Does your doctor know you swing?

[gbhornywife 16]

When did you tell your doctor you and your S.O. swing? Are there any interesting/embarrassing/odd/life-affirming moments you would care to share? Very curious as to other people's experiences.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

There is really no reason your dr. needs to know. Sure they will probably give you funny looks when you ask for AIDS/STD testing since you are married and presumed monogomous, but it's really none of their business.

[danc694u 19]

Why would my family doctor need to know?

 

I get enough grief from the SOB about smoking, and my divorce from 4 years ago!! He works with my ex

 

David -- the anal one

[TammyandDon 15]

One of us can speak pretty truthfully about doctors and patients (which one, hmmm? Not tellin' *LOL*)

 

You have to find a good doctor, one that you can talk honestly to, and trust -- which is not easy, but certainly possible, even in this day and age.

 

The problem is that unless you tell your doctor, honestly, about your concerns and 'activities' you can never expect to get the best medical care. It's a little like not telling your mechanic that your car is making a funny noise and expecting them to find, prevent and fix problems around that noise 'by magic.'

 

This is ESPECIALLY true for women (you should have good regular gyne care at least once a year -- preferably every 6 months.

 

Why? Because it makes a difference. From PAP smears preventing cervical cancer deaths, to early detection of prostate cancer from rectal exams, there is a lot that your doctor can do to help you.

 

That said, most good doctors, if they see you for a while (especially if you request certain tests, drugs, etc.) will know pretty much that we are up to what we are up to

...and really, truly, most of them don't care one way or another what you do in your sex life, as long as you are willing to listen to a few things that we know about STDs/pregnancy/AIDs/herpes/HPV. We know that people are having sex, and we have it too (some of it just a kinky as anyone) but we also know that we can HELP you have it, and stay healthy, keep your partners (and swap partners) healthy, if you are honest.

 

It IS our business, because good doctors care about patients as friends, lovers -- and yes, as clients in a business. However, I can tell you that we'd rather keep you happy and healthy and have you as a paying patient for a long, long time, than have you get sick (hopefully) from something that we could have helped you avoid, and can easily treat. You don't want to know what it is like to have a patient make a fatal or lethal mistake, simply because they felt you didn't need to know.

 

People resent doctors, mothers and clergy because they see us as the three types of people that 'can tell us what to do.' But honestly, most of us do this as a calling, we are not millionaires who golf every wednesday, and we genuinely want our patients to be happy and healthy.

 

So, if your doctor tells you to wear a condom if you have sex with someone you don't know well, or to smoke less *or not at all,* try not to get mad. We have a duty to pass on what we know to you, and then you make your own choices.

[MagicEnigma 16]

Have any of the women here that were in the lifestyle in their early 20s told their doctors, and how did the doctors handle it?

[babydragon 16]

I admitted to me GU doctor about being in the lifestyle, after about a hour of tutting and asking me questions about if i was using precations ect ect. he made sure I had a bag full of condoms and a reg appointment for every six weeks for a check up

[LIZA 20]

I dont think I would bring it up to my Doctor. We limit our activity to touching and oral, I guess if I ever contract something orally I would tell him rather than have him think I cought it from my husband, but hopefully that will never happen

[Nymph an' Satyr 22]

Geezzze, check up every 6 weeks....I don't think so

 

We use condoms....so hopefullly.......

[babydragon 16]

Quote

Originally posted by Nymph an' Satyr

Geezzze, check up every 6 weeks....I don't think so

 

We use condoms....so hopefully.......

 

Um So do I, but you know doctors better safe than sorry, in fact I don't really mind, If I ever did catch anything I'd rather find out sooner than later. Also the free condoms come in handy

[naughty A 23]

every six weeks???

 

I think he's got the hots for you

 

- and no I haven't told my doctor - I'd like to but this one is a real b*tch. If I could get another one I'd be moving on. Every time I need to make an appointment I think about finding a new doctor but... with the state of health care in Canada they are all leaving for the states.

