Birth Control

Contributor: User Unknown User Unknown
A bunch of years back I went to the emergency room one night because I was feeling crappy, and they insisted on doing bloodwork because they thought I was so pale (I'm Irish, English and German, I've always been and will always be pale) but since they insisted I went along with it. As it turned out, I was severely Anemic, and they weren't really sure how I was still functioning or whether I'd need a blood transfusion.

So they sent me to a bigger hospital. It was there that they ran a bazillion tests for internal bleeding and everything else you can think of, and decided that the unusual length a heaviness of my periods was why my blood was so iron-poor.

Then they put me on iron pills, and almost overdosed me on iron, so we called that a loss, and decided to use birth control to regulate me periods so I wouldn't be dramatically anemic anymore. Since then I've been on the pill (Ortho Try-cyclen/Ortho Try-cyclen Lo generic) the patch and the shot. The first five months of Depo was an almost constant period, but I haven't had one since. And I haven't been on it for...eight months. Typically people get the shot and gain weight, I lost weight. I hate shots, but it's only once every three months so it's pretty managable (esp if you have a great nurse). The only thing I can really say I experienced that was -bad- about Depo, was that you can sometimes experience pregnancy-like symptoms...and that was very strange.
06/19/2009
Contributor: Fierce Like Tiger Fierce Like Tiger
I've been on quite a few, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, the pill, the patch, the ring, depo-provera multiple other pills, etc. I apparently am really sensitive to the chemicals in BC so, when I was on pills in college my doctors thought I had a brain tumor because of the symptoms I was getting from being allergic to the pill. I gained a ton of weight on the shot. I loved the patch to no end, but then it became linked to blood clots. :-(
I actually got pregnant and miscarried on the ring. Unfortunately I didn't take any pregnancy tests because I was on the ring. I used it correctly, its pretty hard not to, but I guess for whatever reason it didn't work out so well for me. Since that time I went off of it because of the heartache. In any case, it would be hard for me to put it in at this time because I've had a spinal fusion recently and am not allowed to bend at the waist at all. I can still reach everything, just not far enough that I could be sure I put it in deep enough.
I have been on Apri for the last year, it has worked really well. I guess its just the combination of hormones that works for me.
07/25/2009
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Quote:
Originally posted by Nashville
In the past 5 years I've gone through more brands than I could possibly name, I've finally found one that I can stick with (well, not NOW because my husband and I are actually TTC) but that was Nuvaring. Do any ladies or men out there have ... more
I was on several forms of hormonal birth control for years and finally switched to an IUD last month. It still has the same hormone that is in some pills (including NuvaRing) but it's all localized so the side effects aren't hellish.

I don't have to take a pill every day, I'm protected for 5 years and my sex drive has skyrocketed. The pill completely took away any libido that wasn't already killed by antidepressants. Now my lover can barely keep up with me
08/20/2009
Contributor: Polyserena Polyserena
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Does anyone have any experiences with Paragard that they would like to share? I'm trying to find a new BC method and am curious about the copper IUD.
I have another copper IUD called the multiload. I have also had a copper TT 380, but that didn't go so well. It perforated within about a month and I had to go to the ED to get it removed after I went through the rigmarole of getting an X-ray etc. I don't think perforation is meant to be very common, and luckily it didn't cause any permanent damage. The uterus itself heals pretty easily but I'm pretty lucky it didn't hurt my intestines. There was a lot of painful cramping and and bleeding that went on prior to my strings going missing, so I guess if you should definitely check it out if you get that. A little post insertion bleeding is normal, but anything else should really be checked out.

