If you live in a soon to be illegal state - PSA

[wildrice]

Jun 25, 2022 15:12:23 GMT -5 TR said:

Jun 25, 2022 13:55:09 GMT -5 isabel said:

waverly , as opposed to other procedures, tube removal also has the added benefit of significantly reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.

I did not know this! My mom has been on me to have my ovaries removed because of my cousin (she had genetic testing and there wasn’t a genetic link, my mom’s just freaked out) and I have no desire to go through early menopause, but I didn’t know that just removing the tubes could reduce the risk.

I had 1 ovary removed and both tubes. I still get my period, and have the rest of my reproductive organs, but my ovarian cancer risk is very low now since I only have half of my ovaries anyway AND the risk to the remaining one is lowered. I had the one ovary removed because it was suspicious on a PET scan (even though the doctor thought it was probably fine and said we could just keep an eye on it if I wanted) but since I'm not having kids and have a history of breast cancer in my family, I figured the fewer unnecessary reproductive organs I have, the better. 

Believe it or not, I actually had it done at a Catholic hospital at age 39! He said he's wasn't allowed to do it just for birth control, but to lower cancer risk was allowable. 

ETA: I lost my train of thought, lol, but I'm sharing that to say that maybe what I had is an option for you? As far as I can tell it hasn't impacted my body in any way other than slightly heavier periods, but mine were super light to begin with so I can't complain. I feel no different and it definitely didn't put me into early menopause.

[wildrice]

Jun 25, 2022 16:31:52 GMT -5 turbo said:

Jun 25, 2022 14:09:10 GMT -5 wambam said:

Complete removal of both tubes. It’s more common than tubal ligation now. In addition to being as effective birth control as you can get, it also reduces risk of ovarian cancer.

Okay so dumb question but - what does the procedure entail? You’re put under, I assume? How long did it take? What was recovery like?

I was going to have my tubes removed with my second C/S but then wasn’t 100% sure I was done with kids. I am 100% sure now. My H has a vasectomy and I live in a very blue state but somehow that still doesn’t feel like enough right now.

My experience was a little different than wambam's, so I'll share to give you a fuller spectrum. I would 100% do it again and it was NOT bad as far as surgery goes, but I did not bounce back within a couple of days. I never had a lot of pain if I was laying still, but getting up and down was painful for at least a couple of weeks and occasionally if I did certain movements after that. I took the first week off of work and while I probably could have done my desk job from home, I was glad that I didn't have to because I was tired and felt kind of run down. My second week I did work from home, but probably would have had a hard time in the office because getting in and out of a car was painful and I still felt like I wanted to limit my movement overall (so walking from the parking lot, down the hall to the bathroom, etc would have been annoying in the office). If I had a less flexible employer I probably could have made it work, but it was a relief that I didn't have to.

I think by the 3rd week pain was gone except for if I did a weird movement, and I know we went on vacacation about a month after surgery and I was 100% normal by then. I never took prescription painkillers, because I never felt like I really needed them. I am also not super fit and have extra weight in my belly, which may account for some of why I bounced back less quickly that someone really fit like Wambam. 

[rubytue]

Jun 25, 2022 10:18:26 GMT -5 VillainV said:

I’ve never been denied a radiology procedure because of this, and for surgeries they always make me take a pregnancy test anyway (true story — a friend of mine, who is a lesbian, was forced to reschedule an elective surgery because they ran out of urine pregnancy tests, wouldn’t do a blood test, and wouldn’t believe her that there was no way she could be pregnant).

Before my colonoscopy, I was “allowed” to sign a waiver to avoid the pregnancy test. I could have taken it, but I didn’t have to pee (bc I was npo) and there was no way. This was the same week as the SC leak came out.  The nurse was telling me about the complications if I was pregnant. 

@@@

I pointed to her that I was 47, never been pregnant, don’t have any kids, I’ve had an ablation, and we live in Maryland. She understood.

[waverly]

Good to know about the lowered risk of ovarian cancer. My great aunt had ovarian cancer and while I am not a direct descendant, it’s definitely on our minds as a family. It’s the reason why my grandma had a hysterectomy.

[Jalapeñomel]

I’m scheduled to have bladder surgery in late august. I wonder if I can talk about sterilization with this procedure?


I’m guessing vasectomies won’t be banned. 🤬

[letsgetweird]

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

[wanderingback]

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

It’s totally a personal preference. Progesterone only iuds are currently effective for 7 years but ongoing research seems it’ll likely get pushed to 10 years. Copper iuds are effective for 12 years, but also likely longer.