 

I actually thought about switching to a walk in clinic near to the University I figure they've seen everything.

[Nymph an' Satyr 22]

Originally posted by naughty A

... with the state of health care in Canada they are all leaving for the states.

 

I actually thought about switching to a walk in clinic near to the University I figure they've seen everything.

Naughty A.

 

I thought you Canadians had a better health care system than in the US? Maybe it's screwed up everywhere.

 

And yeah, I work at a university, and our health clinic spends A LOT of time on sexually related issues. They don't bat an eye.

[sexypairca 41]

Quote

Originally posted by naughty A

every six weeks???

 

I think he's got the hots for you

 

- and no I haven't told my doctor - I'd like to but this one is a real b*tch. If I could get another one I'd be moving on. Every time I need to make an appointment I think about finding a new doctor but... with the state of health care in Canada they are all leaving for the states.

 

I actually thought about switching to a walk in clinic near to the University I figure they've seen everything.

 

This is very true, we have a doctor shortage in this area. I would hesitate to go the clinic route as a regular means for care. Some clinics really limit their services and referrals/follow ups may not be easy.

 

Just my 2 cents

 

Annette

[naughty A 23]

would hesitate to go the clinic route as a regular means for care. Some clinics really limit their services and referals/follow ups may not be easy.

 

Yeah, that's why I keep going to see my regular doctor even though I don't like her. but then I wonder how good is the care that I am receiving?

[Carol-n-Gary 15]

Why would you tell your Dr something like that? I can't think of a reason that the subject would even come up.

[naughty A 23]

Carol-n-Gary

 

lots of reasons.

 

if you are having difficulties with sex? it could be allergies to latex or something else.

 

I was horrendously allergic to a particular lubricant (that my OB/GYN recommended after some minor surgery- cancer free- thanks for asking) the worse it got the more I used until I made the connection.

 

I had a rash on my breasts/stomach after being with another couple - turned out it was food related...

 

do you go for a regular cervical PAPP smear ? ... well if you are having anal sex with your regular partner (ie. husband) even occasionally - you are supposed to have one there too - I'll pass thanks.

 

I don't want to discuss MY particular health problems here - though it looks like i just did and I always do with my swing partners - including my food allergies NOW! suffice it to say there are lots of reasons to discuss your sexual habits with your doctor even if you DO NOT suspect STD's

 

your sexual history plays a big part of your health and its not just about STD's. I plan to have sex the rest of my life and you know I think I will take this as the push I needed to tell her.

 

sorry if this sounds like I jumped on you - it is a bit of a sensitive subject.

[Svrtas 15]

Naughty A:

 

I'm interested in your comment quoted below:

 

- do you go for a regular cervical PAPP smear ? ... well if you are having anal sex with your regular partner (ie. husband) even occasionally - you are supposed to have one there too -

 

Did your MD actually tell you this?

 

The Pap smear is designed to detect changes in the cells found at the so-called "squamocolumnar juction" of the cervix. Such a smear would be completely useless if done from a rectal or anal scraping, and I know of no doctor who would advocate such a test. You will *not* get precancerous/cancerous changes in the anal/rectal region from HPV exposure.

 

Now, if your MD claimed you can get genital warts in the anal/rectal region from unprotected anal sex, that's a different story ... and there *are* swabs/cultures that can be collected to check for that, although I think simple inspection usually gives things away!

[naughty A 23]

Svrtas

 

my information comes form a book about Anal sex for women

 

no - not a PAPP specifically but it mentioned swab/culture and essentially the same procedure from the woman's point of view(not the dr's)... if you know what I mean.

 

are you a health care professional? I'd rather not discuss this in open forum.

 

P.S. I went back to review the book after posting and it mentions as part of your routine physical - breast exam, pelvic exam, pap smear AND - rectal exam -(not just a visual look-see) AND to definitely have these done together - ESPECIALLY if you are having Anal SEX -- I mentally combined the two - apologies for the confusion.

