[lizzardb63]

Hello,

So I had my yearly check up yesterday and spoke with my doctor about getting the copper IUD (Paraguard) because I cannot take anything hormonal (makes me depressed and a monster, lol). I was a bit upset when I left the office because I felt she wasn't listening to me and wasn't really cooperating. I am going to be getting married in almost exactly 1 year and we do not plan on having children within the first year of marriage either. She told me it wouldn't be worth the money to get the copper IUD if I was only going to have it in for 2 years and she said "Condoms are easy. There is no mess, he has to deal with it, you can just roll over and go to sleep, ha ha." Well I dont find that funny. Once I am married I don't want to use condoms, they are awkward and I feel closer to my fiance if we don't have a barrier between us but still want a reliable form of birth control.

Advice? Is it worth it if I only have it in for 2-3 years?

[Ashlee T.]

Some women love the copper IUD. But I'll be honest, I haven't heard many positive things about it. There are several threads on here specifically about the copper IUD. Many women end up having them removed prematurely because of the side effects. Though it's non hormonal, it must be something about the copper that causes very similar side effects to hormonal BC.

I'd recommend reading "Taking Charge of Your Fertility", start charting your cycles (it's easy as pie, and even easier now that there are a kazillion apps to help you do it) and learning when you are the most fertile and when you're not. In addition, consider something like a diaphragm.

I know when people get married they have visions of unlimited nonstop sex and don't want to be burdened with condoms or diaphragms etc. But the other alternatives out there for us, unfortunately, are NOT ideal especially if you're one like me (and you) that react poorly to hormonal BC.

[lizzardb63]

I guess I was under the assumption that the only side effects from the Copper IUD is heavier flow and more cramping, which I feel I can deal with. I am just not sure what to do. I honestly feel trapped and limited and I just don't feel our sex drive is at 100% because there is always a reservation. Maybe once we're married it won't be, but I know I don't want to be popping out a kid every year. Ugh... frustrated.

[Ashlee T.]

Seriously girl, read the book. It's not something you have to sit down and read all at once. But it will empower you immensely. I understand your dilemma. But after reading this book, I've been off hormonal BC for close to two years now I think and don't regret it a bit. I know more now about the way my body works and what I need to do then ever before. Feeling disregarded by your doctor is frustrating. Sometimes I just don't think they get it. As if we're just "supposed" to go through life feeling badly and sacrificing our bodies and our health and just grin and bear it. I'll say it again, read the book girlfriend!

And for what it's worth, go peek at the Copper IUD thread if you haven't already. I think it will help to give you some answers you're seeking.

[lizzardb63]

Basically the book teaches the "Rhythm Method" right? I find that too risky and I don't trust it. :S

[Ashlee T.]

Lizzard, no. Not at all. There are huge differences in the Rhythm Method (which assumes every womans cycle is the same) and FAM. The books not aimed to teach you how NOT to get pregnant. It's to teach you how your body works so that you understand it better, know when you're fertile, know when you're not. It's NOT based on the average womans 28-30 day cycle, it's based on yours and yours alone. THe information you learn in that book is also immensely helpful to women who are trying to get pregnant or plan to in the next few years.

Here's another Copper IUD thread: https://www.womens-health.com/boards...opper-iud.html

[Little]

I'd say it would be worth it to try it out. Call your doctor's insurance department and find out what it would cost for you. Then compare the cost to condoms for 2+ years (because that sounds kind of EXPENSIVE to me!) and ask yourself if the cost difference it worth it to YOU. Not to mention that Paraguard has a 0.8% failure rate versus 15% typical-use failure rate for condoms!!! Hellur!

How awful that your doctor made you feel like your fertility was out of control! It's my experience that they push the hormones so hard, they don't know what to do with a woman whose body can't stomach them or who can't take them for whatever reason! BD mentioned charting your cycles, which can be very effective if done correctly. Once you have your first child, Lactactional Amenhorrhea can protect you for up to 6 months if you practice ecological breastfeeding. There's no need for you to feel like you're going to pop out a baby every year; you can take control whether your doctor likes it or not!

[lizzardb63]

Well, if the IUD costs me $650 dollars over the span of 2 years and what I WAS paying for birth control pills ($70 per month) then I would be saving $1030 in two years. The price honestly seems worth it...but I don't want anyone to scare me out of it because of other people's experiences. I have researched it thoroughly and have seen good and bad about it, but I guess...Idk...i feel so hopeless.

[Little]

$70/month is a whole lot of money going towards birth control. Cheese and crackers! It doesn't sound like you have much to lose going the copper route. And you never know, you may decide to wait longer than 2 years for children, as long as you already have the IUD! Which would be even more money saved ... money that you could put towards baby one day
$650 seems rather steep for the IUD though ... I was looking into Mirena previously and it should have only cost me around $70. Is the IUD not covered by your insurance?

[lizzardb63]

I am not sure about that yet. Something I still need to look into, but I figured in $650 just in-case worse comes to worst and it isn't covered.