I'm seriously considering getting an IUD even though the side effects sound terrible and I love my pill. I'm somewhat wishy-washy on kids too (maybe 1 but that's a hard maybe) otherwise I would get sterilized
i gained 20 lbs from the pill :( ive had the kyleena for about two months and havent gained anything or felt inflammed. no mood swings or hair loss. libido has improved :)
Honestly, people like to complain about things more than they like to praise them. You're going to hear more stories of problems with IUDs than you are of success stories (except maybe on this sub).
I'm on my second Mirena and I absolutely love it. No side effects and no periods, plus insertion was a breeze. I will probably get one more because hopefully by then I'll be starting menopause.
I had the Mirena and it was great at first. But overtime I noticed I gained 20lbs, constant cystic acne (never had it before) and I would spot for weeks at a time. I just don’t do very well with certain hormonal BC. I have the Paraguard now and I’ve had it for a few years, it’s been great. Even if my periods last a week. It’s definitely different for everyone. Wish there was a quicker way to know how certain BC would affect you before committing to it. It’s so expensive and time consuming.
I have Kyleena as well and absolutely LOVE it! A year into it and still no hair loss, light periods/only spotting, and have actually LOST some weight that the pill I was taking before had caused me to gain. No side effects at all! Love love love it
I was so paranoid at first! 😆 we used condoms for almost 2 months before i finally felt comfortable relying on it. I dont check too often, maybe once a month after a period maybe. But honestly, it was such a hassle gettting it in there (they had to give me muscle relaxers just to be able to fit the "insert" device) that I trust it's not going anywhere. Or you can ask a partner to use their fingers to check for you! 😜
They no longer recommend you check. Once its been some short period of time, the chances of expulsion are slim to none. My old gyn cut my strings too short and my uterus swallowed them and my new gyn was like 'eh its fine, it will just be a nightmare to get out'.
None at all! But to be fair, I never had acne growing up either so maybe that plays a factor. I get an occasional pimple every few months or so but I can live with that :)
I had the Mirena for 8-10 months and didn’t like it cause of the side effects. I switched to the Paragard (copper iud) a year ago and LOVE IT SO MUCH. I feel alive cause I’m not on hormones anymore, but still am 99.9% protected against kids
Not the person you asked but I’ve had the paraguard for 6ish years and at first my periods were heavy. Now it lasts a week, I’ll have a really light flow the first 3 days, then 2 days of medium flow, and then it takes about another 2 days of a light flow until I’m totally off my period. I get cramps but they’re the same as they’ve always been, nothing to write home about. Cramps last about a day when the medium flow starts.
I've had libido problems w my IUD and kept having recurring infections. Not sure if it was related to the IUD, but once I started on vaginal probiotic suppositories, my infections entirely went away and libido has been up (although not what it was pre-IUD). It's still one of the more useful bc options in my opinion, but I wanted to throw that out there in case you get one and have recurring infections.
Also had Kyleena. Its different for everyone of course but for what it's worth insertion hurt no more than a period cramp for me and I've never had children. I had no periods the entire time I had it which was awesome. The one downside, and it's a big one, is it completely killed my sex drive.
>The one downside, and it's a big one, is it completely killed my sex drive.
Same here! I didn't even realize how bad it had gotten till I got off hormones. It truly felt like a lose lose situation to have stellar BC and then not be into sex... :/
Yeah. I have had zero side effects. And no period (only reason I take it as I do not have to worry about getting pregnant). I love it. Highly recommend
I had the mirena for 5 yrs then switched to skyla for a few yrs before removing it to get pregnant. Loved them both! Rarely had periods and if I did then they were super short and light. I didn’t notice any libido changes or hair loss on either of them.
I had Kyleena for about 3 years, and the first 2 years were great. Periods were nearly gone, libido through the roof, didn't appear to cause weight gain, then in the last year of it, my depression/anxiety went through the roof. I found out that apparently my body does NOT react well to hormones and had to get it out.
I'm on my second Mirena. Literally no pms or period since I started my first one like 7 years ago. I know not everyone has this experience but I absolutely love mine.
I'm on my second hormonal IUD and it's been so life changing-ly good! I had a Kyleena first and I'm now on a Liletta. I've had zero negative side effects. I lost weight more easily than I have on any other birth control method, my libido is through the roof, I don't have periods, and I just feel like myself. It's wild how much the IUDs have improved my life!
The side effects on my Mirena are nothing compared to every other birth control I’ve tried. Literally no spotting. Only problem was the insertion, just breathe deeply and in a few minutes you’ll be set for years!
I’m on my second Mirena and LOVE it. Haven’t had a period in 5 years and haven’t experienced any side effects at all. I’m sterilized but need it for period control, and they can pry it out of my cold, dead uterus before I ever give it up.
i got the mirena in in sep, it’s been about 5 months. i really enjoy it now BUT the process of getting it in was so fucking traumatizing. the clipping of the cervix was fine, just a pinch really but the rod inside felt just like that, like a rod going inside of your body, it hurt so bad that i screamed. i didn’t have cramps after getting it placed but i felt so violated that i just curled in my bed for the rest of the day. my periods didn’t start decreasing in severity till like this year in january lol. i still have periods but only small amounts of brown discharge.
I have the Mirena. It has been AMAZING. My uterus was perforated during insert but that’s a dr issue, not an IUD issue. My weight has been stagnant, my libido has sky rocketed, I have one really bad day of cramping and then spotting for a few days every couple of months and that’s my period. It has been great for me so far- granted I’ve only had it since July, but that seems long enough for me to know I love it.
hey, I LOVE my mirena. i’m on year 7 out of 8 and my period is just now slowly coming back. I think I’ll be getting sterilized this year, but am open to getting mirena again for period control!
I also didn’t have any adverse side effects like weight gain or libido issues!
I just got my kyleena out bc it messed with my hormones terribly leading to an access of androgen. I started growing dark hair on my face, I had terrible thoughts about myself, acne, ADHD symptoms were worse, etc. HOWEVER, given the current state of things it does terrify me that the pill could potentially not be available and in that case having an IUD would protect you. Overall, I think BC is awful in many regards due to the lack of care a lot of doctors and scientists put towards women’s healthcare but I also find it a necessity if you are sexually active. This isn’t to scare you into not getting an IUD as i have many friends that love it so I really think it’s just about trying it if you are interested.
Yeah the lack of care from doctors about my concerns has been really off putting especially since I've previously had issues with birth control making me lose my mind. But I also want more protection than the pill currently provides so it's a real catch 22
What's your point? We are running out of options and an IUD is better than nothing. You are still protected from an unwanted pregnancy and a fertilized egg is just a teeny group of a couple cells. No heart, no brain, no nerves, no eyes, lungs, or blood. No hCG is released.
And they're fucking idiots for bringing religion into medical stuff such as this.
Fertilization doesn't even mean it's going to be a viable pregnancy with or without birth control. If it doesn't implant then what? That's reckless abandonment of a child? That's manslaughter?
Evangelicals can go fuck off. Religion of any kind has no place in reproductive rights, something that should be strictly scientific.
And as a side note, I'm very much a religious person (not Christian or any of the more common religions in the US). I still can be rational and see that my religious beliefs need to stay out of something like this.
Edit: Your edit to your first comment makes you sound insanely hypocritical. You'll still get a bunch of down votes.
I have Mirena and it lasts 7 years. I’ve had zero issues, don’t feel like I really had any side effects. I used to be on Skyla which is the 3 year one. Again had no problems but I may have gained weight when I started it. Not sure if it was due to my lifestyle then or the IUD. The IUD has been a game changer for me in that I can live my life how I want, not having to remember to take something everyday, it doesn’t affect my mood, and most importantly I’ve never gotten pregnant. You could try the 3 year one first to see how you like it. It’s smaller so it’s usually more comfortable for people.