 

I wish someone else would jump in on this topic - I think health & what we tell our Dr's should be something we are all very concerned about.

[Carol-n-Gary 15]

Quote

Originally posted by naughty A

lots of reasons.

 

if you are having difficulties with sex? it could be allergies to latex or something else.

 

I was horrendously allergic to a particular lubricant (that my OB/GYN recommended after some minor surgery- cancer free- thanks for asking) the worse it got the more I used until I made the connection.

 

I had a rash on my breasts/stomach after being with another couple - turned out it was food related...

 

do you go for a regular cervical PAPP smear ? ... well if you are having anal sex with your regular partner (ie. husband) even occasionally - you are supposed to have one there too - I'll pass thanks.

 

I don't want to discuss MY particular health problems here - though it looks like i just did and I always do with my swing partners - including my food allergies NOW! suffice it to say there are lots of reasons to discuss your sexual habits with your doctor even if you DO NOT suspect STD's

 

your sexual history plays a big part of your health and its not just about STD's. I plan to have sex the rest of my life and you know I think I will take this as the push I needed to tell her.

 

sorry if this sounds like I jumped on you - it is a bit of a sensitive subject.

 

We still don't see any of those instances making it a reason to tell the Care Provider that we Swing.

[naughty A 23]

any of those examples that I gave could just as easily have been STD's

 

your Health Care Provider is SUPPOSED to know your sex history in order to provide you with the best health care possible for you.

 

hey - I haven't told my Dr. either - because I'm uncomfortable with her - BUT I recognize that I SHOULD be telling her.

 

[Ashley 22]

Sorry but I agree with Carol-n-Gary on this one. All my doctor needs to know is that I'm "sexually active". He asked me that question and I told him yes. Whether I have one partner or 500 is none of his business unless of course I come up with HIV, in which case there are certain legal requirements. The doctor is supposed to treat your symptoms, not impose moral judgements about your lifestyle.

[alabamafuntonig 20]

I’m not sure I agree with some of the for mentioned comments. A doctor is your lifeline to healthy living whether or not he/she agrees to a lifestyle he/she can still help you be protected from harm and help you be both physically and mentally well.

 

The best medicine is prevention.

[Brian and Jo 344]

We would never ever tell our doctor that we are swingers. Some things are just best kept to themselves. However he knows that we are nudists and we didn't have to say anything to him - the sight of our all-over tans during our annual check-up obviously gave the game away! However, he asked us where we got our tans so then we told him we often visited nude resorts and beaches. We also shave our bodies and he was quite blase about that, taking the sight of our hairless pubic regions totally in his stride.

[alabamafuntonig 20]

I’m not sure if some of you are confusing the fact of telling your doctor about swinging or the fact that you don’t have a relationship with your doctor. Meaning this, a doctor and you have to have a personal relationship for him to fully evaluate your problems. A general practitioner should be able to diagnose a mental ailment as well as a physical ailment. I’m not sure I would tell my oncologist (specialist) but my trust of my general practitioner that I know .I would tell him everything he did take an oath and everything is confidential. How can he help me with my health if I only tell him half of my story?

[jen 16]

I had to see a neurologist. So on the first visit, I sat in the room waiting for him to come in. When he did, he asked "What are you doing in my office?"

 

He's a brain doc -- and he's asking me this???

 

Not a good sign.

 

So, being myself, I say in response "Wondering what that is running down your wall," and I kinda look over to the wall and point.

 

The brain doc looks at the wall, looks back at me (I'm staring at the wall sort of with an -- ewww that's gross -- look on my face) he looks both ways again and says "Where?"

 

So I point again and I say "Right there doc, it kind of smells funny too, maybe you should call someone."

 

The brain doc looks at the wall where I am pointing, looks back at me...only I couldn't take it anymore and I started to laugh.

