Pill vs. Patch vs. Shot

[Zergplex]

Re: Re: Zergplex Says

Amen, Z. The hormonal issues the pill causes women are so difficult sometimes. Would be nice to share the burden a bit.

Exactly, my hon's period doesn't affect her mood basically at all and cramping and such tends to be minimal, so I'd rather keep it that way and take something myself then risk having the hormonal BC's backfire and have quite a few side effects of that nature. ^_^ makes sense to me!

-Zergplex

 

[Alice_In_Chains]

When I was on Birth Control it made me want to kill myself.

I DIDn'T WANT SEX!

 

[DarkMuse]

Now, I realize most of the responders are female, so I will probably get flamed for saying this. When a couple is done having children or does not want children at all, why is it all of a sudden the males responsibility to get a vasectomy? My viewing of it is that the female should get her tubes tied instead of the guy getting the vasectomy. Figure this: if the only thing holding a female back from swinging and just enjoying sex as much as she wants is the fact that she doesn't want to get pregnant from someone other than her husband, than I see having her tubes tied as a liberating step because it removes the worry/fear of unwanted pregnancy.

Yeah, I realize "it's easier for guys to have vasectomy's", but what's your point? It seems to be easier to use a condom, but that doesn't seem to work very well. Same goes with the pill. Honestly women, how many of you have either forgotten or just chose not to take one or more pills in your life of being on the Pill? Supposed to be simple, all you do is take a pill with your morning breakfast every day, yet it seems to be skipped either on purpose or accidentally all to often. True, the vasectomy has few if any side effects. But, if the female gets her tubes tied using good medical care, not an HMO, there should be just as few problems.

well, I always have condoms with me, I'm on the pill, I'm the one who gets the period all the time and HE gets "blow job week" (well...okay, we still have sex...but I'm the one dealing with cramps). Why shouldn't the guy get a vasectomy? Oh yeah, and women do all the work during pregnancy, as well. Grrr.

 

[DarkMuse]

There is a such thing as an IUD still and they work fantastically.

http://www.popcouncil.org/images/cut380.gif

This is the one that I have and have had for close to 6 years. They are good for 10 years. The effectiveness rating is at 99%, my periods are lighter, and I have no cramping now at all.

This is my second IUD, I had one prior to the planned pregnancy of my son. I'm tickled with this method. There is nothing to remember, no shots, no pills, no patches, and no pulling out. There are two very thin strands of monofilament attached to the tip of the IUD that extend through the cervix appx. an inch, these can be felt to assure it is still in place. Otherwise you don't feel it at all.

which type of IUD do you use????

 

[DarkMuse]

I've been on the pill mostly. Many kinds, and have to have REALLY high hormones. Was on the shot--and just ended up having my period continously (and heavy), became super horny, and lost weight (as opposed to gaining it). So it wasn't all bad (AND my nipples because sensitive because of it).

I was on the patch, and it didn't have enough hormones in it for me.

I would be interested in trying the IUD...I have a doctor's appointment for a pap and all that, so I will bring up the IUD and the ring, and see what he says. Because of the hormonal problems, we have to be careful with what I use.

 

[Sarini]

I've been on the patch for a year or two, and I love it. But then, I'm the kind of person who would definitely not be able to remember to do something at the same time everyday - not to mention that as a college kid, my routine tends to be wacky.

One little helpful tip my gyno gave me that I haven't seen mentioned here... Right after you put the patch on, if you lightly dust it with baby powder, it will cover some of the "extra stickies" around the edges and cut down on the bandaid-ring and clothes-sticking effect. Also, after you take it off, a little baby oil can help remove the leftover residue. Just make sure the next patch goes on non-oiled skin (you should be switching sides every week anyway).

To those worried about it falling off, etc - I only had one come loose, when I first went on BC. That was due to my messing around and not getting it on properly (I was experimenting, trying to keep it from wrinkling as I moved, and I put it on stretched too tight). You have about 24 hours to notice the mistake and put a new one on before you lose protection, and they'll give you a "spare" patch along with your prescription, just in case.

