Birth Control Questions

faithNlove212
faithNlove212 Posts: 203 Member
edited September 22 in Chit-Chat
I have tried several birth controls. I was on the pill for years, then had the IUD & had it taken out due to too much blood loss, then I had the shot & stopped it after a few months because it was giving me terrible migranes. I HATE the pill! Remembering to take it is ridiculous even if I set an alarm on my phone. Because I skipped more then 3 pills this past month, my doctor had me stop taking it & cannot start back up until my next set of pills which is in 2 weeks. We are not planning on another child for a few years. So I need to be on some sort of birth control besides condoms.

Any other Birth Controls out there that any of you use? My brothers gf uses the Nuva Ring but im alittle terrified of it idk why. I had issues with the IUD so im wondering if I would have issues with the Nuva Ring.
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Replies

  • cdngrl81
    cdngrl81 Posts: 434 Member
    I have a friend who loves the patch. I take the pill and I just take the pill before I go to bed (just incorporate it into my bedtime routine).
  • ashley0616
    ashley0616 Posts: 579 Member
    Before I was banned from hormonal birth control, I tried the NuvaRing. It was comfortable and I didn't have any problems with it at all. It was also nice because you don't have to remember it every day, just once a month.

    Other than that, there's not too many options out there. If you don't mind my asking, what kind of IUD did you have before? I bled for about 10 weeks with my Mirena, but since then I've only had 2 periods and they were like the kind I used to get on the pill, not too bad. But I know it affects everyone differently.

    Good luck. I know how hard it is to find a BC that works for you!
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    Bump for answer since I was concidering this as well when I got to my doctor appointment this month. I have had too many close calls because of forgetting that everyday pill!!!
  • faithNlove212
    faithNlove212 Posts: 203 Member
    Before I was banned from hormonal birth control, I tried the NuvaRing. It was comfortable and I didn't have any problems with it at all. It was also nice because you don't have to remember it every day, just once a month.

    Other than that, there's not too many options out there. If you don't mind my asking, what kind of IUD did you have before? I bled for about 10 weeks with my Mirena, but since then I've only had 2 periods and they were like the kind I used to get on the pill, not too bad. But I know it affects everyone differently.

    Good luck. I know how hard it is to find a BC that works for you!

    I had the Mirena also. I bled heavy for about 3-4 months. I had it taken out & was in the hospital for a few days trying to get my energy back from being so weak.
  • kaymd
    kaymd Posts: 470 Member
    I need to find something other than the pill. I'm looking for something more permanent though. I will never go back on the shot!
  • RainyDayProphet
    RainyDayProphet Posts: 113
    Get him snipped. I stepped down that path and couldn't be happier. :)
  • sarahricks
    sarahricks Posts: 90 Member
    I had the nuva ring and really liked it. I could never remember to take a pill every day. It's nothing really like a IUD.
    I also had the paraguard IUD which I really liked but it's pricey. It doesn't have any hormones which I really liked.
  • mrsewert
    mrsewert Posts: 430 Member
    I've got my tubes tied now but had a Copper IUD put in after the birth of my son and when he was 4 months old found out I was PG with my now 4 year old daughter. :laugh:

    I loved the patch between my oldest and my son but now I've heard they are causing some issues with blood clots and such.

    Good luck on your quest.
  • annie_p
    annie_p Posts: 319 Member
    I have the Mirena and am in LOVE with it. I know a lot of people that have had problems with it though. Personally, I would not suggest the ring. I got pregnant while using it(and yes, I was using it correctly) as did a friend of mine.

    I've heard the patch can be pretty good, or Implanon(I think that's what it's called). It's something that they place in your arm.
  • Kate_UK
    Kate_UK Posts: 1,299 Member
    How long did you have your IUD in for? I had very heavy periods for 3 or 4 months, but after that it settled down and its no heavier now than before I had it. Might be worth givin it another try?
  • brittlynne3579
    brittlynne3579 Posts: 217 Member
    I am really good with my pills so I stick with those and I had a few say the patch doesn't stay put and makes their skin very irritated.

    But I have several girlfriends who use the ring and love it. I did pills for a few years and then tried the shots. I gained an insane amount of weight and got back on the pill. When I did though, my gyno helped me put in the ring a few times to see if I liked it. It was really comfortable and easy to put in and take out. Seems like that may be your best bet!
  • karot32
    karot32 Posts: 46
    Nuva Ring shouldn't cause bleeding like IUD does. The patch is something similar but you change that one once a week. Have you research BC implant? It's a little tube that is put under your skin and lasts for 3 years... I'm not sure about the potential side effects for that one though.

    As for remembering your pill, I have many friends who set an alarm on their phone to go off every day at a specific time. When it goes off they take their pill and that way they remember to take it every day and also take it at the same time every day which makes it more effective.
  • Tabs_A
    Tabs_A Posts: 69 Member
    NuvaRing is great! You don't have to worry about bleeding from it since it just slips inside you. I've been using for a few years and love it. If you find it uncomfortable during sex you can take it out, but I haven't had that problem. I would suggest giving it a try, some people I know have had issues with it staying in. I have also tried the patch because I knew I wouldn't be able to consistently remember to take the pill. The patch was ok, but I had issues with it peeling up and getting fuzzies from cloths etc sticking to the edges. I would really suggest trying NuvaRing, I recommend it to alot of people.
  • TropicalKitty
    TropicalKitty Posts: 2,298 Member
    I couldn't remember the pill either and went on NuvaRing. Low hormone and you can't really forget to take it. It isn't like an IUD - the ring sits in the vaginal canal instead of the uterus. So I wouldn't be scared of it.

