It is worth trying the ring. I have several patients who did not tolerate the pill well who are fine with the lower hormone level from the ring. A prescription is required but fitting, for most, is a non-issue. Some very few women do expel them. Coming from the pill, adaptation is almost immediate.

I believe the IUD to be underused in modern society. It is the most common birth control in China and that represents a lot of women! It got a bad rap from one brand twenty years or so ago and the mothers are passing on the negatives to their daughters. It is as effective without hormones as the hormonal methods and is well tolerated by most women. It does require professional insertion and most women have some breakthrough bleeding, cramps and other minor side-effects for a few months.

The diaphragm is an old, well established system and I have some patients who still use diaphragms or cervical caps. Their effectiveness is not much better than using spermicide alone and there are many jokes about diaphragms springing around the room whilst being inserted. The modern flat spring models are much better than the older coil spring rims. These do require professional fitting and a prescription.

I would recommend these choices in the order I have responded.

Thats weird that most people have issues with depo. I was on it for close to 5 years my doc saw no prob and I took calcium supplements. I never had a period while I was on it but thats how I wanted it.I wasn't sexually active while I was on it I was on it for complications from my periods. I only have 1 ovary as I had a tumor on one and it had to be removed. I experienced severe cramps to the point I was being hospitalized monthly and missing school. I also have polycystic ovarian syndrome and the depo worked wonders for me. My sis was on it though for 3 months and bled non stop the entire time. I loved it except I gained a ton of weight so I switched to Yaz a few months ago. I've lost a little weight and still don't have to deal with difficult periods. But my doctor said the way my body reacted to depo isn't very common.

I have an IUD and love it. Some breakthrough bleeding, but periods are usually lighter now than they were before I was on anything. I can't take BCPs because of my diabetes, so this and condoms are the only BC I've used. Had a little cramping the afternoon I had it inserted, but no worse than any other period. They timed the insertion right at the very end of a period.

My Gyno told me that typically he would prescribe an IUD to married women who were already done having children, which isn't me, but I'm monogamous and diabetic, so he was cool with it. Sounded like the biggest reasoning for doing it the way he said he typically would, is that the cervix would already have dilated at least once, making insertion a touch easier, but I didn't notice it as being a big deal anyway.

Sorry. Wrong place.

The IUD is an underappreciated contraceptive. They got a bad rap twenty years ago when one particular model caused some serious problems. They are the most common contraceptive in China, and that involves tens of millions.

Some doctors will not insert in younger women but many are now doing so. It is as effective as hormonal systems and is tolerated well by most women. I often recommend IUD and appreciate Int's support.

Most women who use the bcp exclusively are in stable, monogamous relationships and the very slight chance of pregnancy is not a big issue. For single women not in a monogamous relationship, condoms are recommended in addition. Withdrawal is not effective method on its own but if the two of you can be satisfied with it, go ahead, it will help a little. There is no protection against STDs with the pill and withdrawal. If there is a possibility that either may stray, use a condom regularly.

I have a question and can not seem to find the answer anywhere. I have an IUD and my bf complains that it is stabbing him on the head of his penis. Other than removing it what can I do to change this? Also in some positions I will feel a stabbing pain on my lower right side abdomen. What could be causing this? What would make it go away?

Someone on here had recommended this book as a way to understand how not to get pregnant, my wife is reading it to help understand how to get pregnant......in other words it is a must for women from what I'm told. It's called "Taking charge of your fertility". She has learned a ton, including what the options are after we do have a baby since she doesn't plan on going back on the pill. If I remember what she told me, we just need to use condoms during the 5 days when she is fertile. I'm probably over simplifying things but since we are trying to have a baby and not avoid one I didn't pay much attention.

I realize that doesn't even remotely answer your question but she has raved about this book so I thought I'd pass it along.

The strings on an IUD sometimes seem a bit sharp. This softens with use. Tell your doctor about it and it may be trimmed or otherwise adjusted.