Oh, and my gyno as well as the official pamphlets and website say 7 days after you start on the patch, it's effective.

 

[honeybunnybaby]

Silly question....

What is the patch?? I'm in Australia and it has never been offered to me as a form of b/c. But it sounds pretty good! I've been on the pill since I was 14, apart from one pregnancy, I'm now 27 and looking for something different! I've been TRYING to talk my husband into the big "v", because I'm tired of all these hormones!! I always had bad periods prior to going on the pill, and I have been diagnosed with PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), so the pill does help in that respect with lighter periods & less cramping. Does anyone have a link or a name that might help me out so I can look into a little further? I'm not a fan of the depo shot for all the reasons already given, and the only other thing I've looked into is the Mirena IUD but my sister has that and is thinking of having it removed.

Any more info would be appreciated!

Thanks

Jen

 

[FurryFury]

Tell me, which of these do you prefer? Pros/cons for any you've been on?
Thanks

I've heard bad things about the shot. I've never tried it. Nor have I tried the patch.

The pill worked well for me for seven years. After which I had no problem getting pregnant when I wanted to.

Now that I'm done having kids, I enjoy having the IUD for 11+ years.

Fury

 

[Sarini]

What is the patch??

The patch is actually called Ortho Evra. It's the same sort of story as the pill, except there's currently only one type (there are several "brands" of the pill from what I hear, each with different "beneficial side effects" and things), and... well, it's a patch, not a pill. You wear one patch a week, in your choice of three locations: upper back, abdomen, or butt. On the fourth week, you wear no patch and get your period.

The usual side effects associated with hormonal birth control are advertised, although I've personally never had any real trouble. Same warnings about not using the patch if you're smoking or pregnant (duh)... Watch out for weight gain, nausea, etc... Regulates the period for those (like me) who have problems there, can help reduce cramps, etc... Same effectiveness rating (over 99%, they say).

Also, as a side note, the patch seems to be slightly more expensive than the pill (maybe 150% of the price, though I'm sure it depends on where and how you get it). Through my college, I was getting Ortho Evra for $15/mo a year ago, when the pill was about $10. This semester, the price for me went up to $25/mo.

The patch is also fairly new on the birth control scene, having been introduced in 2002. That might explain why you haven't heard of it?

http://www.orthoevra.com

 

[Anissu]

I've been on both the Patch and the Pill and I much prefer the patch over the pill.

The pill had caused me weeks of stomach pain that had actually put me out for hours. The pain in my stomach was so excruciating that I had to lie down and pray to fall asleep fast. It don't believe it had really made me overly moody, more along the lines of the same mood.

As for the patch, the only side effect I've suffered with that is moodiness, in which it's suppose to tone down after a while. I didn't suffer any kind of cramps that completely stunned me into begging for unconsciousness. Even though I have some residue on my back from the patch, that's nothing compared to cramps that won't go away.

I say Patch all the way!

 

[naxalite0906]

My ex was on the shot for a few years.. during this time she was very moody, had lots of irregular bleeding (and this wasnt your typical "spotting"), she lost all of her sex drive and she gained 42lbs.. at least.. It is a horrible thing that completely fucks with your body, sure some people might not have any problems with it, but it was the thing that fucked everything up for her and I still don't think she is over it.. We had scares for PCO or that her ovaries had stopped altogether. Based on this I would urge people not to do it.. I guess the answer would be a trial, but that isnt really possible i guess..

 

[canuckchick]

the only type of non-barrier method i have ever really used was depo. I never really took the pill because i couldnt remember to actually take it more then three days a week lol

i went from 117 lbs to 200 lbs before i realized it was the depo that was causing all the weight gain (I had some other dramas going on at the time and attributed the weight gain to stress). Size 5 to a Size 8 in no time...something like 2 months...then eventually up to a 12 or 14. I didnt have all the mood swings, crazyness (i dont think )or the sex drive problems that some have mentioned, and i did lose my period immediatly but that kind of weight gain just wasn't worth it for me. I finally bit the bullet and had my tubes tied.