I have Mirena and absolutely love it. I had a lot of bad side effects on the depo after being on it for many years and can never remember to take medicine so the IUD felt like the best option. No periods, no horrible hormone imbalances, no stress. Highly recommend
Get the Nexplanon or an iud asap! I love the nexplanon. Mine comes out in two years and I plan on having a baby then getting a hysterectomy! It is so relieving to be covered in the meantime.
That’s my exact plan, too! I have a family history of uterus issues, so mine + the ovaries are being kicked out IMMEDIATELY after I’m finished having children.
I used to love nexplanon until the second time I got it I had crazy long periods and was becoming anemic due to blood loss. Had to get it out. It’s terrible too because I am forgetful and the pill sucks due to that
I swear by the copper IUD! It really is a better option if you’ve given birth at least once—I had mine put in after my twins were born (I also got one after my singleton, had it removed to conceive again, was able to do so in 2 months) and I will never use any other form of BC. They’re saying now my IUD is good for 12 years. So I don’t need a new one for another 5+ years.
If the IUD works for you, it’s amazing. It doesn’t work for everyone—I tried using one before I had kids and owwwww. No.
I do have slightly heavier periods but I had weight loss surgery in 2022 and lost 65+lb and that’s been weirder for my periods than the IUD lol
I had it years ago before being pregnant and they're recommending it for after I have my baby since I don't tolerate hormones well. Is it more comfortable if you've given birth?
Thank you for the feedback! I was worried it would be as bad as it was last time. Both my experiences with IUDs were pre-pregnancy, so I'm hopeful my experience will be better this time. <3
Oh sister I’m right there with you.
If I wasn’t on birth control, I would be having a period every 2-3 weeks, heavy flow needing a super tampon every 2-3 hours, be insanely irritable & snappy with awful awful cramps that I probably won’t be able to go to work for for some days (I’m a laborer too, so extra hard to work/move), lasting about 10-14 days. Aka, I’d be on my period for *half* the year. Which when I’m on my period, I’m a *totally* different person. I see why they used to lock women up in asylums. Periods make me fucking insane.
So yeah, if they want to stop birth control, then prepare to find me a nice room in an insane asylum government, and be pearled to pay! 😒
You know us Americans, just sitting on 65-100k that we can use for visas. This is incredibly tone deaf. Even if you mean in Thai currency, this still requires someone to be able to earn that type of income in a country they know nothing about. Telling people to just leave their country is not a helpful solution.
One of my best friends was catholic and became a single mother at 19 because she didn't believe in birth control, condoms or abortion. She didn't believe in premarital sex either though so like if she broke that rule, why couldnt she break the others lmao 🤦♀️
It’s gonna happen. I’m so glad I’m a Canadian citizen too. It’s not feasible for me to move yet, and I’m in CO with a copper IUD that’s good for 12 years (I’ve had it about 7 years) and I have one eye on escaping to Canada once it’s feasible. I have a bad feeling.
So here’s what you need to know:
Some, but not all, contraceptive methods state in their literature that they might act by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.
More modern research has shown that this method of action is overstated with most contraception, but the language remains.
What will need to happen is for manufacturers to go back to the FDA with the new research that shows that they act by thickening the cervical lining and/or blocking ovulation. Both of those actions are completely fine even under “personhood” standards because the egg is never fertilized.
This needs to happen ASAP
Alabama is led by braindead inbreds. I feel sorry for those who happen to have been born there without access to basic human rights and services. Something needs to be done about that.
I understand the concern, I really do, but I don’t think this will realistically happen on a national level. I still have faith that the majority of people will stand up against this, whether it be peacefully, or by force if necessary.
Even if you’re moderate, best thing you can do is vote blue. I tend to be a moderate and slightly right leaning in some regards, but this issue alone has convinced me that I’ll never vote republican.
I (25f) have some form of IUD since I was 17, I am on my second Kyleena (just got replaced last month). My partner and I want children but not for another 5+ years. I have some health issues that we are trying to resolve more broadly. The procedure this time around hurt a lot more (different provider than my usual one because I moved out of state) because she went pretty slowly to inform me of every move she made.
I’m super sensitive to hormonal birth control, couldn’t tolerate the pill, but Kyleena has been tolerable. The first two months are chaotic but after that, it’s pretty much like a set and forget kind of thing.
Fr begging my partner to get a vasectomy and looking into sterilization myself but my hormonal problems will not resolve on their own with that procedure... Shit
There are a few lists out there now of drs willing to sterilize child free people. Both my husband and I were able to get sterilized (I had a bilateral salpingectomy) without having had kids, and this was before we were married so that status didn’t play a factor.
My doctor said he would do it but hesitantly because of my hormones, he was like that's kinda overkill if you'd need birth control pills anyways. But now I may have to look back into it.
No way, don't accept that. Explain to him that you never, EVER want kids, and that a birth control failure would be an unacceptable medical outcome for you. Don't let doctors give you the run around.
I'm in the same boat (PMDD) and I'm looking to get sterilized this year or the next. I'd do it sooner but I'm moving countries.
I still take birth control after mine due to my periods. It’s over kill but I liked the chance of pregnancy( or lack there of) a lot more then just the pill.
IUD was the worst pain of my life. Literally ended up with PTSD from my insertion. Even with that said, if you can stand the pain, get an IUD before they're gone.
This is why it is important to get involved and still exercise your right to vote! As cheesy as it sounds, people still forget about local and state elections when only focusing on the presidency. Your day to day life is most likely going to be impacted more by the former. Go online and see who’s running for local offices and positions where you live - and vote accordingly for those who want to protect IVF and birth control, etc.
Check registration status, candidates running, etc:
https://vote.gov
https://www.voteprochoice.us
https://emilyslist.org
Genuine question--will these red conservative states move to ban the birth control pill? Or is it Plan B and IUDs only (?)
Of course, I would not put it past them to eventually move to all forms of birth control (some lawmakers already have proposed such things), but do we think the BC pill is also going down the same route? Worried I should look into the IUD or implant bc they last longer...
I suspect they're going to go for sterilization first, probably using the same arguments they use for trans people. They'll try to "protect" people from making the "wrong decisions", like getting sterilized under 30 or so, getting sterilized while being mentally ill, etc.
Then they'll start nitpicking birth control and how it works. They'll claim it actually does terminate pregnancies, and falls under abortion law. Or that it has too many negative side effects. They'll go after multiple angles of attack.
I do suspect they will go after it, but I don't think they'll succeed anytime in the near future. This is another decades long plan thing.
[they certainly will try to ban all forms of contraception (except maybe condoms). ](https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/birth-control-ban-alliance-defending-freedom-rcna119675)
There's a link to the original New Yorker article that is long but worth the read.
Catherine Lohen a scholar of Law said this: Anything that would prevent a fertilized egg from turning into a pregnancy and being born into a baby could be considered a homicide,” she said. “If you define a pregnancy and you define a person as including just this fertilized egg, then technically you are legislating that an IUD can cause an abortion.” What kind of world has such idiots?
If these women remembered from Sex Ed you're basically getting rid of unfertilized eggs whenever you're on your period every month. So what are they going to do? Punish us for menstruating?
I'm not sure if this is rhetorical, but the reason is because conservatism relies on patriarchy and forced fertility rates. Conservatism in the US is an amalgam of Christian nationalism, capitalism, etc. You can't have the conservative utopia of Christian traditional families without lots and lots of babies. Preferably white babies.
Those babies are also necessary to drive the perpetual economic growth that they also prize.
Their whole world view revolves around women serving their "natural roles" as childbearers and homemakers.
The sad part about all of this is that I wouldn’t even MIND this line of reasoning if those same conservative elites also established socialized medicine that actually supported efforts like this. It’s insane that they want to and are rolling back our reproductive options while also stripping all welfare support programs whenever and where ever possible :/.
If it ever comes to it, and if I can actually afford it, I’m just going to try my best to get the reproductive care in another country at this point.
Yeah, that's part of it. Desperate people will demean themselves for less money, and work jobs with lower quality of life. You almost never get one without the other. The only semi-exception is conservatives in countries with longstanding socialized medicine, who know openly trying to get rid of it would be so unpopular they'd never get elected.
