I did have some pretty extreme moods swings last week. It was rough! Feeling more even keeled now but I have some fierce cramps :/ Oy, one day it will get better...
Monday, August 3, 2015
The Mini Pill
I gotta say, I am enjoying the mini pill so far. I wasn't happy to see that I have a full blown period today, but if I consider when the start of my last normal period and not the fact that I bled for 10 days after that, this is actually right on time.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
More Mixed Info and Indescsion and Starting the Mini Pill
My birth control saga is still an ongoing battle...
When Skyla expelled, I had the plan to get one again. After all, this one didn't expell because of my uterus, it expelled due to the menstrual cup (uncomfirmed, but that is my theory and it has been come what confirmed by one OBGYN). So, I made another appointment to get another IUD. However, I was dreading the pain. A lot.
As I was sitting in the waiting room, hoping that 4 Motrin would do the trick for the pain this time, I started to second guess another IUD. As I sat there, I debated my other alternative .... The arm implant! I tried really hard to remember all my issues with it and really tried to remember if it lowered my sex drive or was it my circumstances? Was I just not being diligent enough about losing weight when I had it? As I recall, I got it removed because I couldn't lose weight. But what if I tried harder this time around?
I told the nurse that I wanted to talk with the doctor before doing the IUD, because I couldn't really say for certain that this was what I wanted anymore. Since the office was a bit behind, I saw an attending doctor, who was really awesome.
Here is a fun list of things we discussed:
1. Another IUD probably wasn't the way to go
2. The menstrual cup probably didn't cause the expulsion
3. With careful monitoring, I could do a regular pill form of birth control
4. The arm implant is a good choice for me
5. They will do another IUD, but they don't recommend it because each insertion carries more and more risks
6. I should think about which option I wanted and come back in a month do discuss it again
7. For now, she recommended the mini pill
She was one of the nicest doctors I'd ever talked to who really listened what I had to say and how I felt emotionally about my experiences. I was about to commit to the implant, but she said I should wait before I make a decision.
She suggested I at least see the doctor I had an appointment with, if nothing else just to be introduced. So I waited a bit more and then heard some discussion about Lamictal just outside the door.
The doctor and the attending came in, fulling admitting they were arguing over my case.
Here is another fun list of what this doctor told me:
1. She HAS seen cases where menstrual cups pull out IUDs!!!!
2. She said that after 2 expulsions, normally they don't recommend IUDs anymore (and she was shocked i wanted another one)
3. The best options for me, in terms of effectivness are: IUD, Depo, Implant, Mini Pill. Obviously, the IUD was off the table, but she said the Depo shot was my next best option, however since I am sensitive about weight gain, then I probably wouldn't want to do that.
4. Progestrone only birth control lowers the brains threshold to tell when you are full, so many women over eat which causes weight gain. If you are aware of that, you can modify your diet to accommodate for the change.
5. My seizure meds causes any form of bc to be metabolized faster than normal, which is a problem for something like the mini pill because it has to be taken at the same time everyday even for normal people. Making the mini pill a bit of a risky form for me to take.
I can't really say they pushed one form over the other (unlike everyone pushing Mirena over Skyla to the point of worry), but they did emphasize that I think about all my options.
Later, I stewed over the info about Lamictal metabolizing BC faster than normal and I came to an interesting thought.
For those who have read through my posts, you know that my first time with Skyla was fine until about 10 months in, and then I started getting periods every 2 weeks. And when I got it checked out, they said my IUD was in place and that the strings were on the short side. Then, after another round of heavy bleeding, I got a second opinion and an ultra sound, only to find out the IUD had become slight dislodged. It was about 3 weeks between the two appointments, and I was bleeding both times. It's also known that explusion rates are higher when you are on your period, heavy bleeding can dislodge the IUD. When I got my ultra sound, it showed that just one edge was slightly out of place. Otherwise, it was normal. So that really wouldn't explain why I was bleeding so much and so often. But I do know that the heavy bleeding happens when the hormones leave your body and you get an imbalance. It happened to an extreme after I got Skyla removed and Mirena. Those hormones leaving my body causes crazy heavy bleeding. So, my thought was that Lamictal metabolized the Skyla hormones so fast that it lowered the hormones to the point to cause that kind of heavy bleeding. It would also explain why I still had periods on Mirena, when most women don't get periods after 6 months of having it in!
This is just a thought, of course. Can't really confirm that but maybe I will bring it up at my next appointment.
Gotta say, I am leaning towards the implant this time. Or, possibly, if I really wanted it and I could get prescription pain meds for the procedure, I would do Paraguard. But I really don't know.... Right now, I'm starting the mini pill...
When Skyla expelled, I had the plan to get one again. After all, this one didn't expell because of my uterus, it expelled due to the menstrual cup (uncomfirmed, but that is my theory and it has been come what confirmed by one OBGYN). So, I made another appointment to get another IUD. However, I was dreading the pain. A lot.