 

[honeybunnybaby]

Thanks for the reply!

The patch is also fairly new on the birth control scene, having been introduced in 2002. That might explain why you haven't heard of it?
http://www.orthoevra.com

I checked out the links and I know why I haven't heard of it! Of course living Down Under means we miss out on a lot of great stuff, and the patch is one of them! Which is a shame. I'll have to keep an eye out to see when it is available, because it certainly seems to be a good alternative to the pill.

Thanks for your help!

Jen

 

[WaitingTesting]

There are a lot of posts here, but I'll add my two cents. I went on the shot 3 1/2 years ago when I met my now husband. It was difficult at first because the break through bleeding was almost constant for half of a year. Then it calmed down and I was loving it because I quit having a period entirely (yeah, for that). Trouble is, it alters your flavor, down there, yup, it certainly does, and not for the better (sour at first and then kind of onion-y, ew). I think it throws off your pH balance or something, I really do. I found a way to remedy it, but that's besides the point, it was annoying. I have been off of it for three months now (we're considering having a baby, being careful until we decide for sure, but wanted to get off of the shot to get my body back to normal, just in case) and the effects coming off of it are horrible...heaviest and lengthiest bleeding I have EVER had and not at all pleasant. Oh, and in the beginning, I'd say for the first whole year, I also got a little boil-looking thing on my face (which the ob/gyn said was common/normal) every time my three months was up (and it was time to renew the shot). Thank goodness those didn't last more than a day, but egad, give me a break. I am not an advocate of the shot at all. I think the only two pros it has are you don't have a cycle after awhile (let's face it, ladies, those are for the birds...but on the flip side, maybe NOT having one is a problem too, who knows, and the other pro is that your chances for conceiving are very minimal, and it has been very effective in that area) but the negatives are big negatives, and I have already decided that should the need arise again, the shot will NOT be my choice of bc. I'd think long and hard before getting one.

 

[ickle_stace]

i've only ever used the pill, was on it for four years, and i have put on loads of weight, i used to be slimish (was never skinny or anything) and now im quite a bit bigger, trying to get back down now though. sent my blood pressure up cos of the weight gain too, which is why doc took me off.

but i also had horrible migraines, i'd go sit in a dark room and try sleep, and still no luck getttin rid of it, tablets didn't work either. Normally they were when i started my period, but not always. but i had them atleast every month on my period, and since i came off the pill about a year ago i've not had another one!

also i remember reading somewhere that it can affect the effect pheromones has on women, and i always seemed to go for the bad lads when i was on it, but now i've come off i've realised i should never have gone for those guys, and it seemed to coincide with the pill taking too, cos i managed to avoid those guys before i went on it lol dunno maybe people just think im talking shit now hehe

 

[sosexy]

How about the diaphragm? or natural birth control?

 

[averageblonde]

This is for a friend....

seriously, it is. My friend weighs 173 pounds and is on the pill. She wonders whether or not her boyfriend can cum inside her and she wont get pregnant? She asked her ob/gyn but the problem was, the doctor is very pro-condom AND pill at the same time. This is a fantasy that her bf has and she would like to do it. Anybody know the answer?

 

[Sarini]

How about the diaphragm? or natural birth control?

*ponder* Natural birth control? I might just be behind on my terminology, but what do you mean by that?

If you're talking about the rhythm method or some such... that's how my cousin was born. ;-)

 

[sosexy]

yeah I mean controling your cycle, knowing when you ovulate etc. It takes a lot of work, daily temperature taking etc.

 

[UwantMe]

surprisingly, it does.....I actually found that out from my
gyno about that. I had started taking a calcium supplement
when I had bad cramping a long while back and it helps.