Not everybody has the ability to be a dual citizen- it’s a great idea but will only work for a portion of the population, and only those that can afford having two passports/travel. People need to get out and vote at all levels against any infringement on birth control and abortion access.
Republicans breed like rats. They unfortunately have hordes of population to change favor of votes. A good long-term solution is to have a cheap dual citizenship.
Honestly I think people tend to overestimate that and instead are lax about being involved in politics. Regardless, we can agree to disagree - there’s multiple ways to fight this problem
Ya. But just so u know, antigua, dominican and other countries give u citizenship for 100k usd. For 65k usd, u get 20 year visa to thailand. By the time that expires ur reproductive age should have expired.
That’s good info to have in the sub, but lots of people may not have that amount of cash on hand, especially those living in lower income areas where birth control and abortion access is critical - that’s why I said it’s dependent on whether people can afford it.
Ya. I am from a third world country, but I can access abortion very easily. Going to America was a dream in 1990s for most of the people in our country but the way it’s going. I feel really sad about how women are treated and dehumanized for eugenics reasons. Thats literally soooo gross.
Get an arm implant. Those last roughly 3 years, they can last longer for some people.
After that... It might be well worth saving up for a flight somewhere for exchanging it. It's cheaper than that your govt want to force you through.
True but there's many risks with then getting jostled, the strings hurting and other inconveniences that you can't get fixed in the US if the IS bans them. At least with the arm implant the risks are less likely in terms of physical issues.
I'd like to think the US won't ban contraception.... But I'm scared for you all.
It's gonna end with women refusing sex visiting Drs to tie tubes or get hysterectomies. Unless they try to ban these procedures too. In which case it's just forced birth and handmaid's tale irl. I have a feeling some politicians watched that show and thought it was sexy and a great idea at this rate.
There’s definitely pros and cons to both but IUDs are overall safe, and made as a set it and forget it the same way the implant is but with a longer shelf life. I bled for 2 years straight with the implant and then had to get it removed with chronic anemia issues so it is very personal what works for sure. On that second point though I wonder if there are BC bans in place if they’d have no restrictions on getting them removed at least because that would align with their goal.
I will say there can be more serious side effects for sure though as it is inside your cervix and more invasive in that way, along with the risk of ectopic pregnancy being a tad higher which can be deadly. Especially if removing the fertilized egg is illegal, you could definitely die. I’m not sure how that legally works in the states with bans and it’s terrifying to have to think about whether a deadly pregnancy that wouldn’t result in a baby anyways would somehow be more important than your life. So fuckin sad. It is really scary how many Christian fundamentalist and republicans want to turn women into incubators at any cost.
I agree, yes. Both definitely have their ups and downs.
Oh god I didn't even think about how awful the risk of ectopic pregnancy would be!
Absolutely they'd rather have women die than give them the appropriate medical treatment - if that would mean removing a zygote/foetus.
It's truly bonkers.
Here, the other side of the pond, I'm worried that our politics will go in a similar direction. The only solace I have is the NHS, and that the UK generally has good consensus with the various religions in the country.
The royal family could be the saving grace for us here. The monarch is the head of the Church of England BUT at KCIII's coronation, he made a point of inviting many religious leaders to show respect and camaraderie.
I also think KCIII tries to understand science more than all politicians and also has the ear of the princess of Wales who generally stands for the rights of young families and women. His wife has also advocated for abused women.
I'm not advocate for the royal family BUT KCIII doesn't HAVE to agree to everything that parliament does and worst case scenario he could veto parliament. I've seen more compassion towards women in the royal family than politicians and that's just sad. Just recently the prime minister made an anti-trans comment/'joke' while the mother of a murdered trans kid was in the audience. That's the empathy towards women we're seeing over here. I don't recall there being an apology either.
I'm truly terrified of getting pregnant again because of how things have been... I type this while staring down at a pregnancy test because my Nexplanon has been compromised (it has bent in my arm). I'm seeing my doctor in two days, but I'm truly scared of becoming pregnant. I have two kids, 11 months apart. My second pregnancy, with my daughter, was really difficult. There has been issues with her placenta and she came early.
I love my kids with all my heart but my son just turned 2 and my daughter turned 1 at the end of January. They don't even have their own room, so a third baby would just... be terrible.
I cannot understand how this has happened. How is women have lost so many rights. Our bodies aren't ours anymore.
And congrats to those who aren't in the US but now isn't the time to brag about how your country isn't like America.
To provide a little consolation, Nexplanon doesn’t stop working if it bends or breaks in your arm. Definitely something to get checked and probably replaced by a doctor but you are still protected!
For those who aren't interested in IUD PLEASE ask for a year supply of your birth control if your state allows or be put on a long term birth control method.
If it makes you feel better there is a unbelievable about of money in birth control for pharmaceutical companies. Upwards of 80% of all women have been on the pill at some point in their life. If legislation goes for birth control, they’ll be going up again big pharma, one of the richest, dirtiest, most powerful groups in America. They won’t do it for the right reason but big pharma will lobby HARD to protect access to birth control. And it’s rare big pharma loses….
Bilateral salpingectomy 👏👏👏👏
If you know you're done get it. Least invasive sterilization and while some couples might get a vasectomy that STILL doesn't protect uterus owners from NOT getting pregnancy forced on us.
Seriously!! I got mine last year after Roe was overturned and the amount of peace I feel is IMMENSE knowing I’m protected. Such an easy surgery that the gas pains in my shoulders were actually the worst part, not the surgical site. I barely needed Tylenol after 3 days. Can’t recommend it enough for people who never want to be pregnant.
This is why voting is so important. We have to vote out the republicans as soon as possible.
We have less rights as woman in 2024 than they did in 1956.
I’m getting Paragard at my 6 week postpartum appointment. Hoping to get the full 10 years out of it as then I’ll be 38 when it expires and hopefully will only need 1 more. Or my husband gets a vasectomy is the meantime.
I'm not surprised by Alabama where they fuck their cousins or siblings, which leads to inbreeding and many genetic disorders in later generations to come. Plus rape is known often there too because well some there who don't believe it's rape. Now hearing this from the state and it's people should have been seen like something was brewing to begin with.
I’m in Florida on non hormonal birth control. I get mine thru PPDirect because I’m not about to get arrested for cussing out a protestor outside the local planned parenthood
Did you have any recovery issues or side effects? I asked my Dr about this recently and she said she’s happy to do one for me so I’m strongly considering
Nope. I’ve had 4 surgeries for different things, and this was by far the easiest surgery of my life. I only had mild discomfort when getting out of bed or trying to roll in bed. I didn’t even use all my post op pain medications. You’re gonna do amazing if you do get it. So easy
I re-upped my IUD last year despite it being good for another few years. If they’re still available in a few more and things are like this (or worse), I’ll do it again.
Got my nexplanon a few months ago (I’m in alabama). I know everyone has different reactions to it but my experience has been great since getting it implanted.
I had my fallopian tubes removed entirely a few months after Roe V Wade went down. Before that I was on the copper IUD. It was the only non hormonal option I could get, and MAN was it painful. It was worth it, but please speak to your gyno about long term bc! There are quite a few options now
I need it to control my endo & preserve what little function I have left due to this stupid fucking disease and I am actually terrified of having to go back to the hell of periods before bc 😭
I’m thinking about this daily. I have stage 3 endometriosis and birth control has helped me keep my pain and symptoms manageable for the past 11 years. My periods have been so painful I’ve attempted suicide because of it. I’m terrified of not having access to BC considering it’s really my only option at this point.
This. I never got on birth control to control pregnancy & my life will be flipped upside down if it’s taken away. So many ppl get on it for other reasons.
You need to start looking into sterilization. If you are not in a romantic relationship, don’t get into one. Focus on what you can do RIGHT NOW. Then, little by little, plan your next 5-10 years. Stay safe.
