as lupus sufferers, what is the prefered method of birth control

[twas78]

Hi all, been way to long since I've visited the site let alone posted. Issues I'm dealing with is birth control and very irregular bleeding. Been to the gynecologist who has given me a few options. First the birth control, so far for the last 5+ years we've used the rythm method and has worked, but we totally need a change. Then for the bleeding, doc gave 3 options: IUD which I don't like the idea of all the extra man hormone as I have enough facial and extra body hair from my high prednisone days and don't want to be mistaken for a man!!. then (can't remember the procedure) they insert a balloon and it burns the uterus lining, no thank you, and the last a complete hysterectomy, a tubiligation for birth control only, vasectomy for hubby(which he cringes) or..... just deal with it. I questioned him about POF which can happen for lupies. Sorry for the blah, blah, blah, just trying to get a what everyone else does or uses. It was highly recommended that I do not become pregnant again, as i had a post partom (spelling?) stroke after my son was born. Thanx all in advance Take care all :) Twas

[Raglet]

Hi there

I am confused about the 'man' hormone and iud - I think you may be talking about something like a mirena, which contains a progestin which is definitely a female hormone (it's a synthetic progesterone). I don't know of any iud's containing male hormones. Mirena's are excellent for bleeding problems, periods often disappear as well, and they last for 5 years making them excellent value.

the other procedure you mention is most likely an endometrial ablation - to have this you need to be very sure that you don't want to have any more children. That being said, I know women who have had this prodecure and found it very helpful.

Like most things with lupus, no one size fits all and it's a matter of working out what suits you best. I would really recommend that you get your doctors to write down the names of the procedures and iud's that they are recommending, then you can read up about them and make your decision.

hth

raglet

[Maia]

Mirena seems to work well for many people, and if you have a problem (with the hormones or anything else) it can be reversed easily enough by removing it. It sounds like you have a couple of different problems though and are actually in need of more than just birth control since you mention bleeding problems as well.

Not sure what the status is for Depo Provera for lupus people, but since it is progestin only it should not be a problem even for those with APS in terms of clotting problems. There is also the option of monthly shots for birth control that is similar to Depo but not as long lasting. Both of those also will dramatically decrease bleeding (usually) even possibly ending periods altogether (often times).

For permanent birth control, from all practical standpoints it really makes more sense for the man to be snipped. it's cheaper, less painful, less risky, more effective (more effective than any other method of contraception including tubal ligation), leaves the woman at no increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (which tubal ligation does), and no risk of inducing a lupus flare at all either from hormones or sugery! Well, unless hubby makes you do more aroudn the house for a few days ;)

[Lily]

Hi there,

Having had my share of menstrual problems and not being able to take the BCP or any hormones since age 30 I think I'd be inclined to go for the endometrial ablation (they insert a balloon and it burns the uterus lining). I know several women who have had this and it sure fixed up those disgusting bleeding problems. Unfortunately I had large fibroids and wasnt offered that option, but its an excellent one.

I would not count on it totally for birth control though and I too think that if you can cajole hubby into the vasectomy then its the safest option as far as birth control, rather than you having a more invasive/risky procedure.

Of course all this hinges on you BOTH being absolutely sure that neither of you want any more children.

Do lots of research on each option you have been given, take your time and have lots of discussion with doc and hubby. Its something you all have to be on the same page with.

love
Lily

[LoopyLoo]

I have had a terrible reaction to hormonal contraception over the years & have had very bad experiences with both Depo & Mirena.

Especially Mirena as I was almost suicidal with the side effects. I had severe depression, acne, hair loss, weight gain, breast tenderness & migraines. Don't get me wrong I have a couple of friends who do well with it but everyone is different. This is all pre my diagnosis.

My hubby & I are happy as we are so kids are not an option. I have been trying to be sterilised since I was 30 (I'm now 35) but they wouldn't consider it as it I was too young. Thankfully Hubby is now going to be sterilised.

As Lily says be sure of what you want & consider all your options. If it gets down to the best option is Hubby then why not.

Would you consider a normal t-bar coil which is non hormonal? Insertion is only a very slight discomfort.

Hugs,

Pam xxx

[twas78]

Thanx ladies for your responses, hubby and I have thought about this for some time, almost a year now, when I said he cringes that didn't mean that he wouldn't have the procedure done, the last thing he wants is for my condition to worsen as i have been feeling really well the last 2 years, just regular aches i guess. In my first post, stroke was supposed to come after partom, that is why more children are not an option, from me that is. I think we're leaning towards him getting done,and for the bleeding not sure yet, deal with it for now i suppose. Thankyou again. Take care :) Twas

[sapphirrasmagick]

Hi there! It sounds like you guys have made your decision, but I just wanted to let you know if you keep having bleeding problems that I've been on depo for many years and I'm very happy with it.
My periods have completely stopped and it's such a relief on my body, one less thing to cope with when I'm feeling awful already.
It also seems to help me keep level moods and feel happier and more mellow.
If they ever make me go off it, I'll cry! Seriously!

:p

I do take a calcium and vitamin supplement, though, because long term use can cause bone-thinning, but as I said, I've been on it for many years and my bones are fine. ;)

[rwb200]

The procedure for men is generally not as bad as our minds tell us it will be.
It is just the idea of being clipped on in that area.
I have only talked to one guy out of dozens to do this that had a problem.
Some of them did it and went back to work that day and had no problems with it at all. Some ( Most) did it and took the three days off of work that the doctor recommended and found that they were able to do what ever they wanted during this time off so they just went and had a good time going where they wanted and doing what they wanted.

[Weese]

My hubby is snipped, he was that way when i found him :rotfl: . It is really great. I do have awful cramps for one to two days a month but I have since they started at age 10.

He always suggests that guys take the days off. We had a friend that did not and he was VERY swollen. Gravity takes its toll, all the swelling can be very painfull. My hubby said he did not have much discomfort and hardly any swelling by doing exactly as the doc said.

I really feel that unless a woman is having sometype of trouble herself it is unrealistic for men to let their spouses have major surgery when they can have a out patient procedure. Too bad if it creeps them out! Let them experience the feeling for nine months of knowing a 8 or 9 lb human is going to come out of there body! :o

Talk to your doc about all your options and take your hubby with you. That way the two of you can make the best choice for you as a couple. Every couple has different needs and consurns. Good luck, Lisa

[Mariposa]

Hi Everyone,

Hubby had a vasectomy eight years ago and there were no complications or problems. He went back to work the next day.

[balla]

Hi hun my hubby had the snip and went back to work 2 days later and all was ok...Although i had hysterectomy in 2002 and was the best thing i have done my smears where bad results and bleeeding was every 2 weeks and in the end every time we had sex i would flood... so all was taken away...My only birth control due to having bad time on the hormone injection and coil was not going to be any good for me was the cap like a durex but for women i beleive and you put it in yourself and the doctor showed me and i was to go away and learn to do it myself and keep it in the fridge well i have children and they where lots younger then and i was embaressed so never took that idea,My hubby said i had been through enough so in 1998 he had the snip.His idea was if we have chilldren and thats bad enough when your not to healthy then least he could do was have the smallest op.So i would have him go through the op as there is complications when you have lupus healing is one,unless you have other ideas of one day wanting more children and doctors have said it would be ok to have more.Good luck and hope you decide on what is right for you both works.
love sue xxx