Birth Control Methods

[PhilGarlic]

oral contreception

The best form of oral contraception the word 'NO'

My daughter was prescribed long term injection or implant, it messed her skin up big time.

 

[Juliewife]

Bc

I had an ablation and tubal and don't need anything now, but I used to used the sponge or film. Both worked well for me. I really liked the sponge, put it in in advance and good for more than one time.

 

[Flybigirlsea]

Thank you again everyone...

 

[njlauren]

If his or hers sterilization isn't an option, an IUD might be a good choice. As was already pointed out, there ARE risks. I had one for about 3 years and it wasn't bad at all. I did have a 2 month period of adjustment, with heavier periods and cramping, but then it settled down and all was well and I had much lighter periods (which was part of the goal for me at the time). I did have the Mirena, and it was considered to be a viable option when the pill wasn't, anymore. (I was getting migraines.)

One caution...if you smoke, do not use a hormone based contraceptive. While the risk is statistically low, it can cause all sorts of problems. I haven't smoked in over 20 years, but I went on a low-dose pill for hormone replacement, and promptly ended up in the hospital with blood clots in my lungs. I'm lucky to be alive, so I've been told.

I second that one, hormones and smoking has major risks to it with clotting and such (heck, women have a higher risk of blood clots simply because of estrogen in their system, they are more subject to clots forming,for example, from sitting for long periods of time, without taking birth control). A good friend of mine died in her late 40's, she smoked and was on the pill and ended up with a clot causing her heart to fail. When I started HRT one of the first questions my endo asked was if I smoked and said if I did to quit before he would work with me (I never did, fortunately), I also knew some trans girls who smoked and were on HRT who ended up with problems with clotting and one had a heart attack at 29.....

 

[njlauren]

Obviously other then condoms, none of the other forms of bc help protect against std's (I know, obvious, but still, a consideration).

People may react badly to this, but there is the concept of using your ovulation cycle to determine when you are fertile and work it that way, modern methods of doing that like the Catholic NFP (which isn't the 'rhythm method' of old) can be pretty effective, but they also take a bit of work to do effectively and may not work well if for example a woman's cycles are messed up. The problem is it takes work, it takes planning and so forth, and obviously if you good the consequences can be there, but they can be for bc pills, too (like taking antibiotics when on the pill and having unprotected sex, or forgetting pills or even a bad batch...), and you always have the option of morning after pills if you think you fouled up.....

I am neither recommending this option nor claiming it is great or bad, might be worth researching, it could be an alternative but may not be a good fit, either.

 

[bailadora]

People may react badly to this, but there is the concept of using your ovulation cycle to determine when you are fertile and work it that way, modern methods of doing that like the Catholic NFP (which isn't the 'rhythm method' of old) can be pretty effective, but they also take a bit of work to do effectively and may not work well if for example a woman's cycles are messed up. The problem is it takes work, it takes planning and so forth, and obviously if you good the consequences can be there, but they can be for bc pills, too (like taking antibiotics when on the pill and having unprotected sex, or forgetting pills or even a bad batch...), and you always have the option of morning after pills if you think you fouled up.....

I am neither recommending this option nor claiming it is great or bad, might be worth researching, it could be an alternative but may not be a good fit, either.

I can't speak to the Catholic NFP, but I successfully used the Fertility Awareness Method for a number of years. You're right, it does take a few cycles to become familiar with and accustomed to learning and tracking the signs, but after awhile, it became quite routine for me - something I did almost without thinking about it. AND once I became more familiar with my system, I was able to figure out when it was going wonky and whether or not I should seek medical attention for it.

Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility is generally regarded as the FAM bible and it has a lot of great information in it. I thought I was pretty familiar with my body until I read that book. Even if my girls never plan on using FAM as a method of birth control, I plan on making them read TCOYF just for the sheer amount of information it'll teach them about their own reproductive systems.

 

[LaSalia]

I've Had Mirina and now Paraguard IUD

With the Mirina I had spotty periods all over the place, but I was like that on the pill too. Hormones and me just don't mix. It was REALLY easy to put in and never had real issues. I was able to get pregnant about six months after it was removed.

I picked the Paraguard next because it doesn't have any hormones and I could have it put in just a few weeks after delivering my second child and not worry about anything transferring during breast feeding. It's just as convenient as the Mirina, but my periods are really heavy (they were like that when I was a teenager too, so it might just be normal for me) but much more predictable than when I was on hormones. I get a few twinges of pain occasionally, outside PMS, but nothing really bad. The thing DOES move a little, and you may feel it. Same with Mirina.