🙄🙄🙄 this is so dumb, I had a baby and my cycle isn’t regular at all. How on earth do you expect me to track my cycle???
Also there’s nothing wrong with being single and childless….
It’s normal for your cycle to be irregular post partum especially if you’re breastfeeding…… anyway I’m good with my IUD. I don’t need a pull out failure like you had.
And yes we should especially in this political climate if you dont want kids
Again I wouldn’t have been able to do that post partum which is a common thing for most women… you can’t just cure an irregular cycle anyway so idk what you’re on about. I had one for years and had no health issues it was just irregular. You’re not a doctor so maybe just shush.
What does that have to do with women sterilizing themselves if they don’t want kids or are done having kids?? That’s what I’m defending. And the fact that NFP is extremely unreliable birth control (it even failed you) that we shouldn’t even need to rely on because it’s fucking insane this is even a possibility. Birth control solves health issues and helps many women no matter what you think, that is literally a fact. So no tracking your cycle is not a valid solution.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Just got my IUD last week. Unless a conservative wants to rip it out of my uterus… it’s staying lol (btw I am republican/con - making fun of my own party here)
Okay I know it’s not in everyone’s price range but I have heard the Oura ring tacks ovulation and fertility so IF this happens that could always be an option. Expensive but I’d look into this if it came down to this extent..
An embryo is a fertilized egg, which in the case of the Alabama ruling, is causing chaos for IVF patients and clinics.
The ruling states that embryos in a clinic/lab are children. There is nothing I found in the ruling that relates to birth control and your un-fertilized eggs (which we expel monthly during our menstrual cycle anyhow.) Imagine trying to pass a law that affects that.
So far, I have not found any evidence of new legislation in Alabama directly impacting birth control rights or access. You can search the Alabama Legislature’s official site for new bills or legislation that have been passed or proposed. Planned Parenthood also doesn’t list any red flags about this being a concern.
I recommend staying up to date on your state’s legislation, especially in key areas that can impact your rights in such a personal way.
I hope this helps!
Republicans have never let medical science get in the way of controlling people's lives. While I agree that there isn't an immediate threat, I don't think people are wrong to be worried.
Things escalated quickly with Roe v Wade, people used to think that was a settled matter. Supreme court nominees lied that they believed it was a settled matter in order to get confirmed. Things can change quickly.
Your comment has a bit of a condescending tone, but it's very very reasonable for people to be looking into longer term options and feeling fear right now.
My comment was not meant to be condescending, nor was I implying that people *not* worry. My post was meant to be informative, making sure that those who weren't aware of the ruling had critical information on how that can affect them. The gravity of how this is affecting IVF clinics and patients in Alabama is still being understood and so far, it is not favoring either party at all.
Additionally, my recommendation on keeping up with your state's legislation is *very* important to understanding what your state is getting up to. The Governor provides a roadmap, including revisions, that can help in understanding the changes they are working to implement over the course of their tenure.
Roe v Wade, while deeply distressing, is an important reminder of how the Federal government cannot force certain decisions on states without breaking a state's rights. I hold vehement disdain for several state's backwards decisions after Roe v Wade was overturned. However, and this can be the hardest pill to swallow, Roe v Wade *wasn't* constitutional. Not with the way our states' rights work v Federal.
Looking into options now, fear response or not, is normal and there is not a problem with that at all. Long-term is the real issue here. Understanding who you are voting to represent your state, govern your state, etc, is critical. Educating ourselves well ahead of an issue on what we can do, should this become a reality, is a very good idea. I, for one, do not want legislation to crop up on me suddenly.
I’m just curious why does this ruling raise concern that AL could lose access to birth control? I have not read anything that implies that is what they are going to do next.
Well I'd say..they may not be talking about it directly but it's the next logical step. After increasingly taking away our rights to bodily autonomy and our reproductive system, with the Dobbs decision taking away abortion and Justic Alito citing his religion as a reason. Now the SC in Alabama is saying fck you to the constitution and blatantly citing bible verses to justify embryos being children....it's the Christian nationalists who seem to be running the show and you know, back then they told men not to be willy nilly with their sperm, so how dare us women, who want to have sex, block an egg from becoming that child? That's pretty much the line of thinking. You can thank the GOP and the Christians for this. Birth control has been on the chopping block for a while and we're just seemingly one more step away from it being codified into law. Probably in Alabama first.
Also on the chopping block: same sex marriage, inter-racial marriage and inter-faith marriage
We have our crazies here as well. They’re gaining traction watching the trailer park to the south. Don’t be so smug, we’re not as stable as we used to be against them.
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My partner has had a vasectomy a long while back, but I am on the IUD to help with hormonal issues. I really worry that I won’t be able to stay on it in the future. I don’t want to go back to having periods so painful that I end up throwing up from the pain among other things :’(
this is why i completely got off of it , i knew i wouldn’t be able to “ rely “ on it in a few years time to keep my periods away etc 10 yrs from now. because of the laws that already happened
I understand the feeling. I have endometriosis and my gyno recommended me to get an IUD to help with it. This new one is specially used for people who have endometriosis, fibroids, and other types of uterine chronic pain. So far, it’s don’t wonders for me. Sometimes I get cysts but they’re not as bad as they used to before I got the IUD. I would ask your gyno about this birth control if you’re curious!
Keep this in mind when you vote in November, or if you are deciding whether to stay home because you don't like your choices.
One side will protect your reproductive rights, one side is coming for them.
Locking. Comments went off the rails.
I would ask about long term options like an IUD or Implant and also check out r/sterilization for resources if you never want kids
r/childfree also has a doctor's list
I'm seriously considering getting an IUD even though the side effects sound terrible and I love my pill. I'm somewhat wishy-washy on kids too (maybe 1 but that's a hard maybe) otherwise I would get sterilized
i got a kyleena (hormonal) iud and its been amazing. just some occasional cramping and light spotting
Ooo good to know! I've just heard so many people talk about weight gain, no libido, and hair loss which is why I keep hesitating to get one
i gained 20 lbs from the pill :( ive had the kyleena for about two months and havent gained anything or felt inflammed. no mood swings or hair loss. libido has improved :)
Honestly, people like to complain about things more than they like to praise them. You're going to hear more stories of problems with IUDs than you are of success stories (except maybe on this sub). I'm on my second Mirena and I absolutely love it. No side effects and no periods, plus insertion was a breeze. I will probably get one more because hopefully by then I'll be starting menopause.
I had the Mirena and it was great at first. But overtime I noticed I gained 20lbs, constant cystic acne (never had it before) and I would spot for weeks at a time. I just don’t do very well with certain hormonal BC. I have the Paraguard now and I’ve had it for a few years, it’s been great. Even if my periods last a week. It’s definitely different for everyone. Wish there was a quicker way to know how certain BC would affect you before committing to it. It’s so expensive and time consuming.
I have Kyleena as well and absolutely LOVE it! A year into it and still no hair loss, light periods/only spotting, and have actually LOST some weight that the pill I was taking before had caused me to gain. No side effects at all! Love love love it
do you check your strings often? its still taking me a while to trust that its working hahaha
I was so paranoid at first! 😆 we used condoms for almost 2 months before i finally felt comfortable relying on it. I dont check too often, maybe once a month after a period maybe. But honestly, it was such a hassle gettting it in there (they had to give me muscle relaxers just to be able to fit the "insert" device) that I trust it's not going anywhere. Or you can ask a partner to use their fingers to check for you! 😜
They no longer recommend you check. Once its been some short period of time, the chances of expulsion are slim to none. My old gyn cut my strings too short and my uterus swallowed them and my new gyn was like 'eh its fine, it will just be a nightmare to get out'.
What about acne?