Matt, if you use condoms five days each month and nothing the rest of the time, you may as well start planning for a baby. Ina perfect world, the woman will be fertile for about five days. The sperm live in the reproductive system up to four days and then there is a day for the egg to travel down the fallopian tube. In actual practice, women vary a bit in when the egg is released - one day off and pregnancy can occur. There are a variety of system to determine when the egg is released. The simplest is to simply go by the calendar. Not very reliable. The use of basal temperature improves this a bit. The most advanced approach requires training for both the woman and her partner to determine the status of the mucuous plug in the cervical os.

My recommendation is that there are better systems for birth control.

i was on the depo needles for 3 yrs. it was great, i only had my period maybe 5 times a year, my pimples disappeared. the only thing i recommend is only being on it a short time, because eventually the period will come more often. the doctors normally recommend the depo needle for 2 yrs but my doctor didn't see any issues, untill i had my period for a month straight.

.... and therein lies the problem. Of all the hormonal systems more of my patients have problems with depo than any other.

I just read the poking strings post. Interesting thing about the adjustment of them in such a case.....

My gyno told me when he first inserted mine that he was leaving the strings a tad longer than normal, but that they can be trimmed up if necessary. Well, when I went in for my one month check, he couldn't find the strings and I had to have an internal ultrasound (in laymen's terms...I don't remember the medical name for the procedure) done to be sure it was still there. It was determined that he'd left the strings SO long, that they'd folded back up on themselves and hidden.

Brandye.

i was talking about my experience. You are right though, many women have alot of problems with depo. I don't regret using it, but i do regret not reading the package and double checking with the doc to make sure it was ok

Your last sentence is no doubt true. BUT, you were on depo for medical treatment of other conditions, not birth control, and your body is not quite normal. Hormone treatments affect women differently.

[QUOTE=sandra2222;232642]Hi!

I've been having protected sex with my boyfriend for the past year and a half. I love this man and he makes me feel comfortable in bed considering he is my first partner. However, sex has generally been uncomfortable for me (even with stimulation and lubricant). I'm never really wet like I used to be before going on bc. After reading some postings on this forum I realized that my bc has definitely been lowering my sex drive. I have been on 3 different types in the past couple of years and they all have had the same affects. I also have other side affects that I'm not too happy about (headaches, fatigue, nausea). It did however help me in the acne department (one positive!)

I've decided that I want to change to a different method of birth control but I'm not sure which one would be the best for me. (I will also have a nice long chat with my doc, but I would like some real feedback from others who have experienced different methods)

I've narrowed down my choices to an iud (without hormones), a contraceptive ring (because of the lowered amount of hormones) or a diaphragm.

I just want to be back to my old self without having to worry about pregnancy. If anyone has any feedback or other suggestions I would greatly appreciate the help.[/QUOTE]

Birth control pills didn't work for me either. I decided on an IUD and it's been working fine. I had the Mirena IUD inserted. It was uncomfortable when they inserted it, but after that I've had no problem. Mine has been in for 2 years now.

The amount of hormone released by the Mirena is insufficient to play any role in conception control. It is used because some women experience very heavy periods with the IUD and the small amount moderates flow and cramping. In China, where the IUD is the most common birth control, the majority of them are inert - no copper and no hormone. Most women adjust within a few months and the inert IUDs are good forever.

In Europe, with a dozen or so manufacturers, we have all three versions -hormone, copper and inert. I understand that in the States there are two manufacturers, one with hormone and one with copper coating.

A Mirena would be a good choice, especially if you've already had children. It's a small, soft IUD that slowly releases small doses of the hormones found in the Pill, but because they go right to the target, you get less systemic side effects. It lasts five years, and is even more effective at preventing pregnancy than the Pill.

[QUOTE=;][/QUOTE]
does starting the pill make u gain weight?

I'm no expert and i don't remember if i gained weight when i was on bc.I was only on the mini pill,i can't remember the name of it though.I was still breastfeeding at the time,and stayed on it for quite a while.Hopefully someone with more knowledge will be able to answer your question ladyk.