As I was sitting in the waiting room, hoping that 4 Motrin would do the trick for the pain this time, I started to second guess another IUD. As I sat there, I debated my other alternative .... The arm implant! I tried really hard to remember all my issues with it and really tried to remember if it lowered my sex drive or was it my circumstances? Was I just not being diligent enough about losing weight when I had it? As I recall, I got it removed because I couldn't lose weight. But what if I tried harder this time around?
I told the nurse that I wanted to talk with the doctor before doing the IUD, because I couldn't really say for certain that this was what I wanted anymore. Since the office was a bit behind, I saw an attending doctor, who was really awesome.
Here is a fun list of things we discussed:
1. Another IUD probably wasn't the way to go
2. The menstrual cup probably didn't cause the expulsion
3. With careful monitoring, I could do a regular pill form of birth control
4. The arm implant is a good choice for me
5. They will do another IUD, but they don't recommend it because each insertion carries more and more risks
6. I should think about which option I wanted and come back in a month do discuss it again
7. For now, she recommended the mini pill
She was one of the nicest doctors I'd ever talked to who really listened what I had to say and how I felt emotionally about my experiences. I was about to commit to the implant, but she said I should wait before I make a decision.
She suggested I at least see the doctor I had an appointment with, if nothing else just to be introduced. So I waited a bit more and then heard some discussion about Lamictal just outside the door.
The doctor and the attending came in, fulling admitting they were arguing over my case.
Here is another fun list of what this doctor told me:
1. She HAS seen cases where menstrual cups pull out IUDs!!!!
2. She said that after 2 expulsions, normally they don't recommend IUDs anymore (and she was shocked i wanted another one)
3. The best options for me, in terms of effectivness are: IUD, Depo, Implant, Mini Pill. Obviously, the IUD was off the table, but she said the Depo shot was my next best option, however since I am sensitive about weight gain, then I probably wouldn't want to do that.
4. Progestrone only birth control lowers the brains threshold to tell when you are full, so many women over eat which causes weight gain. If you are aware of that, you can modify your diet to accommodate for the change.
5. My seizure meds causes any form of bc to be metabolized faster than normal, which is a problem for something like the mini pill because it has to be taken at the same time everyday even for normal people. Making the mini pill a bit of a risky form for me to take.
I can't really say they pushed one form over the other (unlike everyone pushing Mirena over Skyla to the point of worry), but they did emphasize that I think about all my options.
Later, I stewed over the info about Lamictal metabolizing BC faster than normal and I came to an interesting thought.
For those who have read through my posts, you know that my first time with Skyla was fine until about 10 months in, and then I started getting periods every 2 weeks. And when I got it checked out, they said my IUD was in place and that the strings were on the short side. Then, after another round of heavy bleeding, I got a second opinion and an ultra sound, only to find out the IUD had become slight dislodged. It was about 3 weeks between the two appointments, and I was bleeding both times. It's also known that explusion rates are higher when you are on your period, heavy bleeding can dislodge the IUD. When I got my ultra sound, it showed that just one edge was slightly out of place. Otherwise, it was normal. So that really wouldn't explain why I was bleeding so much and so often. But I do know that the heavy bleeding happens when the hormones leave your body and you get an imbalance. It happened to an extreme after I got Skyla removed and Mirena. Those hormones leaving my body causes crazy heavy bleeding. So, my thought was that Lamictal metabolized the Skyla hormones so fast that it lowered the hormones to the point to cause that kind of heavy bleeding. It would also explain why I still had periods on Mirena, when most women don't get periods after 6 months of having it in!
This is just a thought, of course. Can't really confirm that but maybe I will bring it up at my next appointment.
Gotta say, I am leaning towards the implant this time. Or, possibly, if I really wanted it and I could get prescription pain meds for the procedure, I would do Paraguard. But I really don't know.... Right now, I'm starting the mini pill...
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Well.... Fuck
So, I am on my 7th day of bleeding. Which is fine because I expect it and it's light.
This is, until it isn't :/ I had a tampon in, and while out and about, I noticed I was bleeding a bit heavier than I would expect at this point in my cycle. So, when I got home, I changed my tampon and there it was, my IUD sitting on top of the tampon.
It didn't hurt whenever it pushed out, maybe felt a few minor cramps but otherwise, it was nothing.
And now I am annoyed, defeated, hopeless and bleeding...
What next?
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
One week update
A few minor updates:
On Sunday, I had horrible cramps for about an hour to an 1 1/2. Awful, had to stop what I was doing and live with the pain type cramps. Then, while wearing some white shorts, I got my period a few hours later! Luckily I was at home, so it was an easy clean up.
I also had unprotected sex that morning with no pain! Another win!
