I will present them verbally to the doc, handing her a list to look over while I glance at my own and elaborate on each point. If there's anything wrong with it, wording, information, etc, PLEASE let me know. I think this is my only shot, and needless to say, I'm more than a little nervous. >_O Not only about being propped up on a table naked, but having to present this list to my mom and this gynecologist woman. Anyway... please critique if necessary, or, if you've successfully been put on an IUD
My Reasons:
1) I'm in a long-term monogamous relationship of one year and five months. This isn’t going to change anytime soon
2) I don't sleep around and therefore am not at risk for STDs
3) My boyfriend doesn't sleep around and therefore does not put me at risk for STDs
4) I keep a weird schedule sometimes, and it would difficult for me to remember to take the pill. I am really not a fan of being drugged daily, or taking pills in general, either. Tim is extremely uncomfortable with the idea of me taking birth-control pills, since his mom almost died on her birth control from life-threatening blood clots. I know the risks would be far less for me, a young non-smoker, but he still does not feel entirely at ease and I would like for him to be as comfortable as possible.
5) I'm not taking Depo shots, for fear of awful side effects. I have heard horror stories. I know Mirena uses the same chemicals as Depo does, but at a much lower dose—plus, if I have an adverse reaction to Mirena, I can always have it removed. Depo, however, would have to be endured for however long it stays in my system, which can be up to nine months
6) I don't really want to use the patch or the ring, since it seems weird for me to have something stuck on my skin for weeks at a time. The ring seems like it would be a good alternative, but I would prefer the more permanent fix of an IUD.
7) An IUD is the closest thing to permanent sterilization as I can get without actually being sterilized. It's semi-permanent, and will ensure I am not able to make a life-changing mistake (sterilization OR pregnancy; either way, it is a potential mistake at my age) before I am in college. If I get it now, at 16, it'll last till I'm 21
8) Though my boyfriend and I do use condoms consistently and correctly, we feel uncomfortable with just a thin barrier of protection. Both of us would be entirely more comfortable with something which would pretty much guarantee I won't get pregnant
9) It would be less costly in the long run. $400 in one shot and we're done. $400 for five years of protection, as opposed to monthly payments of $32 or so for birth control pills. Birth control pills, at $32 per month for five years, would cost $1920. There’s a big difference in cost there; since I’m almost to college, the little cost break would mean the world to me
10) The recent attacks on a women's right to choose by the current administration makes me wary and nervous—I think, "If I do get pregnant, how will I deal with it? Will I be able to find a doctor who will give me an abortion? What if I can't?" My mind would be put at ease as far as pregnancy and abortion with an IUD
Why I'd Prefer the Mirena IUD to the Copper T 380-A IUD:
• Less painful cramps and monthly bleeding than with copper IUD. I have debilitating cramps on the first day. I seriously do not need the added pain of a copper IUD.
• The Mirena IUD contains hormones, while the copper IUD does not. I’d feel safer with a little bit of added chemical protection.
WebMD recommends Mirena not be used for... (Strikethrough do not apply to me.)
• Never had children. If you have never given birth, you are more likely to have pain with an IUD.
I have a high pain tolerance, and ibuprofen does wonders for me when I am in pain. It might help, also, that I'm willing to go through hell to insure I don't get pregnant.
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• A history of problems with IUDs.
I've never had one, so I wouldn't know. ;] I doubt this applies to me, though.
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• Abnormalities of the uterus.
I doubt this applies to me, too, but you never know.
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So... yeah. Any "critique" or commentary would be appreciated. I did post something similar a few days ago to my private journal, but this list is much more in-depth and includes stuff I hadn't previously posted.