 

He was very relieved, and now I think he's an ok doc...at first tho...what a dork.

 

It is hard to tell your doctor stuff.

 

It's much more fun to tease them.

 

Won't get you healthy. Communication is the key for so many doors.

[wrnakedru 38]

Was in lifestyle with first husband all through the 80's. It seemed to be a pretty wide open time, very infrequent use of condoms, etc. Most medical concerns more on a one to one basis (like if you were of child bearing capability).

 

Of course, that was when it was widely believed the worst thing you could pass or get was Herpes.

 

Now second husband and I are slowly wading our way into the lifestyle. Almost everyone's ads on the sites require DDF - so I guess I am wondering. Do people take others word for it, or do they require test results? Do you get those from your "regular" doctor or go to a clinic to have done?

 

And since body fluids are primary method of transmitting - how is some feel comfortable with oral, but won't do more?

 

Guess this should have been a new thread, as it asks more questions than addressed in earlier posts.

[alabamafuntonig 20]

Sounds like a question for your doctor the medical professional the one who can answer all those and more with exact knowledge and understanding. Who has years of training and is an expert in health and disease.

[bear_n_bunny 43]

It's hard to talk to your doctor but I'm lucky, I've a great Women's Health doctor for 10 years. Every time I go in a pap swear all I have to do is ask for her to run a complete screen for any type of STD or infection.

 

The reason for this isn't swinging. I was actually celibate for six years and got an abnormal pap smear. It seems I had chlamydia. Lord knows how long I had it but it seems STDs are getting trickier to detect all the time.

 

The only reason I bring this up, is that are ways to be circumspect and get the type of checkup a "really" sexual active person needs. Even though I adore my doctor, I still wouldn't be completely honest with her. Since the diagnosis and results go to the insurance company, who I do not trust, I'm going to be as discreet as possible.

[alabamafuntonig 20]

The only reason I bring this up, is that are ways to be circumspect and get the type of checkup a "really" sexual active person needs. Even though I adore my doctor, I still wouldn't be completely honest with her. Since the diagnosis and results go to the insurance company, who I do not trust, I'm going to be as discreet as possible.

 

and when the insurance company is not all that honest with you or your doctor is not completly honest with you will that be ok!

 

laws are in place allready "doctor patient privalage" confedentiality cluases. etc. I sure hope that if you do get something on a std level you can find it in your heart to be compleatly honest! some other peoples lives may depend on IT!

[thump29 16]

We actually told our doctor that we are swingers, although I admit I was reluctant at first. I was suprised that she didnt go off the deep end on us but instead she just has us come in every 2 or 3 months for checkups.

 

I was kinda forced into telling her do to a situation when we were swinging and the other partner removed the condom, but she was really understanding and we are glad that she knows and we no longer have to worry about her knowing.

 

My advice is that if you feel comfortable with your health care provider then let them know you will be suprised at what little reaction they show. I can only imagine the things they see or hear on any given day so be swingers to me is no big deal.

[Elusive BiFem 70]

Originally posted by alabamafuntonig

and when the insurance company is not all that honest with you or your doctor is not completly honest with you will that be ok!

 

laws are in place allready "doctor patient privalage" confedentiality cluases. etc. I sure hope that if you do get something on a std level you can find it in your heart to be compleatly honest! some other peoples lives may depend on IT!

 

As for infoming others that you may have infected, I agree. Totally. But in terms of sharing all aspects of your private life?

 

Nope. Have to totally disagree with you on this one 'Bama. You are right to the extent that confidentiality laws are in place but that still doesn't prevent people from gaining access to your private medical records. With the new HIPAA regulations, your medical records are "safer" but not 100% secure. If nothing else, think of the number of "eyes" that see your records each time they are processed through an insurance company. Multitudes of clerks and physician/nurse medical reviewers see those records. Most physicians and nurses adhere strongly to confidentialilty laws because they have had years of confidentiality drilled into their heads, not to mention that they are licensed and can be sued. But the clerk that works there 6 months, makes 7 bucks an hour? And what about the entries that may be innocently made in a medical record but come back to haunt you 10-20-30 years later? Say you are HIV+ at the age of 25. At 35, you want life insurance for your wife and 4 kids. Can you get it? Maybe. Maybe not. Or even...you experience depression and see a psychiatrist in 2003. 10 years later - new carrier - psych treatment is excluded due to a "pre-existing condition."

