Category: Health and Wellness
So today I went to the gynaechologist and got my tests and blood work done. When she asked if I've ever had a child, I said no and she said absolutely not with regards to an iud. Nothing about it causing extra bleeding, cramping, possibly expelling from a woman who'd never had a child. Just no, as if it was totally unthinkable for me to get one since my uturus has never been dialated all the way as it is when a woman has a child. But when I looked more into it, I found that they give local anaesthetic to women like me and sometimes a pill specifically for uturus dialation. As a sidenote, she wasn't really thrilled about the diaphragm either. She recommended, and seemed to really like, the Nuvaring, which she said could help regulate my period, stop the bleeding/spotting that I've had since coming off of Camilla and could prevent anemia. She said that it's systemic, meaning that it's local to the vagina, so I wouldn't have the moodswings and other things that are associated with birth control that goes into the body. But when I looked it up, it pretty much listed the same risks as the other hormonal stuff. I'm worried about my periods being mesed up, especially if I go off of it. Also, it carries the same risks for smokers. Granted, I only smoke two or three cigs a day, sometimes less, but still. And I'm not all that happy about hormones, since I promised myself that I wouldn't take them.
So have any of you had iuds inserted without having had children? If so, what was it like? Where are you from or where were you when you had it done? I'm in NJ. What did your doctor say about it to you?
I've never used an IUD, but I have used a diaphragm successfully for 18 years. Used correctly and with spermicide, it is still an effective method, even though it isn't the very latest, most modern option! I'm leery of any kind of hormonal birth control, and there are herbal solutions to regulating your cycle which wouldn't need to be long-term.
I suggest seeing another doctor! It doesn't sound as if this one's outlook matches yours, and if you've done the research and know what you want, respectfully insist upon it, unless there's some valid health related reason why you can't.
Planned Parenthood might be able to refer you to a doctor, if they don't fit IUD's. (I'm not saying they don't, I just haven't looked it up.)
Even if you wanted a tubal ligation, and have no children, it's your decision and your body, and *some* doctor will do it. I have a friend who had her tubes tied, childless, at 18, so it's possible.
Wow! Really? I must look into that, especially into the side effects etc. I thought they'd give me hell cause I'm 25 and so on. It is, obviously, not something to be taken lightly and would require a great deal of thought, but it's an option. The one thing that worries me about the diaphragm is it moving, not being put in right and dealing with the spermacide as a blind person. I mean, knowing that I got enough of it on, not spilling it etc. I'd love to hear about your general experience, since there are no accounts of visually-impaired people using them that I've seen. Also, I'm extremely! interested in those herbs for regulating my cycle. I'm all about naturopathy. Any help you could give me would be sincerely appreciated. Gods, it would be so good to do this all without drugs and hormones.
I am getting one inserted in a few months and have never had children. It was not the highest reccomended option for me, but because of my issues with hormones i did not want to be put on another pill. I don't know if you had indicated any of these to your Doctor or not, but these were the main concerns.
1. Size of uteris: They can only be placed in a uteris of a cirtain size if it is not long enough it can do dammage to the uteris.
2. Manogamy: One of the biggest mentions was that in order to have one in place you should be in a manogamus relationship. If you have sex with more than 1 partner the risk of infection goes up. If you get an STD or infection you are very likely to become starol.
3. Periods: If you told her you're having trouble with spotting and periods it's very likely that this became her reason. The option with out hormones or the Paragard is supposed to give you possibally heavier and crampier periods.
Just keep these three things in mind when discussing the option with another Doctor.
If you use a diafram I have heard that you can insert it, and then use your fingars to spread spermacide around the top edge of the diafram, and then to use more at the time of intercorse. The main thing to remember is that it needs to be put in at least a half an hour before intercorse, and needs to stay in I believe 6 hours afterword. Someone can correct me. Also because I know you're an lj person you can look at my profile and there is a link to a community all about birth control, and they are sticklers for correct information.
Good luck
Thanks for the help. She didn't say anything about the size of my uterus or about my periods being the reason for her refusal. She just said that I shouldn't get it because my uturus was never dialated the way it would be if I had a child. I've been monogamous for two years but my bf knows I like older men and says he can't in good conscience hold me back from living my life, though he has no interest in other women. that said, I haven't seen anyone else and even when/if I do, 1. I get to know and trust him first and 2. I always take safety into consideration. The ones I'm considering haven't been with anyone in a few years and aren't now. I didn't mention any of this to her cause we were involved in other things.
remember no matter what they say, you can get pregnant with an iud inserted. i have a 19 year old beautiful daughter who came about that way. just had to mention it.
You can get pregnant with any form of contraception. But it makes the possibility alot less likely. Also, I'm sure iuds were alot different 19 years ago than today. If I did though, I'd definitely abort it. I don't want kids (definitely not now anyway) and my bf already has two grown children and doesn't want anymore. But glad you have a wonderful daughter.
I'm really looking into the diaphragm as a good alternative, since I read the iud causes alot heavier bleeding and pain.