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Birth Control Method Question
Does anyone in here use or have you used a diaphragm?
I'm on the pill and have been for about 5 years but have never liked it - I have almost no sex drive thanks to the hormones (thus why an IUD is out of the question). And it's not just about the libido, I also don't like the risks associated with the pill as well as altering a normal bodily function, it just doesn't seem right. I guess I'm one of those hippie-types who don't like taking meds - I won't take anything for a headache b/c I'd rather deal with it naturally. I dislike condoms even more though. I just got off the phone with my SIL who is an RN and she said she highly recommends using a diaphragm with spermicide. She said she's been using it effectively for two years now. I just wanted to get advice from more than one source and I'd rather have direct reviews that try to decipher what online is true and what isn't.
Thanks!
Re: Birth Control Method Question
BFP 1/22/12 | Ectopic pregnancy found 2/14/12 | Methotrexate to complete m/c 2/15/12
It's actually called the Fertility Awareness Method, and it's nothing like Rhythm. If you use it properly (meaning take your temp each morning at the same time and monitor your cervical fluids), it's one of the most effective things out there. You'll know when your fertile time is, and thus can avoid having sex or use a backup method to prevent pregnancy. It's really not difficult, and has no side effects because it's all natural. I really highly recommend you actually read about it before making a decision.
BFP 1/22/12 | Ectopic pregnancy found 2/14/12 | Methotrexate to complete m/c 2/15/12
As far as the hippie thing goes, I'm not anti-spermicide. I just don't like the idea of altering my hormones.
As far as the fertility tracking, I'm waaay too absent-minded to remember to do that. Not to mention if hubby knew we weren't using and actual b/c, he'd refuse to have sex. Ha!
If you're scared about getting pregnant, I think you'd be nervous using a diaphragm. The failure rate is about 20%. It's even higher for those "natural" methods you speak of. Trust me, I've delivered lots of babies to those women thinking they were using some natural method of birth control.
I agree with speaking with your doctor. He/she will have the most info for you.
Yeah I just don't trust the natural planning methods - that's how my niece came about too soon (before SIL started using a diaphragm) and my SIL's bff had two unplanned pregnancies within her first 3 years of marriage thanks to the natural method. It's not something I'd consider. I know it works for some people but I am definitely too pregnancy-paranoid (as is hubby) to risk it. I am concerned about the higher failure rate of a diaphragm too. Right now I'm considering all the options but I'm due for a visit to my gyno so I figure I'll talk to her about it. Thanks for all the reply!
Have you tried a different version of the pill? Paraguard IUD has no hormones if you want a long term BC. You could also try Implanon. You have multiple options, but it really sounds like your mind is made up already.
physician assistant, actually!
I think paragurd is a good option, but some docs won't insert an IUD unless the patient has already had a child. I'm sure some do though.
Hey, it's cool if you don't want to use Fertility Awareness because you don't trust yourself to be on top of it, but it might be helpful to you to read the book anyway - especially if you are interested in how your body naturally works. It's really fascinating and good stuff to know.
Also, don't think it doesn't work or is only for people who are okay with a pregnancy. DH and NEVER want kids and FAM is the only BC I trust. We've been using it for 3 years without any problems whatsoever. If you know people who became pregnant while they thought they were using it, then they were not using it correctly or taking a known risk. Except for maybe the tragic death of a loved one or being diagnosed with a terminal illness, pregnancy and children would be my worst nightmare - and I trust it WAY more than I would ever trust any sort of pill or device! If you are motivated to not get pregnant and know what you are doing FAM is really very easy and incredibly reliable.
Best of luck in your search for the best BC for you!
I have the paragard IUD and love it!
I did FAM and that is how we conceived DS. So although I learned a lot about my body and I was using it correctly, I have found more people then not saying that is how they ended up being parents.