Today was interesting though. I had asked my doctor about using a menstrual cup with an IUD and she said it should be fine; I just had to watch the strings when I took it out. Well, today I learned that her advice was well founded. As I took out my menstrual cup, I had some of the worst pain I've felt since I expelled Mirena. Needless to say, I panicked thinking that I pulled the IUD down. The pain didn't go away for a while either, it was debilitating for a time. I called my doctor and got in later in the day. They did an ultra sound and luckily, my IUD was still perfectly placed. Phew!
Haven't had any pain since! It actually feels totally normal down there, like I don't even have an IUD! Maybe a weird tug is all it needed to be placed right. Who the hell knows.
Anyway, other than that, everything is going swimmingly!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Skyla Round 2, IUD #3
As of today, I have a brand spanking new Skyla resting in my picky uterus.
The pain of insertion wasnt't fun, but it was SO MUCH LESS PAINFUL than Mirena. Makes me think I'll never get the copper one! Yikes.
Anyway, I breathed through the pain and didn't let out a yelp, so I feel that is a win in and of itself!
The post-insertion cramps are super manageable too. They are just really mild period cramps not even worth taking pain killers. Maybe each IUD gets easier :D
My gyno told me I have to check my strings more often, and come into the office for a check up every three months. And I am totally keeping up on that this time, because before, I was really bad about that. Also about checking my strings.
One thing I totally forgot to ask about was how soon I could have unprotected sex. I was on my period when I got the first one in (and I like, wasn't having sex with anyone). When I got the second one, I was taking the pill 4 times a day to stop the bleeding right up until that thing was inserted. Well, I wasn't on my period (but I KNOW I am pretty damn close. If not from the handy app I use to track them but also because my body likes to let me know). I'm thinking I'll either wait 7 days or for my period to come.
It's rather sad but my boyfriend and I haven't had sex since our last discussion :/ I just felt so unsexy for different reasons and I figured we could just wait until I got the IUD.... so..... yeah.
The pain of insertion wasnt't fun, but it was SO MUCH LESS PAINFUL than Mirena. Makes me think I'll never get the copper one! Yikes.
Anyway, I breathed through the pain and didn't let out a yelp, so I feel that is a win in and of itself!
The post-insertion cramps are super manageable too. They are just really mild period cramps not even worth taking pain killers. Maybe each IUD gets easier :D
My gyno told me I have to check my strings more often, and come into the office for a check up every three months. And I am totally keeping up on that this time, because before, I was really bad about that. Also about checking my strings.
One thing I totally forgot to ask about was how soon I could have unprotected sex. I was on my period when I got the first one in (and I like, wasn't having sex with anyone). When I got the second one, I was taking the pill 4 times a day to stop the bleeding right up until that thing was inserted. Well, I wasn't on my period (but I KNOW I am pretty damn close. If not from the handy app I use to track them but also because my body likes to let me know). I'm thinking I'll either wait 7 days or for my period to come.
It's rather sad but my boyfriend and I haven't had sex since our last discussion :/ I just felt so unsexy for different reasons and I figured we could just wait until I got the IUD.... so..... yeah.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Thinking of the next IUD
After almost 3 months of being off of hormones, I gotta say I feel great. My periods last 3 days, my cramps are minimal, and my cycle is regulating! I'm slowing shedding the weight, although I could have been better about working out and eating right. Still, progress is being made.
Now for the downside...
My boyfriend has been having a hard time finishing using condoms. This is getting frustrating to say the least. For the past 3 months, it has happened off and on, but he always attributed to one thing or another. Being to full, being a bit tired, etc. Back when I pushed out my IUD, he was so supportive of me going BC free, assuring me that he wanted whatever made me happy. And while I suspected he was a bit disappointed, he assured me condoms were 100% cool.
Well, after numerous occasions of him not being able to finish, I finally asked him if it was because of the condoms, and he admitted he had been struggling with it. He didn't want to say anything because I was so content without BC, but I think he is having a harder time than he thought.
I know what he means, I hate condoms too. I dry out faster, and I always have a smell after we are done. We go through lube a lot too. And while I always thought that men having problems with condoms was their own damn fault, I can't really say that for my boyfriend. We are 30 years old now, he has gone his entire sexually active life wearing condoms - as have I - and this is the first time we've ever gone without one to finish. He isn't comfortable with starting without a condom and finishing with one, so that option is off the table.
So, now I am re-reading my posts, trying to remember the best of the bad bunch. The copper IUD kinda scares me, but is also tempting. Then I think of Skyla and how I didn't have a loss of sex drive nor did it effect the intensity of orgasms. It might have hindered by ability to lose weight but I also remember when I started to work out more, I was losing weight. It just took a bit more effort.
I do know that I will never do Mirena again.
All I do know is that this is a struggle and a decision I need to make soon. Updates to come....
Now for the downside...
