thread: Mirena or Tubal Ligation? Advice please!

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Mar 2005
    Darwin, NT
    357

    Mirena or Tubal Ligation? Advice please!

    Hi Everyone,

    Thanks for taking time to read, and share you opinions.

    I am about to birth my 4th baby via c/s. My DH and I are under no desire to have any more children, as 4 is just perfect for us.

    DH did have a vasectomy that failed, and my OB has suggested that I have Tubal Ligation as part of my c/s procedure.

    I have heard some side effect issues arising from Tubal Ligation, but am wondering whether it is a case of you don't talk about it unless you have a problem, and that women who are completely happy with their Tubal Ligation are out there blissfully happy.

    I would love to hear from you based on your experience with either Mirena or Tubal Ligation.

    Many thanks!

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Add ~Serenity~ on Facebook

    Dec 2008
    Perth
    2,030

    i just wanted to say yay on you being so close to bub number 4...is there anyway that dh can get his op redone...justthinking for future the tubal ligation is irraversible so not sure i would do it even if i had decided on no more as you never know about the future.....not sure what the mirena is can you tell me?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Mar 2005
    Darwin, NT
    357

    Hi Heavenly,

    Thank you for your reply.

    DH is reluctant to have the Vasectomy re-done, which would involve it being done surgically, under general - whereas the first time it was done by the GP under local.

    We really do have NO desire to have any more babies, as I am highly superstitious, and 5 is a number that I couldn't do.....so it would be 2 + more babies at least.....which we could NEVER do. lol!

    The Mirena? IUD/IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device), also known as an intra-uterine system, is a small plastic device that is fitted into the uterus within a coupleof minutes by a trained doctor and can stay in place for up to five years. It differs from other IUDs as it gradually releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a progesterone-like hormone, into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
    I am desperately wanting to make the 'Right' decision, as I have read some pretty hair-raising accounts of problems that some women have had with Tubal Ligation.

    By the way, I LOVE your son's name 'Hunter'. It is my number 1 fav name if I have a boy, but I am reluctant to use it because our previous son is called Archer....and I fear that it sounds like a bit of a joke with sons named Archer & Hunter.

    Thanks again!

  4. #4
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Apr 2009
    3,750

    If you are absolutely certain you don't want another baby down the tract I would have the tubal ligation. If you were having a vaginal birth then I would probably say mirena but as with the C/S they are already there then thats why I would say tubal ligation.
    Tubal ligations are reversable although not as successful as a reverse vasectomy. The only people I have heard complain about side effects of the tubal ligation is on the bb forum. There are many many people who have absoluteley no side effects from the tubal ligation. The mirena is also a good option however you do need to check it and you do need to continue to be worried about your contreception until your in your 50's and you can be sure menopause is complete if you don't want to risk getting pregnant again down the tract.
    In saying all this you sound very undescided and it doesn't leave much time to make the choice to have a tubal ligation with your C/S. I wouldn't rush into any descisions you may regret down the tract and at least with the mirena its easy to remove where are undoing a tubal ligation takes hours under a general anethetic, a hospital stay and no guarantees it will be successful at rejoining the tubes once the clips are removed. Congrats on your bub how exciting that you will meet her/him so soon.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    I have a Mirena and have had it in for 3 years. I am happy with it and it's been a 'set and forget' thing for me, but I know of women whose experiences have not been as trouble free as my own. I also don't get any bleeding with the Mirena, although my 'cycle' as such has not completely gone. I would discuss it with your ob, as it can be a good option, but you might want to weigh up the risks and benefits with them.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    2,031

    One difference to consider is that the TL can be done at delivery - mirena will have to wait for something like 3 months before it can be fitted as a post pregnant uterus is too soft.

    Just another factor I thought you should know when you consider your options.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    186

    go with the mirena
    no surgery for anyone no general far less risks and can be easily removed if any problems arise you go always so with surgery later

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    In Bankworld with Barbara
    14,222

    I just had mine removed a week ago via a D&C because it had moved and was pressing against the uterine wall and there was a small amount of scar tissue formed around it. I would never recommend one to anyone based on my own experience, but there are loads out there that is has worked perfectly for. Personally, if you know that you are 100% sure you are done having babies, then I would go with the tubal ligation. Possibly not while you are having a c/s done if for no other reason than to give you time to think about it. We decided to go with a vasectomy because of the recovery time being shorter for DH than it would be for me to have a TL done (the mirena was for endometriosis, not pregnancy prevention) and he had both tubes cut, and then tied back onthemselves so there is no risk of it failing, so maybe your DH would consider having it again?

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Mine was fitted at 10 wks, you're right there is a short wait.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Mar 2005
    Darwin, NT
    357

    Thank you everyone for your opinions/assistance.

    We are very sure about not having anymore babies, but I am a little concerned by the thread on BB about TLS......but in having a c/s, it's a very easy procedure to do the TL, which is why I am considering it in the first place.