    I absolutely love the ring. I don't have to remember to take a pill, but I have the flexibility to skip my period if I want to like you can with the pill. And it's not the massive hormone dose of the patch.

    The only "downside" - you have to be comfortable with yourself. Oh, and there isn't a generic like the pill so it's more expensive (but I think it's worth the cost).
  • punkin_793
    punkin_793 Posts: 23
    I am using the implanon and absolutely LOVE it!!!
  • nehtaeh
    nehtaeh Posts: 2,849 Member
    It sounds like the nuva ring might be your only option.

    I did do a bit of research on the implanon (sp?) but I didn't like the idea. It might be something for you to look into.

    With not being able to remember the pill, the natural family planning method might not be too effective for you as you have to chart and pay attention to your body all the time. However, it can be effective if you want to look into that. Adding condoms into that mix might be a good way to avoid getting pregnant until you are ready again.
  • bhelmreich
    bhelmreich Posts: 254 Member
    I use Implanon. Its a small rod they insert in your arm. I LOVE IT! its good for 3 years. the only thing is, i forget its there and when i accidently touch it, i freak out!
  • jsecret
    jsecret Posts: 606 Member
    I hated the pill since I couldn't remember to take it. The shot made me gain 20 lbs... and I only took it once! Never again. I tried Nuva ring but the hubby ended up pulling it out on accident every time we had sex and I could always feel it during sex... not fun. The ring also gave me terrible migraines so that was the end of that. Haven't found anything worthwhile yet but I also haven't been on BC for 2 years now (no condoms either) and haven't gotten pregnant again so I guess I'm safe for now lol.
  • AmandaR910
    AmandaR910 Posts: 991
    I wish I had an answer for you. I'm struggling with brith control options as well.
  • emma44ny
    emma44ny Posts: 141 Member
    I had my Mirena removed in early November and it was the best decision I ever made. I instantly felt 100X better despite the fact that it took 2 weeks to regain any energy from the amount of blood/ iron loss suffered. And I'm anemic to boot! Any who I have a friend who does the whole NuvaRing dealie and she swears by it. I have yet to try it myself, as we have just decided to throw caution to the wind for now. I waited until it was the absolute earliest time that I would even CONSIDER getting pregnant again to have the Mirena out so here we are... good luck and you should let us know how whatever you decide, goes!
  • TheMaidOfAstolat
    TheMaidOfAstolat Posts: 3,222 Member
    I was on the patch for 3 years and it was great! I need to start researching options again. I'm in the middle of a divorce and haven't had to worry about BC for a while now...but with dating again...guess I should get back on it just in case.
  • lyla29
    lyla29 Posts: 3,549 Member
    I guess I should start looking into this subject also since I'm separated and will eventually be divorced and dating again. There are a lot of good suggestions here.
  • pkgirrl
    pkgirrl Posts: 587
    Just a suggestion my doctor gave me, for anyone on here who's mainly looking for an alternative to the pill because they forget to take it.. ( I would honestly forget my pill once a week before) But he told me to put my pack with my toothbrush. A little odd at first, but I never forget to brush my teeth, and I wind up taking it just cause it's there. Just a suggestion =)
  • ashley0616
    ashley0616 Posts: 579 Member
    There's also natural family planning if you can't find something that will work for you. I will tell you that when used correctly, even though it's a pain in the *kitten* sometimes, it's pretty effective. Hubs and I were able to successfully use it for 11 months after Olivia was born. If you decide to look into it, get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility and it will help you learn how to track your cycles and use that information to avoid pregnancy. This will work great if you are in a monogamous relationship with no fear of STDs, etc.
  • lyla29
    lyla29 Posts: 3,549 Member
    Get him snipped. I stepped down that path and couldn't be happier. :)
    That worked for me (us) except now we're separated:ohwell:
  • rugrat200324
    rugrat200324 Posts: 128 Member
    I totally agree! I have been on the pill for 13 years. I have only forgotten 3 times. I put it with my tooth brush. I take it before i go to bed every night. I hope you find something.
  • Jessibear2854
    Jessibear2854 Posts: 82 Member
    Another vote for Nuvaring here. I've only been on it a year but I love it. So easy!
  • ProfPatty35
    ProfPatty35 Posts: 6
    I wish I had an answer for you, but I've been struggling with Birth Control for over 3 years. The pill actually gave me blood clots, and now I don't know what to do. I'm looking for a different option too.
  • wocm15
    wocm15 Posts: 81
    All I can say is don't use Paragaurd!!! I went off the pill because 5 females in my family got breast cancer, and I was scared to death of using hormones. I researched Paragard, and thought that this hormone free option would be the best. Alas.... I'm in so much pain both on and off my period. It's always a stabbing pain on my right side. The doctor says it's normal! BUT... I have not been pregnant, and IUD's aren't recommended for women who've never been pregnant, so that may be a reason. Also, getting it inserted was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life... Once I've gotten my money's worth of this BC, I'm going to try to find a low hormone BC to replace it.
  • NZGeekGirl
    NZGeekGirl Posts: 87
    We use natural family planning for us also, as someone else said it does mean charting and getting to know your body but we have found it very effective. (there is a three and a half year gap between kids after all!:laugh: ) We chose it because I also forgot to take the pill and these days I'm on medication anyway and really didn't want to add more stuff into my body. We also both dislike condoms but this way we know the times we need to use them and the times we don't have to.

    It may not be the ideal solution for you but might be worth adding to the mix as someone else pointed out.
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