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[frogfactory]

I've started thinking seriously about a more permanent method of contraception.  I've known forever that I don't want kids, but have been told forever that I'll change my mind when I hit thirty.  I'm thirty now, and still not interested.  I realistically have five years to safely have kids, and I certainly don't see myself getting broody within those five years.  If it happens after that, conceiving myself would be irresponsible anyway, and I guess I could adopt.

So, obviously, I'm thinking about sterilisation.  Can anyone share their experiences?

[thenewyorker]

You actually have more than five years to safely have kids. I was 42 when my son was born (2 years ago today!) and I did not think about having kids until around 40. And even then it was not a goal.
This may not be your case. I have friends who are/were very clear about not having kids. But sterilization is pretty permanent. What about an IUD? My girlfriend just got one and it very happy with it. They are safer now and very successful at preventing pregnancy with out any constant worry and fuss.
Just a suggestion.

[frogfactory]

I expected someone would reply to say "I had kids after 35 and they were just fine!".  But really, after 35 the risk of chromosomal abnormality and pregnancy complications skyrocket.  It's just not something I think is sensible.

How long do IUDs last these days?  I currently use Depo Provera, which is great, if annoying to have to get every three months.  I would worry about IUDs causing bleeding.  I haven't had periods since I was a teenager thanks to Depo, and there's no way on Earth I want to start again now.

Edit: I also tried Implanon, but the dose turned out to be too low to prevent periods, so I went back to Depo.

[ellaminnow]

I know I don't want any (more) kids but I didn't want to do something so invasive as surgical sterilization.  I love love love my IUD.  I never even think about it.  Five years for the Mirena, ten for the copper version.

[thenewyorker]

I expected someone would reply to say "I had kids after 35 and they were just fine!".  But really, after 35 the risk of chromosomal abnormality and pregnancy complications skyrocket.  It's just not something I think is sensible.

There are many, many, many children born to women post 35 that do not have chromosomal abnormalities. I think sky rocket is a bit over kill. And my point was to suggest that you may have more time than you think and an IUD could be an option.

[frogfactory]

I know I don't want any (more) kids but I didn't want to do something so invasive as surgical sterilization.  I love love love my IUD.  I never even think about it.  Five years for the Mirena, ten for the copper version.

What's the progesterone dose?  I know whether one has periods or not on a given dose is quite individual.  So if it's similar to Implanon, it probably wouldn't work for me.

Thenewyorker - I don't mean to offend.  But while the risks aren't greater than 50%, they aren't acceptable to me.  As someone who doesn't want kids anyway (I actively don't want them), it seems to me that adoption would be more sensible if I changed my mind for some reason.

[carebearstare]

A friend of a friend got sterilized when she was in her early 20s. Now, in her mid 30s, she's still very happy with her decision. But it was a very difficult thing to get a doctor to do, and she had to have a psychological evaluation beforehand (this was in the 90s). Imagine a man looking to get a vasectomy having to go through the same thing.

Some people simply don't want kids, and I think if you're very serious about it, go for the surgery. However, I do think that surgery is not something to go through with unnecessarily given the risks. Abdominal surgery in particular is painful, even if the cuts are very small.

[ellaminnow]

I expected someone would reply to say "I had kids after 35 and they were just fine!".  But really, after 35 the risk of chromosomal abnormality and pregnancy complications skyrocket.  It's just not something I think is sensible.

There are many, many, many children born to women post 35 that do not have chromosomal abnormalities. I think sky rocket is a bit over kill. And my point was to suggest that you may have more time than you think and an IUD could be an option.

Actually, the risks do increase dramatically after 35.  For many, this is cause enough for concern and I would never dismiss these concerns, myself.

I know I don't want any (more) kids but I didn't want to do something so invasive as surgical sterilization.  I love love love my IUD.  I never even think about it.  Five years for the Mirena, ten for the copper version.

What's the progesterone dose?  I know whether one has periods or not on a given dose is quite individual.  So if it's similar to Implanon, it probably wouldn't work for me.

Thenewyorker - I don't mean to offend.  But while the risks aren't greater than 50%, they aren't acceptable to me.  As someone who doesn't want kids anyway (I actively don't want them), it seems to me that adoption would be more sensible if I changed my mind for some reason.

The progesterone level in the Mirena is 20 mcg/day. This rate is reduced by about 50% after 5 years.

[concordancia]

If I go with ablation, I will simultaneously get tubal implants, as ablation does not always prevent pregnancy, but does prevent pregnancy from being safe and carried to term.

[msparticularity]

If one has menstrual difficulties anyway, the Mirena really is the way to go since tubal ligation will do nothing for cramps, heavy bleeding, and so on. So Froggy, you need to think about that part, too--no reputable gynecologist will do a hysterectomy on you since that is major surgery; they'll do a tubal ligation, and then you'll still have to deal with Depo or whatever for your menstrual stuff. 

[frogfactory]

Hmm, from what I can tell, Mirena is even lower dose than Implanon.  That doesn't work.

And that's a good point, msP.  I've only just started looking into this - are ooferectomies done for sterilisation?

I assume they don't.  Damn things are too necessary for bones and brains and so on.

Sigh.

[barred_owl]

Hmm, from what I can tell, Mirena is even lower dose than Implanon.  That doesn't work.
And that's a good point, msP.  I've only just started looking into this - are ooferectomies done for sterilisation?

I assume they don't.  Damn things are too necessary for bones and brains and so on.

Sigh.

By "doesn't work," do you mean it doesn't help with menstrual problems, or that it "doesn't work" as a contraceptive?  If the latter, the physical presence of the IUD covers that issue pretty well.

[frogfactory]

Hmm, from what I can tell, Mirena is even lower dose than Implanon.  That doesn't work.
And that's a good point, msP.  I've only just started looking into this - are ooferectomies done for sterilisation?

I assume they don't.  Damn things are too necessary for bones and brains and so on.

Sigh.

By "doesn't work," do you mean it doesn't help with menstrual problems, or that it "doesn't work" as a contraceptive?  If the latter, the physical presence of the IUD covers that issue pretty well.

Both.  Depo is a fairly bulletproof contraceptive, and it also prevents menstruation.  I'm not at all interested in having periods ever again.  I have no idea why most women put up with it.

[macaroon]

Hmm, from what I can tell, Mirena is even lower dose than Implanon.  That doesn't work.
And that's a good point, msP.  I've only just started looking into this - are ooferectomies done for sterilisation?

I assume they don't.  Damn things are too necessary for bones and brains and so on.

Sigh.

By "doesn't work," do you mean it doesn't help with menstrual problems, or that it "doesn't work" as a contraceptive?  If the latter, the physical presence of the IUD covers that issue pretty well.

Both.  Depo is a fairly bulletproof contraceptive, and it also prevents menstruation.  I'm not at all interested in having periods ever again.  I have no idea why most women put up with it.

Because they come two weeks after ovulation, when the sex is mindblowing. 

[plasmodesmata]

Because they come two weeks after ovulation, when the sex is mindblowing. 

CHE desperately needs a "like" button.