My boyfriend has been having a hard time finishing using condoms. This is getting frustrating to say the least. For the past 3 months, it has happened off and on, but he always attributed to one thing or another. Being to full, being a bit tired, etc. Back when I pushed out my IUD, he was so supportive of me going BC free, assuring me that he wanted whatever made me happy. And while I suspected he was a bit disappointed, he assured me condoms were 100% cool.
Well, after numerous occasions of him not being able to finish, I finally asked him if it was because of the condoms, and he admitted he had been struggling with it. He didn't want to say anything because I was so content without BC, but I think he is having a harder time than he thought.
I know what he means, I hate condoms too. I dry out faster, and I always have a smell after we are done. We go through lube a lot too. And while I always thought that men having problems with condoms was their own damn fault, I can't really say that for my boyfriend. We are 30 years old now, he has gone his entire sexually active life wearing condoms - as have I - and this is the first time we've ever gone without one to finish. He isn't comfortable with starting without a condom and finishing with one, so that option is off the table.
So, now I am re-reading my posts, trying to remember the best of the bad bunch. The copper IUD kinda scares me, but is also tempting. Then I think of Skyla and how I didn't have a loss of sex drive nor did it effect the intensity of orgasms. It might have hindered by ability to lose weight but I also remember when I started to work out more, I was losing weight. It just took a bit more effort.
I do know that I will never do Mirena again.
All I do know is that this is a struggle and a decision I need to make soon. Updates to come....
Monday, March 23, 2015
All Clear!
The bleeding has STOPPED!!! I'm so excited for that to be over.
I don't think I am over the Mirena Crash 100%, this weekend I was moody and emotional. I warned my boyfriend, but I still felt bad for the way I acted.
Also, I lost 2 pounds even though I made bad food choices all weekend!! For the past month, I have been running and doing light weight lifting 4 to 5 days a week, and then eating healthy, with lots of veggies and protein. NOTHING. Not one pound was shed, I think I even gained 2 pounds. There is the argument that I was gaining muscle, but I was not weight lifting enough to warrant that kind of result. It's these kind of changes that make me never want to take birth control again. Feeling more awake at work, seeing the results of my hard work with diet and exercise, and not having the random shooting pains. I also noticed it was worse whenever I did kegel exercises, which is weird, but I stopped doing them because of that.
I have decided (for now) to reach my ideal weight and then pick a birth control option. Might be Skyla again since I didn't experience a loss of sex drive or really gain any weight. But I might also try Paragard, at the risk of heavier, crampier periods. Who knows though, I change my mind constantly.
Well, readers, This will probably be my last update for a good long while. I hope this information finds you and it helps you make a more informed birth control decision.
I don't think I am over the Mirena Crash 100%, this weekend I was moody and emotional. I warned my boyfriend, but I still felt bad for the way I acted.
Also, I lost 2 pounds even though I made bad food choices all weekend!! For the past month, I have been running and doing light weight lifting 4 to 5 days a week, and then eating healthy, with lots of veggies and protein. NOTHING. Not one pound was shed, I think I even gained 2 pounds. There is the argument that I was gaining muscle, but I was not weight lifting enough to warrant that kind of result. It's these kind of changes that make me never want to take birth control again. Feeling more awake at work, seeing the results of my hard work with diet and exercise, and not having the random shooting pains. I also noticed it was worse whenever I did kegel exercises, which is weird, but I stopped doing them because of that.
I have decided (for now) to reach my ideal weight and then pick a birth control option. Might be Skyla again since I didn't experience a loss of sex drive or really gain any weight. But I might also try Paragard, at the risk of heavier, crampier periods. Who knows though, I change my mind constantly.
Well, readers, This will probably be my last update for a good long while. I hope this information finds you and it helps you make a more informed birth control decision.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Last Update For Awhile
Today, I actually feel like the bleeding is letting up! And I am still in love with my menstrual cup and mad I hadn't bought one YEARS ago. I still had to get up at 3 am and change it out, but that was after almost 4 hours! Plus, it was really more because of the clots than actual blood.
I also felt more awake today and actually slept pretty well last night. I'm thinking the Mirena Crash has worn off now. My sex drive is in full gear, so I'm pretty happy about that (just wish I wasn't still bleeding :/). I've even noticed I'm not gaining weight after one cheat day too! It's so frustrating that feeling normal means not having the safety of birth control....
Anyway, this will be my last post for awhile. I've been updating a lot with out any major updates, so I promise to only do another post when there is actual news.
I also felt more awake today and actually slept pretty well last night. I'm thinking the Mirena Crash has worn off now. My sex drive is in full gear, so I'm pretty happy about that (just wish I wasn't still bleeding :/). I've even noticed I'm not gaining weight after one cheat day too! It's so frustrating that feeling normal means not having the safety of birth control....
Anyway, this will be my last post for awhile. I've been updating a lot with out any major updates, so I promise to only do another post when there is actual news.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Menstrual Cup Heaven!
