Pill vs. Patch vs. Shot

[Gilly Bean]

Hi! This is the wife of y=mx+b. Karebear, the Pill has been shown to be less effective in woman who weigh 150 lbs. or more. The Patch, however, is fully effective in women up to 200 lbs. It is recommended that women over the weight limit for each method use a barrier as back-up.

To my knowledge, weight is not an issue for Depo-provera, but it is known to cause weight gain. I had a patient who gained 50 lbs. within 3 months of using Depo.

Like my dh said, I use the Patch and think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'll likely stay on it until we try to get pregnant.

Quite a few doctors won't perscribe the patch if the patient is over 145 pounds. I had a friend who wanted this, and weighs 150, and she tried to get it perscribed from 3 doctors, and none would give it to her because of the higher chances of pregnancy with weight.

Basically, they explained to her that the dose couldn't be upped, and dose is based on weight. Larger women require a larger dose.

 

[sandiego_gordo]

while we're on this subject....

since it seems like a knowledgable crowd here let me ask a couple of more or less related questions.

my girlfriend recently went and got 'the shot', in europe which may not be the same thing the fda approved, but i think she has to get it every six months. she didn't say anything about the calcium supplement, in fact she didn't say anything at all until after the fact (i would have tried to talk her out of it, i'm not big on chemicals). Is the calcium important for long term health, ie ostereoperosis (you know what i mean even if my spelling isn't quite right), or is it for the short term mood swings?

next, she's 48, never had kids, (never wants to), do you think the slim chance of her actually getting pregnant is worth risking ANY chemical birth control? neither of us like condoms, but is there any modern equivalent of the old iud? ie, one that doesn't kill the mommy to prevent the baby?

finally, the 'v' word. i'm not afraid of the operation and i sure don't need any more kids, ever, but i'm concerned about changing my body or messing with my hormone production/distribution. Anyone had any experience with vasectomy, and what were the side-effects?

Gordon

 

[SexyChele]

Can't speak about the calcium, but at 48 years of age, your lady needs to be taking a supplement regardless of whether she is on birth control or not. I'm 43 and started well before turning 40. Women need this, period.

I'm not sure that there is a "slim" chance of getting pregnant at her age. I'm only 5 years younger, and while I am entering peri-menopause, I can still get pregnant. Remember: all it takes is one of those little guys getting near one of those little eggs. If neither of you want children, it's best to play it safe.

If you do your research on a vasectomy, you will learn that the only thing that is "snipped" is the wiring that leads the sperm to the prostate. All other body functions remain normal, as it is the prostate that creates seminal fluid. Granted, there are side effects, as there is from any medical procedure. However, they vary from man to man. The most common one I've heard of is the amount of seminal fluid seems to lessen. I've known several men who have had vasectomies, and all of them stated they wished they had done it much earlier.

If you don't like the use of chemicals and don't want anymore children, it would be worth it to you to check this out. There are many sites all over the web that outlines the procedure, but a good chat with your doctor is really the only way to know if this is for you and what side effects you might have to face.

 

[DarlingNikki]

I have been on the pill off and on for years and like it a lot. I did have some problems with the tri-phasic pill (Ortho tri cyclen) like extreme nausea and fatigue, but the lower dose monophasic pills were great for me. It's great to know the exact day my period will arrive and if I want to skip it altogether I can do that.

Never tried the patch or shot.

On a related note - has anyone here ever taken Alesse, or the generic Aviane? I have just switched to this pill and am wondering about side effects.

 

[deliciously_naughty]

I don't know anything about the European shot...the American shot is every three months. And what you must realize (not to sound bitchy) is that what you think about chemicals shouldn't have any bearing on her choices about her body. The shot does affect all women differently, but if she likes it, then more power to her.

The thing is, there's nothing really like the old IUD because it didn't really work. Or at least that's really effective. The shot is almost 100% effective. It's fabulous!

Beyond that, all women should take calcium b/c we are at serious risk for osteoporosis.

 

[sandiego_gordo]

thanks for the inputs

And what you must realize (not to sound bitchy) is that what you think about chemicals shouldn't have any bearing on her choices about her body.

...yeah, well, it wasn't just me speaking, she said that's why she didn't go on the pill. I didn't press because she did something for us, so I love her more but I'm still not very comfortable with her choice...for both of us.

