Ladies only: Questions about Birth Control

I've been on a few different kinds of BC. Really, it's a little different for everybody. There are certain types of BC that can stop you from having a period completely, but I'd rather use the kind that allow you to have one (as I'm sexually active, helps double-check that I'm not pregnant). For a lot of people, myself included, it does cause weight gain, but this could be something you talk with the physician about.

I've been on Ortho-Tricyclen (I think that's how you spell it ), Tri-Sprintec, NuvaRing, and Sprintec.

Ortho-Tricyclen and Tri-Sprintec are pills. They have a gradual increase (or it may be decrease, I can't remember exactly) in hormone levels as the month progresses until you reach your sugar pill, which is the week you have your monthly. I was having horrible pain and migraines on this method so I switched to NuvaRing. I LOVED NuvaRing. You have to be comfortable with getting it 'up in there,' and you do have to be mindful that if it's not inserted correctly it can wiggle its way out, but I have trouble taking my pills at the same time every day due to my work schedule so this was a great option. When I was dropped from my parents health care coverage and was picked up by my biological father, I switched to Sprintec (NuvaRing was too expensive ). Sprintec is like Tri-Sprintec, except there is a level amount of hormones the whole month (instead of the gradual change) except for the week while on sugar pills. My gyno suggested this as an alternative to what I had been on, and this has greatly reduced my PMS pain and even some of my migraines.

There are a LOT of options when it comes to BC, some far more permanent than others. You really need to be honest with your physician and let her know plainly what your wanting out of the meds and what your worries are. Being specific and unashamed to ask questions will lay all your cards on the table and help the doctor determine the best choice in BC for YOUR body and YOUR expectations.

Birth control is a life saver, really. Planned Parenthood will answer all of your questions and tell you the best options for you. It might take a little while to find the right form for you, but once you get it, you'll know, because you'll feel awesome and have minimal side effects. I've had nothing but good experiences with the NuvaRing, because I tend to forget to take pills, even if I set my phone alarm. Awesome, really.

Just go to PP and bring your questions, honestly, they're wonderful.

I have been on the pill for 5 years and I love it! All pills are not created equal though! Like everyone else has said, everyone reacts different to the pill. For instance, Yaz, gave me heart palpatations and made me really depressed. My body just didn't like it. Once you speak with your doctor and get a blood test done then he/she will know what to start you off on. Use protection for the first month ontop of the pill though! And if you ever go on anibiotics, ALWAYS use a condom. LOL. It really is a lifesaver because it will regulate your cycle and you can know when to expect it etc. Hope this helps!

Birth control is a life saver, really. Planned Parenthood will answer all of your questions and tell you the best options for you. It might take a little while to find the right form for you, but once you get it, you'll know, because you'll feel awesome and have minimal side effects. I've had nothing but good experiences with the NuvaRing, because I tend to forget to take pills, even if I set my phone alarm. Awesome, really.

Just go to PP and bring your questions, honestly, they're wonderful.

Agreed. They are great at answering questions there. I have been on BC for years and as a result of it (over years remember) my period has become lighter. But, like everyone said, it is different for everyone. I take a pill and that works for me with not ill effects. One of my friends gets a shot in the bum every month. Another friend has stopped taking it all together sinceit caused her to have mood swings. Ask the folks at PP your questions and be completely honest!

If the question is just about regulating your period then it should help that. There are natural alternatives though. A lot of people gain weight on the pill and a lot don't. It's all about how your body reacts to it. I know there are some contraindications for it (smoking, over 35). Not sure if high bp is one or not.
I have taken the pill a lot over the years (I have PCOS which =really irregular periods) but won't take it any more. (I'm too old now anyways hee hee at the ripe old age of 36).
You might be better off to see a doctor and find out what the underlying problem is rather than masking it. And I don't say this lightly as I don't have insurance and understand that it's not always easy/possible. Good luck!

I've been on probably three of them. There was one or two that gave me unpleasant side effects. Basically, I felt pregnant. My boobs hurt, I bloated, and I felt a little sick. Different ones work differently on different people so you might go through a couple brands before you find one that works well for you. There are zillions of brands and off-brands with a zillion different combinations of hormones. Portia has been a good one for me to be on and I was able to get it for free through my university. My mental symptoms were always worse than physical ones and it helps with that while usually lessening some physical symptoms too.

You can skip your period on any pill by skipping the week of placebos and just starting a new pack. This is what I've done with Portia, though sometimes it creates some PMS-ey symptoms (again, achey boobs etc). I don't know how it compares to a brand that's designed to stop periods like Seasonique. I can live with it, anyway.

I only have a couple weeks left so I'm looking into getting an Implanon implant.

You've gotten some really good advice here, talk to your doc without holding anything back and figure out what will work best for you. The people at PP are great and have seen everything so they know their stuff. Dont be afraid to try different types and tell your doc if something doesnt feel right.

To answer your question though, I've tried all different kinds, pills and shots. They all had side effects some good some bad, the best for me was Yaz but it has been discontinued. I had a Mirena IUD inserted 7 months ago and I have zero complaints, but IUD's are typically for women who've had children already. I am thankful not to have to worry about it every day, pills were a bit tough for me, and it lasts for 5 years which is a bonus.

All I can tell you is my limited experience but maybe it will help you..
When I was 17 I was on depo provera for 2 rounds (the shot lasts 3 months, so I was "on" it for 6 months.
I gained 7 lbs in each 3 month period. I hadn't knowingly changed anything (eating, activity, etc) in that time frame, and my weight had been consistent prior.
and I continuously "spotted" the whole 6 months rather than having a regular period or none at all.

when I told (the health dept.) about those issues their suggestion was that I get another shot of depo PLUS take birth control pills... I decided not to continue the depo (and I am terrible at remembering pills so that would be utterly pointless)
so my husband and I decided to just use condoms..worked pretty well for us with no "oops" (in fact we TTC for 2 years to get pregnant with our 1st.. our second we were not trying nor preventing...)

I've used a variety of methods, and NuvaRing is my favorite by far.

Me too!!! Nuvaring is the way to go!!