Dear LadyK,
I'm no expert either, but my advice would be:
If you're taking the pill now, read the leaflet that comes with it. And if you're concerned, see the doctor who prescribed it.
If you're considering taking the pill, see your doctor. Best to write down all your questions and take it with you to the consult. You could also look for the leaflets (at least in Holland most are provided for by the local pharmacy and also on their sites). This could give you a jumpstart in knowledge prior to the consult. Though at times these can also scare or confuse you too much unnecessarily. That depends on your personality.

I've used Stediril 30 for about 10 years. And as the leaflet describes it can cause weightgain (or weightloss), a change in appetite (either more or less) and it could also cause for the body to store more fluid, which makes you appear somewhat larger. I personally didn't feel it change much when I started using. But I was only 12 and not that conscious about change in my body, accept that menstruating had been killing me for a year and I desperately wanted it to become more bearable ;) I specifically noticed the difference when I quit the pill; my body shaped up without me trying.

It's all about pro's and cons. Remember that pregnancy puts on a way larger belly than any pill could! Not to mention the result ;)

couple of years i am using pills and having no side effects. doc wd be in a better position to suggest perhaps

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Thanks, Moderator 3

I was on the Pill for more than 10 years without ill effects and this was in the 'dark ages' when the Pill was a full dose of hormones.

But each woman's chemistry is different.

Like that your situation with me.

what are ya'll thoughts about the birth controll patch? Im thinking of swithcing from the pill to that.

Do a search on the internet and, I believe, you will change your mind. The patch releases hormones into your system based upon body temperature and therefore does not maintain a constant level. This has led to some of the side-effects being amplified in some women. Especially if you are a smoker, this can be bad.

Ok thanks Brandye.

Cassie, I was on the patch for 2 weeks..... I had to stop because I had an allergic reaction to something either in the adhesive so something. With a little research I think that it can be a pretty good and effective form of birth control but like Brandye said the side effects can be more in some women! Also, if you do end up switching I would recommend using a back up form of bc until you are sure that it has started working. When I switched from the patch to the pill, I didn't do this and ended up with my wonderful son! :)

I heard recently that a male birth control pill is being developed, is this true?
if so does anyone know anything about it?

A male birth control pill has been promised "in a few years" since I was in med school a few decades ago. Yes, there are a few approaches under development but do not hold your breath. The latest allows production of sperm that does not mature and is supposedly reversible within a month or two. No long term studies yet but it is supposedly available in India. A few South Asian countries have approved it but none of the more developed countries have even begun the approval process.

[QUOTE=sandra2222;232642]Hi!

I've been having protected sex with my boyfriend for the past year and a half. I love this man and he makes me feel comfortable in bed considering he is my first partner. However, sex has generally been uncomfortable for me (even with stimulation and lubricant). I'm never really wet like I used to be before going on bc. After reading some postings on this forum I realized that my bc has definitely been lowering my sex drive. I have been on 3 different types in the past couple of years and they all have had the same affects. I also have other side affects that I'm not too happy about (headaches, fatigue, nausea). It did however help me in the acne department (one positive!)

I've decided that I want to change to a different method of birth control but I'm not sure which one would be the best for me. (I will also have a nice long chat with my doc, but I would like some real feedback from others who have experienced different methods)

I've narrowed down my choices to an iud (without hormones), a contraceptive ring (because of the lowered amount of hormones) or a diaphragm.

I just want to be back to my old self without having to worry about pregnancy. If anyone has any feedback or other suggestions I would greatly appreciate the help.[/QUOTE]

hi,
this might sound wrong but ive been taking birth control for a yr and i slept with bout 15 men and i hate condoms and im not pregnant yet but i still wud take precautions, do not miss a day if u do take two the next but never take 3 for you will become high off of it, if you really trust your partner then do what makes both yall happy.!

Please site what medical source told you that you become "high" off birth control pills.

I do off course not know what sexgoddess1 means exactly by "high". But while I was on BCP, I was advised on several occasions to take two a day for a week or longer. Like while I was on pretty heavy antihistamine. And o boy, did that make me feel weird the moment I started taking double doses of BCP. I'd probably use the words dizzy, fuzzy, headachy, warm, cloudy and a hint of sickness. I noticed a profound change in my sensory input; colors seemed different and more clear, my sense of smell was superb and I didn't like tastes I did like prior and was suddenly very fond of sour flavors. Sounds pretty "high" doesn't it?