I got my multiload inserted by a gynecologist at the same hosptial I had the copper T removed. They and I came to an arrangement that I would go under general anaesthetic because it would be less stressful for both the doctors and myself. It makes my periods heavier and longer and there is a bit more pain. It also seems that there is a little less time in between the start of my periods, but i've never been good with charting my cycle. I've just started some medication for during my period that is supposed to reduce the bleeding and the pain. Obviously I can't speak for insertion pain since I was under the second time (first time hurt like nothing else---but I don't know if that was normal). The pain afterwards was considerably less than what I experienced the first time, barely a thing. I've never had children so they did need to dilate my cervix for both procedures and the secod time they told me not to have sex for 2 weeks post in case of infection. As far as I know it's pretty unusual for someone who has never had children to get an IUD at all let alone a copper one. I'm in a monogamous relationship though, so I was allowed to get one. Otherwise it increases risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Oh yeah, i put myself though this because I hate hormones more. Out of the two hormones I went on I was most happy on the nuvaring. I had already decided to try the IUD when nuvaring went absolutely crazy on me though. The doctor said the hormone level was too low that particular month and it caused me to bleed all month while I stressed about what one earth was going on! So that's why I didn't go back to it after I had my first IUD go stoopid on me. Sometimes I wonder whether that weird bleeding episode contributed to my first IUD perforating too since i only had one normal month after that before my IUD went in.
04/06/2010
Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
I begged my doc for an IUD and he wouldn't do it because I've never been pregnant. I know why, but it seems stupid to me that they allow it some places and not other places. Makes me wonder why there's not a unified front on it.

I use Nuvaring and I love it. The only issue is I have to stay off for more than a week because it delays my period a lot and if I put a new ring in when it says I usually will not have a period or it will be very light. One would think this is a good thing but I always feel... 'stuffy' until I know my body has cleaned itself out properly. I dont have sex every day so its usually fine for me. The only other bad thing is sometimes it gets shoved pretty far back during certain activities, and when my vagina stops being aroused and contracts and such, it will be nudging my cervix uncomfortably, but its super easy to just tug it forward a little bit and the it stops the feeling immediately.

Compared to the pill I was on, which would start a full blown period if I missed one pill or took it too late, and which made me bleed a month straight when I started it, it's heaven. I never have to worry about it.
04/06/2010
Contributor: usmcwife99 usmcwife99
Currently Ime using none

I actually just stopped using Depo Provera witch is a shot that lasts for 3 months and doesnt need to be taken daily. I started taking it when I joined military. It does cause wait gain in most but I think I worked it all off every day lol. I was able to get it every 3 months as needed when I was with the military. I got back to the states and the VA provided it for me. I am now planning to have kids when my husband gets back so I did not get the injection witch I would of normall got last month.

It can take UP TO a 18 months after quiting depo provera to become fertile again. I new that when I started, and overall its whats been best for me.


After my husband gets back and we have kids I am not sure about birth control then. I might go on noova ring from what ive heard or it will depend. Heck, two years from now there will probably be new birth controls to take out there.
06/26/2010
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
Ortho-tri-cyclen pill. I don't mind taking the pill and I've gotten to the point of automatically taking it as soon as I wake up. I don't get the CRAMPS FROM HELL. My libido has not been affected (just the loss of my lover), and I've stayed the same weight. I don't know if it would be the same for everyone, just what I experience.

I was chewed out by one of the old biddies at public health a few months ago for starting my pack in the middle of the week instead of on Sunday 'like it's SUPPOSED to be done'. I told her to take it up with so-and-so who told me to start the moment I got it. She wouldn't drop it for like five minutes because I violated some sacred birth control law or something, something about not bleeding on the weekends. I'm one of those who doesn't care if what little I bleed happens on the weekend - I'm NOT HAVING CRAMPS. (Not having babies is more of a side effect for me - the not having cramps part is the bigger miracle.)

My mother had terrible problems (infections) with IUDs between giving birth to me and getting pregnant with my brother (late 70s and early 80's), so I was scared out of ever asking about it. I'm sure it's safer now, but you know ...

I'm actually interested in pursuing constant levels of BC hormone because the body really has no need to have a period. So far none of the public health folks want to talk about it.
06/27/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
My Man and I use withdrawal. Yep, you read that right. Used properly, in a monogamous relationship which is fluid bonded, it can really be a good form of preventing conception. I have tried so many types of the Pill, and they all made me sick and fat and gave me yeast infections and eventually started to kill my sex drive. I was put on Depo Provera (to treat endometriosis, after surgery, but it still worked as BC) and I gained 40 or 45 lbs, and on a 5 ft frame, with a set weight of about 110-120 lbs, 45 lbs extra is TOO much for me. I also completely utterly lost my sex drive. UG. Diaphragm gave me unspeakably bad UTIs, and since I have developed a latex allergy, and since they simply don't make condoms in the USA in large sizes with polyisproine, we are pretty much stuck. We tried "Natural Family Planning" because a woman I was in La Leche League with was going on and on about it, except the fact that you can't have sex from the first day of your period until AFTER you ovulate. With my cycle, that could be 3 or more WEEKS (the woman who told me about this method said My Man and I "needed to learn some self control" WTF? I don't wnat to learn self control, I want to fuck!) So, we started using what condoms or the Sponge we could during my "unsafe days" and, had basically unprotected sex during our "Safe Days" and I got pregnant at least twice, without meaning to. Either we were "doing it wrong" (doubtful) or this sucks as a bc method.

