QuestionQUESTION: i have been using the marina for almost six months i have not stopped bleeding since i got it inserted. my doctor said i would spot but at first i could tell the difference from my period and the regular bleeding now i can not. i will go for two days no spotting and three heavy bleeding then spot very little for a couple days. i was just wanting to know what the normal side effects are for the marina if whats going on is normal.
ANSWER: Dear Cee,
One of the side effects of using the IUD is an increase in spotting and slightly heavier periods. Usually the body will adjust and this will cease.
However, if you have been having spotting essentially ongoing for 6 months, I would highly recommend you see your doctor. Irregular bleeding, like you have, is one of the warning signs that it may not be inserted properly. If you have any other warning signs, such as abdominal pain or pain with intercourse, or ongoing fever or chills you should go to a clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
I would suggest talking to your doctor as soon as you can about why this might be happening and get her to give you a physical examination. There is a chance that this might not be the best method of birth control for you and you might want to try something different, or it may just need to be re-inserted.
Good luck,
Allison
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QUESTION: i have one child and I'm 20years old. i don't want to get my tubes tied incase i want another child when I'm older but i don't want one any time soon. I've tried the pill and I'm to forgetful, what would be the best birthcontrol for me i realize they all come with side effects but which one has less mood swing, weight gain.
AnswerDear Cee,
With birth control, because there are so many different kinds, it is usually a trial-and-error process. You will just have to try it out to see what works for you, and if it doesn't, then move on to the next thing.
It's likely that the IUD could work for you if you had it checked out by your docotor to make sure it is sitting in the right place. I would recommend getting an exam as soon as you can and discussing this with your doctor.
However, if you are interested in other methods of birth control ther are a lot to choose from. You say you are forgetful so something you don't need to remember very often would probably be good.
With hormonal birth control there are many different options. There is the Patch, which releases hormones through the patch to your skin. This is stuck to your body (usually lower back, or legs) and you have to replace it once a week. There is also the NuvaRing. This is a plastic ring that is worn inside your vagina for 3 weeks straight, then you take it out for one week to have your period, then you put it back in for 3 weeks, etc. There is also DepoProvera which is an injectible shot. This injection is given every 3 months at your doctor's office so you only have to remember 4 times a year.
As you can see there are lots of different options. And they all have different side effects depending on how your body reacts to them. My best suggestion would be to talk about this with your doctor and try something out to see how it works. If you like it you can stick with it, if not you can try something else again.
I hope this helps,
Regards,
Allison
