Ladies, I need your opinions on birth control!
Replies
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I've only ever taken pills and no real problems with it. No crazy side affects or anything but it does really depend on the person. I was using some crazy i don't even know pills at first and my second doctor was like "oh well if you can take those no problem you can take anything" so that may just be me. But I had ortho tricyclen (the generic version as well) for many years with no issues, aside from a slight decrease in sex drive but it happens with most pills. My sister got an IUD when she was in the military and she loves it. Didn't have any side affects either.
Your best bet is just to discuss it with your doctor, try something out. If you think it's affecting you in a way it shouldn't be then go back, talk to your doctor again and get something different.0 -
I've been on the Nuvaring for two years and I love it. Never have a problem with it. No side effects and changing monthly makes me feel better than having an iUD that pierces your cervix and stays in there for years. I can't even feel it. If it comes out during sex or you need to take it out, you have 3 hours. It's kinda expensive if you don't have insurance, but it's free for me now.0
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Didn't know in what other category to post this, so I figure it might as well go here!
The only experience I have had with birth control (besides condoms) is the Depo-Provera shot. Was on it for a year and just wound up a crazy, moody, weight-gaining mess. I have now been off of it for about two years and I am ready to try something new. After doing my research, I learned about the mini pill. Only one type of hormone rather than two and from what it seems, less side effects. But the kicker is that it's only 95% effective.
Is anyone currently taking this?
What are you on that is working for you?
I'm on cerazette, which is a progestogen (progesterone? I get them mixed up) only pill, or a 'mini' pill.
I personally love it.
For contraception, if you miss a progesterone(?) pill, you are safe again in a week. for the normal oestrogen/progesterone(?) pill if you forget the pill you are not safe until you have had your next period. This is due to how they work.
Progesterone (I'm just going to go with this name) works by stopping the lining in the womb from developing, so that should a little spermy meet a little eggy and make a littlle zygote poor little zygote cannot attach, and therefore cannot create a placenta, and therefore is flushed mercilessly down the kertuffelpuffe of life. The progesterone only pill means you don't have periods, because there's no blood accumulation. You still ovulate however.
The oestrogen/progesterone mix pill makes your body think you're pregnant so that you don't ripen another egg. you still build up uterus blood lining, and so it still has to be got rid of. The 'full' pill, this combination of hormones, involves 3 weeks of taking the hormone pill, and then 1 week of taking a placebo, during which time you get your period. If you forget a pill your body, waiting in anticipation. will go POP and produce an egg. Bang! So now you're fertile. Doesn't matter if you go back to taking that pill. The fertile egg inside you has now happened. It is waiting for its chance. It is desperate to live! Live! and if Mister Sperm shows up then eggy will be Very Pleased To See Him - whereas you May Not.
There are different kinds and qualities of both pills.
I personally am on a wonderful pill called "Cerazette" which is a mini pill. It is something like $40 for 6 months, not subsidised here in New Zealand, but I am on it because it has extra features, such as inhibiting egg ripening. It is a nice pill with no side effects. I actually am on it due to fibroids, (I'm older, have had children, probably approaching menopause) which make my periods turn into tsunamis complete with drowning and lifeboats. I hit a point where i couldn't leave the bathroom. The cerazette has literally saved my bacon.
Speak to your doctor about the pills and their consequences. Depo provera is a horrible, horrible contraceptive and it's hard to believe anyone would have recommended that to you as a first try.
And of course modern (plastic, not copper) IUD's now are impregnated with progesterone too, so they are very effective things. The only thing about those is that you have to check for the string now and again because they can fall out (probably more relevant to those who have had children) and apparently they like putting them in when you're having your period. EWWW GROSS! Not because they love splashing in feminine, um, egg cushions, but because it opens the cervix a little and makes it all go more easily.
Yes. Have a good good talk with the doc. Condoms are a pain in the *kitten*. Depo provera is the horriblest contraceptive on the planet. There are much better solutions.
