I am having a simple bladder surgery in a few months. The OB/GYN asked if I would like to get my tubes tied while he's in there. At first I said yes and then asked if it would help with my periods. I bleed quite heavily and my other doc had suggested birth control after the surgery. When I mentioned this the OB/GYN suggested maybe having an IUD inserted that would need to be changed every 5 years. What do you think?

I felt nervous when he asked what we use now. The truth is, we have sex so seldom that it really isn't an issue. It's been about 5 months. I just feel too tired all the time and I don't have ANY libido. I should just do it b/c my husband would like it. I didn't talk to the OB/GYN about all of this, of course. I was just not comfortable doing that. But, I am hoping that I can start to feel less tired and do this for my husband (who never complains...he's so great) so I don't know if the tubes or the IUD is the best way to go.

By Tink on Thursday, December 7, 2006 - 11:12 pm:

My understanding is that you can bleed heavier with an IUD but someone here may have one and they'd be able to give you better information. I can tell you that my periods have been much heavier and more painful since I had my tubes tied. Several of my friends have also complained of the same thing but my gynecologist swears that isn't a side effect and that periods just become heavier after having a multiple children. I've always been told that hormonal birth control is the only way to lighten your periods.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 12:07 am:

Agree with Tink.. My periods were worse after I had my tubal done. And everyone I personally know, (mom, sister, friends) all complain of bad cramping (1st 24 hours generally) and the periods seem to be less days but very heavy first day to two days.

Also agree on the hormonal birth control, I have heard the same thing. What about doing depo or implants?? Anyone know any thing about those? Other than the fact that they generally stop the cycle altogether?? My sister has been on depo for two years, with no issues. No weight gain, no periods, etc..

By Rayelle on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 12:51 am:

Depo is awful in my opinion- I had a horrible experience with it. I was on it from 2000-2002 after my second baby. I didn't have a period in that time but I was very hormonal- super depressed and that was why. I thought it was just the stress of 2 babies but then I was late getting the shot because they took a week to reschedule my appt. I felt so much more like myself. I talked to a friend who is a dr.'s assistant and she said acne and mood disorders were very common, especially if you have a personal or family history of things like depression. My sil started growing a beard and entering early menopause, but she was on it much longer. My boobs hurt and I was naseuous the first few days after each shot. It was nice not to have periods, but it was kind of weird too. In my case- not worth the trade off. I'm on the pill and have been for 3 years and my periods are lighter, shorter with little cramping and they used to be bad. Plus I can skip a period if I want! Well, I guess that about sums up my birth control history,lol.

By Kittycat_26 on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 06:52 am:

After about 3 months, I stopped having a period altogether with my IUD. I loved it and will do it again in a heartbeat when the time is right. I had mine for almost 2 years.

In all honesty though when they insert it, it does hurt like a labor pain. Mine was inserted just after I had my son and they warned me but I thought for sure they had to be kidding. Well, I can assure you that they weren't kidding. Taking it out was a breeze.

By Juli4 on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 08:41 am:

I had my tubes tied four weeks ago after the birth of my 4th baby. I haven't had a period yet, but I don't feel any different. I can offer a little more in a few months. It is a great burden lifted as far as birthcontrol. We know that we are done and I love the freedom.

By Latonya on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 10:43 am:

I had my tubes tied almost 3 years ago and my dr. told me before I had it done that my periods may get a little heavier. I had no idea how bad it would get. My first couple of days are just spotting and then about the 3rd day I start bleeding heavy and cramping pretty bad. They have gotten a little better in the last year. But for a while I was so upset that I had had it done. I had it done after my 4th baby and I knew I was done. I do like the freedom of not having to worry about b/c but I just wish someone would have warned me of the after affects.

By Tripletmom on Friday, December 8, 2006 - 11:03 am:

I got my tubes clamped at my c-section.I had no idea that my periods would be heavier!!!!! I am now on Palafer twice a day because of my iron level being so low.If I'd have known about it before hand I would have let my DH take care of our b/control method,him going in for a procedure.He offered but I thought since the Dr. was in there anyways.My family MD suggested an IUD to lessen my bleeding since taking b/c pills is a risk with age and heart problems in my family.

By Anonymous on Saturday, December 9, 2006 - 12:08 am:

Thanks for all the input. I have a lot to consider. My doc didn't mention at all that a tubal would cause my periods to be heavier than they already are.

I don't like pain so the IUD scares the heck out of me. I'm 37 so don't really want to start BC now but I want my periods to get better so sending in DH for the procedure won't help that.

By Karen~admin on Saturday, December 9, 2006 - 05:24 pm:

Never had tubes tied, but had several IUD's and my periods were awful with them. Insertion is very painful too, and they *can* slip.

By Amecmom on Saturday, December 9, 2006 - 08:16 pm:

I can vouch for nuva-ring. A very light period, no hormonal ups and downs, no worrying when I have to take and anti-biotic and not permanent!
Just something to think about.
Ame

By Tripletmom on Saturday, December 9, 2006 - 10:26 pm:

Ame-That's what my Dr recommended.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 10:21 pm:

It's amazing! Adena recommended it and I tried it and I won't give it up! It's low dose and hassle free!
Ame