I never knew that!!! I got so excited when I read that becuase I get VERY emotional before I get my peroid,I probly get it really bad because I am lactose intolerant and I dont drink milk.. I think I am going to take some calcium pills from now on...

Thanks a bunch for sharing this!!!!!!

 

[Eilan]

If you're talking about the rhythm method or some such... that's how my cousin was born. ;-)

The rhythm, or calendar, method is only one type of BC that relies upon fertility awareness, and IMO, it's probably not all that effective by itself unless a woman has an extremely regular menstrual cycle. The rhythm method is likely more effective when combined with other "natural" methods, such as keeping track of basal body temperature, changes in cervical mucus, etc.

Using fertility awareness techniques to prevent pregnancy is really a lot more work than checking the calendar and avoiding sex for several days. It takes time and effort to keep track of the body's changes, and both partners should be involved in keeping track of things.

Though I was on BCP's for the first two years of our marriage, my ex and I eventually used a combination of fertility awareness methods and condoms. I found that the tracking of my body's physical signs/symptoms also came in really handy when it came to getting pregnant. It worked for me because my cycles are very regular. I'm not sure about its overall effectiveness for women who have irregular menstrual cycles. Maybe someone who has experience with that can provide that information.

Because I put the time and effort into learning about my body, I'm still aware of when I'm about to ovulate, even though I no longer have to worry about pregnancy. I think all women of childbearing age should do this, not as BC, but just so they know these things. Knowledge is a good thing.

And for those of you who might be itching to comment on the number of children I have--bite me. My kids weren't accidents.

 

[ultimate_cin]

I was on the Pill for years before I started having sex, mostly because my periods used to be very heavy and painful. The Pill helped a lot with that, and my periods became more manageable. I didn't realize until this year that you're supposed to take it at the SAME time (or roughly close) every day or it lessens the effectiveness of birth control. Of course, I wasn't having sex until this year so it wasn't a big deal....but once I found this out, I tried to take it at the same time every day. However, my memory is not the greatest, and I kept forgetting to take it. I heard about the patch here, did some reading at the website, and called my gyno to see about switching over. He did tell me that the hormonal level in the patch was less than what I was getting from the Pill, and that I should use condoms along with the patch for a while until my body adjusted to the new hormone level. But I have to say that I absolutely love the patch. I only have to change it once a week and I haven't had any bad side effects from it as of yet. As long as you fit the parameters (read at the website to see who can't use it), I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[HoneyGirl69]

I didnt read all of the thread, but did anyone mention the coil? Ihave such problems with contraception as I am not allowed to take the pill due to the times I have taken it I have gone crazy and very depressed - me and my man use condoms, its so annoying as we have been together for 3 years and we are both sick of it and the fact that we are getting a bit slack about it, so every month I worry about being pregnant, as we put the rubber on at last minute etc!

A nurse suggested the coil as I am 29, have no children, but am in stable relationship, although she said if i contracted an STD that i may risk the chance of infecting my womb and therefore not able to have children etc - this is quite scary although I dont think my man would cheat on me, or that I would cheat and catch an STD.

The only thing that is putting me off is that the nurse says it can be quite painful to insert an that there might be problems for a couple of weeks afterwards, and heavy periods etc? Also you have to have it fitted while you are on your period as they open up the womb (which is already open when on period)
Anyone else using the coil? Any tips? Pros/cons?

Note: on the pill, every woman i know who has taken it has lost their sex drive somewhat, I woul hate that to happen!

 

[ickle_stace]

I didnt read all of the thread, but did anyone mention the coil? Ihave such problems with contraception as I am not allowed to take the pill due to the times I have taken it I have gone crazy and very depressed - me and my man use condoms, its so annoying as we have been together for 3 years and we are both sick of it and the fact that we are getting a bit slack about it, so every month I worry about being pregnant, as we put the rubber on at last minute etc!

A nurse suggested the coil as I am 29, have no children, but am in stable relationship, although she said if i contracted an STD that i may risk the chance of infecting my womb and therefore not able to have children etc - this is quite scary although I dont think my man would cheat on me, or that I would cheat and catch an STD.