OK, guess I better take a closer look at the vasectomy. Meanwhile, i'll just make sure she starts taking her calcium and i'll make damn sure she get's her money's worth out of that shot.

thanks for the input, gordon

 

[Cycnus]

I have to admit that I'm suprised at how many hate the Pill (ortho-tri-cyclen and others). I know several people who had to switch to other prescriptions for the pill because of pill-induced high blood pressure and some also with moodiness/depressive tendencies, some even had to quit it; but I and quite a few other women I've known gained quite a few benefits from the pill.

When I got my period at age 11 1/2 (typical for women in my line) it was quite heavy and lasted 7 days with no PMS. About the time I hit sr. high (~3.5 yrs later?) I began getting PMS from hell, missing school - which I never did - curled up into ball, etc. Nothing but PremSyn PMS over the counter meds worked for me. A few yrs later, I and my boyfriend decided to try the pill as an alternative for the condom/condom+spermicidal foam we had been using. While difficult for me (I gag when taking pills, the eventual reason I quit that form of bc) to a small degree, the pill reduced my period to about 3.5 - 4 days, my cramps/bloating/moodiness/etc. pms all were reduced. Significantly.

I have only been taking calcium supplements (2-4 Tums daily, when I remember) since I got pregnant with my first (of 2 pregnancies/kids). Thus I don't know what effect it could have on a period as I just got my (2nd) period back since the birth of my second child (14.5 months ago). BUT, I have been using Advil - or its generic counterparts - to control all symptoms but the worst of the water-bloating and extreme moodiness, thanks to the advice of a former co-worker, and it helps incredibly.

I asked my doctor about the patch after the birth of my second and he told me that it's not a good idea for me. Why? Because I'm a nursing mum and ALL nursing mums had better go with non-hormonal birth control methods lest they lose their milk. A serious consideration for those with babes in hand. A longer-term choice for me because I believe in nursing children until they wean themselves (both of "mommy moo" and the family bed), which could be 3 - 6 or so years, depending on the child in question.

Bear in mind that regardless of what birth control method the woman uses, the man also bears some of the onus of bc. No, I'm not talking about the man-pill, etc. though that sort of thing is right and just and it should not all rest in the women's laps regarding bc responsibility, eg. vasectomies, etc.

No, I'm talking about the fact that after a man is 30 yrs old or older, it takes longer for him to cause a woman to conceive a child. It took a year or so of playing for my husband and I to get pregant with our first; and friends of ours who planned (every step of their lives?) their (1st) pregnancy took between 6 and 9 months or so after ceasing bc to occur. Both men were in their early/mid 30's. This type of delay is typical in couples attempting to become pregnant after the man is over the age of 30.

I firmly believe that if one is to take the responsibility of one's body and things like bc vs childbearing, then one should also educate oneself not only fully on the side one chooses (whether bc or pregnancy); but also on the side of the other choice. Especially with a thing like this, people tend to move to the "other camp." One's choices now make for great impact later. I for one am just grateful for the advances in medical science and technology that make not only the choices greater and much easier on us; but much more available because we can discuss and exchange information just as we are doing on this board.

Hope this helps some. And if any of you - moms or not - want to talk about breastfeeding and such, feel free to contact me by email or pm. Hey, maybe that itself could end up a new thread.

Be Well!

Cycnus

 

[Cycnus]

Re: thanks for the inputs

...And what you must realize (not to sound bitchy) is that what you think about chemicals shouldn't have any bearing on her choices about her body.

...yeah, well, it wasn't just me speaking, she said that's why she didn't go on the pill. I didn't press because she did something for us, so I love her more but I'm still not very comfortable with her choice...for both of us.

Don't forget folks, it's not "us vs. them" in any way, shape or form - or shouldn't be! I think that we women have to remember that we have as much responsibility to think of and consider the men here as we do the children as the men do the women and the children. We aren't acting in a void, including when it comes to our bodies. Our choices for ourselves and our bodies have impact on those surrounding us, especially our loved ones.

Kudos to you, Sandiego, for researching and considering options for yourself and your SO. I've known far too many men and women who didn't.

Kisses -



Cycnus~

 

[BlondGirl]

I'm starting the Nuvaring tonight.