The bleeding is still going strong. The Soft Cups just don't work when you get heavy clots, I've decided, otherwise I think they'd work pretty well. BUT, the menstrual cup IS A GOD SEND!!!
With the Soft Cup, it lasted about 2 hours, about the same as a tampon. Then I would get up and a gush of blood would come out and let's just say that I am thankful I have been wearing nothing but black pants. Somehow they spill out and it isn't pretty. Perhaps its user error, I'd need a free weekend to really troubleshoot. I just resorted back to tampons because I couldn't fuss with the Soft Cups while at work.
When I got home, my Eva Cup was waiting for me (finally!!). I immediately washed it and tried it out. It took some wiggling and squatting to get it up there, and then it didn't open. So I stood up, fussed with it some more, then squatted down again and it felt like it had opened. If it hadn't, I had a pad on anyway, so I wasn't too worried. Anyway, I clearly did it right because its been 3 hours and no leakage!!! HUZZAHHH!
I've read a lot about how there is a learning curve and most people need time to figure it out. I guess since I tried Soft Cups and kinda got the hang of those, the cup isn't as difficult for me? Not totally sure, and for all I know its beginners luck. Either way, I've almost forgotten I've been bleeding for almost two weeks straight.
Anyway, that's all for now.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Mirena Crash?
Not sure if my body isn't keeping up with the blood loss or if I am experiencing the dreaded Mirena Crash, but either way; I am very, very tired. Like falling asleep and not remembering I even closed my eyes tired. Which is making me a tad delirious, woozy, and spacey. I just feel like my entire system is out of balance, almost like PMS but with less control.
I read this blog, Empowered Sustainability, and I won't say I agree with everything she says about tampons and PMS, it did give me good advice on how to get my hormones back in balance.
The bleeding isn't getting better. I wanted to wait to take the mini pill until the bleeding stopped, but it appears that might not be an option. I'm really not sure how long I should wait for the bleeding to stop either. And then that gets me to thinking about how much birth control has fucked my system up...... Do I really want to go on birth control again to stop these symptoms that might be part of a larger problem?
There is a huge hormonal birth control push back and while I do not believe half of what is posted, it still gives me pause.
I hate to say it, but when it comes down to the bottomline, the fear of pregnancy is always going to win. And statistics don't pull in favor of Natural Family Planning.
If the bleeding doesn't stop by Friday, I'll start on the mini pill. Until then, I need all the sleep!
I read this blog, Empowered Sustainability, and I won't say I agree with everything she says about tampons and PMS, it did give me good advice on how to get my hormones back in balance.
The bleeding isn't getting better. I wanted to wait to take the mini pill until the bleeding stopped, but it appears that might not be an option. I'm really not sure how long I should wait for the bleeding to stop either. And then that gets me to thinking about how much birth control has fucked my system up...... Do I really want to go on birth control again to stop these symptoms that might be part of a larger problem?
There is a huge hormonal birth control push back and while I do not believe half of what is posted, it still gives me pause.
I hate to say it, but when it comes down to the bottomline, the fear of pregnancy is always going to win. And statistics don't pull in favor of Natural Family Planning.
If the bleeding doesn't stop by Friday, I'll start on the mini pill. Until then, I need all the sleep!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
More of the bad
 |
| My current stash that is quickly depleting |
Today and yesterday wasn't a good day, period wise.
On Monday, all seemed to be clearing up well. The bleeding was tapering off and I thought it would all clear up by the end of this week. God, was I wrong.
At 3 am Tuesday morning, I awoke to that horrifying feeling of a dam about to break. I could also feel clots, big ones. To make matters worse, I strained the lower left side of my back pretty bad, so I could barely get out of bed fast enough or bend down to get the towels I would clearly need.
The few short steps to the bathroom made it clear that my best option would be to clean up in the shower. I took off my clothes and it was horrific! I had at least 4 huge clots spilling out and my pajama shorts were drenched.
I took a shower, cleaned up and painfully prepared for a repeat occurrence during the night; and I'm glad I prepared because it happened again!
Since this has happened before with getting Skyla removed, I didn't freak out too much but was quite annoyed between the whole mess and my back. I waited to go into work, to make sure this wasn't going to happen all day. Luckily, it didn't although I am still bleeding and I did just pass one pretty big clot.
However, I had a repeat occurrence last night, although I handled it much better and it wasn't as bad.
However, I had a repeat occurrence last night, although I handled it much better and it wasn't as bad.
One problem is that I don't know how to manage this amount of blood loss. It leaks everywhere, tampons are almost useless, and towels don't go well with my skinny jeans. Last night, I tried Soft Cups, which are basically disposable menstrual cups and can be worn for 12 hours (at least that's what they say).I think I didn't insert it right, but I get better at it everytime I try. Here is hoping that tonight I finally have it down. I also ordered a reusable menstrual cup but it won't be here until Thursday. Until then, I'm hoping these Soft Cups help, at least for overnight accidents.