 

Now...I have gone to my doctor and said, "DO NOT write this down anywhere..." and I have confidence it isn't written down. Something between only me and the doc. I recommend honesty with your healthcare provider, but I think one needs to carefully weigh the need to know. If I suspected development of a STD, I would absolutely NOT tell my doctor I had had sex with 5-10-20-100 people in the last year unless compelled to do so by law, i.e., hepatitis/HIV.

 

As for the question posed by wrnakedru, my suggestion would be:

1. for certain types of testing (HIV, hepatitis) you might want to go to your public health department. Minimal fee. The initial testing is done with a number or code so no ID is possible. Of course, if positive, others will be notified, but that is a different can of worms altogether.

2. routine testing for STD's might best be done at a Planned Parenthood facility. I've suggested PP before and I really have no interest/involvement in the organization. When I was in school without $.05 to call my own, they were my primary source for womens health and honestly, I feel like I received some of the best and most compassionate care that I've ever received. And cheap!! -EBF

[bear_n_bunny 43]

Quote

I sure hope that if you do get something on a std level you can find it in your heart to be completely honest! some other peoples lives may depend on IT!

 

Lordy Bama, just because I don't choose not to go into detail about my sex life with my doctor doesn't mean I'd hide an STD from anyone, in particular a playmate. Like many things in life, there is dishonesty and then there is omission. I ask my doctor for the tests and she gives them to me. If something comes up, hopefully she can treat it. I just don't want "swinger" in my medical records.

 

It is my hope that this honesty thing people keep talking about on this board includes fessing up when you get the clap or worse. I know I sure would. If I didn't give a shit, I wouldn't get the tests in the first place. Self centered I may be, homicidal I am not.

[bear_n_bunny 43]

Originally posted by alabamafuntonig

and when the insurance company is not all that honest with you or your doctor is not completly honest with you will that be ok!

 

laws are in place allready "doctor patient privalage" confedentiality cluases. etc. I sure hope that if you do get something on a std level you can find it in your heart to be compleatly honest! some other peoples lives may depend on IT!

 

What is this? You been into the loco weed again? Did you not read her damn post? She said specifically that whenever she has a pap smear, she also has the doctor run a full STD panel on her. What the hell more do you want? As long as any problem is diagnosed properly and dealt with, the details of her sex life none of the doctor's fucking business. As it is, her doctor knows Bunny is sexually active, and that's all she needs to know.

 

And if you think that "doctor patient priveledge" can keep information from the insurance companies, you are even more naive than I thought. That HIPPA law that everyone is making such a to-do about, in reality changes nothing. The same people who had routine access to your medical information before it was enacted, such as the insurance companies, STILL have it. Go read the fine print if you don't believe this. As for me, I won't even have my doctor run a STD panel on me, or more specifically, a HIV test, and for this very reason. Even though I'm not at risk, given that I am sexually active, and there are the usual number of nervous nellies out there who ask about such things, I go down and get one of those home test kits and use it. That way what the insurance companies don't know won't hurt me, and the home tests are as good as anything you can get in the doctor's office.

 

However, this does not explain why you are implying that she would not be forthcoming to those she's been intimate with, should she come up positive for something like HIV (which is what you are really talking about here), just because she won't tell her doctor about her swinging activities. That is one fuck of a leap of illogic.

 

Bear

[Elusive BiFem 70]

Quote

Originally posted by alabamafuntonig

and when the insurance company is not all that honest with you or your doctor is not completly honest with you will that be ok!

