Types of Birth Control

**Vela** · 01-11-2008, 07:42 AM

I work in the medical field, so know quite a bit about BC, and if possible I would avoid the Depo shot. I personally know a girl who would not stop bleeding at all for 3 months and was very anemic, ended up in the hospital with blood transfusions, after getting the shot. Another girl I personally knew from work several years back ended up having a hysterectomy because she was bleeding so heavily after getting the shot. She was only 23. Yes those are worst case scenarios, and many people do get the shot without problems but I also see many problems with that particular option in my line of work.

Of course it is your decision on what works best for you, but I would try to find another form. They all have up sides and down sides, but honestly the Depo shot is one that I would least choose if I was going in for some type of BC.

One of the biggest problems with it is once the shot is given, you can't take it back if you have a bad reaction. The patch you can remove, the pills you can change or stop taking, an IUD can be removed, etc, but the shot is in and done. So do lots of research before choosing, don't ONLY rely on your personal doctor's opinions only because they don't know everything, even the best docs, and they may not have had personal experience with problems with any certain type. They only see so many people, so it's definitely worth a good look around on your own or talking to more than one doctor for a second opinion before making a decision.

**emily_the_spoiled** · 01-11-2008, 08:52 AM

There are many different forms of BC including ones discussed here. You might also talk with your MD about a product called Norplant. This is implanted in your arm (it is about the size of a grain of rice) and it provides contraception for 5 years. But the good thing is that if you decide you don't like it or want to become pregnant you can have it removed anytime.

If you do take the pill please remember that many types of antibiotics interactio with the pill. So if you have to take antibiotics and birthcontrol you will need to use an additional form of birth control for the entire cycle. (This is part of the reason for so many "oops babies")

As people have said, there are pros and cons to each approach and you need to select one in combination with your MD that will work for you and your lifestyle.

**jackie** · 01-11-2008, 08:59 PM

No one mentioned condoms or cervical cap?

I think putting hormones into your body that suppress ovulation is just plain creepy.

**mina'smomma** · 01-12-2008, 10:12 AM

Well come to find out there is only one type of birth control you can take while your breastfeeding. Its a pill that only contains progesterin (sp?) and doesn't make you have periods. Since I am still pumping breastmilk for Cadience this is the choice I get to have.

**sparks19** · 01-12-2008, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by mina'smomma

Well come to find out there is only one type of birth control you can take while your breastfeeding. Its a pill that only contains progesterin (sp?) and doesn't make you have periods. Since I am still pumping breastmilk for Cadience this is the choice I get to have.

You can also use Mirena while breastfeeding according to my OB....

**sirrahved** · 01-12-2008, 11:55 AM

As all hormonal forms of birth control can cause spontaneous abortions to varying degrees, I only advocate barrier and timing methods of birth control.