The one thing I HATE about both is that the string pokes my hubby. You're not supposed to be able to feel it, since the string is just barely sticking out of the cervix, but he does, sometimes, depending on the position. I had my Dr. cut the string some more, but he still gets jabbed once in a while. I don't know if this is just because he's well endowed, or what, but if your guy bumps your back wall once in a while, he might get poked. It makes rough sex get a little too rough, ROFL. It doesn't do it every time, regardless of position, but if it does, I usually just get on my hands and knees and that fixes the problem. Less shallow that way.

If your Dr. wants you off of the pill because of hormones, an IUD or a diaphragm are pretty much the only options I know of. The problem with diaphragms are you need to put them in a few hours before sex. And forgetting to take them out is a common issue, resulting in TSS just like a tampon.

 

[LaSalia]

My Libido is Up

Doctors normally won't do the IUD thing if you've never had kids, unless there are other circumstances. My wife was never pregnant but she had one. She basically told the doctor that she wanted me to get a vasectomy and they suggested the IUD instead. She had that in for about a year and hated it. It screwed with her hormones a bit. It decreased her libido as well.

I don't remember if the Mirina messed with my Libido, I've been on hormones pretty much since I started having sex (about a week after my first time actually, I HATE CONDOMS!!!) so there's that.

With the Paraguard, with no hormones, I've noticed my libido has skyrocketed, to the point where my husband is actually playing the headache card once in a while, LOL. I never used to masturbate, but now I do. So you might actually find that less hormones have even more benefits, assuming your mate can handle it!

 

[Flybigirlsea]

Thanks again...Paraguard sounds like it could be the answer. The string issue could be a concern to my partner though...

 

[AdjectiveNounVerb]

If your Dr. wants you off of the pill because of hormones, an IUD or a diaphragm are pretty much the only options I know of. The problem with diaphragms are you need to put them in a few hours before sex. And forgetting to take them out is a common issue, resulting in TSS just like a tampon.

My girlfriend had a bad reaction to combination pills so she tried Depo, and that gave her problems too so it's been nixed. We've been using condoms because she doesn't believe diaphragms work. How effective are they really, and why do they need to be put in a few hours before sex?

 

[shortstuff02]

I have been on the ortho evra patch for about 7 years with no problems. Just change it once a week and you are good to go.

 

[SweetErika]

My girlfriend had a bad reaction to combination pills so she tried Depo, and that gave her problems too so it's been nixed. We've been using condoms because she doesn't believe diaphragms work. How effective are they really, and why do they need to be put in a few hours before sex?

I've not heard of needing to put a diaphragm in hours before sex. You DO need to leave it in well afterwards to make sure all of the sperm are killed by the spermicide and vagina, but that's it as far as I know.

Condoms are FAR more effective than diaphragms when used consistently and correctly, so that's going to be your best bet of all of the noninvasive, non-hormonal methods.

 

[bbw4youngercocks1]

I used the diaphragm when I was in my 20's - talk about a pain in the ass (no pun intended ). Not only did I have to make sure the thing was in right, but also leaving it in for a certain time period after the last sexual contact. Don't get me started on the messy spermicide gel.

The pill was great for regulating my periods, but damn, did they make me nauseous.

At least these days, I can settle for a guy using a condom.

 

[dollface007]

I have the Paragard copper IUD. I have mixed feelings about it. I love it, but it hasn't been 100% smooth sailing. So take what you will from my personal experience, knowing that every body is different...

Background: I got it b/c I didn't want to be on hormones anymore. I was on the pill for 10 years, and every time I switched pills for one reason or another, my breasts would grow. I have naturally large breasts and didn't need them to grow any more! I started having weird side effects with my pill and decided I needed to get off for good. I was not in a relationship at the time, so I thought it would be a good idea to try out the IUD. I've never had kids. I've had it for about 9 months.

The bad: I had a failed insertion. It was painful. The doctor gave up b/c my cervix was too tight. I went back the next month, took medication to soften my cervix, and the insertion barely hurt at all. I had cramping for a few weeks and then random mid-cycle cramping for a few months. The first time I had my period, the amount of blood was insane. The nurse at my docs' office told me if i started bleeding any more than I was, I should go to the ER. My periods have been heavy ever since, but have gotten lighter than they were initially. I am now very familiar with "ultra" strength tampons, ibuprofen, and vitamin E (to lighten the bleeding). I gave up using the Diva Cup for fear of accidentally pulling out the IUD. In the past 9 months, I've had a couple of pelvic infections...although the doctor doesn't know if they were actually infections b/c I never had a fever. He gave me antibiotics just in case. The pain was so bad during one, I had to take hydrocodone. If it ever gets that bad again, I might consider having it taken out.

