My aunt who is an RN suggested that I try an IUD. I heard that this completely takes away having a period. Is this even healthy? I am still thinking about asking a doctor about it. Anyways, my question is, Has anyone else had problems like this from the pill? Do you or anyone you know have an IUD? I'm at a loss at what to do....

WHo me?  Have a problem with the pill?  Say hello to my oldest daughter.

Seriously, yes there are many side effects.  I did not realize IUDs were even around after the fiasco of the 70s.  I suggest you read up on them tho as it bankrupted a large pharmaceutical company.  Not saying that is good or bad, but there was a lot of bad with it.  Maybe they have gotten better?

My aunt who is an RN suggested that I try an IUD. I heard that this completely takes away having a period. Is this even healthy? I am still thinking about asking a doctor about it.

Untrue.  I had an IUD for a very short amount of time in the early 90's.  My periods were heavier than ever on it, so I had it removed. 

The only thing an IUD does is prevent a zygote (fertilized egg) from implanting in the lining of the uterus.  So, it doesn't stop you from producing eggs like the pill does, it simply 'aborts' the ones that are fertilized.  \

My advice is to not do it, to not even consider it.  There are waaaayyy more forms of pill that your doctor might be willing to try you on, and there are many more forms of contraception than just the pill and IUD.  Have you considered a diaphragm?

Have you considered a diaphragm?

Say Hello to my second daughter!

Say Hello to my second daughter!

Ooops! LOL

alison: I had a copper T IUD for several years after the birth of my youngest son.

For me it was a terrific solution.

It is good for up to ten years, and something that you don't even have to think about. The copper IUD does not release any hormones, so you don't have to worry about mood swings or weight gain or any of that.

Some women do experience heavier bleeding with an IUD (I did) because of the effect having a foreign object in your uterus, and that's something for you to consider.

Another thing I liked about the IUD is that, unlike hormonal birth control, it is possible to get pregnant right away after having the IUD removed, and removal is a very quick, simple procedure. The IUD is also one of the most effective forms of birth control.

I also like that the IUD removes the possibility for human error (such as improperly using a condom or forgetting to take a pill).

For me the benefits far outweighed the discomfort of heavier periods. I'd highly recommend it.

Seriously, yes there are many side effects. I did not realize IUDs were even around after the fiasco of the 70s.

The new copper IUDs are very different from the old IUDs that caused such a stir. They are one of the more safe, reliable forms of birth control available for women in monogamous relationships (women with multiple partners are discouraged from using an IUD because of the risk of PID from STDs).

So, it doesn't stop you from producing eggs like the pill does, it simply 'aborts' the ones that are fertilized

The copper IUD makes the uterus inhospitable for sperm, preventing fertilization. The copper in the IUD also changes the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation. (The hormonal IUDs work differently be have similar effects)

It's a personal choice for you, alison, but I found the IUD to be really noninvasive and effective. I'm off birth control right now as we're trying for another baby, but after the birth of our third child, I'll be going back to the copper IUD.

At the risk of stating the obvious, don't have sex? Should cut down the chance of becoming pregnant...

Alison, here's a good website with all the details and pros and cons of the IUD:

eMedicine on IUDs

The new copper IUDs are very different from the old IUDs that caused such a stir. They are one of the more safe, reliable forms of birth control available for women in monogamous relationships (women with multiple partners are discouraged from using an IUD because of the risk of PID from STDs).

I did not keep up (but then I am snipped).  But thanks for bringing me up to date.

Dr Guy:
Wow...sounds like you're the "only one out of one hundred person." Try those odds in Vegas....

Dharma:
Sounds like it was not a good thing for you! Did you have this copper one that Tex is talking about?

Tex:
That sounds like exactly what I want. I am going to go research the site some more

Danny:
Yeah, right

Did you have this copper one that Tex is talking about?

Yep.

Not the best thing I ever tried.....

Dr Guy: Wow...sounds like you're the "only one out of one hundred person." Try those odds in Vegas....

It dont work that way!  Trust me!

People have different reactions to the pill. I was on the pill for a long time since becoming sexually active. The only times I became pregnant was whenever I chose to come off it for a while - deliberately or not, then I got pregnant! I don't recall my moods being ups and downs, I guess I usually put those down as my PMS moods. Unfortunately one of the side effects as you mentioned for some people is weight gain. That was also the case for some of my girlfriends and they eventually switched to the patch which worked great for them. I was lucky I guess it (the pill) helped stablelize my weight for a while until having my kids.

Along with what's been suggested to you, there's also the Ortho Evra patch.

But have you gone back to your doctor to let him/her know what's going on? He/she can work with you to find out what would be better for you to use. And definately mention the water retention theory, that's also a possibility. If I remember correctly that was one problem I had with it around the time when I would have my period I would blow up like a fish! Taking water pills helps for some people.

I was on Levlan (i think) it was two different colours - I had no "major" (I mean I guess I was moody) problems with it until about 3 months ago when I was spotting mid-cycle and then I was four days late - I was freaking out for a while (thanks bluedev - I emailed him my concerns) and I even had a negative pg test.
I went to the doctor and switched to a tri-colour (logynon) I don't even know what it means but it worked.

I have a friend who was on Jasmine and was having a few issues.

Another friend was on the pill after her first child was born (no idea which one) she went off it the very next month she conceived unfortunately she mis-carried but 2 months later she conceived again - she's 16wks.

There's a blogger on here...msladydeath who wrote a teriffic comment about BC failings. (scared the crap outta me) Link
DR-Guy - when you said say hello to my daughter I thought you were putting her on the comp to talk to Allison about her experiences. So blonde.

What about the Sponge? It's coming back on the market...I'd like more info on that one...

Sorry I'm replying to this in an untimely fashion...but I've been away for two weeks.

They have that new low hormone pill that you could try...I don't even know what its called...but its advertised on TV all the time.

When I first went on the pill...almost 5 years ago for me as well...I was on one that had a diuretic in it so you didn't gain water weight...crap...I can't even remember what it is now....I wasn't on the right dosage though so my cycle was STILL all screwed up--enough that I figured I'd rather not be on it and continue having cysts and bleeding-to-death menstruation.

I have to go back to the doctor again today...I'm terrified. We're going to have a long talk about my meds. I'm NOT on the right stuff...at all. She's treating my polycystic ovarian syndrome...but she's got me on glucophage...and that is for people with HIGH blood sugar. My body produces too much insulin, so my body usually has LOW blood sugar... I've felt shaky the past few days....and once I drink some juice I'm fine...but it freaks me out...

SO...me and Dr. Monroe are going to have words today I think....I also refuse to take medication that forces me to be on the toilet all day long. I'd rather die than live my life in my bathroom. ~shrugs~

What about Norplant? Or that vaginal ring, too? There's LOTS of options out there. IUD scares me though...but I don't know much about it...