Ladies: Birth Control Options

Im on Ortho, been on it for years and never gained an ounce.

i am on tri-nessa and its actually helped me lose and maintain i think..... no weight gain since i have been on it

Paragard. A non-hormonal IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.

I would say everything works differently for everyone. I have been on depo for 3 years and never gained a pound from it, but most women will tell you they gained so much from it. Its something you might just need to play around with and see whats best for you.

I went on Depo and tried to quit smoking at the same time. I was very aware of the effect this would have on my body and started exercising more and actually lost weight.

It's not the birth control itself that makes you lose weight, it's when you let the hormones take control and start eating and being unaware of what you're doing to your body.

You might be hungrier (that's the hormones) so do the usual of filling up on lower calories foods and if you have a craving it's okay to indulge a little bit but don't get to crazy. It's a matter of self-control and awareness. Speak with your doc and they'll also have some great suggestions for you because it's very likely they've encountered this a lot.

Good luck!

Hope you don't mind a male weighing in.

My wife had problems with B/C messing with her hormones so about 2 years ago I bought her the IUD and it has proven to be a good option

A method my friend uses is taking the pill every other day.

I'm taking the mini pill (since I was breastfeeding) and I haven't notice it affecting my weight loss.
I didn't pay attention to it before though. I also don't take it everyday - some days I just forget but don't concern myself with catching up.

I've got the coil (not the mirena the other one)

I'm rubbish at taking the pill it makes me gain weight and i'm terrible for remembering to take it. The doctor suggest the mirena which I took him up on but I had an awful time with it I put on a shed load and I had awful pregnancy symptoms ALL the time. Then it moved and they lost it for a while which was a complete nightmare. Anyway I had that out and went on to condoms which is such a pain so I went back.

This time the lady that I saw was fantastic she made suggestions and listened to what I had to say, the only option in the end for me was the other coil which I was reluctant to try given the past problems i'd had with my other one but I've had it in a couple of months now and am still steadily losing 1-2lb a week and no horrible side effects other than my periods last a day longer but for me the pros out weigh the cons.

My husband and I are happy with our family and dont want anymore children but despite asking the doctors they wont sterilise me OR give him the snip because in their opinion we are too young (28 & 31)

I off birth control for awhile, then a couple months ago picked back up with ortho-tri-cyclen, the generic of it. I gained 7 lbs, and a whole cup size (which I don't need)!!! I was sooo mad, so I switched back to YAZ, which never made me gain any weight, and now I'n trying to loose that 7lbs, plus the rest….the 7lbs is being really stubborn….stupid hormones….hubby has a dr appointment

I was on the Nuvaring before my son was born. I loved it. Once my son was born I decided on the Mirena IUD. I have had it since June 2007 and have no complaints. I don't know if I gained weight, but I sure wasn't trying to lose any. Ever since I started to try, I am now losing.

I used ortho-tri cyclen lo before I had my child. Birth control never made me gain any weight, I actually lost with it. But I was on one before ortho-tri cyclen lo and it had WAY to many hormones and I got SO VERY DEPRESSED, and then I gained weight cause all I did was eat, and not good food either. Had to get off that one when I wanted to commit sucide. Anyway, now after my daughter I got the IUD, it is good for 5 years and had no hormones. You could also get this thing that they incert into your arm has no hormones, but I don't know they name of that.

Birth control affects everybody differently, what may work best for one person, is absolutely terrible for another. I would speak to your doctor about your options, you will probably have to try several different types before you find one that works for you. It also can take a while to find a decent birth control, unless you're having some outrageous symptoms, you should be on a birth control for 3-4 months before you try another. Patience is key here. Good luck finding something you like!

I would go with an IUD, they don't have horomones that cause weight gain, I am one of those that was very senstive to all types of birth control, the depo shot was the worst I have ever tried it felt like I was pregnant and I gained a lot of weight too.
Now I have my tubes tied after the birth of my second child, long story but now I regret getting it done.

I've got a non hormonal IUD, its just a plain copper one and I've found it fantastic.

I have the Mirena also... LOVE IT.... no weight gain.... no periods.... Dr says its ok not to have them if you arent ovulating! (which the Mirena stops) It works for 5 yrs but can be removed anytime if you want to have another baby.