The good: I am not currently on any hormones, and I never have to think about taking a pill or worrying about birth control. My boyfriend and I got tested for stds and don't use condoms anymore. I lost weight. If I have skin issues, weight issues, or other issues, I never have to wonder if it's my pill. My libido is stronger, and sex feels better in general. I think the libido this was huge for me...it's sort of liberating...like: this is what my body wants, so I need to get it.

 

[Flybigirlsea]

Thanks Dollface...looking like condoms are the way to go...

 

[missgiter]

I had my son while on birth control pills - And I used them properly. But, if you would like to stay on the pill, have you considered just switching to a lower dosage one? I know that they are out there, but don't have any feedback on them.

I used nuva-ring both before (for awhile) and after I had my son. It was easy enough and didn't bother me when I used it the first-go round. I used it for about 6 months or so. You leave it in for 3 weeks and take it out for the 4th. So, it's good to have a calendar for that. You may remove it during sex... my partner never liked feeling it. So I took it out before, and put it back in after I cleaned up. After childbirth... It kinda messed with me a bit. It made me very, very dry no matter what state of arousal I was in. So after giving it a month or so go, I ditched it and never went back.

I've talked with my GP about Mirena, because I want to wait a few more years before having another. She recommends it. I've heard mixed reviews about it. Some women have no issues with it - others spot for months.

Or you could always go for the deppo!

 

[Cheshire D]

I got the Mirena IUD a little less than a year ago, and I absolutely love it! User error is eliminated (excepting insertion error) which drastically decreases the chance of failure. Consequently, my anxiety about sex went way way down, which helped my libido. The teensy tiny doses of hormones in it are absolutely perfect for me--for many many years I was on oral contraceptives and I would literally have teachers calling my mom out of concern that I was extremely mentally ill, like undergoing psychosis sort of problems. I'm one of the people who have almost completely lost her period--80% of people have such a reduction with the Mirena. Some smaller portion of that stop having periods entirely. I expected this, because for a few years previous I was "stacking" my Nuvarings (more on them later) so I would have no periods then either. It is progestin-only, so people who may have problems with estrogen-containing pills should consider it. I have no kids, and I want no kids, and going through my local planned parenthood I got a gyn who happily put it in, with the caveat that I could lose it but he'd check with an ultrasound afterwards to make sure it was placed right.

I will say, my skin is a little less clear than it used to be. The other HUGE thing is I have had an increase in migraines since I got it, including one migraine with aura that needed an ER visit. I had told the gyn that inserted it I got migraines, but no aura, so he said I was still a good candidate. I try to keep a mental log about the headaches, just in case. The insertion itself is probably the lowest note to the thing--It was agonizing, for me. Maybe I wasn't prepared for it, maybe it wasn't perfect timing...but it hurt during. Afterwards I was crampy for a couple of days. I have very few crampy problems now.

Previous to my IUD, I used the Nuvaring, which is a combined progestin and estrogen ring that goes inside your vagina. Again, the low dose of hormones kept me from going psycho. As well, there is low user error involved--a "set it and forget it" sort of birth control method. Three weeks in, one week out. Unless you're me who hated her periods and with the blessing with the doc went "four weeks in times three, then one week out." I probably would have kept going with this one indefinitely without a boyfriend, but once I had one I was a little more worried about screwing up.

Hope this helps!

 

[LucyH]

Hormones made me crazy and sick, and I didn't want more kids anyway, so I got my tubes tied. It's awesome - day surgery, a couple days off work to recover, and birth control is taken care of for life. You can hardly even see the scars.

 

[chipcarver]

i have heard that one of the best birth control methods is an aspirin. Whilst wearing clothes you place the aspirin between your knees and don't drop it.

Sorry old joke, please don't hang me from the rafters.

 

[EmaEsmerelda]

I had so many hormonal issues. I started using orthotricyclin as a teenager for my skin. Now I use nuvaring becasue it is a very low dose hormones. Implants are very harsh on your reproductive organs. Which if you don't plan on conception isn't a big deal, but if you do plan on making babies later in life, you want minimally harmful options. The other interesting thing about nuvaring is that it does not cause metabolites in the liver- which it is not yet known what they do, but I think the least one messes with nature the better. It is just as accurate as oral contraceptives. And it is only barely noticable during sex. You have to insert it vaginally, but it stays outside, around your cervix-unlike an IUD which bounces around inside your uterus. Definately talk about your needs with your doctor, and if they seem unknowledgeable don't hesitate to go to a Gynocologist or specialist. Good Luck!