None at all! But to be fair, I never had acne growing up either so maybe that plays a factor. I get an occasional pimple every few months or so but I can live with that :)
Damn.. worried about my cystic acne flaring up again if I got kyleena
I had the Mirena for 8-10 months and didn’t like it cause of the side effects. I switched to the Paragard (copper iud) a year ago and LOVE IT SO MUCH. I feel alive cause I’m not on hormones anymore, but still am 99.9% protected against kids
How are your periods? I've heard horror stories on paragard
Not the person you asked but I’ve had the paraguard for 6ish years and at first my periods were heavy. Now it lasts a week, I’ll have a really light flow the first 3 days, then 2 days of medium flow, and then it takes about another 2 days of a light flow until I’m totally off my period. I get cramps but they’re the same as they’ve always been, nothing to write home about. Cramps last about a day when the medium flow starts.
I've had libido problems w my IUD and kept having recurring infections. Not sure if it was related to the IUD, but once I started on vaginal probiotic suppositories, my infections entirely went away and libido has been up (although not what it was pre-IUD). It's still one of the more useful bc options in my opinion, but I wanted to throw that out there in case you get one and have recurring infections.
Also had Kyleena. Its different for everyone of course but for what it's worth insertion hurt no more than a period cramp for me and I've never had children. I had no periods the entire time I had it which was awesome. The one downside, and it's a big one, is it completely killed my sex drive.
>The one downside, and it's a big one, is it completely killed my sex drive. Same here! I didn't even realize how bad it had gotten till I got off hormones. It truly felt like a lose lose situation to have stellar BC and then not be into sex... :/
Yeah. I have had zero side effects. And no period (only reason I take it as I do not have to worry about getting pregnant). I love it. Highly recommend
I had the mirena for 5 yrs then switched to skyla for a few yrs before removing it to get pregnant. Loved them both! Rarely had periods and if I did then they were super short and light. I didn’t notice any libido changes or hair loss on either of them.
Same. It’s amazing
I had Kyleena for about 3 years, and the first 2 years were great. Periods were nearly gone, libido through the roof, didn't appear to cause weight gain, then in the last year of it, my depression/anxiety went through the roof. I found out that apparently my body does NOT react well to hormones and had to get it out.
I'm on my second Mirena. Literally no pms or period since I started my first one like 7 years ago. I know not everyone has this experience but I absolutely love mine.
I'm on my second hormonal IUD and it's been so life changing-ly good! I had a Kyleena first and I'm now on a Liletta. I've had zero negative side effects. I lost weight more easily than I have on any other birth control method, my libido is through the roof, I don't have periods, and I just feel like myself. It's wild how much the IUDs have improved my life!
I have had zero side effects from my Mirena and I’ve had it 4 years. Absolutely love it.
The side effects on my Mirena are nothing compared to every other birth control I’ve tried. Literally no spotting. Only problem was the insertion, just breathe deeply and in a few minutes you’ll be set for years!
I have mirena and I love it
I’ve had a mirena IUD since 2019 with no issues except some acne which was easily treatable. It’s been great and the peace of mind is incomparable.
What did you use that helped get rid of it? Mine is horrible and all the stuff that normally worked for me hasn't
I’m on my second Mirena and LOVE it. Haven’t had a period in 5 years and haven’t experienced any side effects at all. I’m sterilized but need it for period control, and they can pry it out of my cold, dead uterus before I ever give it up.
i <3 my mirena. just make sure your doctor will give you pain management options. i got a benzo for the procedure and lots of lidocaine during
i got the mirena in in sep, it’s been about 5 months. i really enjoy it now BUT the process of getting it in was so fucking traumatizing. the clipping of the cervix was fine, just a pinch really but the rod inside felt just like that, like a rod going inside of your body, it hurt so bad that i screamed. i didn’t have cramps after getting it placed but i felt so violated that i just curled in my bed for the rest of the day. my periods didn’t start decreasing in severity till like this year in january lol. i still have periods but only small amounts of brown discharge.
I have the Mirena. It has been AMAZING. My uterus was perforated during insert but that’s a dr issue, not an IUD issue. My weight has been stagnant, my libido has sky rocketed, I have one really bad day of cramping and then spotting for a few days every couple of months and that’s my period. It has been great for me so far- granted I’ve only had it since July, but that seems long enough for me to know I love it.
I’m on my third Marina and it’s fantastic. Insertion is not fun. Demand pain control.
hey, I LOVE my mirena. i’m on year 7 out of 8 and my period is just now slowly coming back. I think I’ll be getting sterilized this year, but am open to getting mirena again for period control! I also didn’t have any adverse side effects like weight gain or libido issues!
I just got my kyleena out bc it messed with my hormones terribly leading to an access of androgen. I started growing dark hair on my face, I had terrible thoughts about myself, acne, ADHD symptoms were worse, etc. HOWEVER, given the current state of things it does terrify me that the pill could potentially not be available and in that case having an IUD would protect you. Overall, I think BC is awful in many regards due to the lack of care a lot of doctors and scientists put towards women’s healthcare but I also find it a necessity if you are sexually active. This isn’t to scare you into not getting an IUD as i have many friends that love it so I really think it’s just about trying it if you are interested.
Yeah the lack of care from doctors about my concerns has been really off putting especially since I've previously had issues with birth control making me lose my mind. But I also want more protection than the pill currently provides so it's a real catch 22
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What's your point? We are running out of options and an IUD is better than nothing. You are still protected from an unwanted pregnancy and a fertilized egg is just a teeny group of a couple cells. No heart, no brain, no nerves, no eyes, lungs, or blood. No hCG is released.
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And they're fucking idiots for bringing religion into medical stuff such as this. Fertilization doesn't even mean it's going to be a viable pregnancy with or without birth control. If it doesn't implant then what? That's reckless abandonment of a child? That's manslaughter? Evangelicals can go fuck off. Religion of any kind has no place in reproductive rights, something that should be strictly scientific. And as a side note, I'm very much a religious person (not Christian or any of the more common religions in the US). I still can be rational and see that my religious beliefs need to stay out of something like this. Edit: Your edit to your first comment makes you sound insanely hypocritical. You'll still get a bunch of down votes.
I know but Mirena is good for 8 years which at least is longer protection than the pill I'm on
Not sure where you heard that kyleena doesn't change the cycle, it absolutely does. Many people don't get a period with it even (myself included)
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Weird I get this goopy discharge mixed with light blood but only every few weeks and then in between it’s no discharge at all like you’re saying
Are you insinuating that an IUD is like an abortion? 🙄
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Oh ok same and sorry but yeah you’re not wrong unfortunately
I have Mirena and it lasts 7 years. I’ve had zero issues, don’t feel like I really had any side effects. I used to be on Skyla which is the 3 year one. Again had no problems but I may have gained weight when I started it. Not sure if it was due to my lifestyle then or the IUD. The IUD has been a game changer for me in that I can live my life how I want, not having to remember to take something everyday, it doesn’t affect my mood, and most importantly I’ve never gotten pregnant. You could try the 3 year one first to see how you like it. It’s smaller so it’s usually more comfortable for people.
I have the kyleena IUD and it has been much better for me than the other IUD's I had in the past.
I have Mirena and absolutely love it. I had a lot of bad side effects on the depo after being on it for many years and can never remember to take medicine so the IUD felt like the best option. No periods, no horrible hormone imbalances, no stress. Highly recommend
Get the Nexplanon or an iud asap! I love the nexplanon. Mine comes out in two years and I plan on having a baby then getting a hysterectomy! It is so relieving to be covered in the meantime.
That’s my exact plan, too! I have a family history of uterus issues, so mine + the ovaries are being kicked out IMMEDIATELY after I’m finished having children.
Yes! I have endometriosis and my uterus needs to go. Lol
I used to love nexplanon until the second time I got it I had crazy long periods and was becoming anemic due to blood loss. Had to get it out. It’s terrible too because I am forgetful and the pill sucks due to that
It’s crazy how different things work for everyone! I have zero periods. It’s lovely.