Oy, this has been a tough week and it doesn't appear to be getting any better.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Going forward
Just got back from talking about my options at the GYNO and its slim pickins'.
In my last post, I said I wanted to try Nuva Ring, which turns out to not be an option because of the estrogen in it. The synthetic form of estrogen is super potent and its basically what conflicts with most seizure meds, specifically in my case Lamtical.
The GYNO had this handy chart, published by the CDC (click on the picture for the full article link)
What does all that mean? Here is a breakdown. Anything with a "3" is bad, and anything with a "1" is safe.
COC/P/R= Combined Oral Contraceptives/Patch/Ring (BAD!)
POP = Progestrin Only Pill (mini pill) (GOOD!)
DMPA = Depo (GOOD!)
Implants = Implanon/Nexaon (GOOD!)
LNG= Hormonal IUDs (GOOD!)
Cu IUD -Copper IUD (GOOD!)
It basically outlines the high risk BC options, which is any combined (progestrin and estrogen) contraceptive, even Nuva Ring and the Patch.
What I can take is still the same:
Depo:
NOT HAPPENING
Implanon (Now Nexaplon)
NOPE
Mini Pill: This is the option I chose for now.
This one only has progestrin but it is taken orally. The CDC says it is safe to take wiith Lamictal but it may lower the effectiveness of my BC. So there is a risk of pregnancy, but they really don't know how much it can lower the effectiveness. Which is why....
IUDs
Even though I have expelled two IUDs, I can still get them if I want and almost every site I go to is recommending them for people in my situation. My GYNO said that one of her other patients keeps expelling them and then getting a new one. Longest she has had one is 3 years, the rest are 6 months to a year. The pain out weighs the alternative, my GYNO said.
In the last post, I talked about how I really don't want another IUD, but looking at my other options, its the most effective of them all. Yes, they are painful, yes I hate the hormones, yes I have had all the horrible side effects.... But I'm sitting here thinking like an optimist "Maybe next time will be different."
In all honesty, I will probably get another IUD, possibly the copper one. I'm just going to wait awhile so my body doesn't have to get anything invasive for now.
At this point, I feel defeated. Maybe I should just stick to condoms.... I'm not totally sure :/
In my last post, I said I wanted to try Nuva Ring, which turns out to not be an option because of the estrogen in it. The synthetic form of estrogen is super potent and its basically what conflicts with most seizure meds, specifically in my case Lamtical.
The GYNO had this handy chart, published by the CDC (click on the picture for the full article link)
What does all that mean? Here is a breakdown. Anything with a "3" is bad, and anything with a "1" is safe.
COC/P/R= Combined Oral Contraceptives/Patch/Ring (BAD!)
POP = Progestrin Only Pill (mini pill) (GOOD!)
DMPA = Depo (GOOD!)
Implants = Implanon/Nexaon (GOOD!)
LNG= Hormonal IUDs (GOOD!)
Cu IUD -Copper IUD (GOOD!)
It basically outlines the high risk BC options, which is any combined (progestrin and estrogen) contraceptive, even Nuva Ring and the Patch.
What I can take is still the same:
Depo:
NOT HAPPENING
Implanon (Now Nexaplon)
NOPE
Mini Pill: This is the option I chose for now.
This one only has progestrin but it is taken orally. The CDC says it is safe to take wiith Lamictal but it may lower the effectiveness of my BC. So there is a risk of pregnancy, but they really don't know how much it can lower the effectiveness. Which is why....
IUDs
Even though I have expelled two IUDs, I can still get them if I want and almost every site I go to is recommending them for people in my situation. My GYNO said that one of her other patients keeps expelling them and then getting a new one. Longest she has had one is 3 years, the rest are 6 months to a year. The pain out weighs the alternative, my GYNO said.
In the last post, I talked about how I really don't want another IUD, but looking at my other options, its the most effective of them all. Yes, they are painful, yes I hate the hormones, yes I have had all the horrible side effects.... But I'm sitting here thinking like an optimist "Maybe next time will be different."
In all honesty, I will probably get another IUD, possibly the copper one. I'm just going to wait awhile so my body doesn't have to get anything invasive for now.
At this point, I feel defeated. Maybe I should just stick to condoms.... I'm not totally sure :/
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Life without Mirena - Day 4
Well, I got my ultra sound results back and all is normal. I guess I just have powerful uterine muscles (doctor said that, not me!). There really is no explanation for why my body expelled it, I'm just the one in 100.
When I read more stuff about mirena on some blogs, some women said that you can expell it without even noticing/feeling it. I say that is a flat out LIE. YES YOU CAN FEEL IT! It's like intense cramps that don't go away for several minutes!
Okay, now that I have said that, on to the after effects...
