https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:31:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/long-term-birth-control#post-2928337 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:26:30 +0000 josina 2928337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are done having kids, and I'll be 40 next year so starting to think long term...</p> <p>I've been on the Nuvaring since I was 20 and honestly love it, and would happily keep taking it forever - but my Dr mentioned that the estrogen 'feeds' cancer if I were to ever get it. It also has increased risks of blood clots, heart attacks, etc. after 35. I haven't had any issues, yet.</p> <p>DH isn't keen to get snipped, but I just said it was something to look into. Honestly though the idea of having regular periods again is not something I want to do. He feels like he'd get snipped and then I'd get sick of periods and get back on BC anyways.</p> <p>I'm scared of an IUD after reading too many horror stories of them migrating, and seems like it'd be the same problem with estrogen, unless I get the copper IUD which has an even higher chance of migrating.</p> <p>Any thoughts on any of the above? Anyone just plan to stay on b/c until menopause? Other suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-control-with-uncertain-ttc-plans#post-2922394 Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:40:09 +0000 JennyPenny 2922394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I have always said we want 3-4 kids. #3 is almost 10 months old and lately I’ve been feeling like our family is complete. In the past I’ve done charting to prevent between kids because I liked getting to know my cycles and the minipill sucks! Also my OB had advised against getting the IUD for a time under 2 years and our TTC timelines were shorter than that. Now that I’m feeling done I think I want an IUD for a few years until I’m sure and we get a vasectomy for DH. BUT if I change my mind we had talked about TTC #4 in early 2022. So I guess my questions are:</p> <p>Would you get an IUD if there was a chance it was only for 10 months? I haven’t ever had one and I can’t remember the reason my OB suggested it only for 2+ years</p> <p>If you were on the fence about growing your family what did you do to prevent in the meantime? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bc-recs#post-2917420 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:36:16 +0000 bees_knees 2917420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is probably loads of posts on this but I feel like there are new BC options coming out all the time! I haven't been on any BC since I got pregnant with DS1 in 2013 :shocked: </p> <p>What have you tried? What do you love/hate? Right now I'm leaning towards an IUD, would love if I didn't get a period every month! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tubal-reversal#post-2908389 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 19:49:26 +0000 littleblessings 2908389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have any of you or anyone you know had a tubal reversed? I've had my tubal for just over a year and have had so many bad side effects from it. OB classified it as Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. Only cure for it is a reversal or I can eliminate a few of the problems with a partial hysterectomy. </p> <p>Hubby also just sprung on me that he wouldnt mind another child now.... so I dont know what to do. I only got the tubal because he was 100000% done. That's what he said. </p> <p>Looking for advice and experiences. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/adjusting-to-bcp#post-2900268 Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:17:28 +0000 mrskansas 2900268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started taking birth control pills about two months ago for the first time in my life. I have PCOS so I was hoping to control some of the symptoms.<br /> I've been spotting/bleeding for the past month and my normally decent skin has been breaking out non-stop. Should I wait it out (some things I've read said it takes 3 months for things to regulate) or ask my DR about switching? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/combination-birth-control-pill-and-breastfeeding#post-2898819 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:40:36 +0000 cake2017 2898819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone been on BC with estrogen and their milk supply was fine?</p> <p>I make just enough so worried it “ could” mesa with my milk supple but I do not want to be on the mini pill by longer. I supplement also but Inwantvto continue to BF </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pms-symptoms-and-treatments#post-2893756 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:12:50 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2893756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I frequently get horribly nauseous along with cramping the day or two before my period and the first day or two of my cycle. It was way worse when off birth control (combo pill) but is still pretty bad on it. I've been this way since I was a teenager so while it's not new it's still really hard to deal with. I have been on 4 different pills and none have made a consistent difference. Do you think it's worth switching again or any other suggestions? Part of me is seriously considering unisom/b6 like a substitute diclegis since this reminds me so much of morning sickness. I hate feeling so crappy every month. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/iud-and-weight-gain#post-2887167 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 11:39:42 +0000 Mrs. Cereal 2887167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a Mirena IUD placed in December and so far I love it. The only thing I don't love is that I am steadily gaining weight. I have gained almost 20 lbs since the placement. I have not changed my diet, my level of exercise, or anything else that would contribute to this. I wanted to see if any of you had experienced a similar phenomenon after getting an IUD. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/iud-for-pcos#post-2886214 Fri, 31 May 2019 21:23:24 +0000 LaughLines 2886214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to get an IUD birth control and i have PCOS. I've read that estrogen birth control pills can help with pcos symptoms, but i don't think IUDs have estrogen. I keep googling and I'm not finding good answers. Does anyone with pcos use IUDs? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tubal-during-c-section#post-2877113 Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:07:48 +0000 LadyDi 2877113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you had a tubal ligation during a c section, how do you think it affected your overall recovery? Did you have a ligation or full tube removal? What were your periods like after?</p> <p>I am going to have a tubal during my next c section in June. This will be my third section and my doctor has said that I could have the full tube removed, depending on how things are going with the surgery, where the tube is located in relation to the uterus, etc. I am a little concerned about how it's going to affect recovery. She also said my periods should be the same, but I have heard anecdotally that they are worse after a tubal. Just wondering what others' experiences were like. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-soon-after-completing-your-family-did-you-take-permanent-measures#post-2874033 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 21:24:30 +0000 youboots 2874033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am very sure that our babe coming in September is our last. I was honestly on the fence about a second (and a first child double honestly) and am positive I will not change my mind. DH supports whatever I choose for family size, we waited until we were married 8 years to start a family, so we are both in our mid 30s. He just wants me to be happy. That said, he thinks we should wait a couple years for a vasectomy, just in case. So if you were 100% sure you were done, how long did you wait to take permanent measures? I’d likely go on depo in the short term but I really don’t want to risk an unplanned pregnancy and I’m ready to be off birth control. I’m not excited about an IUD. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-on-bcp-do-you-get-fertility-signs#post-2865630 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 16:11:01 +0000 DesertDreams88 2865630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm on month / cycle 2 of BCP after getting my period back at 9 months postpartum. I'm on day 14 of my cycle and I'm definitely noticing ovulation style twinges / cramping and CM, maybe EWCM. Do you ever notice fertility signs on BCP? Do you take it to mean that maybe the BC is not being very effective this cycle and failed to prevent ovulation, etc? :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/irregular-periods-post-mirena#post-2860954 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 20:49:21 +0000 kce56 2860954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>I had my Mirena removed nearly a year ago after it was causing a great number of side effects (crippling anxiety being the primary one). Turns out the IUD was slightly embedded in my uterus though the GYN was able to remove it w/o surgery. Since then, my periods have been irregular, closer together (as few as 21 days apart), and longer (up to 7-8 days). I’ve had smears, endometrial biopsies, ultrasounds, and more - all negative. The GYN thinks it’s hormonal and I can either live with it or go on the pill. Has anyone had a similar issue post-Mirena? Did your periods even out eventually? Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fallopian-tube-removal#post-2857404 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:01:05 +0000 ChitownRo 2857404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi guys -<br /> Anyone here have their Fallopian tubes removed laparoscopically? I’m scheduled for Tuesday morning...just wondering how bad/painful the recovery actually is?<br /> Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/still-normal-followup-from-previous-post#post-2853890 Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:29:48 +0000 misolee 2853890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-normal-kyleena-edition" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-normal-kyleena-edition</a></p> <p>(bullet point version)<br /> I had my 3rd child in March.<br /> Period had not started.<br /> I put Kyleena (similar to Mirena) birth control at end of July.<br /> For a week, there was nothing.<br /> A week later, I spotted spotting/bleeding.<br /> I am still spotting since (never stopped).<br /> So basically I've been wearing a pad since July.<br /> Did go to followup appt and doctor said give it time.<br /> How much time before this is not normal?<br /> Schedule another appt? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/period-returning-after-stopping-with-iud#post-2850190 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:18:59 +0000 kiddosc 2850190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Skyla that was put in after A was born just over 2 years ago. I basically had no period for that time with a few days of color on the TP when I wiped, but not even enough for a liner. Now for the last several months I have had a clear period. Not a heavy one, still only need a liner, but accompanied by nasty mood swings, breakouts, and other classic PMS symptoms. </p> <p>Has anyone else had their period resume years after having an IUD inserted? I'm paranoid that its effectiveness is wearing off early (Skyla is only good for three years and I'm set to replace in December) Also, I deal with the side effects (mainly lowered sex drive) to reap the benefits of not having a period and PMS and this