The only thing that is putting me off is that the nurse says it can be quite painful to insert an that there might be problems for a couple of weeks afterwards, and heavy periods etc? Also you have to have it fitted while you are on your period as they open up the womb (which is already open when on period)
Anyone else using the coil? Any tips? Pros/cons?

Note: on the pill, every woman i know who has taken it has lost their sex drive somewhat, I woul hate that to happen!

my mum has a coil in, and she had horrible pains for a few months afterwards

also, my doctor told me if i wanted to have kids not to have a coil put in until after i've had all the kids i want

 

[amiss]

Extensive Personal Experience

Not all pills are created equal! There's two hormones involves (progestin and estrogen, if I remember correctly... ), and different brands will offere different levels. Back when I was on the pill, I took Tri-Cyclen made by Ortho. I didn't notice any major side-effects, myself; if anything, it made my complexion a little clearer. But a friend of mine tried it, and it affected her appetite, her moods, etc. etc. so she ended up switching to something else. Personally, I hated taking the pill because it didn't fit into my schedule very well. They recommend taking it the same time every day, but my routine is more of a weekly schedule. So that same time of day wasn't always convenient. There was also the chance I'd forget (which did happen occassionally).

When the patch (Evra) first came out, I was eager to try it. It's also made by Ortho, so it was like taking the same prescription but in a different form. (i.e. the same level hormones, but thru the skin instead of pills) I found that I could only place it on my hips or thighs, though there are other suggested areas, because it would itch/irritate me too much in those other areas (ex. lower back, arms, stomach). I only had the patch come off twice: once in a hot tub (when I stayed in too long, and it wasn't covered/protected by my bathing suit), and once right when I began using it, I don't think I applied it properly, and it came off my leg and attached to my sheet overnight. My major complain about the patch was the mark it left afterwards. It's kind of like wearing a band-aid for an extended period of time; afterwards, you can see the outline, where there's residual stickiness and maybe some lint-like fuzz. (Also, the patch isn't covered by all insurance plans here in Canada, although the pills usually are.) One last thing about the patch: my mom heard on the news a week or two ago that officials may be concerned that they approved the patch for consumer use too quickly. Apparently there are suspicions that the hormones are not being released at a steady rate. I didn't hear the newscast myself, so don't know all the details, but it's something to look into if you're on or going to go on the patch.

I've actually just finished my first month with NuvaRing. (It's covered by my insurance plan, despite it's novelty to the market.) I really liked it. It was easy to use (put in and take out), and I hardly thought about it the whole time. Compared to daily thoughts with the pill, and weekly adjustments with the patch, not having to worry about it for 3 whole weeks was bliss! The first few days I was always checking if it slipped at all when I went to the washroom, but it stayed in place really well -- better than most tampons, I'd say. The only thing I can't tell you about the ring is how my partner reacted, 'cause I don't have one right now. What I can tell you is that masturbating (with finger/vibrator penetration) did not dislodge it whatsoever. According to the manufacturer, many men can't tell that it's there, and a large majority of those who could feel it didn't mind it at all.

I've never had the shot (Depo, etc.) because I've heard too many "horror stories" from different women. One girl in particular told me she pretty much bled the full 3 months, which is horrible! I've also heard stories of significant weight gain/loss, severe moodiness, loss of sex drive, etc. etc. The risks just didn't seem worth it for me.

Oh, and the IUD! My mother and grandmother have both tried it in their day ('cause it's been around that long!), and both got nasty infections. The infection rate (ex. vaginitis, yeast infections, etc.) is higher with the IUD than most other methods, though I believe the actual protection factor against pregnancy is about the same. So although it seems like a good idea, knowing my genetic propensity for "downstairs" infections, I'm not gonna try it myself.

Well, congratulations! If you've made it thru everything I wrote, I hope I've at least been some help!
*S