T O P I C R E V I E W
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-27-2012 02:37 PM
Hi guys! I just have a quick question. I'm twenty years old and haven't had a child but am in a committed relationship. I asked my doctor about a year ago about Mirena, the IUD, that lasts up to five years, but she suggested I keep using my birth control pills because it is not recommended for ladies who have not given birth! But today, I saw a commercial for another brand of IUD called Paragard, and it seems even cooler because its non-hormonal AND according to the brand, is safe and effective for ladies who haven't had children, unlike Mirena. My question; Has anyone else here had any type of IUD inserted without having children first? And if so, how should I tell my doctor about this new IUD. I'd just really love to start this new BC and be free from the pill every day! I've been on it for about 4 years...around the time I first actually discovered scarleteen haha! Thanks
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-27-2012 02:43 PM
Your doctor's education is dusty. Not only was that never about having given birth, but only about having been pregnant, birth or not, that standard changed a while back. The IUD can absolutely be used by nulliparous people. The only deal is that a) insertion can be less comfortable and b) there is a higher risk of the IUD expelling itself. But, still, for plenty of nulliparous IUD users, neither of those things are issues. So, by all means, look into this, though since this doctor clearly has old IUD education, I'd suggest finding someone else. Someone with more current education probably also has more current training in insertion, and that matters.
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-27-2012 06:22 PM
Heather, thank you for your response. The fact that your saying that my doctor has an old education regarding IUD's makes me wonder about a few things. I'm not sure if you remember my last post, but it was about the same doctor, who gave me two pap smears that came out with not enough cells, I was worried, and you guys suggested that it was the fault of her own methods. I did go to see her after that to discuss the results and she did admit it was mechanical error on her part. So all her information about IUD's now are giving me a red flag too about her. I've made an appointment with Planned Parenthood in my neighbourhood and am going to discuss with them both issues, do you think I am taking a step in the right direction? I don't want to go ahed and get the IUD and then when she does a physical exam on me next year she just randomly sees it :/ Sooo awkard haha!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-27-2012 06:30 PM
Oh. So yeah, like I said before, time for a new sexual healthcare provider. I think this only supports that further. I think switching to another provider is your best step, for sure. And of course, you can screen them first, too. Tell them about this stuff, see what they say and if you feel good about their answers and approaches.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-27-2012 06:33 PM
(But also? While I really don't think you have any reason to get GYN care from this doctor again, you also have the right to the contraception you want if it's right for you. If you were to get an exam from her and she saw it, that's on her, and on her to be a professional about it. If she felt awkward about that, I'd say that'd be a good thing: it's really not cool to be in this kind of practice without keeping up your education, and to be denying a patient something based on outdated health information.)
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-28-2012 11:08 AM
Yeah Heather, I totally agree with you. The thing is I really like her for all my other health needs, so I didn't wanna offend her or anything, but at this point, I think I am a perfect candidate for an IUD from what I've learned myself. It would benefit me so much to have virtually fail proof birth control for five years or more. What I am gonna do is try to talk to her once more. The only thing that bothers me is doing something that my doctor is so not for, is kinda worrisome. I just don't wanna do anything thats not beneficial to my health, and she seems pretty adamant about it. But then again when I would ask about like the pill or the patch she would also be like, "Oh no don't take those, they will make you fat." But I do have an appointment with PP next week and they will be referring me to an OB GYN and I'll see how I feel with them
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 01-28-2012 01:24 PM
It's very normal to get a second opinion when one doesn't agree with one's doctor, or, just when one wants a second opinion. Honestly it sounds as if your doctor doesn't want to try to help you figure out what birth control method would work for you. Since you're asking about that, it's her job to work with you, not against you. Aside from the fact that she's using outdated information, I think she may be giving you her personal take rather than her professional attention. Dismissing the Pill outright is not cool. Even if she was concerned about weight gain, as your doctor she could help you find a brand that worked well for you. Anyway... Since you are committed to going on birth control and ultimately know what is best for you, finding someone who can objectively and knowledgeably discuss your options with you will benefit you greatly. I can definitely understand feeling comfortable with her for all other things. Many people go to an an ob-gyn for their gynecological care (including yearly checkups) and stick with their GP for the rest of it.
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-29-2012 03:50 PM
Also Heather I was wondering if you could please help me with something else that is confusing me. I was really excited about getting a copper IUD without hormones in it, instead of Mirena. But now it looks like in Canada, the brand Paragard does not exist. There ARE copper IUD's that are available in Canada right? I've done a few google searches and have come up with nothing. I realized that Canada doesn't carry Paragard when I called my insurance company to see if they covered it, they told me it wasn't in their system. THEN I called my pharmacy, and they said it wasn't available in Canada So, am I out of luck?
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-29-2012 03:53 PM
And thank you Robin, I agree that it is a good choice for me to get a second opinion. It's weird because my doctor does not seem to be conventionally "Old school," but it does seem like her birth control education is outdated, and a log with how many paps I've had with her that have came out with insufficient cells, I'm just weary of her with all things sexual health related now. Oh and just to clear things up, I AM on the pill currently (Alesse) But now I'm just wanting to try something non-hormal And yes; hopefully with Planned Parenthood Canada I will be able to find a ob-gyn that I am comfortable with and who also is very informed/skilled in putting in IUD's, as I'm really excited to quit the pill haha!
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-29-2012 04:14 PM
And thank you Robin, I agree that it is a good choice for me to get a second opinion. It's weird because my doctor does not seem to be conventionally "Old school," but it does seem like her birth control education is outdated, and a log with how many paps I've had with her that have came out with insufficient cells, I'm just weary of her with all things sexual health related now. Oh and just to clear things up, I AM on the pill currently (Alesse) But now I'm just wanting to try something non-hormal And yes; hopefully with Planned Parenthood Canada I will be able to find a ob-gyn that I am comfortable with and who also is very informed/skilled in putting in IUD's, as I'm really excited to quit the pill haha!
paperclip
Member # 35683
posted 01-29-2012 04:29 PM
And thank you Robin, I agree that it is a good choice for me to get a second opinion. It's weird because my doctor does not seem to be conventionally "Old school," but it does seem like her birth control education is outdated, and a log with how many paps I've had with her that have came out with insufficient cells, I'm just weary of her with all things sexual health related now. Oh and just to clear things up, I AM on the pill currently (Alesse) But now I'm just wanting to try something non-hormal And yes; hopefully with Planned Parenthood Canada I will be able to find a ob-gyn that I am comfortable with and who also is very informed/skilled in putting in IUD's, as I'm really excited to quit the pill haha!
Alice
Member # 28346
posted 01-29-2012 11:09 PM
I just did a little research and came up with the Nova-T or Flexi-T, which appears to be the brand of copper IUD offered in Canada.