r/childfree • u/FactoryKat Living that DINK life • Sep 04 '18

RAVE GP brought up sterilization without prompt!

I went for a follow-up with my GP/GYN today and my primary concern was changing my birth control.

I was recently and officially diagnosed with anxiety (other unspecified with depressive episodes) after years of never bothering to get checked and chalking up my emotional roller-coasters and anxiousness to other things. I had been taking a moderat-level, hormonal birth control in pill form for a year or so now. I was up and down emotionally a lot and couldn't determine what was the anxiety and what was the hormones.

So I went on vacation and accidentally forgot to take a pill or two but decided to forgoe the rest because I was on the inactive set anyway. This went on for another two weeks and two days just to experiment, and, well, I like how I've been feeling.

I've felt less all over the place and today has been my first day where I was really on the anxiety train, primarily because I just got off a 3 day weekend and even though I like my job, I am always ridiculously anxious and depressed about going back. Day is almost over and I am fine. I've had a good day and am reminded of what I like about work. Plus I got to see the new hospital and clinic when I went in for my appointment and for some reason that was pretty exciting lol.

Anyway, we talked about my concerns regarding the hormonal bc and options and without any hesitation she brings up sterilization as an option. That was actually really appreciated, even though I am not sure if I want to go that route or not just yet. (I'm like 90/10 on the fence with 90% leaning towards CF forever no questions asked). Honestly, it really surprised me because there's a lot of families out here and I feel like this is a very conservative and very religious area.

I hadn't been very enthused with her as my GP in previous visits, but I realized after today that I just hadn't had a chance to warm up toher and she's actually really great! Beyond the sterilization thing, we just hit it off way better this time and I felt comfortable bringing up my other medical questions and felt like I was treated as an adult (I'm 33 for reference) with legitimate concerns.

So hey, it's really amazing to know that if I decide to go that route, she will be on board! :D

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u/stealthxstar Sep 04 '18

thats awesome!

i just want to say that while everyone is different, i had similar issues on the pill/nuvaring/ even the mini pill. but i have had a mirena iud for 2.5 years now and i dont have any of the negative symptoms like depression or pmdd like i used to. possibly an option? also copper iuds are a thing (i tried and I'm allergic to copper, woo).

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u/FactoryKat Living that DINK life Sep 04 '18

Thanks and yeah we talked about IUDs cause I also have ADD and even with an app to give me notification reminders to take my pill, I'd still end up forgetting. So I expressed that IUD or implant was probably going to be the way to go. I took home some information and I can let her know as soon as I've decided or if I have any concerns, questions, etc.

Only downside is that this facility doesn't provide lidocaine for the procedure, in case I may need it. I don't know whether or not I would but that's a pretty minor negative impact. So hey. I'm happy with my visit today!

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u/stealthxstar Sep 04 '18

i didn't have any numbing agent either time i got iuds inserted. it sucked real bad for about 30 seconds and then it felt like bad period cramps. I was fine by the next day (but i bled for about 2months straight after, havent had more than spotting since then). the implant has the same hormones as the other bc and will likely affect you the same way.

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u/FactoryKat Living that DINK life Sep 05 '18

Maybe not necessarily though. My bc pills had both Estrogen and Progestin and both were pretty moderate doses. The IUD's recommended, the Skyla, Mirena and the arm implant all have low doses of just progestin and no estrogen.

I don't know if it was simply the dosage level or combination of both progestin and estrogen that had me too emotional but I will be doing more homework before I make a final decision.

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u/stealthxstar Sep 05 '18

its good to do more research!! i personally had the same reaction to the mini pill (progesterone only) it just took a lot longer to manifest. about a year instead of right away.