I have been bleeding like crazy again, No where near what happened when I expelled Skyla, but enough that it is annoying. I keep having leaks even with super plus tampons in! The clots are manageable, but they are frequent and larger than normal. Again, not golfball size like before! I am purchasing a menstrual cup now that I don't have an IUD, hoping that it will help with the leaks and crappy tampons. Can't seem to find any that can do the job! As a temporary solution, I cut up an old towel to wear around the house with some over sized men's pajama pants. It sounds gross and unattracitve, but I seriously don't know what to do anymore. I'm also quite moody, but I am aware of it and let people know that it might slip out. Other than that, I actually feel FANSTATIC!
Another thing that happened was that I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on Wednesday night (and it was soooo worth it, despite the following information), and Mirena came out Thursday morning. According to other articles, pregnancy can happen the moment an IUD becomes dislodged, and who knows how long mine wasn't placed right before I birthed it out. I called my doctor and they said I should take Plan-B, just in case. Even though it was highly unlikely that I would get pregnant given I was on my period already. They actually prescribed me Ella, which is the NEW emergency contraceptive on the market that offers a wider window (5 days), less side effects, and its more effective. But, no pharmacy I could get to in time carried it yet, being so new and all. So, I also had to take Plan-B. Another cherry on top of my weird and complicated situation.
Now, on to my next array of BC options. I still don't want the Depo shot. I don't want the chemicals in my body for 3 months, and I don't want all the side effects since I seem to get all of them. My last options are:
-The Patch
Haven't heard good things about the patch and some people mention complications with Lamictal and the patch
-Nuva Ring
Back when I got Implanon, I said I didn't want the ring because I lived at my Dad's house and didn't want to have a fresh vagina ring hangout in the fridge. Now that I live with another girl roommate, it isn't such a big deal. I also read some things about women having interactions with the ring and their seizure medications. But I've also read a lot of success stories too. My gyno(s) and pharmacists have told me there is no interaction because its the same hormones as Implanon and Mirena. The mixed info is confusing and scary, but until that male birth control is FINALLY released in the US, I need to make some decisions.
- Condoms
Condoms are fine and all, and if it really is too risky to take any BC, I will resort to the good ole fashion condom route. I really want BC for its numerous other benefits like clear skin and regular periods. Granted, I do experience a lowered sex drive with BC and I just don't orgasm the same. I'm honestly torn on this but...
I am going to talk to my doctor about Nuva Ring as an option tomorrow. My friend who has a high sex drive said she liked the ring the best. It didn't lower her sex drive and never had any problems with it.
I will update accordingly. Isn't it interesting how this started out as an Implanon blog but now I've trying every unique birth control option?
When I read more stuff about mirena on some blogs, some women said that you can expell it without even noticing/feeling it. I say that is a flat out LIE. YES YOU CAN FEEL IT! It's like intense cramps that don't go away for several minutes!
Okay, now that I have said that, on to the after effects...
I have been bleeding like crazy again, No where near what happened when I expelled Skyla, but enough that it is annoying. I keep having leaks even with super plus tampons in! The clots are manageable, but they are frequent and larger than normal. Again, not golfball size like before! I am purchasing a menstrual cup now that I don't have an IUD, hoping that it will help with the leaks and crappy tampons. Can't seem to find any that can do the job! As a temporary solution, I cut up an old towel to wear around the house with some over sized men's pajama pants. It sounds gross and unattracitve, but I seriously don't know what to do anymore. I'm also quite moody, but I am aware of it and let people know that it might slip out. Other than that, I actually feel FANSTATIC!
Another thing that happened was that I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on Wednesday night (and it was soooo worth it, despite the following information), and Mirena came out Thursday morning. According to other articles, pregnancy can happen the moment an IUD becomes dislodged, and who knows how long mine wasn't placed right before I birthed it out. I called my doctor and they said I should take Plan-B, just in case. Even though it was highly unlikely that I would get pregnant given I was on my period already. They actually prescribed me Ella, which is the NEW emergency contraceptive on the market that offers a wider window (5 days), less side effects, and its more effective. But, no pharmacy I could get to in time carried it yet, being so new and all. So, I also had to take Plan-B. Another cherry on top of my weird and complicated situation.
Now, on to my next array of BC options. I still don't want the Depo shot. I don't want the chemicals in my body for 3 months, and I don't want all the side effects since I seem to get all of them. My last options are:
-The Patch
Haven't heard good things about the patch and some people mention complications with Lamictal and the patch
-Nuva Ring
Back when I got Implanon, I said I didn't want the ring because I lived at my Dad's house and didn't want to have a fresh vagina ring hangout in the fridge. Now that I live with another girl roommate, it isn't such a big deal. I also read some things about women having interactions with the ring and their seizure medications. But I've also read a lot of success stories too. My gyno(s) and pharmacists have told me there is no interaction because its the same hormones as Implanon and Mirena. The mixed info is confusing and scary, but until that male birth control is FINALLY released in the US, I need to make some decisions.
