This is one post that I would really like feedback on. If you are reading this, please don't be afraid to comment even if it is anonymously.
I am really interested in knowing as much as I can about the IUD (birth control device). Not only for my own knowledge, but for others who ask me about it. The topic of birth control comes up frequently in my circles. Most of us are done having babies, but can't stomach the thought of the pill forever or the permanency of a vasectomy. The IUD seems like a great choice for many of us, but after doing some research and talking to my doctor, there is still a chance that an embryo can form and be "aborted" because the conditions aren't right for implantation. From what I understand that chance is very, very, very small . . . but I struggtle with whether it is right to have an IUD given even the smallest chance of a baby forming.
I am not a crazy right wing Christian who pickets abortion clinics. I think those people give us Christians a bad name and go about it in an ineffective way. But I do believe that life begins at conception and that we are precious and honored and loved even as an embryo.
When we were on vicarage, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. It truly was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. I got to know women as individuals and talk with them about their situation. I got to to guide them through their choice of life. Not always, but many times. I am passionate about helping women during this crisis time and look forward to the time when my schedule allows for me to volunteer again.
Given all of that, I cannot fathom the idea of possibly creating a little Hartke baby and essentially making the choice for it not to live. And if this fact is true, that an embryo may be created and "aborted," how can I in good conscience counsel other women to do the same?
The trick here is that research and my own doctor says that there is no way to really know if creating an embryo actually happens, but that the IUD only prevents implantation, not fertilization. Many doctors are using the Mirena brand which seems to be more effective. A pro life doctor at my doctor's office has started using them after refusing to provide IUDs for years. She now feels that comfortable with their effectiveness.
If you are reading this and have an IUD, I am not judging. I am just asking questions and trying to find out answers. It's hard to find good information out there about whether an embryo is actually formed when using an IUD. The research goes both ways.
Any thoughts?
7 comments:
I struggled with the same thing when I got married. I can't tolerate the pill because it makes my hormones go crazy=psycho on the loose. When I talked to my dr. about the IUD, I came to the same conclusion-that I couldn't do it because of the small chance that I might be aborting a baby. Also, cancer is prevalent in our family and having something lodged where it isn't supposed to go with the chance it could contribute to a disease like cancer-I didn't want to chance it. Do I think you'd be wrong to get an IUD-no. I think it's definitely a personal choice.
Hi Laura,
I read your post and wondered if you had ever considered the Nuva Ring. I was on it inbetween my pregnancies and loved it. I only had to think about it twice a month and that was nice. There's even a little clock that tells you when to insert a new ring. I read this article that may be helpful for you when making a decision. I unfortunatly don't know much about IUD's which is what you are contemplating, but maybe you'll take a look at this option if you feel so inclined.
http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2002/12/03/Features/Lord-Of.The.nuvaring-335353.shtml
Laura,
I researched IUDs after having Isabella 5 years ago and ultimately made the decision that it wasn't right for me. I cannot take the pill because I'm at risk for a stroke on it (the synthetic hormones cause my BP to rise dangerously) and that discovery made birth control a difficult issue for Josh and I. Obviously we're getting ready to welcome #2, but that was very planned even without BC. We, like you guys, are not ready to do anything permanent and I just can't live with the "what if" question with the IUD. I, too, am not judging anyone who has chosen to use one, but for me it's just not the right choice. Right now I have occasional cycles where I worry about a possible surprise pregnancy. If I was using the IUD, I'd have cycles where I wondered if conception had taken place and the device inside of me caused its demise. For me, the lesser of the two evils, so to speak, is wondering/worrying about a surprise pregnancy. Josh and I choose to abstain during the risky times of the month, which requires me to know my body very well. It also requires us to work together as a team and encourage each other when it gets difficult. It's not perfect, but we haven't been able to find another method that works for us. Good luck on your decision! I hope you come to one you're comfortable with! --Jenn Jobst
I've never been on the pill, only used the diaphragm. It works unless you leave it in the drawer and that is how we were blessed with baby #1.
wait wait...i didn't chime in yet! i actually have a mirena and decided to get it after much talking with my (lovely, Christian) doctor. overall, i came to the conclusion that since it is unclear how most popular forms of work *exactly*, at it's root, the decision comes down to using birth control, or not. and truly, if God's plan is for a child to be born, that baby will get past all forms of contraception....i have several friends who became pregnant via birth control pills, some via barrier methods and of course, "natural" family planning. for what it's worth, i love my mirena---i do not have periods anymore, my skin is clear and i'm in my size 8 pants. nothing to remember or do, and i like that the most. but as with all things related to kids and family, one must follow one's own conscience and do what sits right with you. you know? good for wrestling with it, mrs. H.
Okay...so I really want to leave a comment, but would rather contact you by e-mail instead. I don't want the world to know how I feel. I'll try you by e-mail.
Amy Ahrens
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