Sod's law.
I'm well acquainted with the law of Sod, whoever he is. Just when you think something is OK and dare you happen to mention it publicly then along comes Sod and bites you on the arse.
Back in March this year, I was feeling relatively content with my contraceptive method. I'd thought the years of trying different pills with limited success would be a distant memory now I had this contraption fitted. I thought I wouldn't have to give contraception and all it entails a second thought until I reached my mid-thirties.
OH HOW WRONG WAS I.
You couldn't make it up really. Within hours of me publishing that post giving my thoughts on the Mirena coil, I began bleeding. I rolled my eyes when I noticed, especially as I was due to fly to Berlin for the weekend the following day. No woman wants a period when she's about to go on her jollies does she?!
I hoped it would just be a small bleed and within a few days that would be it.
Sadly, that wasn't the case. I experienced one of the heaviest and most painful bleeds I'd had in recent years. I was well and truly pissed right off.
So, I made an appointment to have the coil removed. I hated the thought of not knowing when I was going to bleed and how long it was going to last. This was one of the main things that appealed to me with the Mirena coil. The fact I wouldn't bleed and of course knowing it's reliability was that of a sterilisation.
Course, the law of Sod worked his magic once again and a few days prior to the scheduled removal of the coil, I stopped bleeding. I cancelled the appointment and vowed to stick with it, hopefully that heavy and painful bleed was a one off.
You can sense a pattern here can't you?
Over the last few weeks I've been bleeding more or less every single day. Some days heavier than others but it's really started to get me down. I've felt knackered (not sure if this is linked), the bruises I experience on my legs have gotten worse and there are some days my abdomen is rocked with horrible cramps. I'm also of the opinion the coil has led me to gain weight. Yes, OK, I've not exactly been careful with what I eat or drink, however, when I have attempted a diet, I've not lost so much as half a pound. I know my body and I know what works and what doesn't and it's unlike me to see a change in my weight when I cut out certain crap from my diet.
It got to a point last week where I was so fed up that whilst in the Dr's surgery for an appointment with my son, I'd had enough. I decided I wanted this thing out. Another method of contraception bites the dust.
Thus, I booked an appointment with a Doctor for the following week and after much consideration and conversation with my other half, decided to seek a more permanent method of contraception.
Yesterday I went to see my Doctor and argued my case for a sterilisation. I felt well prepared, I'd done my research. I'm very confident in my decision that I do not want another child. It's been a mooting point between myself and Wes since the beginning of this year and we have reached a decision whereby having another child is not something either of us want to do.
Myself and the Doctor discussed my options. Being a Haemophilia carrier, I think, will potentially help me in my quest for a sterilisation, especially as this is one of the main reasons I've decided I'll be sticking with just the one child.
My past and indeed my current mental health is also another factor to take into consideration.
It's a bold conclusion isn't it? Deciding at the grand old age of 30 to have my tubes tied so I won't be able to reproduce again but I've made my peace with it.
Of course, we could consider a vasectomy. Well, I say we, last time I checked I didn't have a pair of balls hanging between my legs. However, although Wes is more than happy to take one for the team and have one, I've heard a few stories of late that have left me feeling a little dubious with regards to the snip. I've heard, shall I say, some tales that have left me wondering just how effective a vasectomy always is.
I discussed all of this with my Doctor, who of course had to have an element of devil's advocate about her, she wouldn't be doing her job if she didn't. But I think she could see I was resounding with my wishes and conceded that she would send a referral letter to the Gynaecologist to get the ball rolling for a potential sterilisation.
Over the next few weeks I will hear whether I'm successful with my wish. I don't hold out a huge amount of hope. I put a question to my Twitter followers at the weekend as I was keen to hear of others' experiences. I think it might be a challenge securing a sterilisation ay my age, however, I'm determined, especially having recently read about a fellow 30 year old's journey.
I'm sure I'm going to encounter criticism throughout this process but so what. It's my body and if there's one thing I'm passionate about in life, it's ensuring women have autonomy over their own bodies and decisions.
I'll keep you posted with how things go, I don't hold out a huge amount of hope but we shall see. Stranger things have happened.
If you've had a similar experience to me or perhaps you've had a sterilisation yourself, then please do get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.