So i went to the dr. for my bp check up and to hopefully be put back on bc... but she said she wouldnt do it b/c it probably wasnt effective anyways (if you're over 200lbs) the ONLY thing she will do for me is an IUD (paragard) ... everything that im reading says it has BAD side effects, and its very painful... has anyone had one put in or know someone who has and can give me a little insight??

Oh on the plus side all my blood work for glucose, etc.. came back normal and my bp is normal!

So, I'm a lurker. I've been on this website off and on for years now.

Anyway, I had the Mirena IUD put in about a month ago. So far the effects have been minimal. I've had swelling of my legs and feet that went away when I walked. I've had abdominal cramping which was like what you would experience with a period. Really, the most annoying thing that I've experienced is the spotting. You learn to keep a pad on all the time or else you ruin your underwear! I've also had some slight mood swings though I'm not sure if that was the effects of my body becoming used to not being pregnant any longer.

All in all, I've had a really good experience with my IUD.

My OB/GYN didn't say anything to me about bc not being effective if you're 200lbs. I take bc pills everyday, but I did hear that NuvaRing was really good. I don't know if that's helpful or not.

I've been on BC for 10 years (first Ortho now Trinessa) and I've been over 300 pounds that entire time and have never had any problems with it being effective and my doctor never mentioned that it wouldn't be if you are heavy, so not sure why yours would say that. I've never had an IUD so sorry I can't give you any insight on them.

Dani

Personally Id go and see another doctor! Several years ago I saw a doctor who took one look at me and refused me birth control because of my weight, he was very rude about it too, and then he offered to do my smear test! . I complained about him and was taken to another doctor who did my test but also sorted me out with a pill.

Im sure it was a mini pill that was progesterone only. I think it was Cerazette if I remember correctly.

Also Ive been on the depo injection but I wouldnt wish that on anyone!

The Nuvaring has got a bad reputation here. My health centre will not prescribe it anymore as they had too many unwanted pregnancies on it.

I have heard the pill is less effective if you are over 200 lbs, I still am on the pill though.

At 340 I don't know how effective the pill will be for you- and I'm guessing you don't want to get pregnant so I would listen to the doctor in this case honestly. I have friends who use the IUD and have had minimal if any side effects.

If you are still unsure why not get a second opinion? If you don't plan on becoming pregnant for a few years maybe the IUD would be a good choice?

I would go to another doctor and research some options on the internet. Now I have 6 children so I am in no position to speak of birth control, however I was on the pill and weighed much less than 200 and conceived by first baby. My last was born a year ago after my OBGYN said I would not be able to conceive due to a thin lining of my uterus and then told me awhen i had my tubes tied that if I am meant to have another baby I will have another baby, So I don't know what works. I did go 5 years without a pregnancy doing nothing so??? people at work just said ask about the patch or ring??

I was on BC up to 300 pounds!

Thanks for all the responses... It's hard to find another dr. b/c were at a military facility... so u know they all talk LOL but i have been researching the IUD and there are some good and some bad effects.. I'm scheduled to have it put in next wednesday by another dr. (mine hasnt done them).. It just sucks, i've been on the pill for over 5 years (besides when i was pregnant) and its been working for me...

oh well we'll see how this goes.... its a 10 year free pass lol

The only form of birth control I have heard that about is the patch. I guess since it absorbs through your skin, it may not be affective when your weight is higher.

I've never heard that said about the pill though.

Good luck with your IUD. I've know a few women who had them and loved them.

i LOVED being on depo. it was the best ever. i just got off in december and it took me 7 months to get a period. but i didnt have ANY problems on depo at all. also, contrary to popular belief it does not cause you to gain weight. its a steroid, so it can cause you to me hungry more often, but you have to learn to control it.

I've heard in the news that they say that the pill isn't as effective for women over 200 lbs, but I've never had a Dr say that to me. I just stopped taking the pill recently. My Dr had Rxed it to me at 290, though I didn't take it then, and then again at 250. I guess it was effective, as I didn't get pg. And actually I've never taken the pill at under 200 lbs, I've always been over, and I never got pg.

I tried the ring for a month earlier this year, as I am horrible at taking the pill. Like I was doubling up at least once a week. It was nice not having to remember to take anything, but it gave me a horrible period. But I didn't get pg on it.

Anyway, I'd suggest seeing another Dr too. I've heard women who LOVE their IUD, and others who had a lot of issues with it. Good luck if you go that route!

You need a new doctor! I was on the pill until January and I was 320+ at the time.

That said, I do have a Paragard and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I seriously cannot sing its praises enough. After 5 years on the pill my sex drive slowly whittled down to nothing and the decline was slow enough that I didn't even really notice until I went off the pill and started to become myself again. The insertion was not what I would call a PLEASANT experience, but 15 minutes of discomfort in exchange for 12 years of set it and forget it birth control was a good trade for me. My periods are not any more painful than they were before I was on the pill.

If you want the pill you should definitely be able to have it and I am surprised that your doctor would assign arbitrary weight requirements for it. But I am having a very positive experience with Paragard. Keep in mind that most reviews of things on the internet will be negative because most people want to sing their horror stories from the rooftops but in general people are quieter when they are happy. Good luck