As a side note, my periods have been irregular and I have been unable to dictate when to schedule my papsmear for midcycle as I have always been warned to do. I am at the tail end of my period now and my doc told me that it is no problem as far as the pap smear but (this is the important part)
Ladies,if you want to be checked for STD's, the last day or wo of your period is the best time to get a good culture.
If you're paranoid like me, try to get your pap at that time.

My doc also suggested to me that for insertion of the Nuvaring, that I empty out a tampax applicator and use that. He said it works like a charm.

I'll report back on how I like this. (He gave me two samples to try plus the prescription. It is well worth it to ask for drug samples from your docs, folks!)

 

[PepperTed]

Just a quick note from the other side...

I believe that there is far to much pressure placed on you girls with regards to the pill.

It is good for me to know that my daughter, sister, cousins and neice all have this option available to them. Yet you are all playing with some very potent drugs.

Also I see that it is almost a complete cop out for a bloke to hear the girl say "I am on the pill." I thought we were supposed to be living in a free and equal society...

Maybe my theory is a bit strange, but with the top end of CEO's, and money people being men, is it that they just do not want the chemicals? That they would rather have the money go to research into the female pill, with just a token amount going to the male pill...

I realise that this is not exactly what you all have been discussing, nor the threads original direction. Yet I have enjoyed and been challenged in reading this thread, and thought to share my two bobs worth...

Hoping you all have a great day.

 

[idoyoganaked]

That they would rather have the money go to research into the female pill, with just a token amount going to the male pill...

There's a male pill?

 

[idoyoganaked]

I'm starting the Nuvaring tonight.

As a side note, my periods have been irregular and I have been unable to dictate when to schedule my papsmear for midcycle as I have always been warned to do. I am at the tail end of my period now and my doc told me that it is no problem as far as the pap smear but (this is the important part)
Ladies,if you want to be checked for STD's, the last day or wo of your period is the best time to get a good culture.
If you're paranoid like me, try to get your pap at that time.

My doc also suggested to me that for insertion of the Nuvaring, that I empty out a tampax applicator and use that. He said it works like a charm.

I'll report back on how I like this. (He gave me two samples to try plus the prescription. It is well worth it to ask for drug samples from your docs, folks!)

Definitely come back and let us know how you like the NuvaRing. I went to the site and it looks pretty cool. It just seems to me that during sex, it could be felt or even come out. Did your doctor say anything about that?

 

[BlondGirl]

I have now worn the NuvaRing for about 36 hours. I can't feel it at all and actually checked to determine its location. It is deep, against my cervix.
I have never in my life worn a tampon that I could not feel, but this is no problem.

I have yet to enjoy any lovemaking with this, but will get back to y'all after this weekend.

 

[idoyoganaked]

Can I ask how much this costs per month? There is actually a coupon for a free one on the site in case you didn't know: http://www.nuvaring.com/consumer/freeTrialOffer/index.asp

Any one else use the NuvaRing?

 

[BlondGirl]

Definitely come back and let us know how you like the NuvaRing. I went to the site and it looks pretty cool. It just seems to me that during sex, it could be felt or even come out.

I think this is not likely to come out at all. Think of the average diaphragm. Those don't come out. Tons of women have fucked with tampons in too, believe it or not, those don't come out. It is not like the average dick has a hook on the end or anything (thank goodness!!!!!).

I am certainly looking forward to testing this device.

 

[Quint]

There is a male pill being constructed; the last article I read that mentioned it said that it's expected to be on the market in 2005 but that's probably an early estimate. I can't wait. I'm paranoid as anything about being that 1% that ends up pregnant on the pill. As long as the side effects are mild to nonexistent (and I don't know what they are expected to be), I'm hooking T up.

Had not considered the Nuvaring. Will go investigate it.

 

[sandiego_gordo]

nuvaring....???

Thanks for the info on the nuvaring, headed to that site right after i write this to find out what the heck it is...and blondegirl, very curious to hear how it works out under actual fucking conditions. My g/f has kind of a small vagina i guess because i already have to be careful of not hurting her cervix.

g

 

[SwEeTbAmAcHiK]

hey everyone. this is my first post. I too have been looking for an effective type of birth control, I just recently had a baby, and I was put on the pill again (I was on it for few years before I got pregnant, but stopped because my husband and I wanted a child) the pill has always been great for me.