I always use pain medication for IUD insertions if that is what the patient wants, so you should ask your doctor as there are a variety of options. Outside of oral medications I give a paracervical block with lidocaine. In addition, at another clinic I work at patients can get IV sedation if they would like. Definitely explore different options if you’d like based on your healthcare providers and healthcare coverage. There are plenty of us who give a wide variety of pain medication options for those who want it for procedures.

[Tacocat]

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

I’m on my second IUD at age 39. I do have one child which I think can make a difference for insertion, but I didn’t find it that painful. The Dr recommended taking two ibuprofen prior to the appt and they helped. I had some spotting and cramping similar to period cramps after both insertions. Within a day or so I was totally fine. The IUD had worked great for me and I have no regrets. I asked last time about having the IUD in until menopause and she said it’s totally safe until that age.

[okla]

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

I’ve never been pregnant and have had two IUD insertions. I’ll be honest, they sucked. That said, my doc did give me Valium to help relax and a medication to help open my cervix (misoprostol, I think) beforehand. The second time she also gave me pain meds since I had a rough time with the first one. So, your doc can prescribe something and many do. I did get a Kyleena the second time as it’s smaller than Mirena, although it only lasts five years.

I’m due to get it replaced next year and may go full sterilization route instead.

[letsgetweird]

Jun 26, 2022 10:27:37 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

It’s totally a personal preference. Progesterone only iuds are currently effective for 7 years but ongoing research seems it’ll likely get pushed to 10 years. Copper iuds are effective for 12 years, but also likely longer.

I always use pain medication for IUD insertions if that is what the patient wants, so you should ask your doctor as there are a variety of options. Outside of oral medications I give a paracervical block with lidocaine. In addition, at another clinic I work at patients can get IV sedation if they would like. Definitely explore different options if you’d like based on your healthcare providers and healthcare coverage. There are plenty of us who give a wide variety of pain medication options for those who want it for procedures.

Thank you! I'll ask my doctor about this.

[isabel]

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

I had a terrible experience with my IUD (bled basically non stop for the 6 months I had it in), so I would not have gotten another one if I hadn’t had a tubal. I think my experience was unusual though and IUDs are very effective for long term birth control. The fact that they aren’t permanent is what gives me pause because how long will we have before birth control is on the chopping block too?

Honestly, if you don’t want kids, given the current climate here, I would seriously consider a tubal because you don’t run the risk of birth control being outlawed and having to work around that. Once a tubal is done, it’s done. You never have to think about it again.

[DotAndBuzz]

@@@@@@@@@@

Also consider access to contraception for any of your adolescent/teen kids with uteruses. Schedule an appt with their pedi, or see if there's an adolescent gynecologist you can meet with to discuss their options.
I'm taking my 14 year old to an adolescent gynecologist later this summer, for a reason not directly related to/because of this, but the nurse mentioned they've gotten LOTS of calls recently (I had to wait a little longer than my pedi thought I would have to when she made the referral).

[macmars45]

I have my yearly appt with my NP tomorrow afternoon. I'm definitely bringing up sterilization.

[arehopsveggies]

Jun 26, 2022 10:04:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’m scheduled to have bladder surgery in late august. I wonder if I can talk about sterilization with this procedure?


I’m guessing vasectomies won’t be banned. 🤬

Check with your dr sooner than later.
I had some excruciating endometriosis pain and wanted my tubes done while they were “in there” already. I don’t know if it’s all states or just mine, but there was a 30 day waiting period so we had to leave me in pain and delay the surgery.

[letsgetweird]

Jun 26, 2022 12:59:58 GMT -5 isabel said:

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Any thoughts on IUDs vs sterilization?

I talked to my doctor about sterilization last year and she's willing to do it but also said an IUD is just as effective.

I'm 36 so if I got an IUD that lasts 7 years that would take me to 43.

I don't have children. I have a couple if friends (also without children) that had really bad experiences with IUD insertion. It concerns me that it's done without any pain medication.

I had a terrible experience with my IUD (bled basically non stop for the 6 months I had it in), so I would not have gotten another one if I hadn’t had a tubal. I think my experience was unusual though and IUDs are very effective for long term birth control. The fact that they aren’t permanent is what gives me pause because how long will we have before birth control is on the chopping block too?

Honestly, if you don’t want kids, given the current climate here, I would seriously consider a tubal because you don’t run the risk of birth control being outlawed and having to work around that. Once a tubal is done, it’s done. You never have to think about it again.

That's definitely something I've been thinking about but on the other hand, I also think by the time I would need to get the IUD out, it probably won't be likely I could get pregnant.

I was pretty sold on getting a tubal until my gyno told me IUDs are just as effective.