 

laws are in place allready "doctor patient privalage" confedentiality cluases. etc. I sure hope that if you do get something on a std level you can find it in your heart to be compleatly honest! some other peoples lives may depend on IT!

 

There is an article on my MSN homepage this AM about this exact subject and the same type of info I posted yesterday.

 

An excerpt:

"Many eyes mean loose lips

According to industry sources, there is no other database of individual medical information as comprehensive as the MIB's. But that doesn't mean your patient information doesn't travel to other places.

 

One of the problems with keeping medical records confidential is the sheer number of people who handle such records. Every time you go the doctor, you leave a paper trail that then passes through numerous hands. Have health insurance? The insurance company has the right to review your records before it pays for your doctor's appointment."

...and it goes on to mention other sources - pharmacies, hospitals, etc.

 

So, Alabama (and others), while we want to give our health care providers all the info they need to make wise treatment decisions and recommendations, we also want to be very selective in the info we provide, knowing that it will likely be viewed by many eyes. -EBF

[alabamafuntonig 20]

wow

 

Quote

However, this does not explain why you are implying that she would not be forthcoming to those she's been intimate with, should she come up positive for something like HIV (which is what you are really talking about here), just because she won't tell her doctor about her swinging activities. That is one fuck of a leap of illogic.

 

who did what when and why I said I hope her doctors and insurance companies are not going to keep things from her and yes if you get a std from someone I hope they do tell the doctors about there lifestyle especially if they swing with multiple people.

[new2swinging200 15]

O.K. Guys I'm glad that I found this site..I have all kinds of questions to ask! This question is about my doctor! I am interested in getting my tubes tied. My doctor has been my doctor since 91. He has been through everything with us as far as babies. I was going to call him and get him to tie my tubes however, my husband says that he thinks that he will ask why since my husband is already not able to have children! He knows this and we both know that this will be a question. Now for the other thing. We decided to get std testing before we started playing, we were both clean. However, I think as long as we are having sex with others we need to be tested. However, my doctor has asked why we want to waste our money getting tested when we are married! So what should I say?

 

Husband says to ask him if he would like to join us! He says that in a playful way. He just knows that I am very attracted to him. The other issue is that if I am honest with him, it may change the fact that my daughter talks to his at school! how much information is to much information?

[yawanna 17]

I think doctors are held to the hippocratic oath and in part they must maintain client confidentiality. I've always been upfront and honest with my medical practitioners... this is my health we are dealing with here. We both get annual physicals and all the blood work etc. etc. I simply told my doctor that I have multiple sex partners, we practice safe sex, don't share needles, etc. etc.

 

We get the whole nine yards of tests done, no questions asked. But then again... this is Canada. I'm not sure how different it is for the Americans?

[fun_pairTX 26]

Yawanna, our physicians are the same as yours except they hardly ever say; "eh?".

New you should be able to broach any subject without fear of disclosure.

[tazzie_n_truck 17]

With us, we have yet for either of us to get fixed, but our Dr. has recomended that we both do when we are done having kids, just so we can avoid having more kids. And our Dr. we have is pretty cool about actually not butting into our buisiness when it comes to sex, but, yeah, if your Dr. wants to make an issue of it, just say your taking extra measures to avoid pregnancy.

 

[good times 991]

My wife and I are facing the same problem. I had a vasectomy many years ago which her doctor knows about but she is not fixed and an unexpected pregnancy is our one worry when playing with others. We have discussed this a lot lately and haven't come up with an answer yet other than to go to a different doctor.

[dave_susie2001 15]

Originally posted by yawanna

I think doctors are held to the hippocratic oath and in part they must maintain client confidentiality.

 

This is true, however...If you live in a small town, and everyone knows everyone elses business...the hippocratic oath won't count for squat. Thank goodness we moved out of a one horse town and now live in a fairly large city. We can be upfront with our doctor and don't have to worry about it.