I just wanted to let yall know though since I seen alot of you is going for the ring... my best friend was on it for only like a couple of months she kept telling me and telling me after I have my baby I need to get on the ring... well about the same time that I had my baby, she took a test and WHAM ++++. I dont know if she didnt put it in right or what. But I just wanted to let yall know that the ring wasnt effective with someone. But I know nothing is 100% effective and mistakes can happen. I havent looked into the ring really I dont know what you can and cant do while on it, or if drinking will effect it (i dont see how... but my friend drinks a good bit) but also she has 1 baby already and she was on the pill when she got pregnant with her first, but she was taking some type of antibiotic and it killed the effectiveness, and she didnt think about that until after she was late and the test came out positive.

My sister-in-law is on the shot, she says it works pretty good, but I dont know I just like the pill because I know I am taking those suckers daily, the pill are like what... every 3 months... what if the injection quits working after a month?? I like to be in control and knowing I am having some type of birth control going in my body daily.

 

[lilpriss]

I was on the pill for 5 yrs... I loved how it cleared up my skin, and made my periods so light... I loved KNOWING when to expect them as well. I agree with what was said earlier... I don't mind my period... it would be strange NOT having one. What I didn't love, was the fact that EVERY DAY (for the last 2 yrs I was on it), I had a headache... At the time I wasn't having sex w/o condoms anyway, didn't have much extra money to have prescriptions filled and buy headache meds EVERY WEEK... so I just went off of it... Headaches went away...

I've got to go back to my gyno in a month or so, and I am going to ask if there's another pill that may not cause the headaches...

I don't want to stick something on my ass... I'm a little obsessive about things that are on me that shouldn't be... hangnails, residual wax, from waxing, even a hair that's fallen off my head and in my shirt! I can't imagine having a patch on me all the time!

And one of my friends did the shot and gained about 60 pounds... uhh no thanks, it's been too hard to lose weight! You'd have to hold me down to get a shot like that. Only exception being if I was going somewhere, like a foreign country w/o the necessary things... hygiene products... toilets... showers... and then I'd probably opt to just skip the sugar pills.

Yes, I'm a pill girl totally.

Don't know much about the others.

 

[sonicdefender]

stay away from that depo shot!

My gf was in depo for a year and it made her very emotional and made her gain wieght. It also took her months for her periods to get normal again. From a guys persprctive it sucked. She is on the pill now (alesse). She is much less crazy and lost all the wieght she gained on the shot.

 

[idoyoganaked]

I have yet to enjoy any lovemaking with this, but will get back to y'all after this weekend.

So, BlondGirl? How did it go?

 

[BlondGirl]

Originally posted by idoyoganaked So, BlondGirl? How did it go?

It went wonderful. Loverboy kept asking, "Are you SURE you put that in there?" but was squeemish about checking for it. (Why? I have no clue-LOL) Sex was good for me, but he was paranoid. Before leaving for work Sunday, I made him come into the shower with me and feel for it. He was genuinely suprised that it was there.

The NuvaRing has not affected my sexuality at all physically that I can tell-same pleasure, same wetness. I have been hungrier-but that could also be due to stress, summer, work, etc.

After inserting, you are supposed to wait x number of days before having unprotected sex, in that area, we were not quite so particular-so that would be my only risk at this point. (Yes, I know--it is hard to outsmart one's own stupidity, isn't it?)

Overall, at this point, I am very pleased. Cellis has been on it for years and was really the biggest selling point for me. She has lots of information and has responded to many inquiries here at Lit if anyone wishes to do a search on her name and Nuvaring.

 

[idoyoganaked]

Re: Pill vs. Patch vs. Shot vs. Ring

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

*bump*

Any takers?

 

[UncleTom555]

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.

 

[BlondGirl]

For the prior post-er and his comments about vascectomies versus tubal ligations, one is a lower risk procedure with faster healing time overall. That, for simple logic, is the one that should be chosen in a monogamous relationship. Not all women are inclined to fuck around and need birth control if the partner is infertile.

An update on my NuvaRing. Still loving it. I have now been on it a couple of weeks and have no discernible side effects. (Still hungry all the time, but again, that could be situational.) Sexually, my lover still can't feel it and continuously asks me if it is "in there". Unfortunately, he does not trust it and won't cum in me. Sigh. Oh well, can't have everything, can we?

If you are curious about my experience with this ring, we are having sex approximately 3 or 4 times each day, so it has gotten a good workout so far. If anything new occurs, I'll update.