was totally not part of the deal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mirena-question-2#post-2842896 Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:00:12 +0000 Alba4 2842896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you stop getting your period on Mirena? I had it inserted about 2 years ago and my periods have been super light. This is the first “cycle” that I haven’t bled. I’m to the (paranoid) point of buying a damn pregnancy test. What is your experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-this-normal-kyleena-edition#post-2838207 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 17:52:00 +0000 misolee 2838207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I’m almost 5 months postpartum. Three weeks ago I had the Kyleena IUD placed.. I had not started my period since giving birth. With my previous children, usually my period usually came back around 6-7 months postpartum. </p> <p>So two weeks ago (one week after iud), I started bleeding. Bright red spots. Heavier than pantyliner but lighter than like normal period. I still have to wear and change out the pad couple of times a day. Well...it’s been like this for two weeks and going on day 15!!. Not heavy and not light. Bright red. Previously before pregnancy, my periods were red and turned brown for spotting after couple of days. </p> <p>Is this normal? Should I call my OB? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-control-suggestions-not-mirena#post-2656320 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 08:15:04 +0000 Adira 2656320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I've decided to have my Mirena taken out. I've had it in for a year and it's killed any sex drive I might've had (which was already low to begin with). Sex has become such a chore for me because I can't get into it and it's really negatively affecting my relationship with my husband since his love language is Physical Touch and sex is a big part of that.</p> <p>I have a Birth Control consult scheduled for the 2nd. Prior to going on the Mirena, I was on the mini pill while nursing, and I mostly liked that, but I still had a low sex drive. I don't know if that was because of the mini pill or because I was nursing or a combination of both. And prior to that I was on Ortho-Tr-Cyclen Lo, which I also felt like gave me a low sex drive (but nothing like what Mirena is doing to me).</p> <p>Soooooo... suggestions??? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skipping-period-week-on-tri-phasic-pill#post-2830640 Tue, 26 Jun 2018 10:04:25 +0000 hellobeeboston 2830640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you guys occasionally skip your 'period' week on the Pill??</p> <p>Does it work? I feel like I used to do it a LONG time ago and I can't remember if it worked... I know long term it's not great because you'll go through your pill too fast and insurance won't cover, but if you do this, do you get breakthrough bleeding or any other issues????</p> <p>I'm going on vacation and i'm supposed to have my period that week, and I'd love to skip it. But if it's going to screw me up, I'd rather not!!</p> <p>Also, I've been taking tri-phasic pills forever. Took them for years before I had my babies, and have been taking them after. I do well on them, they don't really affect my mood or anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/stopping-the-bcp-what-would-you-do#post-2828727 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 06:08:59 +0000 NCSUchick27 2828727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are ready to TTC. I was planning on stopping my BCP when I finish up my current pack. I am a little over halfway through it.</p> <p>I missed a pill the other day so now I am having some mid-pack breakthrough bleeding. The bleeding is pretty light, but it looks like if I finish my pill pack I am going to have two “periods” this month (oh boy!). Now, with the breakthrough bleeding, I want to just go ahead and stop completely, but I most of the advice I have read says doing that can mess with your cycle. I don’t really understand that advice because I am on a monophasic pill, and my cycle is already screwed up.</p> <p>What would you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-control-breastfeeding-and-periods#post-2827623 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 10:20:54 +0000 sckim 2827623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had my DD2 3 months ago and started my period 3.5wks postpartum. I am EBF now but did supplement for about 2-3 weeks the first month while trying to get my supply up. I bled for 3 weeks with my initial period and have now had a period every 12-14 days. its miserable. My periods are lighter than before, but i still get PMS symptoms that are terrible. I also have endometriosis. I started the mini pill 2 months ago hoping that would help, but it hasnt. </p> <p>Does anyone have any experience with EBF and taking a different BCP? Should I try the mirena? I know the mirena uses the same hormones as the mini pill. I don't want to put the mirena in and regret it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/iud-acne#post-2825534 Thu, 31 May 2018 09:39:36 +0000 bubblegum 2825534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Back in January I got my IUD put in and acne came and never left. I figured I would give my body time to adjust but I still have it. Its not so much pimples as it random blemishes (I guess I would say) than anything. No lie, I can be sitting there doing nothing a new "pimple" come up. It's not your normal pimple where you can pop it and be done with it.