Quote:
Originally posted by
xHootHooter
So my boyfriend and I have been together for awhile now and we consider ourselves to be in a committed monogamous relationship. We have been having troubles with contraceptives for awhile and I'm just looking for some suggestions. I can't
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So my boyfriend and I have been together for awhile now and we consider ourselves to be in a committed monogamous relationship. We have been having troubles with contraceptives for awhile and I'm just looking for some suggestions. I can't take birth control pills, shots, etc of any kind because they negatively effect me. Condoms are our current sole contraceptive and I absolutely dislike them, they cause itching(I don't have a latex allergy, already looked into that) for awhile after sex and have significantly decreased my levels of natural lubrication over the time we have been together. I am looking into female contraceptives at the moment but they do seem to be quite expensive. We're not looking for anything permanent or semi-permanent(surgeri es or IUDs). And I know it sounds like we're a bit picky, I guess it's just personal preference. I just would like to know if there is anything else we could look into because at the moment I am just no longer enjoying sex anymore due to these issues.
I appreciate all advice and suggestions in advance.
Thank you very much.
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If you have issues with the estrogen in birth control pills, you may want to try progestin-only "mini-pills" , a common alternative.
You may also have luck with the patch or ring - they aren't permanent like the injection (shot), implant (in the arm), or an IUD. The patch works similar to the pill, and is replaced each week - while the ring stays in all month, and is taken out for 1 week during the period. Even so, they may have similar complications if you have trouble with estrogen in the pill.
If hormones are a problems, there is also a non-hormonal copper IUD which can be taken out by the doctor at anytime. It is a small procedure, with only a bit of cramping after, and is not at all permanent.
So, the alternative to hormonal methods would be other barrier methods. They are somewhat less effective than hormonal methods, but a good alternative when hormones don't mesh well with your body. This would include female condoms (they do have non-latex varieties), Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Sponge. All are placed inside the vagina before sex (many up to 24 hours before), up by the cervix. They often cannot be felt during wear or sex. It is recommended that you use them with Spermicide for extra protection.
Surprisingly, several studies have shown that the Pull Out method, when done correctly, is up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy (all guys rejoice and applaud). But seriously, the statistics show it is still pretty effective in a pinch - especially if you use it with other barrier methods.
At the risk of sounding self-promoting, I recently wrote about various birth control methods on my blog. It's still unpublished in Demo mode, and the links within articles won't be working til we go live, but you can get an overview of many methods there. I'll be posting full articles on the barrier methods later this week.
link
I would also recommend the Bedsider website. Easy to read, use, and navigate - with answers to almost all your questions.
And if you have any specific questions, feel free to write me! I studied sexuality and sex-heath in college, so I'd be happy to have you pick my brain
