Switching from Yasmin to IUD?

littlebubblytoes · 06-26-2009, 02:51 PM

Hi cysters!

I come seeking some advice about BCPs and IUDs, as I am growing concerned Yasmin is not doing much for me lately.

I don't like BCPs-period. Any one I have been on is okay at the beginning and then my body gets all out of whack. I have been lucky enough to receive my period monthly (mostly) with or without the pill, but this month I didn't get one and have been contemplating other alternatives.

Since I have been on Yasmin I have had 3 consecutive yeast infections that began when I was on antibioitics and it just snowballed. And apparently, it's still there as I had to go BACK to my GYN on Monday.

I told her that I was thinking about going off BCPs completely and if I did this could I increase my Spiro intake to help balance things out. She first said that it may work in some people, but not others. When I pushed the issue more she finally scoffed at me and said "Well, don't you need a form of birth control?" and I said yes, wondering if diaphrams, IUDs, etc. where even an option. She then looked at me and said in an irritated tone "Well, you should stay on them, given your situation."

I should have pushed it further, but I was shocked as she had always been so open (reason I chose her in the first place) and it sounded like if I did, it wouldn't have been a productive conversation. I recently joined WW and am doing the points system-I really wanted to try a more natural approach to regulating my hormones with diet, exercise and supplements.

For those who have switched methods or gone off BCPs(or anyone who has had long term success on BCPs), what has your experience been like? Have you eventually gone back on them or did you find something else? Anyone here have a copper IUD? Is it safe? What has your experience been like with that? Also, did your GYN do it for you?

Any thoughts are much appreciated!

RunnerDuck · 06-27-2009, 06:44 PM

I don't want to make assumptions but I don't see any kids mentioned in your sig ...

It can be hard to find a doctor who will put in IUD in someone who has never had children. I have heard different explanations but one is that the IUD will be harder to place or will be more likely to fall out...

There are women who get them without having had children, but it's not so common.

Ashleystar · 06-29-2009, 12:41 PM

I haven't had kids and I had an IUD fitted and kept it for 6 miserable months. It obviously did nothing for my PCOS, aggravated my endometriosis (wasn't dx back then), made me flood (sorry if tmi) and caused cramps so bad I passed clots the size of a plum! I had never had that before! So, after everything getting worse and my acne etc not getting better, I went back on Yasmin and got brilliant results.

It doesn't go that way for everybody, but I think having gynae problems means it is more difficult to get on with an IUD.

My mum had one before giving birth to me a few years later, and she had a bad infection at first but then had no problems except heavy periods for the next 26 years (not the same one obviously lol). So it can be ok.

I would consider hormonal control first, especially something to help your PCOS. I know it is annoying finding one that works for you, but the pain and hassle of getting an IUD is worse in my opinion.

Hope this helps xx

Patah83 · 07-03-2009, 12:32 AM

I got my IUD last week no kids. I just switched doctor and he was a little freaked out about me not having kids but my cervix was slightly dilated and it went fine. My doctor is totally fine with me using the copper IUD. I don't have any kids. My mine issue is addressing my weight which if dropped to a certain level allows me to regain my cycle. Copper IUD's do usually intensify ur cramps or whatever but I am a grad student and wanted off the hormones and needed something that worked for sure. Good luck and feel free to contact me!