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...

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?

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!

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.

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....

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.

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.