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Lifestyle
Choosing Birth Control After Baby
by Emily Carter
Updated: Feb. 23, 2018
Originally Published: Feb. 23, 2015
Navigating the journey of trying to conceive can be a daunting experience, often fraught with emotional turmoil. While I have previously explored the challenges of infertility, today I want to highlight a surprising perk of this journey: the temporary reprieve from the concern of birth control. Transitioning from a mindset focused on conception to one centered on prevention can be quite a shift, and it certainly takes some adjustment.
When my healthcare provider suggested I consider a diaphragm, I viewed it as a nostalgic choice—something I had only seen referenced in films from decades past. My immediate reaction was, “Why not?” However, in hindsight, I recognize that this decision was perhaps not the best fit for me—sometimes it’s crucial to understand one’s own limits.
To provide some context, I have a peculiar fear of having something stuck inside me, a concern rooted in stories I heard during my twenties. One tale involved a friend who discovered a tampon had been lodged inside her for months. She had been leading a normal life, completely unaware of the situation. Another recurring theme among my peers was the frantic search for a condom that had slipped away during intimacy. These anecdotes, coupled with my own tendency toward anxiety, left me wary of inserting anything into my body.
Returning to my midwife’s suggestion, I approached the diaphragm fitting with an air of nonchalance, even as I felt a rising sense of discomfort. When she asked if her assistant and a nursing student could observe, I again shrugged and said, “Sure!” A decision that, in retrospect, seems questionable at best. I anticipated a routine fitting similar to past gynecological visits, where I could simply lie back and take part in light conversation. Little did I know, I would soon be the focal point of this fitting.
The diaphragm resembles an oversized, stiff-edged balloon, and when demonstrated, it disappeared easily into my vagina. Initially, I felt relieved as I could barely sense its presence. However, that relief was short-lived when my midwife informed me that I would need to remove it myself. This was a critical skill for someone planning to use it as a primary form of birth control.
As I stood with one leg propped on a stool, I suddenly felt the pressure of three pairs of eyes on me, one of which was taking notes. My mind raced with thoughts of how I was likely to be perceived: “Patient is sweating. Paper curtain is slipping. Patient looks confused.” Panic began to set in.
After several attempts, my midwife, noticing my distress, instructed me to lie down. She found the diaphragm almost immediately and placed it back, but I was left feeling even more flustered. We repeated this process multiple times, and each attempt only heightened my anxiety. By the end of the session, I was convinced that I couldn’t possibly use this method of birth control. I feared that having intercourse would somehow send the diaphragm spiraling into a place where it could never be retrieved—yes, I understand this is not anatomically plausible.
In the subsequent weeks, I received reminders from the pharmacy about my diaphragm waiting for pickup, but I ultimately decided against using it.
For those navigating the complexities of conception and birth control, there are many resources available. If you’re exploring at-home options, consider checking out this informative blog post for additional insights. Additionally, Boost Fertility Supplements can provide valuable information to support your journey. For comprehensive details on IVF and fertility treatments, the NHS offers an excellent resource.
In summary, while the process of selecting a birth control method can be overwhelming, it’s essential to find an option that aligns with your comfort and lifestyle. Understanding your own boundaries and preferences will ultimately lead to a more satisfactory experience.
Keyphrase: Birth Control Method Selection
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