Yet it's better to say "I felt so preggers" instead of "I felt so high".

Though it sounds more weird, it's more true! Since basically: BCP fools your body into thinking it's pregnant, which is why it works so well as anti-conception. And it's why the side-effects are so similar to what women experience in pregnancy. Taking double doses makes you more prone to experiencing side-effects (and that's really quite a list to pick from ;)).

As for taking double doses; I wouldn't go about messing with your BCP. Seriously: DON'T! Stick to the rules in the prescription. Only apply exceptional application as advised by your doctor. When you didn't stick to the rules, presume you're not protected. Ask your doctor when in doubt. And check carefully with your pharmacist when you're prescribed another medication whether your BCP is still protecting you from pregnancy!

I can see high doses of birth control causing a preggo feeling.

I mean people think "bodybuilders" and "powerlifters" are total narcissitic a holes. But if you have ever felt the effects of high testosterone (natural boost from lifting) or being "on" (steroid use) its hard not to feel like your the ****.

Actually this has me thinking. I know in men who have high bf% they tend to have higher levels of estrogen. Would this hold true for larger women? I mean this would explain why so many girls so happily state they are a BBW and are "Oh so sexy". Don't get me wrong, I'm all for self confidence, yet my mother constantly tells me about a women who is about 250lbs (only 5'3" which means quite large) and she thinks she is gods gift to men and doesn't believe in dating cuz no one man could satisfy her sexy body.

Perhaps her estrogen is through the roof and making her think she really is sexy?

See Birth Control Alters Memory on the forum In the News. This is a small study that undoubtedly trigger much larger studies because it suggests that the slightly higher level of female hormones causes those "on the pill" to recall the emotional dimensions of a situation better than the factual dimensions.

The literature is full of studies on the differences between how the genders think. This is the first time that the effects of hormonal contraception on brain function.

I was thinking about taking birth control, but does it stretch out your period to a week?

Mine is usually short, from a day to maybe three days. Will it make it a week?

LOL NO it won't. BCPs will make it disappear altogether.

[QUOTE=mattc;243975]Someone on here had recommended this book as a way to understand how not to get pregnant, my wife is reading it to help understand how to get pregnant......in other words it is a must for women from what I'm told. It's called "Taking charge of your fertility". She has learned a ton, including what the options are after we do have a baby since she doesn't plan on going back on the pill. If I remember what she told me, we just need to use condoms during the 5 days when she is fertile. I'm probably over simplifying things but since we are trying to have a baby and not avoid one I didn't pay much attention.

I realize that doesn't even remotely answer your question but she has raved about this book so I thought I'd pass it along.[/QUOTE]

My husband and I have used Natural Family Planning for 21 years . AKA--"The Sympto Thermal Method" . I do have this book also. I planned both my daughters using this method. (they are now 12 and 14) Now--I do realize that this method is NOT for everyone as it does require the woman to monitor her cycle. You learn to "know" what days you are fertile. You learn the feeling of your cervix (the softness/openess--versus harder and closed) Sperm can live up to five days in the woman's body. Typically the days where a woman is the most fertile are when the womans body produces that very wet "slippery like" discharge. It's very similiar to raw egg whites. This is what sperm love as it helps them to get up to the egg.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly when a woman is ovulating though. (so you do have to remember that sperm CAN live up to 5 days) The days where it might not be safe (for me) are the days towards the end of my period through the day after my temperature goes up . (that's longer than the five days you mentioned using a condom.) I probably overcompensate as it's about 10-12 days that we would use a condom. (so if you're only using a condom for 5 days you may get a surprise baby !! :) It's better to be safe than surprised ! )

I used to use an Ovulation thermometer. It would show me when I was done ovulating as the temperature goes up after ovulation. Then it's completely safe for sex (at least for me--through some of the days of my period) The temperature drops on the day a woman gets her period. However---After 21 years I dropped my glass thermometer and it broke leaking the mercury out !!! Unfortunately they do not make these thermometers any longer. I do have a digital one for ovulation. (it works NOTHING like my glass one though, so I can't rely on it )You cannot just rely on body temperature though. You have to track everything your body is doing. It does take a lot of work and as I mentioned- is not for everyone.

