Artie, I had a hard time too with the "thing". It wouldn't help if it was also suggested for health reasons. But maybe the second opinion will have a better option? It's for hormones, right? There are other ways to get hormones. Like I think the ring. The only reason I went the "thing" route was because I was told by a bariatric surgeon that in order to have the surgery, I needed a reliable birth control, and I didn't want hormones to mess with my mood. Just remember, even if you try the "thing" it can be taken out at any point if it's not right for you.