BC/IUD/Mini-Pill/Charting Questions

[Sophia]

I apologize if these questions have been answered elsewhere. I have several and it seemed easier to ask in a new thread.

I'm still trying to decide which form of BC would be best. I'm 37 and we don't plan to have any more children. DC #3 was born July 7. Here's some background:

I planned to get the Mirena IUD, but my OB/Gyn would prefer to wait till I have AF to insert it. In the meantime she's given me the Camila mini-pill.

I finished my first pack of the Camila mini-pill last weekend. I never got AF, so I would need to get another pack this weekend.

I also managed to get into my FF Gold account today, which surprised me because I have a different email addy now and had to guess at my password. I haven't charted in nearly 2 years, and have only charted to conceive before.

ALso, it's my understanding that if I'm on the mini-pill, charting is pretty much pointless. I'm thinking of doing both (mini-pill & charting) at the same time to see which I prefer and if I can get back into the rhythm of charting. I am still leaning heavily towards the IUD.

1) Out of those 3 forms of BCP, which would you prefer & why. Please remember I don't plan on any more children.

2) When do I start a new chart? Do I use the extra special, rarely used Start a New Chart thingie? What is CD1? The day DD was born?

3) How will being on the mini-pill affect my chart results?

TIA

[jennylou]

1 - I myself would prefer the charting. Only because I don't like the hormones of bc pills and it kind of weirds me out to have something up "there" for so long. I do like the fact that the IUD would provide long term bc options. Charting can be effective, so long as you don't get carried away and forget to use back up methods. Another problem with charting could be not getting three hours of sleep, if your DD is up many times throughout the night.

2 - I'd list CD1 as the day your DD was born.

3 - I'm sure you won't get a true chart, but it will help to see if you can get back in the swing of things.

[Sophia]

Thanks, Jenny

Lili has been STTN consistently for about 6 weeks, so I'm pretty sure the 3 hour minimum won't be a problem.

I'm a bit concerned about the risk of ectopic pregnancy from the IUD, and also the use of hormones in the mini-pill, even if it's just progesterone and supposedly BF-safe. I won't use regular BCPs even after Lili is weaned because I don't like what the hormones do to me (severe mood swings).

I saw on FF that it's not designed for TTA. As long as I just use it to record my info and don't rely on it for interpretation, would it be ok to use it to avoid?

I'm going to start temping this weekend just to see how it goes.

[jennylou]

Thanks, Jenny


I saw on FF that it's not designed for TTA. As long as I just use it to record my info and don't rely on it for interpretation, would it be ok to use it to avoid?


I am pretty sure that they say that because they don't want to get sued if someone has an oops. ;) Check out the TTA thread in Groups, there are ladies there who have been avoiding for years.

[Sophia]

That's what I thought, but wanted to make sure. Thanks!

[tlew12778]

I would chart but I think the mini-pill is progesterone only so you would have high temps all the time basically.

We actually just had this conversation in the CTA thred about what we'd do when we are done. I think I'd look into DH getting snipped honestly.

[Soulmate]

Sophia, I charted TTA for about a year prior to TTC. Personally, I would not want to return to that if I didn't want anymore children. It is not the effectiveness part because it can be extremely effective. But it takes a bit more attention to fertility you technically do not need anymore. It would be less carefree because you would need to abstain or use condoms during your fertile period. Again attention to your fertility.

My personal opinion would be a surgical option, but next would be IUD. The pill is a PITA. I would say with the struggle you had conceiving (or lack of struggle technically ;) ) DD would make an etopic pregnancy more rare. Plus you wouldn't have to think about anything at all and be much more carefree than the other two options.

[Sophia]

I think I'd look into DH getting snipped honestly.

My personal opinion would be a surgical option, but next would be IUD. The pill is a PITA.

I had seriously considered getting a tubal ligation (I was having a 3rd c/s, so it made sense for me to have the surgery at that time instead of scheduling a snip for DH), but it turned out we were only 99% sure this would be our last (my 3rd, his 1st).

Well, I meant to temp this am, only I forgot to move my thermometer to the night stand. :rolleyes: Plus I ended up sleeping 1 1/2 hours longer than usual because it was Sat. I guess since the progesterone will make my temps wonky, plus it'll be really hard to be so disciplined when we're TTA, I'll probably just go refill my Rx and wait for AF so I can get the IUD inserted.

Thanks everyone for your help/opinions. I really appreciate it.