A bit off topic, suitable birth control method for someone with neuropathy?
 

Is there really a safe birth control method for someone with neuropathy?.

I have been reading information about birth control methods. Side effects look scary. I was considering Depo Provera, then it says that people with diabetes and neuropathy from it shouldn't use it. It also says it may cause irreversible bone loss. So given these side effects, i am discarting this possibility.

I don't want my neurpathy to deteriorate.

Do you know of any safe birth control method for someone with neuropathy like me?

Depro
 

Monica -

Thanks for your post about DeproProvera and neuropathy. Now I know I'm crazy. I have been taking the depro shot every 90 days for the last year. I thought it was my imagination that everytime I got the injection I had a flare. I am past child bearing years and was using the depro to handle my very painful and heavy periods. Now I am like you, what to do...

I get Depo Provera a few years now and I am very happy with it. Never mentioned anything different after getting the injection. But I understand that I am a lucky person :winky:

I tried the Depo shots about 14 years ago. I couldn't use them. I had a period all the time and my hair began falling out...what was worse is I began to gain weight like you wouldn't believe!

I've always had issues with all the hormone type birth control methods. I have no idea what would be a good method either as they all have some side effects and there's nothing that's 100% effective. We can put men on the moon and go to outer space but we can't figure out birth control methods.

What about intra uterine devices for a drug free alternative?

I used to work for an OB/GYN and they were a popular alternative for many women.

I thought about that but the newest one, Miridia I think it's called, contains hormones. But the regular type of IUD might a viable alternative. It does have its own set of side effects.

I think for those inclined to heavy bleeding, they wouldn't be an option as they can make bleeding heavier, but for others it might be worth a try.

And--
 

--get the gentleman involved to take some responsibility. :D

The combination of a diaphragm and condom is at least as effective as most other methods.

Leslie and Dutch woman, how longhave you been suffering from neuropathy? You say you've been taking Depo Provera shots for a year. Maybe there's a link.

When i first noticed my neuropathy symptoms i had recently taken many pills, among them, some hormonal pills. I've always wondered if those pills had anything to do with my neuropathy onset...

Jarrett i've always wondered the same, why in the world man has invented things such as computers, aircrafts, sophisticated weapons and so, and has not invented something completely effective for neuropathic pain?

Leslie, when you say you have a flare from Depo Provera, how long does it regularly last??

Monica - I have had PN since June 2008, so not very long. I have been taking the depro injections for about 1 1/2 years. The flare seems to last a couple of days. I am scheduled for another injection on Feb. 2nd and am trying to decide what to do. Also, I am trying to decide what to do and am monitoring what I eat/drink and what I do to see if it really is the depro or something else.

Of course I already thought about a link. My neuro knows that I use Depo and we never tried to stop and experience if there is a difference. Also on the internet I don't find anything about a link, but perhaps there is. When they really don't find a cause for the sfn, I think I want to try 3 months without Depo, but I can start that proove not earlier than April; I just had an injection.
I cannot imagine that this is the cause, because I never feel a difference when I just had the injection, but it could be. It's worth trying.
I take Depo for 2,5 years now and I have sfn since 1,5 year.

this paper...
 

found that giving experimental rats with induced pain, that the pain was made worse by Provera:

That level of English is too high for me I guess :D but I let my neuro read. Thanx!

FlyingDutchWoman -

Don't fell bad about your english. I have spoken english for over 45 years and the medical jargon is always hard for me to understand also!!

Leslie

Precisely, and that would let *me* out. BC has been a problem for me all my life. I have 6 kids to prove it. :o Hurry up menopause!! :D

*snerk* :D You're kidding right? I think that's why the male pill was such a failure. How many women do you know that would trust a man to take a pill every single day? After all, at the end of the day it's still we women that get pregnant.

The Mirena, an iud, is actually designed for women with heavy bleeding, as it contains a resevoir of a progestin that slowly leeches out and is applied directly to the endometrial lining. Many women stop bleeding altogether and stop menstruating while they are using a mirena. This is quite different from the regular type of iud which does tend to cause heavy bleeding.

I have never noticed any relationship between hormones and my neuropathy, my neuropathy just seems to keep trucking along no matter what does or doesn't happen on the hormonal front.

cheers

raglet

No, not kidding--
 

--though yes, I recognize many men would not take a daily pill.

But that doesn't mean they shouldn't use condoms. And there's nothing wrong with women keeping a supply of those around, either (especially if one is not in a committed relationship). They provide some protection against other nasty things besides pregnancy.

If the man refuses to wear one, well, screw him. (Actually, don't.) :p

I'm not a big fan of Mirena, I just told in another topic a few days ago: click

I don't know if it has something to do with my neuropathy, but for me it feels like it has. I have always been very sensitive to things that other persons even don't feel, for example at the dentist's.

no glove, no love.

:icon_lol:

the memories of Holland that your name evokes.....but that is off topic....ha

I have had a mirena for about 7 years, and I love it. I am very sensitive to progesterone, so just couldn't tolerate the depo injections that you are doing so well on. I guess we are all different - the mirena suits me as the progesterone is not absorbed systemically. I do know that iud's are more easily tolerated by women who have had children.

cheers

raglet

Intra Uterine Device
 

I use a copper IUD. It causes some heavier bleeding but is otherwise absolutely wonderful. I got it free from planned parenthood. Some insurance pays for it.