become pregnant each year.

Another question is -- are you done with childbearing?

Wasn't sure where to post this. I do not think it belongs in the "explicit" forum, so figured I'd try here. I am to the point where I cannot stand taking the pill any longer. It is messing me up big time, and I'm just tired of being on hormones.
I absolutely hate condoms - even with lubrication I find them extraordinarily uncomfortable during sex and get no sensation from them whatsoever. But obviously need some kind of protection. The diaphragm seems like the only option that does not use hormones.
I do not want to have a foreign object permanently put in my body such as a the Para guard.

Does anyone use a diaphragm? What do you like, don't like? Was it not effective and you got pregnant?

Any advice on this is appreciated. None of my friends use it, so I need some opinions.

Thanks