 

[weworshipcocks]

I think I'm going to try and get an IUD closer to the middle to start of 2013... BUT I'm looking around for any personal accounts.

Due to all the new healthcare stuff it's affordable and I pay nothing for certain things and 20% for other things... I have an amazing OBGYN and excellent information from her but still the choice is hard. My cervix might be a bit on the smaller side too...

It's one of the most used BC in other countries and those countries where it is popular have WAY less accidental births etc etc


I WANT ONE- but which? Just thinking about and hoping for any more accounts from those who use or have used an IUD! Thanks!

 

[SinisterSpiders]

I think I'm going to try and get an IUD closer to the middle to start of 2013... BUT I'm looking around for any personal accounts.

Due to all the new healthcare stuff it's affordable and I pay nothing for certain things and 20% for other things... I have an amazing OBGYN and excellent information from her but still the choice is hard. My cervix might be a bit on the smaller side too...

It's one of the most used BC in other countries and those countries where it is popular have WAY less accidental births etc etc


I WANT ONE- but which? Just thinking about and hoping for any more accounts from those who use or have used an IUD! Thanks!

Hey there! I have had a copper IUD for 2-ish years and haven't had any trouble with it. I think that the best thing about it is that I don't have any foreign hormones running through my body and messing with me. Some time in the future we will be getting it out so we can try for another baby, but I will happily get another one after that. Much better than Implanon in my opinion.

 

[njlauren]

The warning about smoking and hormone birth control is real, I lost a good friend of mine that way, she smoked, was on the pill and it ended up killing her at 50, a blood clot in her lungs. When I was in HRT my endo would not work with patients who smoked, for that very reason.

Another alternative take some work, but it is something to think about, might be modern methods of tracking fertility cycles. If done right they can be effective, but they also take a lot of work, too. I am suspicious of anything involving the Catholic church and its 'natural' birth control, given they are still in the mindset that the world needs lots and lots of new kids, that there is no such thing as overpopulation, and so forth, but there are non religious groups with information on that, you may want to look at it as a possible alternative.

As far as someone suggesting papaya seeds for the guy, I don't recommend that, that is much like using withdrawal as a method of birth control, there is a word for people who use that, it is called parents....

 

[cornflakegirl78]

I started with the pill because my periods were extremely heavy - they got worse to the point I was bleeding constantly - once I stopped the bleeding stopped.
When I met my husband I got mirena and had it for 5 years. I loved it - especially since I didn't have real periods. I have never been pregnant and the doctor had no issue with putting it in -I went to a women's health clinic and they were the ones who suggested it because of my history with the pill. The actual insertion didn't hurt horribly but she measured something and that hurt like freaking hell. I had cramps a couple of days a few light periods and then nothing - ask someone else mentioned though, my breasts totally felt periody when I should have been getting it. My period came back the month I had it removed. My husband never had any complaints about it.
Then I went with nuvaring, we knew we wanted to start trying to concieve within 6 months so another mirena didn't make sense. I liked nuvaring as well though - but I admit I would lose track of days. We did usually take it out during sex and then put it back in.
As for natural methods - you have to be very vigilant and really get to know your body well - I've been charting and tracking for months (trying to get pregnant) but just when I think I've got it down my body decides to change it up a bit - of course when you are trying to conceive it is only slightly annoying - if one was trying not to a couple days difference in a month could make a huge difference in one's life.

 

[knot_sweet]

I'm another IUD advocate, although the advice I was given was to avoid the copper one as I get skin reactions to impure metals. I originally wanted to be sterilised, but my ObGyn pointed out that IUDs have a lower failure rate. I'm mildly allergic to latex, the pill is ineffective for me so patches and rings were out, and frankly I've heard too many horror stories about implanon for me to be comfortable with someone cutting me open to remove it.

I've had a Mirena twice now. The first time was a painful insertion followed by a few days of heavy bleeding. Then nothing at all for the next few years I had it in. No bleeding ever. It didn't effect my libido at all. No negative side effects whatsoever.

This time around I had it put in a few years after having a child. Insertion didn't hurt, the bleeding was less and my other PMS issues that developed after pregnancy like backache, tender breasts and insane mood swings are gone. The downside is random spotting and occasional cramping. Again, my libido hasn't been affected. But those are a small price to pay for birth control that is effortless , cost effective and 99.9% failproof.

The choice is ultimately going to be yours, but the Mirena is pretty damned awesome and I reccommend it to all the girls I work with when the subject comes up.