Birth Control Suggestions

I was on birth control for years (just a generic, can't even remember the name) and I didn't have any issues with it except I couldn't remember to take it. I got the Mirena IUD because last year it would've cost me $900 out of pocket but this year it was covered 100% because of the changes in insurance (you should check in to that). I was nervous but so far have had no issues. I had two normal periouds in Feb and March and then just light spotting in April and May so I am hoping my periods will go away completely soon.

If you are prone to any sort of cysts or anything I wouldn't get an IUD but so far I love mine.

Myth is there on gaining weight with BC pills. you gain about 15lbs if you do nothing for exercise on it for first year. after that nothing as your body levels with the BC pill. The shots the only one you will gain weight 24/7 with because of how much estrogen they use in it. I am on the pill Previfem have been for 7yrs. No issues, even when I had two major surgeries while on it.

It really depends on the person. I was on the pill for about 10 years when I switched to NuvaRing. I dropped 9 pounds in 2 days. Of course that wasn't actual fat, but retained water. I had a horrible time on NuvaRing while others loved it. When dealing with hormones there is so much we don't know that it's hard to tell how women are going to react to different HBC.

Consider yourself lucky that IUD is out! I had the worst time with Mirena, it caused a lot of issues for me. I was almost unable to get pregnant again due to cysts.

Totally agree! i ended up having to have emergency surgery and 2 blood transfusions because of the mirena and now cannot have anymore kids, not saying it'll happen to everyone, but i'm really sorry I ever got it.

I have been on Ortho-Tricyclen (sp?) for 3 years. 1 pill a day, absolutely no problems. Regulated my periods (for the most part...stress, eating changes, and antibiotics mess it up here and there) and has minimized pms symptoms. I started these from Planned Parenthood because I couldn't afford going to a regular doctor. Now, still can't afford a regular doctor, so I go through the Health Department where I live now.

For birth control pills, the different synthetic hormones they use can have different (beneficial) side effects. Some pills are better at relieving cramps (I am on a generic that targets this), or reducing acne, or lightening flow.

You can use a cheat sheet to find out what combination might be best for you, although every person is different, and you may react differently to various pills than other people might.

(You can find an example of a cheat sheet here for example: http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/contraceptive-cheat-sheet)

I don't understand why an IUD is out? If you are in the US Obama Care should cover it. All bc should be covered. At least that's what Kaiser tells me.

Kaiser lies. All BC is not covered and when I was on the pill, I still had a copay for generic and full price for name brand -- and I have fantastic insurance.

Anyway, all BC pills can cause blood clots. Yaz is not special for that. Do a little better research.

Here's my 2 cents:

I have bipolar disorder and am currently successfully unmedicated, but have to be careful about BC because it can REALLY jack me up!

Had Depo, gained 50lbs in 3 months, only took 1 shot, period was MIA for about 10 months, was severely depressed, hated sex, turned into a raving, fire breathing, severely overweight dragon for about 4 months

Tried the low dose pill (after giving birth to my sons), kept forgetting to take it, tried another BC pill (generic of yaz) had the same issue, was depressed and gained weight (about 15lbs)

Had the Mirena, was awesome, no periods, no emotional side effects (which was huge for me), but I kept spotting every time I had sex and that was pretty annoying! Had it removed (then had my youngest son immediately after removal, so your fertility DEFINITELY returns as soon as it is removed)

Got the Implanon, gained 40lbs after having just lost 30, wreaked havoc on my emotions, had to go back on meds temporarily (which i HATED), got it removed after 5 months

Used condoms, me and hubby both hated that!

Used natural family planning method (pulling out, timing ovulation) worked great for us, but became annoying because of the mess (sorry, TMI)


Just got the Mirena again, no spotting (YAY!) and everything is fine so far...Now, I'm waiting to see if it will affect my weight loss...

if all else fails, condoms, or the pull out method.

pull out method: easiest way to gain 20kg. but don't worry, after about 9 months you'll lose four or five all of a sudden.

bahahahahahaha. high 5 girlfriend. its gotta be with someone who has a delicate control over the busting of their nuts.

I hope you're joking... Small amounts of sperm cells are released even before the man orgasms. So when you "pull out," you might already have impregnated your woman...

Blood clots are a known risk with ALL estrogen-based medications (birth control and menopause hormone-replacement products) and have been since The Pill was developed in the 1960s. Yaz is no different. The risk is higher in women who smoke, are over 35, and who have a personal or family history of clotting disorders. Discuss with your doctor and then decide if its something you want to continue. Don't base your decision solely on scare tactics by "ambulance chaser" attorneys' commercials on TV.

In the US, under Obamacare, only certain forms of birth control are available without a copay, and this varies further with a person's employer. For instance, I work for a Catholic institution. Our insurance will ONLY pay for pills (I think also patch and nuvaring, but not sure) but we have to pay a copay same as any other prescriptions. ANY other form of contraceptive including Implanon, IUDs, tubal ligations, and vasectomies are not covered. In fact, our clinic cannot insert IUDs even for patients who are not on the company insurance. This may change in the future, depending on how litigation goes for religious employers--whether they have to provide contraception for no copay. Plus, not all employers/insurance companies have implemented this provision yet, and some may not consider an IUD a prescription (rather, they consider it a procedure/device).

(Slightly off topic, but the birth control is NOT "free." It is without copay at the pharmacy. However, most of us will have noticed that the copays for our other prescriptions and office visits have increased, as well as deductibles and premiums. Those extra costs are what's paying for your "free" birth control and yearly physicals. Insurance companies do not provide coverage out of the goodness of their hearts; they're in it to make money same as any other buisiness and will increase costs where ever they can in order to make money. If they don't make money, we can't get any of the sevices we need paid for.)

you cant get into your family doctor until NOVEMBER??

i love Australia!

That isn't the case with all doctors in the US. Don't judge a country by one person's experience.

OP has stated that she is in Canada, not the U.S.

I use Kariva which is a BiPhasic instead of a Triphasic with a shortened placebo (only 2 days instead of a week). I have found it extremely helpful with both my migraines AND the length of my period. My gynecologist explained that it was due to keeping a more regular hormone level.

All birth control pills cause an increase of blood clots. Lawyers just fixated on Yaz and made it a big mess. Take it if it works because your risks are the same with all hormones.

Abstinence is the best form of birth control and to be honest, you shouldn't be having sex unless it's to potentially have a child!!!!

I lol'd.

Then was stricken by the fear that your serious..and lol'd again.

Abstinence is the best form of birth control and to be honest, you shouldn't be having sex unless it's to potentially have a child!!!!

I lol'd.

Then was stricken by the fear that your serious..and lol'd again.

My faith is very important to me...