Types of Birth Control

[Vela]

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]

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.

[lizbud]

You'd probably be better off discussing your options with your doctor. I've heard of and know people who've taken/used all different kinds with various results. Each has their pros/cons. Among some of them...

My one cousin got the implant things and gained almost 50 lbs along with other side effects.

My mom couldn't take any pill with much estrogen in them.

I can't take any pill with LOW amounts of estrogen in them.

Another cousin had horrible problems with the IUD and had to have it taken out.

Your doctor should have the most up to date methods, as well as already know your medical history to best decide which method is probably better for you.

I agree . Everyone is so different, it's best to get your personal DR. to
give you his/her opinion on which is best for you.

[ramanth]

I was looking for a form of BC to help control my Endo pain vs. keeping me from getting pregnant.

I had a horrible reaction to the Depo shot. I'm on the pill and it's helped immensely with controlling the pain but I can't comment on the prevention of pregnancy as that's a whole other issue.

Good luck!

[jennielynn1970]

I had been on the pill for years due to a hormone imbalance (very irregular). I made changes with it over the years, going lower and lower in the estrogen dosage because it made my mood swings really bad. I went off of it totally in 2000 because it makes my blood pressure go through the roof. I'm still irregular, but dealing with it.

[Felicia's Mom]

I had an IUD for many years.

[jackie]

No one mentioned condoms or cervical cap?

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

[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.

[sparks19]

I fI could afford it right now I would be using an IUD... but I can't afford what they want for the IUD and the insertion all at once... so right now I am on low dose BC pills.

I was on depo when I was about 18.... it was horrible. It says that once on the shot that eventually your period will just stop coming.... I had my period for a year straight when on the shot. My Dr was p retty useless so when I told her about it she just blew it off and said that it would eventually stop... well I eventually just got sick of having my period everyday so I stopped taking the depo and went back to the pills.

I keep my pills on my alarm clock.... I take them when I go to bed at night which is always around the same time.... having them on my clock helps me to notice them and not forget to take it. Even though I don't actually have to set my alarm.... so if you go the pill route... keep the pills next to something you use every day... like your toothbrush.

[sparks19]

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]

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

[caseysmom]

I think the hormones in most cases stop ovulation, I always thought the IUD stopped the ability for implantation so is controversial.

[RICHARD]

You can always tuck a pistol into your belt.

[Scooter's Mom]

set the BCP packet on top of the coffee pot or next to the toothbrush....it's how this post meno woman remembers her calcium

I wish I could remember my calcium that easy. I take medicine twice a day, even... and just cannot remember the calcium. *sigh*

And post-hysterectomy, I NEED calcium. Especially since 1) my hyst was at such a young age (29) and 2) my grandmother has and my mother had osteoporosis.

I guess at least I eat a lot of foods with calcium, and drink a lot of milk.

[Sparklecoon]

I've taken the depo shot and absolutely hated it. I lost all interest in sex (sorry if it's TMI) and I was in a permanant state of PMS. I've been off it now for going on three months and still have yet to have a period. It's a bit infuriating because now were actually trying to get prenant. I've know a girl who's been off Depo for a year with no cycle yet.