Speaking about the birth control pill-- There are a TON of side effects with it. I never wanted to alter the way my body works by going on it. I have to say--I work in a Cancer treatment center and it's mind blowing how many women (YOUNGER women) have breast cancer. The Medical Society can sugar coat being on the pill as having nothing to do with women getting breast cancer but I do think it has SOMETHING to do with it. (along with everything else we are exposed to in our environment now-)

Even if a woman does not want to use this method for birth control--it's good to know the way your body works. I have noticed since I've gotten older my body is changing and the days I'm fertile are much earlier in my cycle than they used to be. We have spoken about surgery--vasectomy--but I would worry about the side effects of that as well. (I work in a Cancer center and I see a lot that worries me. )

The various approaches to "natural family planning" have been discussed several times. Anyone interested can do a search. Generally, the sympto-thermal method can be useful for women in a stable committed, relationship where risk of pregnancy does not represent a disaster and where taking a few days off is no big deal especially if other techniques than vaginal sex are used.

For a dating couple for whom sex is when it is available, it is not a good idea. It takes discipline and if we see one another weekly or a few times a month, that could be missing. I am glad that you are satisfied with it, Babe, but do not recommend to those dating around.

Sympto-thermal seems more effective with fewer blocked days each month than simply watching the calendar. The muous method is more precise yet.

PS: Please tone down your typeface. Hollering is not requireed.

Having been on the "bad old full dose" BCPs from age 15 to 29 with only two breaks for having kids; no cancer and two healthy kids. During my years on the Pill, my periods diminished to the point of wondering if I'd had one. No cramping, just a bit of spotting, no real changes in weight, and no PMS.

And after watching my sister-in-law dealing with Natural Family Planning with her ferocious periods and only being permitted to take one aspirin for pain so horrible she couldn't see. She'd spend her period - every month - lying crying on her bed with her husband speaking soothingly and rubbing her back gently.

Nature is rarely kind and "natural" does always mean that it is good.

Good to meet a fellow NFP-user on this forum, BikerBabe :) I love using this method and will become an NFP-counselor. I, too, would like to share this and encourage women to learn about their body. If not as contraception, it learns you how to listen closely and feel in touch with your body.

Here is a thread on NFP, for anyone interested. It includes a rather detailed description of what it is you're measuring:
http://www.sexinfo101.com/forum/birth-control-stds-sexual-disorders/2886...

Experiences differ. Some women hate being on BCP and experience a ton of side-effects physically, emotionally, sexually, etc. Some never felt better. Or at least: they feel normal. Some take the side-effects over the complaints of their natural menstruation. Some women go through their natural cycles whistling. Some women don't "like" their natural cycle, but do definitely prefer it over BCP. Some go through the worst during menstruation. Some have delightful ovulations. Or even feel very sensual during their period.

EEK, who permitted your poor sister-in-law only one aspirin? I would like to emphasize aspirin is not of the category of medication that changes your cycle. So while using NFP women can certainly take the normal dosage and quantity of aspirin as indicated for their age/height/weight/medical history. When in doubt, she could always ask her physician or pharmacist (I do!). As any woman on BCP should also do, since there are meds that influence BCP. I do love how her husband so kindly cares for her, btw :)

I would encourage women, esp teens, and parents with teenage daughters to watch them(selves) closely, when they start on BCP. And encourage them to keep up evaluations with the prescribing doctor. Esp while being a teenager in a changing body, it becomes easy to assume the current state is "normal". As a personal example; while being on BCP aged 12-22 I thought it was normal to feel disconnected, have long bleeds, black and clotted blood, often and irregular spotting and bleeding while taking the pills, unexpected sudden episodes of nausea, dizziness, sweating and heavy crampings, etc. It was the only "normal" I knew and no-one ever told me otherwise. Nor did ever a doctor check-up or evaluate the BCP-use. Within a few weeks after quitting all this disappeared and I never felt better :), which makes it clear that the BCP actually caused it.

