Mirena for me or vasectomy for him?

[Pl242]

Hi there, would welcome some views.

I’m 40, DH is 39. Have two DC, aged 4 and 2. We are pretty, well more like definitely, sure that we do not want any more kids.

I had decided to get a mirena coil but appointment was cancelled last year re covid and I haven’t yet got round to trying to book back in.

My thought process was largely that this sounded the best contraceptive option and could have other benefits for me as I get older and head towards menopause. But I am aware that it could not work out for me. I’m also a bit paranoid of falling pregnant regardless of use and if so finding out late if the mirena stops my periods.

Even though a year or so ago I hadn’t considered a vasectomy for DH as an option, I’m now beginning to feel differently. Before it seemed like quite a definitive solution. And seemed like closing a door firmly shut on other children and I also had that what if thought of if I get killed by a bus and DH goes onto meet someone else and they want to have kids etc. But now I’m starting to think, we’re definite on not having more kids, so would this not be a good solution?

DH is open to exploring this. We’re relying on condoms at the moment which is not a long term plan for us. Would him having the snip just let us relax and me not have to worry/implement contraception for the first time in over 20 years?

Would welcome views!

Both. Just to be sure!

Vasectomy. You've done all the leg work up to now, ingesting synthetic hormones etc, it's his turn. Rather than plug yourself with more hormones and having a foreign body inserted inside you, which comes with sometimes horrific side effects, he can have a relatively minor operation that has very little adverse effects and a short recovery time. No brainer to me.

Thanks. Yes @Shmithecat2. You’ve articulated what I’m starting to think!

@Shmithecat2 has wrote my feelings exactly!

Yeah vasectomy. But then I don't tolerate hormonal birth control well at all.

I agree with the above. Just be aware - the waiting lists are horrendous at the moment. My husband has had his cancelled a few times. We are considering going private.

Why not give the coil a try. It doesn't suit everyone though. Some people have pretty hideous mood swings, depression and bloating to name a few. My side effect is now over 6 ft tall and doing his GCSEs.

You can get a private appointment for a vasectomy in days, it's about £500 if I remember rightly.

DH has had a vasectomy and I have a Mirena, mainly for heavy periods but also as a belt and braces contraceptive!

We have 4DC and neither of us wanted a 5th ‘peri-menopausal last hurrah’ surprise!