Due to the endometriosis and severe menstrual cramps, the UID was out of the question, and with our frequency, the female condom is just to damn expensive, plus WHERE does that outer ring go when you are receiving oral sex? Are your Goodies covered with plastic? Honestly, I just don't like this method, either.

SO, to make a long story short, what has worked best for us is withdrawal. My Man and I are monogamous, (the have been talks about joining The Lifestyle, but I am not sure about that. Some type of condom would be necessary.) and he is trustworthy, and it WORKS for us. Planned Parenthood actually recommends it for some couples and if you go to the PP widget (I'll have to get the URL) you may find it recommended, if you are in some situations.

It's certainly NOT for everyone, not for people who are not willing to both participate, and the man has to be experienced enough to be able to pull out, know exactly WHEN to pull out, and not be bothered by it, but it works.

And recent studies have shown that if the man has urinated since his last ejaculation, the "pre-cum" or pre-ejaculatory fluid should NOT contain any sperm. I'm pretty sure it doesn't, because we'd have as many kids as the Duggars if it did. (Not really, we both have more brains than that.....)
06/28/2010
Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
I'm on the pill. I hated them for so long but am over the weight limit for the nuva ring (155 lb or lower or my Doc won't do it) and doctors here won't do an IUD for women that haven't had children. I've been on about a dozen different pills over the last decade and was at my wits end with them until a friend recommended the generic tri-sprintec (I believe its the ortho tri-cyclen generic) from Target. It's on their $9/month list and has worked wonders for me. Strangely, I had tried ortho tri-cyclen when it first came out and I did NOT like the side-effects, so who knows on that one.
06/28/2010
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
I have used almost all forms of BC. The various hormonal methods so messed up my hormones, my weight and my moods. The diaphragm worked but by b/f's head hit vs it; felt uncomfortable and he is allergic to the anti- spermicidal cream anyway.
He has used withdrawal but I never felt "safe".
Condoms have been an issue until we discovered Okeido, a Swedish brand, widely available in Europe. EF did carry them but they were so damn expensive and only available in packs of three. They are great for guys with larger heads and almost no latex odor. I did find them on line in larger quantities and more reasonable.
I so much want an IUD but my gyno would not do it for women who have not had a pregnancy.
Anyway after much discussion she finally agreed and I will have an IUD next week!! I had to sign documents holing her, the practice and everyone else harmless, if something goes wrong.
I guess I am so tired of the condom routine and there is really nothing else available.
06/28/2010
Contributor: Red Vinyl Kitty Red Vinyl Kitty
I cannot be on hormonal birth control due to a medical condition, so my husband got a vasectomy. Neither of us have ever wanted children, and I can honestly say (and he whole heartedly and constantly agrees) that it was the best decision we have ever made.
06/28/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I started on the Depo, then found out it deteriorated bones (eep!)

Then I went to Yasmin, and after a few years on that the Thursday before every period I would be so nauseous I couldn't move. Then I switched to the generic version of Seasonique. So far so good, but I'll probably have to switch again in a year or two.
06/28/2010
Contributor: softcoeur softcoeur
I was on Ortho TriCyclen for more than 10 yrs but didn't always manage to take the pill every day without fail. I did have some pain in my calves, which made me paranoid about blood clots and strokes, so I stopped, and would never go back to any hormonal form of BC again. I never considered IUDs -- they frighten me.