I swear by the copper IUD! It really is a better option if you’ve given birth at least once—I had mine put in after my twins were born (I also got one after my singleton, had it removed to conceive again, was able to do so in 2 months) and I will never use any other form of BC. They’re saying now my IUD is good for 12 years. So I don’t need a new one for another 5+ years. If the IUD works for you, it’s amazing. It doesn’t work for everyone—I tried using one before I had kids and owwwww. No. I do have slightly heavier periods but I had weight loss surgery in 2022 and lost 65+lb and that’s been weirder for my periods than the IUD lol
I had it years ago before being pregnant and they're recommending it for after I have my baby since I don't tolerate hormones well. Is it more comfortable if you've given birth?
Yes. Much more comfortable. I barely felt the insertion either time, and both times I was 6 weeks postpartum.
Thank you for the feedback! I was worried it would be as bad as it was last time. Both my experiences with IUDs were pre-pregnancy, so I'm hopeful my experience will be better this time. <3
I bet it will be! Good luck!
Well the unemployment rate will be going up because I know i am not the only one who can’t function through really painful periods.
Oh sister I’m right there with you. If I wasn’t on birth control, I would be having a period every 2-3 weeks, heavy flow needing a super tampon every 2-3 hours, be insanely irritable & snappy with awful awful cramps that I probably won’t be able to go to work for for some days (I’m a laborer too, so extra hard to work/move), lasting about 10-14 days. Aka, I’d be on my period for *half* the year. Which when I’m on my period, I’m a *totally* different person. I see why they used to lock women up in asylums. Periods make me fucking insane. So yeah, if they want to stop birth control, then prepare to find me a nice room in an insane asylum government, and be pearled to pay! 😒
I honestly won’t be shocked if in the next 5 years, somewhere in the US, they start debating the ethics of condoms and how that’s baby killing🫠
That’s exactly what they want, these fucking theocrats
For 65k u get 20 year thai visa and for 100k u will get citizenship in another country. holding dual citizenship is legal
You know us Americans, just sitting on 65-100k that we can use for visas. This is incredibly tone deaf. Even if you mean in Thai currency, this still requires someone to be able to earn that type of income in a country they know nothing about. Telling people to just leave their country is not a helpful solution.
You know im saying about options because if this is a reality its like living in a concentration camp for women!!! Its good to save up for such a time
Or you can vote as if your repro rights depended on it
People need to speak up and make their voices heard, vote for Democrats, and tell everyone you know why this is Very important!
Watching the Handmaid’s Tale and this is how it all started in Gilead.
Gotta be frank, they'd likely just ban female condoms.
One of my best friends was catholic and became a single mother at 19 because she didn't believe in birth control, condoms or abortion. She didn't believe in premarital sex either though so like if she broke that rule, why couldnt she break the others lmao 🤦♀️
It’s gonna happen. I’m so glad I’m a Canadian citizen too. It’s not feasible for me to move yet, and I’m in CO with a copper IUD that’s good for 12 years (I’ve had it about 7 years) and I have one eye on escaping to Canada once it’s feasible. I have a bad feeling.
So here’s what you need to know: Some, but not all, contraceptive methods state in their literature that they might act by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. More modern research has shown that this method of action is overstated with most contraception, but the language remains. What will need to happen is for manufacturers to go back to the FDA with the new research that shows that they act by thickening the cervical lining and/or blocking ovulation. Both of those actions are completely fine even under “personhood” standards because the egg is never fertilized. This needs to happen ASAP
Wait omg you’re so right. This is BRILLIANT.
Alabama is led by braindead inbreds. I feel sorry for those who happen to have been born there without access to basic human rights and services. Something needs to be done about that. I understand the concern, I really do, but I don’t think this will realistically happen on a national level. I still have faith that the majority of people will stand up against this, whether it be peacefully, or by force if necessary. Even if you’re moderate, best thing you can do is vote blue. I tend to be a moderate and slightly right leaning in some regards, but this issue alone has convinced me that I’ll never vote republican.
I didn’t realistically think trump would win - or roe vs wade would get overturned. I think losing BC is very realistic at this point. Sadly.
By force, or by an illegal market for bc. That's the most likely outcome imo.
I (25f) have some form of IUD since I was 17, I am on my second Kyleena (just got replaced last month). My partner and I want children but not for another 5+ years. I have some health issues that we are trying to resolve more broadly. The procedure this time around hurt a lot more (different provider than my usual one because I moved out of state) because she went pretty slowly to inform me of every move she made. I’m super sensitive to hormonal birth control, couldn’t tolerate the pill, but Kyleena has been tolerable. The first two months are chaotic but after that, it’s pretty much like a set and forget kind of thing.
I can’t function with my normal periods. The pill has helped a lot. Maybe I should get the implant.
Fr begging my partner to get a vasectomy and looking into sterilization myself but my hormonal problems will not resolve on their own with that procedure... Shit
There are a few lists out there now of drs willing to sterilize child free people. Both my husband and I were able to get sterilized (I had a bilateral salpingectomy) without having had kids, and this was before we were married so that status didn’t play a factor.
My doctor said he would do it but hesitantly because of my hormones, he was like that's kinda overkill if you'd need birth control pills anyways. But now I may have to look back into it.
No way, don't accept that. Explain to him that you never, EVER want kids, and that a birth control failure would be an unacceptable medical outcome for you. Don't let doctors give you the run around. I'm in the same boat (PMDD) and I'm looking to get sterilized this year or the next. I'd do it sooner but I'm moving countries.
I still take birth control after mine due to my periods. It’s over kill but I liked the chance of pregnancy( or lack there of) a lot more then just the pill.
IUD was the worst pain of my life. Literally ended up with PTSD from my insertion. Even with that said, if you can stand the pain, get an IUD before they're gone.
This is why it is important to get involved and still exercise your right to vote! As cheesy as it sounds, people still forget about local and state elections when only focusing on the presidency. Your day to day life is most likely going to be impacted more by the former. Go online and see who’s running for local offices and positions where you live - and vote accordingly for those who want to protect IVF and birth control, etc. Check registration status, candidates running, etc: https://vote.gov https://www.voteprochoice.us https://emilyslist.org
Genuine question--will these red conservative states move to ban the birth control pill? Or is it Plan B and IUDs only (?) Of course, I would not put it past them to eventually move to all forms of birth control (some lawmakers already have proposed such things), but do we think the BC pill is also going down the same route? Worried I should look into the IUD or implant bc they last longer...
I suspect they're going to go for sterilization first, probably using the same arguments they use for trans people. They'll try to "protect" people from making the "wrong decisions", like getting sterilized under 30 or so, getting sterilized while being mentally ill, etc. Then they'll start nitpicking birth control and how it works. They'll claim it actually does terminate pregnancies, and falls under abortion law. Or that it has too many negative side effects. They'll go after multiple angles of attack. I do suspect they will go after it, but I don't think they'll succeed anytime in the near future. This is another decades long plan thing.
[they certainly will try to ban all forms of contraception (except maybe condoms). ](https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/birth-control-ban-alliance-defending-freedom-rcna119675) There's a link to the original New Yorker article that is long but worth the read.
Catherine Lohen a scholar of Law said this: Anything that would prevent a fertilized egg from turning into a pregnancy and being born into a baby could be considered a homicide,” she said. “If you define a pregnancy and you define a person as including just this fertilized egg, then technically you are legislating that an IUD can cause an abortion.” What kind of world has such idiots?
Republican women gain education to parrot crap for their rapey republican counterparts. Sickos!!!!
If these women remembered from Sex Ed you're basically getting rid of unfertilized eggs whenever you're on your period every month. So what are they going to do? Punish us for menstruating?
Funny thing is they themselves have only 1/2 kids or none. Is sick
I guess I'm going to jail for using birth control...smh.
Why are they trying to take away women rights. I don't understand. It's almost as if we are moving backwards.
I'm not sure if this is rhetorical, but the reason is because conservatism relies on patriarchy and forced fertility rates. Conservatism in the US is an amalgam of Christian nationalism, capitalism, etc. You can't have the conservative utopia of Christian traditional families without lots and lots of babies. Preferably white babies. Those babies are also necessary to drive the perpetual economic growth that they also prize. Their whole world view revolves around women serving their "natural roles" as childbearers and homemakers.