[b_and_sc 16]

I've wondered about this as well. My hubby had a vasectomy years ago cause pregnancy almost killed me...we're thinking of asking for a tubal as well just to be 'extra sure' no babies are coming our way

 

Surgical sterilization is about 99% effective I think, so there IS that little 1% chance, I'd say asking for both to be done is just extra assurance that you're done

[Sadie6969 15]

I've been wondering this myself......

 

However I have a question for all those who are looking to get fixed (or have been)....are y'all practicing safe sex as well and just looking for extra insurance? Just curious.

[mrs good times 73]

I have a question too. Do any of you have experience with IUD's. I read an artical yesterday and am thinking of asking the Dr. rather than the surgical approach.

[TNCountryCpl 15]

Mrs Good Times,

There are two types of IUD's that I am aware of. One IUD emits hormones, the Mirena, (and you USUALLY do not have a period with this type of IUD) and the other does not have any hormone in it. Both IUD's can be left in for a number of years....I think the "plain" one can be left in longer.

IUD insertion is relatively simple.....it is an in office procedure with your GYN. Removal is just as easy. As far as pain with the procedure......most people complain of cramping during it but have no problems after.

 

I believe the effectiveness of both IUDs are very close to birth control pills. There is also a ring, Novo Ring (I think) that you can insert. It has hormones and you put a new one in once a week. It can be taken out before sex or can be left in. Then the fourth week you leave it out and have your period. It does require a prescription, too.

 

I would definitely discuss all options with your doctor though!

[mrs good times 73]

Thanks for the info. The reason I was considering this is I am unable to take birth control pills, patches, etc do to medical issues so if the IUD also emits these same chemicals I don't think the Dr. will give to me either. Damn, I just to feal completely protected with condoms but I would also like to avoid surgery. We'll see what the doc says.

 

Thanks again.

[froggyjenn80 15]

The patient/doctor confidentiality allows for you to be open and honest. If you dont feel that you can tell him, then your health may be at risk.

 

Be open and honest, thats what they are there for. Its truly a weird feeling at first, but eventually it becomes just another part of life.

 

Good luck

[WesternSwing 504]

Other than counseling you on "getting fixed" to make sure it is 100% what you want to do, the reasons you want to do it is none of your doctor's business. If you are worried about it find another doctor who doesn't know your husband can't have babies (I'm assuming here that he is "fixed" already since you have had kids in the past).

[Elusive BiFem 70]

Also, I wanted to say...as a nurse working in ICU and ER for a hundred years, I've asked patients lots and lots of questions. Quite honestly, I never cared about their answers one way or the other except as it affected the reasons they were ill and/or injured and I believe you will find that the vast majority of health care providers feel the same. The other thing...there are few things you can tell your doctor that he/she hasn't heard before. The new nursing student or medical student? Yeah. You might be able to shock them with something, but I guarantee, after just a few months of internship and practice, they've heard just about everything there is to hear. If, per chance, you happen to run into a HCP that is judgemental, change providers. It isn't their job to be judgemental.

[mrs good times 73]

I agree with EBF. I saw my gyno yesterday and asked him about the IUD or tubal ligation. He didn't even ask why, he just went into the medical pros and cons of each. I think I am going to try the IUD first at his suggestion and see how things go.

[storygirl 15]

A quick comment on IUDs - I've got one because my doc prefers not to do surgery if possible - complications from various things, recovery from anesthesia, etc.

 

I've got a Merina, and it does have progesterone in it/on it, so if you have a drug sensitivity, that may be an issue. I will tell you that I was on the pill forever because of heavy periods, but I don't have any bleeding, maybe a little spotting with the IUD, no cramps at all - so I think it's great. It will have to be replaced every 5 years, but I never have to think about it otherwise.

 

[still, I always have a partner use condoms, because there's just too many other things to get, and give, I guess. Also, it makes me more comfortable with anal sex.]