I'm looking into starting to use a form of birth control in addition to condoms, and I'm wondering what people here use.
Please comment with pros and cons!
Please comment with pros and cons!
What type of birth control do you and your partner use?
09/08/2011
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I am currently getting the shot, Depo Provera to be more specific.
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once every 3 months, so no needing to remember to take it each night. You don't risk the same side effects as you would with pills such as blood clotting especially in the lungs. It is safe to mix with most medications as long as you consult with your doctor(s) about dosages and make sure they know you are on the shot (especially if you are taking any anti-depressants, as this will make them less effective)
As with ANY birth control shot or pill, or anything that changes your hormones or body chemistry to prevent pregnancy, you will need to use another form of birth control or preventative measures during the first couple of weeks when starting the birth control, and if you take any antibiotics you will need to use extra protection because this reduces the effectiveness of your birth control.
The cons are that you can gain weight, which I have not and have been on the shot first for 4 years, then I was on other methods, then back on it now for 8 months. No weight changes due to the shot. It CAN make you emotional or have moodswings, because it IS going to change your hormones around a bit. I just tend to cry more easily (and over silly things) that I wouldn't usually cry over, or even care about.
It's reversible, you don't have the "just given birth" after effect that you do with IUD's when they are removed/changed, and to me, it has been the best method.
I'm done sounding like a brochure on birth controls now
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once every 3 months, so no needing to remember to take it each night. You don't risk the same side effects as you would with pills such as blood clotting especially in the lungs. It is safe to mix with most medications as long as you consult with your doctor(s) about dosages and make sure they know you are on the shot (especially if you are taking any anti-depressants, as this will make them less effective)
As with ANY birth control shot or pill, or anything that changes your hormones or body chemistry to prevent pregnancy, you will need to use another form of birth control or preventative measures during the first couple of weeks when starting the birth control, and if you take any antibiotics you will need to use extra protection because this reduces the effectiveness of your birth control.
The cons are that you can gain weight, which I have not and have been on the shot first for 4 years, then I was on other methods, then back on it now for 8 months. No weight changes due to the shot. It CAN make you emotional or have moodswings, because it IS going to change your hormones around a bit. I just tend to cry more easily (and over silly things) that I wouldn't usually cry over, or even care about.
It's reversible, you don't have the "just given birth" after effect that you do with IUD's when they are removed/changed, and to me, it has been the best method.
I'm done sounding like a brochure on birth controls now
09/08/2011
I've always used condoms, but have been on about 3 different birth controls. I was on the Depo Provera shot like Peggi, but I did have the weight gain, gaining about 30 pounds in 8 or 9 months. After I was on it a few years, my mom stumbled on an article about how it can lead to bone deterioration and I went off of it as soon as I could. Then I started on the pill, I was on Yaz for a few years, and switched off of that because a few days before my period each month I'd be so nauseous I couldn't do anything but lay there and be miserable. Switched to Seasonique and have been very happy on that, but I recently stopped taking the pill at all. We're going to be trying for kids in the next few years and I want to give my body a chance to adjust to not having artificial hormones in it for a while before we start. So now we're just using condoms
09/08/2011
she uses the ring
09/08/2011
Not "just" condoms. I'm on the pill, and we use condoms.
09/08/2011
We used condoms and two months ago I got a copper coil IUD. It's running havoc with spotting and cramps right now but people keep telling me it will be worth it in the long run. *fingers crossed* 10 years of worry-free sex would be amazing.
09/08/2011
I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I tried 3 others pills and the Nuva Ring before I finally found one that worked for me. On the others I had problems with dramatic weight gain, pain, and nausea. If you are going to go with the pill it might take you some time to find something that works for you.
09/08/2011
We use Implanon.
09/08/2011
^^agreed. I tried three different birth control pills and finally gave up. All of them made me extremely moody (it was like I was pms-ing all the time!), I gained 15 pounds on one, and almost spiraled into depression because of another.
09/08/2011
Currently taking Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, but am scheduled for a tubal ligation on 10/20. I'm in my mid-thirties, have no desire to have children, may as well take care of it permanently. Master is all right with it, as he doesn't want to have children, either.
09/08/2011
I'm on a low-dose BCP. It helped clear my hormonal breakouts and I haven't had any adverse side effects save for occasional spotting. It also helps a lot with my cramps!
09/08/2011
I was on Yasmin to treat my PCOS and endometriosis, but it's very expensive. My gynecologist has talked about getting me an IUS, which is supposed to treat both things. Since I don't have a partner right now, I would continue using condoms until we had both been tested (I'll admit, I haven't yet been tested even though I found out my ex-husband was cheating. I have no symptoms of anything, and am currently celibate, so I figured it could wait for my yearly exam).
09/10/2011
I use Implanon, the 3-year subdermal implant. Its super awesome!
