I've now had two doctors tell me that I'm getting to the age where I shouldn't be on the pill, due to risks of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Unfortunately, I think that I'm getting headaches before my period each month, tied to hormones.

The other option for hormonal birth control is the IUD, but I'm a little leery. I know some of you have had painful procedures. Can anyone talk about it, either successful or unsuccessful?

The Nuva Ring wouldn't work? I use that and it's awesome. Or a vasectomy? Damn, I gotta get Tom to Planned Parenthood for one.

If you get the Mirena IUD placed (I always want to say "installed") when you're at the tail end of your period, it shouldn't be terrible, because your cervix is softer during that part of your cycle. That said, I would take ibuprofen and/or Tylenol before you go.

When my first Mirena expired after 5 years and I had a second one placed, that was pretty painful, and my theoretical third Mirena (5 years after #2) didn't happen because apparently my cervix is made of steel and the OB/GYN could not get the IUD placed. (I think that particular experience makes me an extreme outlier, though. Don't place a whole lot of weight on that one.)

I loved my IUDs, even with the pain of getting the second one placed, partly because I stopped getting a period, which was glorious. Plus it's pretty foolproof birth control. (After the failure of placing IUD #3, Tim just got snipped. It was really the only other foolproof option we were comfortable with.)

Husband got a vasectomy years ago, so the only consideration is how the hormones would affect my headaches. The actual effectiveness doesn't really matter.

I like the sound of the implant, but it doesn't have estrogen, which may or may not help or hurt the headaches. It's fucking complicated, and my head is stupid.

I feel like I have eaten all the fattening foods for a while, and should probably eat celery for the next four days.

Shit, I missed that part, sorry. But I still wonder about the Nuva ring?

I loved my IUD (Mirena) while I had it. No issues with insertion, but I'd had two kids by then and my understanding is it's easier with a used cervix.

t hugging my menopause tight and petting it and calling it Georgina

yes! I'll take hot flashes (which, since my office is FREEZING is more of an advantage than I'd expected).

I have a Mirena and I LOVE it. It makes such a difference with period related headaches. Not having a period has also vastly helped keep my anemia in check.

This is my fifth year and in talking with my doc, she suggested I keep it there and not get a new one. She wants to wait until I'm fully in (over?) menopause.

The installation (thanks Teppy) five years ago does not carry the memory of pain. Discomfort, sure, but nothing that was ouchy (technical term).

I was using the Nuva ring before that and it was ok. I still got headaches and other fun PMS yuck.

Thanks, everyone. I guess first I have to find a new OB-GYN, since the one I saw last year was terrible.