|
MaDomAura -> RE: Birth control question for the ladies (8/22/2007 3:30:03 PM)
|
Here is some info. There is a contraceptive film that works upon application. My experience is that it was almost impossible to insert this "film" which is like a thin fruit roll up, properly! The instructions say to apply it to the cervix, which is in the back of the vagina. So, you grasp the film, it starts sticking to your fingers, and push it into the vagina aiming for the cervix. Depending on where you are in your cycle and how aroused you are the cervix can move up, making it harder to reach. I tried to leave it, and it just melted and held more to my fingers than anything. Sure, no drips but I never figured out how to insert it properly.
Now, I am a reproductive specialist, so I know my body well and I have tried nearly every method of birth control. I liked the cervical cap, it's like a mini diaphragm which is sized to fit over the cervix. It reminds me of a rubber thimble. You squeeze it and push it onto your cervix, and suction along with proper fit keeps it in place. Cons, requires fitting, not all clinics offer the device, some women can't be fitted, and it requires what some might call invasive insertion! Can be left in for 24 hours, and there are suggestions for use with spermicides.
The sponge is a simple spermicide solution. Just be sure to use lots of lube (I like silicon lubes), as abraded/irritated tissue is more apt to react to nonoxenol 9, which is the main ingredient in spermicides. It is good for repeated sexual encounters.
As for the IUD. If you use an IUD, fisting is possible BUT you may find that pressure on the uterus is uncomfortable or just painful as there will be this plastic object inside! My partner would often feel the string, which isn't string but a non reactive nylon fiber that protrudes from the opening or os, in the cervix. Cutting this to length can be tricky. Too long at it could be pulled on, or felt with fingers or a penis in the vagina. Too short and it can really poke the head of the penis, ouch! There is the risk that the string will be too short, causing removal to be difficult. I suggest letting the practitioner judge, and you can always go back for a "trim".
This is a little off topic, but watch out for Depo (the shot), and the patch. In spite of my education, I tried depo and once I had problems I found out some disturbing facts. European studies indicated much larger wight gain than the package insert. I gained 40 pounds, and this was within the indicated range of 25-50 pounds! Also, depo is a drug used to "chemically castrate" male sex offenders! Yes, it suppresses libido. Hard to get pregnant when you have zero interest in sex, oh and if you feel fat/unattractive. In my case I was asexual for 2 years, no desire no matter how I tried. Depo literally caused physical sexual dysfunction in my case. I couldn't orgasm, produced no lubrication, and sex was uncomfortable.
There have been times that IUDs were not available in the US due to complications from one version, the Copper 7 if I recall. It's not uncommon to have heavy periods, with increased cramping that in my case required medication to relieve. I had to remove my IUD under emergency care, when I collapsed in pain. I had that IUD for 18 months then I was suddenly overcome with pain. As it turned out, I have a septum, or wall in my uterus. The IUD was kind of "bent" to fit, and one day it expanded suddenly, which I can say was frightening.I had 2 normal pregnancies and births, both 9 pound babies no drugs, and still didn't know that my uterus was not "normal".
Normally the internal depth of the uterus will be determined with a sound, but that would not detect the septum. Only a hi-res ultra sound or laparscopic procedure would catch this anomaly. Actually I found out 4 years later when I had my tubal ligation! (On my birthday, yeah!) So, get a thorough exam, allow time to adjust to the IUD, read up on the specific brand you will get, and don't hesitate to call if you are in pain! NOTE, I think an IUD works great as long as the right product is selected and the "patient" is fully informed.
Sadly there is no perfect form of birth control, but I am thrilled to this day with having my tubes tied!
Moral of my story? DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Regards
MaDom Aura
|
|
|
|