09/10/2011
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I had a period for three months striaght. It was the worst, and than Yasmin got recalled, so I don't touch any of those pills. I've even been on the depo (the shot)gained 50pounds. I had back pain and I had all the symptoms of being prenant, and once I stoped all the problems went away. I actually looked into getting my tubes tied, but was turned down because I've never had children. The law states that a women has to have at least one child(some states you have to have two like florida) before you can have it done. I'm now looking into an IUD or someting like Implanon that last for years.
Sorry for all the rambaling.
Sorry for all the rambaling.
09/11/2011
Quote:
I can't believe there are states that actually prohibit you from having a tubal ligation until you have an "appropriate" number of children. That is just completely ridiculous. I'm sorry that your state is interfering with your medical decisions. I hope that you have good luck finding another effective form of birth control.
Originally posted by
Miss Anonymous
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I
...
more
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I had a period for three months striaght. It was the worst, and than Yasmin got recalled, so I don't touch any of those pills. I've even been on the depo (the shot)gained 50pounds. I had back pain and I had all the symptoms of being prenant, and once I stoped all the problems went away. I actually looked into getting my tubes tied, but was turned down because I've never had children. The law states that a women has to have at least one child(some states you have to have two like florida) before you can have it done. I'm now looking into an IUD or someting like Implanon that last for years.
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
09/11/2011
Quote:
No, Florida does not require a woman to have two children before being granted sterilization. The only requirements are (quoting from the US Department of Health information guide on sterilization):
Originally posted by
Miss Anonymous
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I
...
more
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I had a period for three months striaght. It was the worst, and than Yasmin got recalled, so I don't touch any of those pills. I've even been on the depo (the shot)gained 50pounds. I had back pain and I had all the symptoms of being prenant, and once I stoped all the problems went away. I actually looked into getting my tubes tied, but was turned down because I've never had children. The law states that a women has to have at least one child(some states you have to have two like florida) before you can have it done. I'm now looking into an IUD or someting like Implanon that last for years.
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
* You must be at least 21 years old.
* You must wait at least 30 days to have the operation after you sign the consent form.
*Your consent is effective for 180 days from the date you sign the consent form.
I signed my consent form on July 8. I'm getting my tubal on October 20. I have absolutely NO children.
Try your local public health office - it might just be the particular doctor (private doctor, right?) that won't do tubals until after X number of children are born. Public health is willing to do it as long as you're of age and you know you've made an informed decision.
09/11/2011
I tried a low-dose birth control pill, but the hormones affected my epilepsy (I almost had a seizure). Now, we just use condoms. We'll go a bit with him pulling out when I'm in my least fertile phase, but it's a rare occasion that I say "yes" to it.
09/11/2011
I use the only form of birth control besides abstinence that's 100% effective every time: lesbianism.
09/11/2011
Quote:
Vasectomy 16 years ago.
Originally posted by
Eliza
I'm looking into starting to use a form of birth control in addition to condoms, and I'm wondering what people here use.
Please comment with pros and cons!
Please comment with pros and cons!
09/11/2011
b/c and supplement it with condoms occasionally (e.g. if on antibiotics).
thinking about alternatives to the pill though.
thinking about alternatives to the pill though.
09/13/2011
I'm pregnant so none at the moment.
09/13/2011
I've been on Depo for the past 12 years and love it. Prior to that my periods were unpredictable, heavy, and painful and now I don't have to deal with any of it. The side effects for me are somewhat mute since I am on several other medications that have ones that are similar. I do my best with diet and exercise and get a bone density scan every other year. I'm not sure what I would do if I had to go off it since the thought of having a period again is just not pleasant.
09/13/2011
Quote:
Thank you so much for all your insight! I really like that you don't have to take it every day, which is what I'm worried about with a pill.
Originally posted by
Peggi
I am currently getting the shot, Depo Provera to be more specific.
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once ... more
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once ... more
I am currently getting the shot, Depo Provera to be more specific.
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once every 3 months, so no needing to remember to take it each night. You don't risk the same side effects as you would with pills such as blood clotting especially in the lungs. It is safe to mix with most medications as long as you consult with your doctor(s) about dosages and make sure they know you are on the shot (especially if you are taking any anti-depressants, as this will make them less effective)
As with ANY birth control shot or pill, or anything that changes your hormones or body chemistry to prevent pregnancy, you will need to use another form of birth control or preventative measures during the first couple of weeks when starting the birth control, and if you take any antibiotics you will need to use extra protection because this reduces the effectiveness of your birth control.
The cons are that you can gain weight, which I have not and have been on the shot first for 4 years, then I was on other methods, then back on it now for 8 months. No weight changes due to the shot. It CAN make you emotional or have moodswings, because it IS going to change your hormones around a bit. I just tend to cry more easily (and over silly things) that I wouldn't usually cry over, or even care about.
It's reversible, you don't have the "just given birth" after effect that you do with IUD's when they are removed/changed, and to me, it has been the best method.