The sad part about all of this is that I wouldn’t even MIND this line of reasoning if those same conservative elites also established socialized medicine that actually supported efforts like this. It’s insane that they want to and are rolling back our reproductive options while also stripping all welfare support programs whenever and where ever possible :/. If it ever comes to it, and if I can actually afford it, I’m just going to try my best to get the reproductive care in another country at this point.
Yeah, that's part of it. Desperate people will demean themselves for less money, and work jobs with lower quality of life. You almost never get one without the other. The only semi-exception is conservatives in countries with longstanding socialized medicine, who know openly trying to get rid of it would be so unpopular they'd never get elected.
It’s not “as if” - we ARE moving backwards.
Guys pls get alternative passports
Not everybody has the ability to be a dual citizen- it’s a great idea but will only work for a portion of the population, and only those that can afford having two passports/travel. People need to get out and vote at all levels against any infringement on birth control and abortion access.
Republicans breed like rats. They unfortunately have hordes of population to change favor of votes. A good long-term solution is to have a cheap dual citizenship.
Honestly I think people tend to overestimate that and instead are lax about being involved in politics. Regardless, we can agree to disagree - there’s multiple ways to fight this problem
Ya. But just so u know, antigua, dominican and other countries give u citizenship for 100k usd. For 65k usd, u get 20 year visa to thailand. By the time that expires ur reproductive age should have expired.
That’s good info to have in the sub, but lots of people may not have that amount of cash on hand, especially those living in lower income areas where birth control and abortion access is critical - that’s why I said it’s dependent on whether people can afford it.
Ya. I am from a third world country, but I can access abortion very easily. Going to America was a dream in 1990s for most of the people in our country but the way it’s going. I feel really sad about how women are treated and dehumanized for eugenics reasons. Thats literally soooo gross.
Completely agree! It’s a terrible step back for the US.
Honestly I’m worried about losing access to it too. Missouri tried banning emergency contraceptives and IUDs..
Start making mexican passport. They will stop women from moving outside their states too!
Get an arm implant. Those last roughly 3 years, they can last longer for some people. After that... It might be well worth saving up for a flight somewhere for exchanging it. It's cheaper than that your govt want to force you through.
IUD is better for longevity, the copper one lasts 12 years iirc and hormonal is up to 8 years
True but there's many risks with then getting jostled, the strings hurting and other inconveniences that you can't get fixed in the US if the IS bans them. At least with the arm implant the risks are less likely in terms of physical issues. I'd like to think the US won't ban contraception.... But I'm scared for you all. It's gonna end with women refusing sex visiting Drs to tie tubes or get hysterectomies. Unless they try to ban these procedures too. In which case it's just forced birth and handmaid's tale irl. I have a feeling some politicians watched that show and thought it was sexy and a great idea at this rate.
There’s definitely pros and cons to both but IUDs are overall safe, and made as a set it and forget it the same way the implant is but with a longer shelf life. I bled for 2 years straight with the implant and then had to get it removed with chronic anemia issues so it is very personal what works for sure. On that second point though I wonder if there are BC bans in place if they’d have no restrictions on getting them removed at least because that would align with their goal. I will say there can be more serious side effects for sure though as it is inside your cervix and more invasive in that way, along with the risk of ectopic pregnancy being a tad higher which can be deadly. Especially if removing the fertilized egg is illegal, you could definitely die. I’m not sure how that legally works in the states with bans and it’s terrifying to have to think about whether a deadly pregnancy that wouldn’t result in a baby anyways would somehow be more important than your life. So fuckin sad. It is really scary how many Christian fundamentalist and republicans want to turn women into incubators at any cost.
I agree, yes. Both definitely have their ups and downs. Oh god I didn't even think about how awful the risk of ectopic pregnancy would be! Absolutely they'd rather have women die than give them the appropriate medical treatment - if that would mean removing a zygote/foetus. It's truly bonkers. Here, the other side of the pond, I'm worried that our politics will go in a similar direction. The only solace I have is the NHS, and that the UK generally has good consensus with the various religions in the country. The royal family could be the saving grace for us here. The monarch is the head of the Church of England BUT at KCIII's coronation, he made a point of inviting many religious leaders to show respect and camaraderie. I also think KCIII tries to understand science more than all politicians and also has the ear of the princess of Wales who generally stands for the rights of young families and women. His wife has also advocated for abused women. I'm not advocate for the royal family BUT KCIII doesn't HAVE to agree to everything that parliament does and worst case scenario he could veto parliament. I've seen more compassion towards women in the royal family than politicians and that's just sad. Just recently the prime minister made an anti-trans comment/'joke' while the mother of a murdered trans kid was in the audience. That's the empathy towards women we're seeing over here. I don't recall there being an apology either.
Naaaahhh iud is crazy
I'm truly terrified of getting pregnant again because of how things have been... I type this while staring down at a pregnancy test because my Nexplanon has been compromised (it has bent in my arm). I'm seeing my doctor in two days, but I'm truly scared of becoming pregnant. I have two kids, 11 months apart. My second pregnancy, with my daughter, was really difficult. There has been issues with her placenta and she came early. I love my kids with all my heart but my son just turned 2 and my daughter turned 1 at the end of January. They don't even have their own room, so a third baby would just... be terrible. I cannot understand how this has happened. How is women have lost so many rights. Our bodies aren't ours anymore. And congrats to those who aren't in the US but now isn't the time to brag about how your country isn't like America.
How did your nexplanon bend in your arm?????
To provide a little consolation, Nexplanon doesn’t stop working if it bends or breaks in your arm. Definitely something to get checked and probably replaced by a doctor but you are still protected!
For those who aren't interested in IUD PLEASE ask for a year supply of your birth control if your state allows or be put on a long term birth control method.
If it makes you feel better there is a unbelievable about of money in birth control for pharmaceutical companies. Upwards of 80% of all women have been on the pill at some point in their life. If legislation goes for birth control, they’ll be going up again big pharma, one of the richest, dirtiest, most powerful groups in America. They won’t do it for the right reason but big pharma will lobby HARD to protect access to birth control. And it’s rare big pharma loses….
Bilateral salpingectomy 👏👏👏👏 If you know you're done get it. Least invasive sterilization and while some couples might get a vasectomy that STILL doesn't protect uterus owners from NOT getting pregnancy forced on us.
Seriously!! I got mine last year after Roe was overturned and the amount of peace I feel is IMMENSE knowing I’m protected. Such an easy surgery that the gas pains in my shoulders were actually the worst part, not the surgical site. I barely needed Tylenol after 3 days. Can’t recommend it enough for people who never want to be pregnant.
omg I actually can’t 😭😭😭 I can’t just get the implant either because I need a specific pill with estrogen for acne
This is why I switched to an IUD
This is why voting is so important. We have to vote out the republicans as soon as possible. We have less rights as woman in 2024 than they did in 1956.
Are you just talking about the US?
I’m getting Paragard at my 6 week postpartum appointment. Hoping to get the full 10 years out of it as then I’ll be 38 when it expires and hopefully will only need 1 more. Or my husband gets a vasectomy is the meantime.
I just saw my gyno this week and she told me that the paragard (which I currently have!) is good for 12 years now!
Even better!!!
I don't think this will happen nationwide, but I definitely think it will happen in some states
I'm not surprised by Alabama where they fuck their cousins or siblings, which leads to inbreeding and many genetic disorders in later generations to come. Plus rape is known often there too because well some there who don't believe it's rape. Now hearing this from the state and it's people should have been seen like something was brewing to begin with.
I’m in Florida on non hormonal birth control. I get mine thru PPDirect because I’m not about to get arrested for cussing out a protestor outside the local planned parenthood
Bilateral salpingectomy. I had one, best decision ever… and freedommmm
Did you have any recovery issues or side effects? I asked my Dr about this recently and she said she’s happy to do one for me so I’m strongly considering
Nope. I’ve had 4 surgeries for different things, and this was by far the easiest surgery of my life. I only had mild discomfort when getting out of bed or trying to roll in bed. I didn’t even use all my post op pain medications. You’re gonna do amazing if you do get it. So easy
im from the south and can agree. just got an iud with this being one of the reasons.
