I’m going to my OB/Gyn later this afternoon and getting a Mirena IUD (put in, installed…what’s the right word here?). I know that I asked for your advice several months ago regarding this, completely chickened out, and decided to go on the mini-pill. Of course, I had a slight adverse reaction to the mini-pill, which caused me to temporarily consider changing my name to Martha Smith, dying my hair black, moving to a non-descript town in the middle of Nowhere, USA, and begin a new life as a convenience store worker.
I’ve thought alot about this decision and done some research. I think this is the right decision since the current birth control method we’re using has a fairly high failure rate, but I’m still afraid. I fear the side effects, especially the possibility of losing my mind again. Googling Mirena IUD yielded both positive and frightening results. Some people have had wonderful experiences and would recommend it to everyone, others have become pregnant or have had painful side effects that doctors claim aren’t a result of the Mirena. I’m hoping my experience will be on the positive end of the spectrum.
If you’re not sitting down, this may be a good time to do that. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but here goes. The main reason I decided to go with the Mirena is that I’m not 100% sure that we’re not having more children. Despite repeatedly telling people that I was sure that our family was complete, now I’m not so sure. In fact. I’d even consider two more. Although I routinely provide evidence to the contrary (like in this, this, this, this, this, especially THIS, oooh and THIS post), I do in fact enjoy my children and love my role as a mother. You may question my sanity and desire for another child, I wouldn’t blame you. Maybe I have lost my mind, maybe it’s just a temporary yearning to have more children. One thing I do know is this, I am certain I’m not ready to have another baby right now or even anytime in the next year.
**I do reserve the right to retract or alter any and all of the above statements.
Sarah Lee
October 18, 2007 at 8:23 am
Good luck and really hopes it works for you. My husband and I have been using only ‘withdrawal’ for our eight year’s of marriage and when we did want to conceive we got lucky first try, both times! We’re now at the stage where our second daughter is approaching two year’s old and I’m beginning to think – another two would be great!
On my experiences with contracepion to date: I hate ‘the pill’ as it makes me go ‘loopy’ and condoms are urgh – but totally appropriate and a MUST when not in a serious relationship!
Anna
October 18, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I’m with you. I just can’t say FOR SURE NO MORE. Totally with you. Hope the installation goes well. Please share.
Swistle
October 18, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I have five–FIIIIIIIIVE–children, and STILL don’t like to say “done for sure.” I think it’s smart to leave the door propped open, as it were.
Sandy
October 18, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I think it is a survival thing…you spend a lot of time thinking you don’t want more kids (because if you had anymore at that time you would kill everyone in a 5mil radius) and then when your kids move into the toddler not-quite-self-sufficient-but-able-to-at-least-talk-to-you-stage you
want more (to continue adding to the human race).
I vowed no more as soon as they wheeled me into the recovery room…but here we are thinking of one more. But I will say one is the last and already planning to get my tubes tied (and DH is thinking of a Vas.).
Either way, good luck whatever you choose!
Special K ~Toni
October 19, 2007 at 1:28 am
Tate should wear a raincoat.
1.) you were pregnant for 18 months
2.) you gave birth- TWICE!
3.) didn’t you have a ‘little’ problem last pregnancy with kidney stones?
4.) breastfeeding
5.) you went on the pill, and wacked yourself all out.
6.) Tate= condom!
BLAME IT ON HIS TESTICLES!
Kuwaitia
October 19, 2007 at 1:40 am
Your disclaimer- sums up my life!
aimee / greeblemonkey
October 19, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Holy crap! I had the Minera put in literally 3 hours ago! I shit you not!
But mine was to control my period.
How are you feeling? All good?
SJSFalter+
October 22, 2007 at 11:48 am
I had the copper T IUD placed last week and my doc said, “either you love it or you hate it. There is no middle road.” I can understand this and currently am pleased with my decision. Hope the Mirina works for you.
jenica
October 22, 2007 at 11:00 pm
i’m going in tomorrow for my IUD placement. and i completely understand your disclaimer. here i’m DROWNING with 4 kids five and under, and yet i just can’t shake the feeling that we’re not done yet. i would pretty much DIE if i had another baby in the next 2 years though.
Cherann
November 8, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Mirena actually looked really scary to me (I saw it in my dr’s office during my last pap).
And Please tell me why it’s always OUR responsibility to worry about birth control? Why can’t our husbands just wear condoms?