I'm done sounding like a brochure on birth controls now less
The pros to this is cost, which is much lower (especially with prescription insurance) than pills. It is very effective, more than condoms of any sort. You get it once every 3 months, so no needing to remember to take it each night. You don't risk the same side effects as you would with pills such as blood clotting especially in the lungs. It is safe to mix with most medications as long as you consult with your doctor(s) about dosages and make sure they know you are on the shot (especially if you are taking any anti-depressants, as this will make them less effective)
As with ANY birth control shot or pill, or anything that changes your hormones or body chemistry to prevent pregnancy, you will need to use another form of birth control or preventative measures during the first couple of weeks when starting the birth control, and if you take any antibiotics you will need to use extra protection because this reduces the effectiveness of your birth control.
The cons are that you can gain weight, which I have not and have been on the shot first for 4 years, then I was on other methods, then back on it now for 8 months. No weight changes due to the shot. It CAN make you emotional or have moodswings, because it IS going to change your hormones around a bit. I just tend to cry more easily (and over silly things) that I wouldn't usually cry over, or even care about.
It's reversible, you don't have the "just given birth" after effect that you do with IUD's when they are removed/changed, and to me, it has been the best method.
I'm done sounding like a brochure on birth controls now less
I didn't realize the prices were that more effective, though. How much is the shot compared to the pill (assuming I have regular health insurance where a regular prescription is about $15)?
09/14/2011
Quote:
Does she like it? Does it ever slip or come out when you have sex? That's something I don't really understand about it.
Originally posted by
Jon S
she uses the ring
09/14/2011
Quote:
Good luck when you finally try to conceive, and thanks for the insight! I didn't know that about bone deterioration. That seems really dangerous.
Originally posted by
Jul!a
I've always used condoms, but have been on about 3 different birth controls. I was on the Depo Provera shot like Peggi, but I did have the weight gain, gaining about 30 pounds in 8 or 9 months. After I was on it a few years, my mom stumbled on
...
more
I've always used condoms, but have been on about 3 different birth controls. I was on the Depo Provera shot like Peggi, but I did have the weight gain, gaining about 30 pounds in 8 or 9 months. After I was on it a few years, my mom stumbled on an article about how it can lead to bone deterioration and I went off of it as soon as I could. Then I started on the pill, I was on Yaz for a few years, and switched off of that because a few days before my period each month I'd be so nauseous I couldn't do anything but lay there and be miserable. Switched to Seasonique and have been very happy on that, but I recently stopped taking the pill at all. We're going to be trying for kids in the next few years and I want to give my body a chance to adjust to not having artificial hormones in it for a while before we start. So now we're just using condoms
less
09/14/2011
Quote:
Haha, I had been in a same sex relationship prior to my current relationship, and that's why I'm so freaked out about birth control--this is all new to me!
Originally posted by
DeliciousSurprise
I use the only form of birth control besides abstinence that's 100% effective every time: lesbianism.
09/14/2011
Quote:
Why are you thinking about alternatives?
Originally posted by
s<3x
b/c and supplement it with condoms occasionally (e.g. if on antibiotics).
thinking about alternatives to the pill though.
thinking about alternatives to the pill though.
09/14/2011
Quote:
Ahh, yeah, I'm a total worry wort and wouldn't be able to handle that at all. The first few times I had sex with my current SO (a man, after having been in a 2 year same sex relationship), I was super paranoid and thought I was pregnant even though I was getting my period regularly.
Originally posted by
ThoughtsAblaze
I tried a low-dose birth control pill, but the hormones affected my epilepsy (I almost had a seizure). Now, we just use condoms. We'll go a bit with him pulling out when I'm in my least fertile phase, but it's a rare occasion that I say "yes" to it.
09/14/2011
Quote:
I haven't heard of those laws either--what state do you live in? That's just crazy.
Originally posted by
Miss Anonymous
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I
...
more
I'm using condoms and the pill. I've used other types of pill, and I've tried the pill where you get your period every three months like yasmin. I had alot of problems. Your supposed to get your period every three months, but on that I had a period for three months striaght. It was the worst, and than Yasmin got recalled, so I don't touch any of those pills. I've even been on the depo (the shot)gained 50pounds. I had back pain and I had all the symptoms of being prenant, and once I stoped all the problems went away. I actually looked into getting my tubes tied, but was turned down because I've never had children. The law states that a women has to have at least one child(some states you have to have two like florida) before you can have it done. I'm now looking into an IUD or someting like Implanon that last for years.
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
Sorry for all the rambaling. less
09/14/2011
Quote:
The side effects are what are really worrying me about starting to use some form of birth control other than condoms.
Originally posted by
mandiegk
I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I tried 3 others pills and the Nuva Ring before I finally found one that worked for me. On the others I had problems with dramatic weight gain, pain, and nausea. If you are going to go with the pill it might take
...
more
I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I tried 3 others pills and the Nuva Ring before I finally found one that worked for me. On the others I had problems with dramatic weight gain, pain, and nausea. If you are going to go with the pill it might take you some time to find something that works for you.
less
09/14/2011