Thank you for such a thorough response! I am really interested in this "mini" pill, but the 95% thing is really throwing me. It seems to have the least horror stories out of everything I've researched, however.
remember also that the statistic is for completely proper use of the pill. this also includes taking it at the same time EVERY DAY. the 95% is if you never miss a pill and take them within a two or maybe three hour window without fail. if you do not take the pill perfectly (per the dosage instructions) the success rate goes down.0 -
I'm using a low dose (I think actually the lowest dose you can get), but I forget the name. Starts with an L. I really like it. I don't have the problems that I had with other pills and the ring. I considered an IUD though. That seems like the best option other than getting all tied up.0
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Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
Like I said, I have the implant and I'm a fan. There was an adjustment period (I was briefly insane, but I was having a rough patch in general) but after about a month everything was smooth sailing.0 -
My sex drive was lowered so dramatically by birth control, though I didn't have any trouble losing weight while on it (I didn't gain because of birth control, either--that was all me, lol). It also altered my mood/emotions pretty dramatically.
I will say this--after I went off birth control and started using condoms exclusively, I have never been happier. I wish I had done it from the beginning. Just be careful, and do know when you are most likely to get pregnant. everyone saying "track your cycles" has also got the right idea.
If you MUST use the pill, you can go for a lower dosage of hormones. Just be aware, however, that the mini-pill is slightly more likely to fail. I have had friends get pregnant while nursing on the mini-pill. The "real deal" is more effective.
Seasonale is quite a strong dosage. It will likely do some fairly dramatic things to your body chemistry. While I think not having periods as frequently must be nice, there is something to be said about that "Whew!" moment every month!
I have been pretty happy with condoms, but like they say, it's just not the same.0 -
I have a mirena and LOVE it. No periods after 6 months and my husband doesn't feel a thing lol (if they do your strings are too long and they need to fix that!).0
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Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
I was one of the minority where my IUD wandered off somewhere on it's own. Went with my mate when she had her implant both fitted & removed (she's a wimp bless her). Totally straight forward to insert/remove it. Word of warning some women you can see the outline under the skin, but it's not obvious unless you look for it. Side note when she decided to get pregnant it only took 2mths after removal for her.0 -
Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
Like I said, I have the implant and I'm a fan. There was an adjustment period (I was briefly insane, but I was having a rough patch in general) but after about a month everything was smooth sailing.
The crazy period is what scares me most (other than my sex drive being shot down). Depo made me BAD *kitten* CRAZY.0 -
Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
I was one of the minority where my IUD wandered off somewhere on it's own. Went with my mate when she had her implant both fitted & removed (she's a wimp bless her). Totally straight forward to insert/remove it. Word of warning some women you can see the outline under the skin, but it's not obvious unless you look for it. Side note when she decided to get pregnant it only took 2mths after removal for her.
About how much do these cost?0 -
Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
I was one of the minority where my IUD wandered off somewhere on it's own. Went with my mate when she had her implant both fitted & removed (she's a wimp bless her). Totally straight forward to insert/remove it. Word of warning some women you can see the outline under the skin, but it's not obvious unless you look for it. Side note when she decided to get pregnant it only took 2mths after removal for her.
it was really painful for me to have it inserted but since then it's been great. I have a high pain tolerance but I was still very glad I had it put in on a Friday after work. I was in the fetal position that whole weekend. since then it's been amazing, I barely even PMS anymore.
eta: OP, these are covered by most insurance nowadays. I just had to pay my copay for the office visit.0 -
Ugh. Depo caused me weight gain and depression about ten years ago...also some hip arthritis and I was only in my early 20s!
I liked the implant...til I got raging daily headaches, but if you don't get that side effect, I'd recommend that.
The ring...what a pain in the *kitten* and fiancé hated it.