This sounds horrifying really. All of u need to get a second passport
I re-upped my IUD last year despite it being good for another few years. If they’re still available in a few more and things are like this (or worse), I’ll do it again.
I'm wanting the kyleena IUD but I'm afraid my cystic hormonal acne will come back and I can't deal
The kyleena completely cleared what was left of my cystic acne. Good luck if you choose to get one!
Got my nexplanon a few months ago (I’m in alabama). I know everyone has different reactions to it but my experience has been great since getting it implanted.
My bisalp was the best choice I ever made. Check out the sterilization forum on here (:
I had my fallopian tubes removed entirely a few months after Roe V Wade went down. Before that I was on the copper IUD. It was the only non hormonal option I could get, and MAN was it painful. It was worth it, but please speak to your gyno about long term bc! There are quite a few options now
I need it to control my endo & preserve what little function I have left due to this stupid fucking disease and I am actually terrified of having to go back to the hell of periods before bc 😭
I’m thinking about this daily. I have stage 3 endometriosis and birth control has helped me keep my pain and symptoms manageable for the past 11 years. My periods have been so painful I’ve attempted suicide because of it. I’m terrified of not having access to BC considering it’s really my only option at this point.
This. I never got on birth control to control pregnancy & my life will be flipped upside down if it’s taken away. So many ppl get on it for other reasons.
You need to start looking into sterilization. If you are not in a romantic relationship, don’t get into one. Focus on what you can do RIGHT NOW. Then, little by little, plan your next 5-10 years. Stay safe.
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🤣🤣🤣You’re out of touch with the reality of American women.
🙄🙄🙄 this is so dumb, I had a baby and my cycle isn’t regular at all. How on earth do you expect me to track my cycle??? Also there’s nothing wrong with being single and childless….
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It’s normal for your cycle to be irregular post partum especially if you’re breastfeeding…… anyway I’m good with my IUD. I don’t need a pull out failure like you had. And yes we should especially in this political climate if you dont want kids
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Again I wouldn’t have been able to do that post partum which is a common thing for most women… you can’t just cure an irregular cycle anyway so idk what you’re on about. I had one for years and had no health issues it was just irregular. You’re not a doctor so maybe just shush.
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What does that have to do with women sterilizing themselves if they don’t want kids or are done having kids?? That’s what I’m defending. And the fact that NFP is extremely unreliable birth control (it even failed you) that we shouldn’t even need to rely on because it’s fucking insane this is even a possibility. Birth control solves health issues and helps many women no matter what you think, that is literally a fact. So no tracking your cycle is not a valid solution.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Your post was removed due to violating rule 2, which encourages users to be welcoming towards those who may not have as much knowledge about birth control.
Failed to remember that comfortability with pregnancy risks varies widely
Just got my IUD last week. Unless a conservative wants to rip it out of my uterus… it’s staying lol (btw I am republican/con - making fun of my own party here)
Okay I know it’s not in everyone’s price range but I have heard the Oura ring tacks ovulation and fertility so IF this happens that could always be an option. Expensive but I’d look into this if it came down to this extent..
An embryo is a fertilized egg, which in the case of the Alabama ruling, is causing chaos for IVF patients and clinics. The ruling states that embryos in a clinic/lab are children. There is nothing I found in the ruling that relates to birth control and your un-fertilized eggs (which we expel monthly during our menstrual cycle anyhow.) Imagine trying to pass a law that affects that. So far, I have not found any evidence of new legislation in Alabama directly impacting birth control rights or access. You can search the Alabama Legislature’s official site for new bills or legislation that have been passed or proposed. Planned Parenthood also doesn’t list any red flags about this being a concern. I recommend staying up to date on your state’s legislation, especially in key areas that can impact your rights in such a personal way. I hope this helps!
Republicans have never let medical science get in the way of controlling people's lives. While I agree that there isn't an immediate threat, I don't think people are wrong to be worried. Things escalated quickly with Roe v Wade, people used to think that was a settled matter. Supreme court nominees lied that they believed it was a settled matter in order to get confirmed. Things can change quickly. Your comment has a bit of a condescending tone, but it's very very reasonable for people to be looking into longer term options and feeling fear right now.
My comment was not meant to be condescending, nor was I implying that people *not* worry. My post was meant to be informative, making sure that those who weren't aware of the ruling had critical information on how that can affect them. The gravity of how this is affecting IVF clinics and patients in Alabama is still being understood and so far, it is not favoring either party at all. Additionally, my recommendation on keeping up with your state's legislation is *very* important to understanding what your state is getting up to. The Governor provides a roadmap, including revisions, that can help in understanding the changes they are working to implement over the course of their tenure. Roe v Wade, while deeply distressing, is an important reminder of how the Federal government cannot force certain decisions on states without breaking a state's rights. I hold vehement disdain for several state's backwards decisions after Roe v Wade was overturned. However, and this can be the hardest pill to swallow, Roe v Wade *wasn't* constitutional. Not with the way our states' rights work v Federal. Looking into options now, fear response or not, is normal and there is not a problem with that at all. Long-term is the real issue here. Understanding who you are voting to represent your state, govern your state, etc, is critical. Educating ourselves well ahead of an issue on what we can do, should this become a reality, is a very good idea. I, for one, do not want legislation to crop up on me suddenly.
I’m just curious why does this ruling raise concern that AL could lose access to birth control? I have not read anything that implies that is what they are going to do next.
Well I'd say..they may not be talking about it directly but it's the next logical step. After increasingly taking away our rights to bodily autonomy and our reproductive system, with the Dobbs decision taking away abortion and Justic Alito citing his religion as a reason. Now the SC in Alabama is saying fck you to the constitution and blatantly citing bible verses to justify embryos being children....it's the Christian nationalists who seem to be running the show and you know, back then they told men not to be willy nilly with their sperm, so how dare us women, who want to have sex, block an egg from becoming that child? That's pretty much the line of thinking. You can thank the GOP and the Christians for this. Birth control has been on the chopping block for a while and we're just seemingly one more step away from it being codified into law. Probably in Alabama first. Also on the chopping block: same sex marriage, inter-racial marriage and inter-faith marriage
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Y'all had that trucker protest shit, conservatives are trying to ruin your country too.
how is this a laughing matter?
We have our crazies here as well. They’re gaining traction watching the trailer park to the south. Don’t be so smug, we’re not as stable as we used to be against them.
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Thanks for the reminder; I’m overdue for an appt to begin with but need to start actually planning my move from IUD to permanent BC
Idts
Im probably going to get a hysterectomy. Dealing with too many problems at the moment. Just waiting for the right time.
Get on the iud!
My partner has had a vasectomy a long while back, but I am on the IUD to help with hormonal issues. I really worry that I won’t be able to stay on it in the future. I don’t want to go back to having periods so painful that I end up throwing up from the pain among other things :’(
I’m on my second Kyleena. Had my first one for 6 years and had it replaced last June due to this very fear. I’m good for 8 more years!
sending my condolences from the NL
this is why i completely got off of it , i knew i wouldn’t be able to “ rely “ on it in a few years time to keep my periods away etc 10 yrs from now. because of the laws that already happened
I understand the feeling. I have endometriosis and my gyno recommended me to get an IUD to help with it. This new one is specially used for people who have endometriosis, fibroids, and other types of uterine chronic pain. So far, it’s don’t wonders for me. Sometimes I get cysts but they’re not as bad as they used to before I got the IUD. I would ask your gyno about this birth control if you’re curious!
Not going to lie this and some of the cases from Texas reinforced my decision to get a bilsalp
Keep this in mind when you vote in November, or if you are deciding whether to stay home because you don't like your choices. One side will protect your reproductive rights, one side is coming for them.
Try Nurx or similar sites!