Contraception (TMI for some)

[KaiserKid 81]

Hi everyone.

What is the best form of contraception you've been recommended? Or, what have you been using that has been effective?

I have been on the pill for 11 years, no problems, ever. Came off it for one month prior to surgery and re-started again this month. My surgeon didn't mention anything else in regards to contraceptives, but I've seen a lot of stories of women who get pregnant soon after surgery. I'm sort of worried that my go-to method might suddenly not work. They say the pill is like 99% effective if taken correctly. Does WLS decrease the effectiveness?

[Isalithe 44]

Are you comfortable with having an iud? That's my go to.

[erp 2,016]

The pill was fine for me post op but we used condoms as back up. I had sleeve so it could vary if you are having a different procedure. As you lose weight, you may need your dosage adjusted as well so condoms gave us piece of mind.

[theantichick 2,204]

I have loved having an IUD. The only factor that might affect the pill's efficacy is the hormone dump as the fat stores are lost. I would check with your surgeon and see what s/he says. I think they generally believe the pill remains effective, they just want people to be aware that people who previously struggled with fertility can suddenly become very fertile with the hormone dumps associated with the weight loss, and that a reliable method of birth control is absolutely needed following surgery.

[KaiserKid 81]

Are you comfortable with having an iud? That's my go to.

I asked my PCP a few years ago for one because I wasn't planning for kids anytime soon, but she said that since I've never had a child she recommended against it. Not sure what the reasoning is. I'm seeing her next month so I might bring it up again.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

The pill is fine for a sleever. A lot of people get pregnant because they were infertile before and don't make much of an effort to avoid pregnancy afterward.

Getting knocked up is 100% preventable in 2016, so if someone is pregnant it is no accident.

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I would recommend a back-up form of birth control for the first month or two post-op. First of all, some surgeons will have you go off the pill prior to surgery and might not let you go back on it immediately post-op. Second, the hormone dump associated with rapid fat burning can cause an increase in fertility. So better to be safe than sorry!

[gryffen 176]

I was looking at this too and was advised not to use the pill or depo if going for WLS. I've got the Nexplanon implant which I love and it means zero pills to take.

Lots of research is best policy but inform surgical team of what's chosen incase contraindicated issues pop up.

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[Fredbear 397]

I have friends who are proof that the best form of contraception is their personality.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

[amethyst391 18]

IUD is perfectly safe for women who have not had children. Doctors who don't recommend it are using old reasoning (because the cervix is tighter and can cause more discomfort after implanting). Best decision I've made was to get the IUD. It was uncomfortable for the first few days but afterwards, no periods, no more cramping, and I don't have to remember taking the pill everyday.

Weight loss doesn't inhibit birth control, it makes one more fertile because of less adipose tissue. So yes, use birth control and use backup if you're really worried.

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[Carrie1122 139]

I love my copper IUD. And no problems w/ it after the sleeve and period is still on time. :-) and I have no kids.

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Edited December 22, 2016 by Carrie1122

[coconutlemongrass 1]

I have a copper IUD and I love it. No hormones no problems!

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[Vinasu 621]

I'm on team IUD. I'm on my third Mirena. I never have to think about it, and I don't get periods any more. However, both times I've taken it out before, I got pregnant within two months

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[rolosmom7 740]

I just got an IUD (Mirena) because the surgery sent my body into craziness BUT I have endometriosis so I am definitely an exception to the rule. But I have heard of people becoming extra fertile.

[highfunctioningfatman 2,675]

Nobody has mentioned it but my wife did extremely well on Nuvaring. That might be an option for you.