For the last few years I've been using a cervical cap. I like it, find it easy to use. Anyone else using one?
06/28/2010
Contributor: Midway through Midway through
I couldn't remember to take the pill the same time every night, which causes risk for pregnancy. Nuvaring is the only thing that has worked for me.
06/29/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by Nashville
In the past 5 years I've gone through more brands than I could possibly name, I've finally found one that I can stick with (well, not NOW because my husband and I are actually TTC) but that was Nuvaring. Do any ladies or men out there have ... more
I like VCFs. They're little films, just like breath strips, and they last for about two to three hours. You should look them up. They're even safe for breast feeding, and you don't need a condom or anything. They're wonderful, and they clean out by themselves.
08/04/2010
Contributor: chrissybelle chrissybelle
Quote:
Originally posted by Nashville
In the past 5 years I've gone through more brands than I could possibly name, I've finally found one that I can stick with (well, not NOW because my husband and I are actually TTC) but that was Nuvaring. Do any ladies or men out there have ... more
I was put on Ortho Tri-Cyclerin (sp?) Lo when I was 16. My skinned cleared up, but I turned into a bipolar raving bitch (more than a 16 yr old girl should act), and I would find myself light headed a lot and even passed out a couple times.
Then I was put on a progesterone-dominant BC pill, which was alright.
I was diagnosed w/ endometriosis when I was 17, and since then I have been n Lybrel. BEST thing that has ever happened to me. I haven't had my period in 3 years and it's been AMAZING, plus I have saved a ton on tampons. yes, it is safe. If it's something that interests you, talk to you OBGYN.
As far as non-pill BC, my boyfriend and I have experimented w/ different condoms. Trojan Magnums work the best for us.
08/07/2010
Contributor: sexysweetieshan sexysweetieshan
I am and have been, on birth control pills (can't remember the exact name), for a little over three years now. That is the only form of birth control my husband and I use. Every now and then we try out different condoms for one reason or another, but 90% of the time, it ends up being taken off so I can feel him better. So it never serves it's intended purpose.
08/07/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I already answered, sorry, thought this was a new topic.

I deleted my repeated answer.
08/07/2010
Contributor: Dusk Dusk
I'm on a monophasic pill right now, but I'm worried it might be causing the COMPLETE LACK OF SEX DRIVE that I've been experiencing lately. Has anyone had that experience?
08/08/2010
Contributor: Miss Naughty Kitty Miss Naughty Kitty
Quote:
Originally posted by Nashville
In the past 5 years I've gone through more brands than I could possibly name, I've finally found one that I can stick with (well, not NOW because my husband and I are actually TTC) but that was Nuvaring. Do any ladies or men out there have ... more
lol the nuvaring reminds me of a cock ring. I wonder if anything would happen to a guy if he used it as one.
08/08/2010
Contributor: RedGoddess RedGoddess
I have been on the pill Triqular 28 since I was 17, and then I was off of it for a while, i didn't like it, was missing days, making me nervous lol then I recently tried the ORTHO EVRA patch for the last year.

I am now, done that prescription from the end of Dec/Jan 1st, but I still have not gotten my period since... :/ ..waiting for it, and I have taken a home preg test 2 weeks ago- neg.

I was thinking of the IUD, but i'm still exploring my options- just using carefulyness, and male condoms currently...
02/20/2011
Contributor: southern woman southern woman
I've tried several different birth controls but all of them messed me up.. they made me nausas and hormonal and I had a consistant period the whole time I was on them.. so we ended up just using condoms until after we had our second baby.. then my husband had a vasectomy.
07/26/2011
Contributor: Lucky21 Lucky21
My fiancee has had tons of libido issues on the pill. Tried different brands, etc, etc. We've discussed doing some sort of IUD method, and I've tried to convince her to try Nuvaring, but she won't have ANYTHING to do with it because of all the potential side-effects.
07/26/2011
Contributor: zeebot zeebot
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainBunnyKilla
This is what I do with the ring and it's working out really well (I've been on like, 12 different pill formulations and all of them made me bleed like crazy, all the freaking time). Being on the ring continuously has really helped.
Huh....my doctor said to skip periods just switch the ring after 3 weeks, not 4. I want to go read the little booklet now...

But I'm on the ring and loving it - so great!
07/26/2011
Contributor: Red Riding Hood Red Riding Hood
I can't seem to get my head around not having a period. I just somehow feel like this isn't biologically intended. But I am researching and trying to make a decision of my own. Luckily he is patient and sweet and as concerned about it as I am. It seems a lot of people like the pill or ring. I am almost certain I'd muck it up!
10/16/2012