Types of Birth Control

[Cookiebaker]

Definitely do research before making a decision. For example, I have heard some really awful side effects to the depo shot. Its a very personal decision, and best of luck to finding the perfect thing for you!

[Catty1]

Because an IUD can cause HEAVY flow , my dr had told me about an IUD that has progesterone on it. Apparently this cuts down flow and cramps AMAZINGLY.

It is $350 versus $50 for an ordinary one - but stretch that over 5 years or so, and it's very cost-effective.

(This was in Canadian dollars over 2 years ago! )

If you go that route, it's very easy to have done...the uterus will have a "WTH?" contraction. I'd never had one, so it was....er....well, got my attention. But you've had a baby, so you should be just fine.

Just my experience and opinion.

[binka_nugget]

I've been on the pill (alesse) for over a year now. I've been very happy with it and have no problem remembering as I have a set routine every morning. I remember researching the Depo shot before I started the pill. It seems like a lot of girls gain weight and have really weird cycles after they stop receiving the shots. An alternative I considered is the patch but I thought I would end up forgetting that one day a week I would switch patches. It's a little bit easier for me doing it daily since I have a routine.

[Lilith Cherry]

I didnt like the side effects the pill gave me but I used an iud for years with no problems and perfect success. I really think they are very good and easy because you don't need to remember anything and I have a terrible memory

[Twisterdog]

I took the pill for twenty years. I never forgot to take it, I kept them with my toothbrush!

However, small caveat ... I did get pregnant with my son while taking the pill. Oopsie! But, aside from total abstinance, there is NO 100% foolproof form of birth control.

[Catlady711]

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.

[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.

[jackie]

No one mentioned condoms or cervical cap?

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

[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!

[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.