[isabel]

Jun 26, 2022 20:10:50 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Jun 26, 2022 12:59:58 GMT -5 isabel said:

I had a terrible experience with my IUD (bled basically non stop for the 6 months I had it in), so I would not have gotten another one if I hadn’t had a tubal. I think my experience was unusual though and IUDs are very effective for long term birth control. The fact that they aren’t permanent is what gives me pause because how long will we have before birth control is on the chopping block too?

Honestly, if you don’t want kids, given the current climate here, I would seriously consider a tubal because you don’t run the risk of birth control being outlawed and having to work around that. Once a tubal is done, it’s done. You never have to think about it again.

That's definitely something I've been thinking about but on the other hand, I also think by the time I would need to get the IUD out, it probably won't be likely I could get pregnant.

I was pretty sold on getting a tubal until my gyno told me IUDs are just as effective.

If that's the case, you could try the IUD since it's less invasive. I already shared my experience, so you know how it went for me. I think my experience is not typical though, so it's likely you would have a good outcome with it. I just want people to think critically about it regardless of what they do. I'm afraid people will shrug this off and not consider the possibilities down the line. Not people here, but those in my life who are less politically aware.

[wanderingback]

Jun 26, 2022 18:04:03 GMT -5 arehopsveggies said:

Jun 26, 2022 10:04:02 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I’m scheduled to have bladder surgery in late august. I wonder if I can talk about sterilization with this procedure?


I’m guessing vasectomies won’t be banned. 🤬

Check with your dr sooner than later.
I had some excruciating endometriosis pain and wanted my tubes done while they were “in there” already. I don’t know if it’s all states or just mine, but there was a 30 day waiting period so we had to leave me in pain and delay the surgery.

Yes the waiting period is federal to sign the consents due to the history of forced sterilizations.

[biscoffcookies]

A few more things to think about:

Please tell everyone you know for whom this may be relevant that if they are doing anything sensitive on the Internet, they should use a VPN or proxy. Something like Tor is great (and the most secure) but even a commercial proxy is generally fine. Thinking like a prosecutor, if I wanted to find out who in my state was visiting particular websites or ordering items from a particular vendor, I would subpoena them for Internet Protocol addresses used to visit their website. These can be used to identify you unless you use something like a proxy.

If you are doing searches on Google or Bing - do NOT be logged into your Google/Microsoft account. Google keeps records of the keyword searches you do. Not sure about Microsoft but better to be safe. Similarly Google (and maybe Bing) can probably associate your IP address to
Search terms, which circles back to the above.

If you create any throwaway email accounts do NOT log into them
without using a vpn or proxy. See IP address point above. Would recommend using an email provider for throwaway accounts that you do NOT use in real life — don’t use Gmail if you use Gmail for your everyday accounts, because Google and other providers have ways of identifying you (including cookies) and linking your accounts on a platform together. So that way they can ID your “real” account and then who you are. Consider using a free encrypted email provider like ProtonMail. Don’t put any identifying information in your throwaway account. Don’t use any account you use in real life for 2 factor authentication or password recovery of these throwaway accounts.

Insert NBC ::the more you know::: gif here.

[litskispeciality]

Regarding IUD's, ask your GYN which one is appropriate for you. Prior to hysterectomy I was looking at an IUD as my last resort, and was told I could only use Mirena because my periods were far too heavy for Kyleena. A good provider should be able to explain the difference and why one is better for you.

Also to scheduling procedures, beyond the state rules, also consider time for insurance approval and general availability to schedule a surgery will add delay. I got *lucky* that I got mine in about 3 months, but who knows where in a few months/a year.

[rubytue]

Jun 26, 2022 10:27:37 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jun 26, 2022 10:20:42 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

I always use pain medication for IUD insertions if that is what the patient wants, so you should ask your doctor as there are a variety of options. Outside of oral medications I give a paracervical block with lidocaine. In addition, at another clinic I work at patients can get IV sedation if they would like. Definitely explore different options if you’d like based on your healthcare providers and healthcare coverage. There are plenty of us who give a wide variety of pain medication options for those who want it for procedures.

Bless you. The amount of medical procedures that they don’t give you anything for is 😢. 

[picksthemusic]

There is an app called Clue that is based in Europe that is not beholden to US laws or regulations and will not/cannot release your information, if you need a period tracking app.

helloclue.com/

Statement on Health Information from Clue
helloclue.com/articles/about-clue/patient-data-privacy-at-clue-a-statement-from-the-co-ceos

[jamaicam]

I have an IUD and love it.

[rubytue]

((( rachelgreen)))