- Condoms
Condoms are fine and all, and if it really is too risky to take any BC, I will resort to the good ole fashion condom route. I really want BC for its numerous other benefits like clear skin and regular periods. Granted, I do experience a lowered sex drive with BC and I just don't orgasm the same. I'm honestly torn on this but...
I am going to talk to my doctor about Nuva Ring as an option tomorrow. My friend who has a high sex drive said she liked the ring the best. It didn't lower her sex drive and never had any problems with it.
I will update accordingly. Isn't it interesting how this started out as an Implanon blog but now I've trying every unique birth control option?
Thursday, March 12, 2015
The End
Well readers, today my Uterus pushed out Mirena :/
Last night, I had sex and everything was totally fine and normal. Then, when I woke up, I noticed my period was getting heavy which is unusual after being on it for 5 days already. As I got ready for the day, I noticed I was having increasungly bad cramps. I thought it was strange and planned to call my doctor when I got to work.
On the bus to work, they got worse. But they also came and went, so I really wasn't sure how alarmed I should be. As I walked to work, I noticed I needed to walk slower and I was winded faster (I have to walk up a steep hill). When I got to work, I called my a nurse right away, telling her my issues. She got me in that day and I initially decided to try to work a few hours before going.
That did not happen. Within an hour, I was having intense, not-going-away-even-with-pain-killers-type-cramps. I went into the bathroom and doubled over in pain, punching the stalls and deep down knowing that I was probably pushing it out. I left work and asked to get in the doctor ASAP.
On the bus to the office, the cramps got better and I figured maybe the pain killers finally kicked in. The doctor asked me a few questions before taking a look. I told her everything was normal until today. When she looked at my strings, she thought she saw the tip of plastic but wasn't sure until she did a manual exam. Sure enough, it was practically already out. As I mentioned in a previous post with Skyla, getting it taken out is painful! Anything passing through your cervix is painful, even blood clots. So, when she pulled it out, I was shocked when I didn't feel a thing. My body had done it already.
I also had to get an ultra sound to see if there is an observable reason why I push out IUDs. Could be that I have a funny shaped uterus, could be a fibroid, or I might just have strong uterine muscles. I get the results back tomorrow.
Now, I feel amazing! So relieved and free! No more pain, no more random cramps, no more shooting pain (especially in my ass... not sure if that is normal)! No more extreme drowsiness the week before my period either! No more reduced sex drive! I also noticed that with Mirena, my orgasms just weren't the same. Not as intense and I didn't get as into sex as I used to. Now I get to have better orgasms too!!
Not looking forward to the acne but meh.
From here, I don't know if I have any other bc options. I'm going to discuss it with my gyno on Monday but I'm prepared to hear that it's only Depo-Prevera. Either way, this weekend is going to be lovely and hormone freeeeeeeeeee.
Last night, I had sex and everything was totally fine and normal. Then, when I woke up, I noticed my period was getting heavy which is unusual after being on it for 5 days already. As I got ready for the day, I noticed I was having increasungly bad cramps. I thought it was strange and planned to call my doctor when I got to work.
On the bus to work, they got worse. But they also came and went, so I really wasn't sure how alarmed I should be. As I walked to work, I noticed I needed to walk slower and I was winded faster (I have to walk up a steep hill). When I got to work, I called my a nurse right away, telling her my issues. She got me in that day and I initially decided to try to work a few hours before going.
That did not happen. Within an hour, I was having intense, not-going-away-even-with-pain-killers-type-cramps. I went into the bathroom and doubled over in pain, punching the stalls and deep down knowing that I was probably pushing it out. I left work and asked to get in the doctor ASAP.
On the bus to the office, the cramps got better and I figured maybe the pain killers finally kicked in. The doctor asked me a few questions before taking a look. I told her everything was normal until today. When she looked at my strings, she thought she saw the tip of plastic but wasn't sure until she did a manual exam. Sure enough, it was practically already out. As I mentioned in a previous post with Skyla, getting it taken out is painful! Anything passing through your cervix is painful, even blood clots. So, when she pulled it out, I was shocked when I didn't feel a thing. My body had done it already.
I also had to get an ultra sound to see if there is an observable reason why I push out IUDs. Could be that I have a funny shaped uterus, could be a fibroid, or I might just have strong uterine muscles. I get the results back tomorrow.
Now, I feel amazing! So relieved and free! No more pain, no more random cramps, no more shooting pain (especially in my ass... not sure if that is normal)! No more extreme drowsiness the week before my period either! No more reduced sex drive! I also noticed that with Mirena, my orgasms just weren't the same. Not as intense and I didn't get as into sex as I used to. Now I get to have better orgasms too!!
Not looking forward to the acne but meh.
From here, I don't know if I have any other bc options. I'm going to discuss it with my gyno on Monday but I'm prepared to hear that it's only Depo-Prevera. Either way, this weekend is going to be lovely and hormone freeeeeeeeeee.
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