Now we use the sponge. It has it's cons...inconvenient (you either have to pre-plan action or stop when its getting hot-n-heavy and go put it in), kinda messy to remove, not cheap ($15 for 3!) and not the most effective thing in the world. But it has no hormones, which is why I like it best!
How much did the implant cost you?
It was the arm implant, not the uterine, fyi, and I'm terribley sorry, but I don't recall...It was right after I had my baby 3 1/2 years ago...0 -
I've used almost every kind except the shot. I've used Lybrel, which makes you skip your period completely. I stopped it because my insurance decided not to cover it anymore. I've used regular Ortho and Ortho-low. I preferred the low, because I was less mood-swingy with it, but another insurance change nipped THAT in the bud. I've used Nuva-ring, which was great for about a year. Suddenly, it just started feeling uncomfortable. So now I'm on regular Ortho again.
The husband and I are giong to start trying for kids soon, so I'm worried about getting off the pill. I have the kind of cramps that make me curl up into a fetal position. Not looking forward to that.
Well, you'll be pleased to find out that most women stop having menstrual cramps once they give birth. Also, the first time we went off the pill it took 4 months to get pregnant. The second time took 2 weeks. :huh: But of course everyone's different in that category as well. 0 -
Honestly, while asking here might be good for getting some options, talk to your doctor about the best option for *you*. Every type of BC carries some kind of risk, as does getting pregnant, but the only person who can give you GOOD advice about what would potentially suit your body best is a medical professional.
(what was best for me was getting my tubes tied, likely not a great choice for you
) 0 -
Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
Like I said, I have the implant and I'm a fan. There was an adjustment period (I was briefly insane, but I was having a rough patch in general) but after about a month everything was smooth sailing.
The crazy period is what scares me most (other than my sex drive being shot down). Depo made me BAD *kitten* CRAZY.
It is different for everyone so you might be fine. My sex drive is very much intact, so there is that.0 -
Honestly, while asking here might be good for getting some options, talk to your doctor about the best option for *you*. Every type of BC carries some kind of risk, as does getting pregnant, but the only person who can give you GOOD advice about what would potentially suit your body best is a medical professional.
(what was best for me was getting my tubes tied, likely not a great choice for you )
Well, of course I am not going to base my decisions based solely on the opinions of the people of the internet.0 -
Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
I was one of the minority where my IUD wandered off somewhere on it's own. Went with my mate when she had her implant both fitted & removed (she's a wimp bless her). Totally straight forward to insert/remove it. Word of warning some women you can see the outline under the skin, but it's not obvious unless you look for it. Side note when she decided to get pregnant it only took 2mths after removal for her.
About how much do these cost?
Sorry, I'm in the UK so it's NHS covered. My IUD would have lasted 5yrs & my friend's arm implant lasted for 3yrs so I suppose it's weighing up the intial costs. They also do a 10yr IUD but my Dr recommends that for when people have decided not to extend their families, but it still leaves the option.0 -
This works for us! Baby free for 4 years and that was cuz of condom breaking! :-/The Pull Out has been shown to be over 99 percent effective
Lies. Pull out is approximately as effective as condom use when used correctly. 27% of women will get pregnant in one year from using the pull-out method incorrectly. Most men don't have enough self-control to do it right.
My man knows how tough kids are so self control 100%0 -
I have a mirena and I love it. So far it is working like a dream and I'm on my second one.
What I suggest you do is go to a website like Planned Parenthood or your local health department's website and research all the different birth control methods and options and the pros and cons of each one and then talk to your doctor who handles your birth control for you about what they think.
Just because one method works well for one lady doesn't mean it will for you.0 -
I'm considering Implanon (the arm one) and my insurance is covering most of the cost, I just have to pay the insertion fee (about $120 I think). I'm going to have to call my recruiter and make sure that this particular form of birth control is okay in the military as it is just below the skin and the military is picky. 0
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I'm considering Implanon (the arm one) and my insurance is covering most of the cost, I just have to pay the insertion fee (about $120 I think). I'm going to have to call my recruiter and make sure that this particular form of birth control is okay in the military as it is just below the skin and the military is picky.