</p> <p>Has anyone dealt with this and what did you do to get rid of it? I have graduation coming up and was hoping it would be gone by now and I can't see my doctor until late June. (My mistake for thinking it would subside on its own)</p> <p>Help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cycles-after-iud-removal#post-2825546 Thu, 31 May 2018 10:30:08 +0000 Clementine12 2825546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm throwing in the towel - I can't handle how Paragard is affecting me. I thought it was a good option because I am trying to avoid hormonal BC</p> <p>My periods are long and very heavy, I am getting more severe PMS including bloating, a symptom I have never had before, and my husband has commented on my mood several times lately. I've had it in for about 10 months.</p> <p>Anyone experiencing the same thing? I'm wondering how quickly symptoms will abate - specifically what to expect for my next period. My removal appointment is a few days before my next period is due. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/misoprostolcytotec-before-mirena-insertion#post-2392589 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 14:50:37 +0000 BelugaBean 2392589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any experience with this? I had Mirena before LO2 and didn't take this. Insertion was kind of a bad cramp/pinch for like a second then some light cramping/spotting for a couple of days. It was really no big deal. I go to a different doctor and she said she prescribes misoprostol to take four hours before any IUD insertion. I looked this up and it seems totally mixed on if it's necessary and any side effects either way. I'm thinking of not taking it since I've had two babies, my experience was fine last time, and I'm having my period so I thought that made it easier anyway? Any experiences/info is appreciated! I go tomorrow so I'll need to decide soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tubal-ligation-vs-having-them-removed#post-2825341 Wed, 30 May 2018 10:31:11 +0000 HappyBaker 2825341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just had my 6 week postpartum visit and my OB and I discussed birth control. Since we are done having kids, I want to get my tubes tied. (DH is getting a vasectomy as well -- we want double protection ha). My OB mentioned that now they also offer completely removing the tubes instead of just cauterizing them, because it is thought to dramatically lower your risk of ovarian cancer. The downside is he said the recovery is longer/worse with getting them completely removed. </p> <p>I had a pretty rough and complication-ridden recovery from my straightforward and easy vaginal delivery this time around, so the idea of going for the more invasive / harder recovery option is not appealing to me at all...but on the other hand I also know a lot of people who have gotten ovarian cancer and if it really could reduce the risk its seems like it would be worth it.</p> <p>Have you done either as a stand alone surgery (not as part of a c-section)? How was the recovery? Or have you weighed these options and decided yourself? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nuvaring-while-breastfeeding#post-2822402 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:24:11 +0000 josina 2822402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone used nuvaring while breastfeeding or know anything about it?</p> <p>LO is almost 15 months, we usually nurse 3-4 times in 24 hours.<br /> My OB said it was fine to use the nuvaring if I'm okay with my supply.<br /> At some point I would like to wean, but I'm not in a 'hurry' to do so. I just put in the nuvaring last night, and just read this on rxlist.com... "The hormones in NuvaRing can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. NuvaRing may also slow breast milk production. Breastfeeding while using NuvaRing is not recommended."</p> <p>Should I take it out until I'm officially done bf'ing? I'm fine with lowering my production, but not with passing hormones on if it might harm DD?</p> <p>ETA. I was on the mini-pill but was horrible about taking it at the same time everyday, so we've just been using condoms, and would do that if I decide to wait on the Nuvaring. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-birth-control-did-you-use-while-breastfeeding#post-2807957 Tue, 06 Mar 2018 08:46:24 +0000 periwinklebee 2807957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not excited about the prospect of getting back on hormonal birth control - and don't want anything that could reduce supply - but know charting tends to be pretty unreliable with breastfeeding and waking up during the night... Curious what others have used... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spotting-on-the-mini-pill#post-2802942 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:35:46 +0000 JennyPenny 2802942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just got my period back at 9 months pp and it was a doozie...then 4 days after it stopped it started right back up again. With DS1 I had basically 2 periods every month while I was on the mini pill and it drove me NUTS. I'm worried that's what is happening again now. I'm thinking about just quitting hormonal BCP until I'm done nursing. Has anyone who had crazy spotting/breakthrough bleeding on the mini pill tried this? I'm worried about a) the spotting continuing and b) how can I get a good sense of my cycles to start if I don't know what is *actually* a period? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-ava-work-to-prevent-pregnancy#post-2801968 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 13:57:35 +0000 youboots 2801968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My depo expires 2/7. DH and I want to TTC staring in June or July but want to prevent until them. I’m a wedding photographer, right now I’m only booking through June. I was really sick my first trimester and weddings were miserable. Also we have a big weekend away in June.</p> <p>Since I’ve been on depo I know it could take a year. But I also don’t know how long it will take my cycle to regulate or when I’ll be ovulating. I’d rather not be on hormonal birth control and am not a huge fan of condoms.</p> <p>Has anyone used the Ava wristband to prevent pregnancy with an irregular cycle? </p>