Apart from unnecessary discomfort, the trickiest part of this may be that there are few women on which BCP doesn't work well. Very few, but there are. Only a doctor can judge whether you're suffering side-effects -that can be fixed by trying another brand- or the symptoms of hormonal contraception not catching on well. In retrospect my current physician concludes my body was most likely constantly trying to invoke my natural cycle. I'm therefor happy that I never used it as contraception, since that could have resulted in an unexpected surprise. So to prevent troubles, parents, girls and women: keep a sharp eye on what's happening to the body.

I wouldn't agree that nature is rarely kind. I mean; just because our species exists for only a fraction of history and is able to manipulate what nature gives us, it still means we owe every little thing to it.

Red Roses it's nice to know someone else on here also uses this method. I did check out your other thread on this topic. Thank you for such detailed information !! That's awesome that you will be teaching classes on this!! I took a class on this YEARS ago.

As stated in previous posts --this method is definitely not for everyone. There are many women who do have trouble with their periods and are put on the pill to help stabilize it. There are others who take medications which would alter the changes in the body and make it very difficult to use this method correctly. It is very risky to do if you are having sex with multiple partners. This method has worked for me all these years. Those who are supposedly using it and have gotten pregnant without planning are obviously not doing it right or not understanding how to check their body. (and I think that's probably what the problem is--Understanding how to use it. )

To EEK--No-I don't think that everything labeled "Natural" means that it's automatically good. I am lucky though. ---I have ALWAYS been very healthy. I know our health is not something to take for granted. I also do realize my health could change tomorrow and I could be one of the thousands of people who come through those doors for Cancer Treatment at the Center I work for.

(Oh, sorry about the typefacing in my original post--I did fix it :) !! )

That reminds me of this:

[INDENT]People who first hear about NFP often ask:
How come couples using NFP always seem to have so many children?

Three answers:
-Because NFP is often put in the large pile of "natural methods" of which many are very unreliable. Ask a bit further and you will learn these people were actually not using NFP, but for example: a calender method.
-Because too many who claim to use the method, fail to really understand it. That's like saying you're on BCP, while taking a pill once a week, instead of once a day ;)
-Because when couples do decide to have children, women using NFP become pregnant more easy and quicker than average couples. Which is actually a good thing :) Esp in a society where more and more people are struggling with conception. It is for this reason couples even learn the method specifically to conceive, instead of contraception.[/INDENT]

Also: I'd like to add that being ill doesn't necessarily makes it impossible to use the method. There are only few medications that contra-indicate use of NFP. And it can also aid in monitoring your body and state of your health and well-being. My physician is very pleased with the overviews I'm able to give him. I even interested him in learning more about NFP as part of his professional knowledge :)

To be honest: there are two sides to each coin. There are estimates that up to 90% of all fertilized eggcells are lost, the vast majority without a woman ever knowing. About a year ago I unexpectedly and unplanned noticed something was different, before a pregnancytest was even possible. I miscarried a few days after my period would had normally started. I doubt if other women would have consciously noticed or paid serious attention to the signs I did see. That type of consciousness can be considered both an advantage and a down-side. Though in a strange way: I'm glad I did know :)

RR,
Unlike women in my family, my sisters-in-law were raised to be good, compliant, home-body girls who followed where their husbands led without complaint. He talked her into it because "taking pills was bad" and "natural methods (for everything) was the way we are supposed to live."

If have boy friends make fun with him nothing is problem,enjoy more but be careful from pregnancy,there are are many way to control unwanted pregnancy.
but most suitable way is condoms .
buy from cheapcondomsonline.com ,You will get on cheapest price

her hubby had read Sex at Dawn by C Ryan, I doubt he'd be all so gungho about doing what comes naturally, since our ancestors practiced group sex all of the time. So, I just smile at them and they think me cold and unfeeling. Oh well!

her hubby had read Sex at Dawn by C Ryan, I doubt he'd be all so gungho about doing what comes naturally, since our ancestors practiced group sex all of the time. So, I just smile at them and they think me cold and unfeeling. Oh well!