I got mine from the military (So it was free. Unsure of the actual cost); it's for sure approved. The Military is basically on-board with any method you choose to not get preggo, trust me.0 -
Yeah, 99 % effective in pregnancy lol.
lol0 -
Birth control lowered my sex drive like crazy. Of course I'm not going to get pregnant if I don't even desire sex! lol but that's the only negative part I experienced. I would have stayed on it if it weren't for that. I would try it out though because it's the simplest thing imo. I always knew when to expect my period. Also it's really easy to take and you don't have to have anything inserted into your body 0.o It's as easy as setting an alarm on your phone.0
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Birth control is HORRIBLE for your body. Your best bet is to track your cycles..
If you insist on having birth control I suggest getting an IUD. They say they don't give them to people w/o kids, but they really do. My friend has one.
this is horrible advice and completely untrue. seriously, shame on you. tracking your cycles is NOT an effective form of pregnancy prevention. "insist on having birth control"... wow. just wow.
OP, look into IUDs or there is an implant that actually goes in your arm. it is more popular in the UK and not always covered by insurance in the states but after my mirena comes out I just may go for that.
Do some research on what hormonal birth control does for your cycles and body. After having tried several different types of birth control, and researched the rest I'm personally against taking it for myself. Way to much wrong with it.0 -
Maybe this works different in America than in Europe, but I don't think you are supposed to prescribe yourself, you should go to the gynaeocologist and they'll take blood samples, ask some questions and determine which are the best options for you.
They'll give you scientifically proven facts about the several options you have (both pros and cons) and you can decide based on that.
I've taken ethinylestradiol/drospirenon 0,03/3mg. for years but only a doctor can tell if this would work for you too.0 -
I know there is a lot of research and studies on birth control that goes both ways, some good, some bad. I PERSONALLY have had bad luck with hormonal birth control and prefer barrier method (the sponge). That being said, barrier method tends to be quite a bit less effective and shouldn't be considered if pregnancy is completely off the table...0
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I know there is a lot of research and studies on birth control that goes both ways, some good, some bad. I PERSONALLY have had bad luck with hormonal birth control and prefer barrier method (the sponge). That being said, barrier method tends to be quite a bit less effective and shouldn't be considered if pregnancy is completely off the table...
Have you found someone who is... "sponge-worthy?"0 -
I know there is a lot of research and studies on birth control that goes both ways, some good, some bad. I PERSONALLY have had bad luck with hormonal birth control and prefer barrier method (the sponge). That being said, barrier method tends to be quite a bit less effective and shouldn't be considered if pregnancy is completely off the table...
Have you found someone who is... "sponge-worthy?"
LOL, Elaine, you funny girl. I guess....my fiancé whom I've been with for 15 years. Luckily after that many years and major insecurity over being fat, we rarely have sex...that makes the sponge affordable. Now if I was all in shape and hot-n-bothered in a new relationship...he would have to be REALLY "sponge-worthy" to justify the price of doin' it constantly!0 -
I'm on Levora, a very low-hormone pill (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol 0.15/0.03mg) and it works really well for me. I actually function better on a hormone BC because I have a hormonal imbalance and they even me out (re: they make me not crazy). I have been on it for almost 2 years and haven't had any complications stemming from it that I'm aware of - it definitely hasn't impacted my weight, that's all on me, and my sex drive is a-ok. I am actually quite nervous for when the BF and I decide to try for kids, because any time I've gone off the pill I've kind of turned into a psychotic wreck. I'm hoping that losing weight and getting healthy will help with that.
But I do agree with what others are saying - advice is great, but research involving you and your Dr. is the best. But then you probably already know that :-)0 -
No way I'm ruining my body with chemicals and hormones! Why do I have to struggle and going against nature so a man would enjoy it better? Hell no!
It's either a condom or no sex for him at all.0
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