Birth Control

morrowls

Really interested in finding out what birth control you use and what (if any) side effects you have had?

 Trying to determine which birth control I should find out more information on and try.

zoozoe

I'm not currently using birth control, but I have severe PCOS and an not able to have children, as verified by several different doctors. Before getting married I used condoms for STD protection.

When I was younger and first diagnosed I was put on the birth control pill to try to treat it. I had mood swings, depression (worsening of per-existing condition), weight gain, but it cleared up my skin too.

If you don't want kids for a few years, semi-permanent bc would be good, like an IUD or Implanon. A lot of it depends on what's easiest for you to take, what you're suitable for, and how comfortable you are taking synthetic hormones. Always look up each type of bc you're considering. Make sure you've educated yourself.

vpine

Currently trying to conceive so not on birth control but I was on Depo shot for 7 yrs and Trinesa BCP for a year. I wouldn't recommend Depo because although I did not gain weight, I looked bloated constantly, did not have a period which was nice but being on it can cause bone mineral density (which I now have) and it can lead to bone fractures later on. I would recommend the birth control pills for a short period if necessary.

Kalvetica

I've tried various pills and most recently NuvaRing, which I really enjoyed. I didn't have to worry about taking something at the same time everyday for it to be the most effective. I marked my calendar when to put it in, and after 3 weeks when to take it out. (There's stickers on the package to stick on your calendar to remind you) Then wait a week before putting the next one in to have your period, or (as long as you've checked with your doctor) put a new one in immediately to skip your period. The only downside is it's a little pricey, depending on your insurance mine was $45/month. The NuvaRing website does offer a discount for 6 of them. 

Joy2611

Unfortunately, everyone responds differently to different birth control options.  What happened for each of us may not happen to you.

There's dual progestrin/estrogen pills, which are the norm in the bcp world.  Some of them are monophasic - meaning the same amount of hormones are in every pill for three weeks and then you take sugar pills for one week to allow yourself to have a withdrawal bleed (that most refer to as a period).  There are also triphasic pills, which progressively lower the hormones you take over three weeks, then there's the same sugar pill week.  Monophasics can usually be taken continuously to skip periods whereas some triphasics cannot.  Definitely discuss with your doctor before doing any of that skipping nonsense.

The NuvaRing is the same as a monophasic pill - same hormones, just a different delivery method.

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are also avaiable.  They are more "permanent" birth control where a small contraption is inserted into your uterus.  It's meant for long term use.  Some secrete a small amount of progestin (like Mirena) while others do not.  I chose not to go this way because of the (ever so small) risk of it embedding in my uterus.  I wasn't comfortable with that risk before having a child.

I'm on a triphasic pill now (Ortho Tricyclen) - it's fine.  Lower sex drive, but I don't worry about being pregnant.  I've also been on another monophasic called LoEstrin FE.  It gave me horrific migraines.  I've also been on a progestin-only pill, but those are really only offered to breastfeeding women, those with highblood pressure or those with migraines.

Good luck!  It's often a trial and error process to find one that works for you.

 

jaschick04

I have been on BC since I was 15 (due to bad periods)

 I have used everything from shots, to patches to pills- I refuse to use the ring because I just have heard many guys saying they can feel it at times... which kind of grosses me out

 The best way to see what you need is to talk to your doctor and they can suggest something that is covered under your insurance (which now I heard a lot of insurances aren't charging for BC because of a new law that was passed for free mamos, paps, and BC-women's wellness type things) and that works best for you.

 I don't take my pill at the same time of day- I take it when I brush my teeth so when I sleep in a lil and don't get up early- I don't take it- I felt no different only on some I did gain weight but had better skin but you just have to monitor it to what it might change for you.

morrowls

I was really interested in trying Nuva Rin, I heard they had a recall back in April though.  My main concern was accurate placement.  It kind of freaks me out thinking about the insertion and removal of the device.  But I like the fact that I don't have to take a pill every day b/c  I work nights and I feel as though my timing would always be off. 

toothpastechica

Everyone responds different...so talk to your doctor about what might be right for your body and your lifestyle...also know that no matter what you try you might need to change it and try something else because of side effects/lifestyle changes or choices etc.

Personally I am on Alesse21 and have no problems with it. The first 3 months were terrible..bloated, headaches, reallllly bad cramps and periods, but my dr said that is common when you have never been on BC before and to wait it out. Since then I have had 0 side effects, and because I already take pills another condition daily since I was 12, adding one more pill to my mornings was no big deal. My sister can't do pills because she has a habit of forgetting to do things...so she's currently looking into other options.

toothpastechica

morrowls:

I was really interested in trying Nuva Rin, I heard they had a recall back in April though.  My main concern was accurate placement.  It kind of freaks me out thinking about the insertion and removal of the device.  But I like the fact that I don't have to take a pill every day b/c  I work nights and I feel as though my timing would always be off. 

You don't have to take it in the morning, just as long as its the SAME time every day...so if that happens to be before you go to work at night, or when you get home, thats fine.

iverske9

I use NuvaRing and love it. I have no side effects, but with that said I have been on tons of different pills any never had an issue.

foxrider1693

I'm on Beyaz.....never had one issue with it in the year and half I've been taking it so far, but recently in the past two months, I have around the clock light bleeding....I mean, I get my period on time, I bleed up until a few days before my next period, and then it comes again. Something is up and I'm trying to figure out what it is...... 

 

 

shannon5176

Everyone reacts differently so hearing side effects others have had is not going to do anything to help you decide what is right for you.

I like nuvaring.  I have been on it for a couple of years and I love that I dont' have to take a pill every day (like other poster said, I just mark it on the calendar).  I have taken the pill previously and while remembering wasn't a huge issue I just found it to be a nuisance.

My hubby has never been able to feel the ring.  If you have it placed correctly that shouldn't be an issue for most.  It did take some trial and error to learn the right way to put it in and get it positioned perfectly.  The first few months I could feel it slipping down but figured out that it was because I didn't insert it far enough.  I now have no issues and can get it in the right spot on the first try with no "slippage" issues.