Better birth control?

[khaikhai]

I am on the pill and I want to try something else. Anyone have any suggestions as to whats better than others? I have tried the shot and gained alot of weight on it so thats a no no!!!

Thanks in advance

[Naturegirl]

This is what I have tried

Pill
pros: lighter flow
less painful cramps
highly effective
Cons: no sex drive
extremely dry vagina
frequent urinary tract infections
skin lost elasticity (painful sex)
chronic Bacterial Vaginosis (infection)

Copper IUD:
pros: lasts 12 years!
low maintenance (check string once a month after period)
highly effective
cons: risk of expulsion (mine expelled twice)
extremely painful insertion (for me it was agonizing)
smelled like a penny down there , lol
boyfriend could feel string during sex

Cervical Cap
Couldnt get it in with ease, in correct position, was even harder to get out.
Moderate effectiveness ---needed to use spermicide to up the effectiveness (caused irritation)

Condoms
Pretty self explanatory

Natural Fertility Awareness
pros: you become very familiar with your body (which is fun and interesting!)
actually very effective if you trully follow the rules
cons: careful documentation
need to abstain or use other form of birth control for about a third of your cycle (more if you dont have sex on your period)
less spontaneity


Sterilization
pros:
cons: very expensive---especially if you dont have insurance
surgical procedure
might change your mind (yeesh how many times have I heard this one )

Good luck!

p.s. My aunt likes her Nuvaring and my friend isnt bothered by the patch

[khaikhai]

Thank you so much, but I am still having a hard time deciding

[Tylar_Connar]

i have the ortho evra patch...and love it.

[ctdiver]

I use the Nuvaring, and I think it's the best thing ever!! I took various pills through the years, but always stressed about missing one. I tried the patch, but I didn't like how it would peel up just slightly at the edges and get lint on it. It's flesh colored, but looked pretty gross by the end of the week with a denim-blue ring around the outside.

You just put the ring in once a month, and then pull it out for your period. It looks a little like one of those jelly bracelets from the 80's. It says to leave it in 3 weeks and out for 1 week, but it's technically good for 4 weeks. My OB/GYN suggested I put it in on the first day of the month, and out on the 23-24th, so that it was out 7 days. I LOVE it! You can't feel it, and DH says he doesn't feel it, either.

[Tylar_Connar]

Yes, i hate that about the patch (speaking of I need to put one back on..THANKS!!) But I usually try and put it on my arm. But I guess with summer coming I wont be able to. Whats the pros and cons of the Nuvaring?

Originally Posted by ctdiver

I use the Nuvaring, and I think it's the best thing ever!! I took various pills through the years, but always stressed about missing one. I tried the patch, but I didn't like how it would peel up just slightly at the edges and get lint on it. It's flesh colored, but looked pretty gross by the end of the week with a denim-blue ring around the outside.

You just put the ring in once a month, and then pull it out for your period. It looks a little like one of those jelly bracelets from the 80's. It says to leave it in 3 weeks and out for 1 week, but it's technically good for 4 weeks. My OB/GYN suggested I put it in on the first day of the month, and out on the 23-24th, so that it was out 7 days. I LOVE it! You can't feel it, and DH says he doesn't feel it, either.

[ctdiver]

Originally Posted by Tylar_Connar

Yes, i hate that about the patch (speaking of I need to put one back on..THANKS!!) But I usually try and put it on my arm. But I guess with summer coming I wont be able to. Whats the pros and cons of the Nuvaring?

Frankly, I haven't found any cons (unless you think hormonal BC is bad, but that would include pills, the patch, etc.). It's the best thing I've ever tried, and I go around telling everyone about it, because I just think it's so cool. My friends probably think I have stock in the company, because I'm always pushing them to try it! I haven't noticed any breast soreness or other problems with it.

As for the pros, you put it in once a month, then take it out and throw it away. No one can see it, and you can't feel it (or at least, I can't). It's round, but it sort of lays flat inside you. When you take it out, you just reach in and grab it. It's also the lowest estrogen exposure of all the hormonal BC's, which is good, too. Plus, since it's technically good for 4 weeks, if I forget to take it out on the right day, I have a little breathing room.

My OB/GYN gave me free samples of the ring and the patch, and after that, there was no doubt at all! If you go to the website, there's even a voucher for a ring.

[khaikhai]

Well I think I might try that nuvaring!!!! Umm how do you know you have it in right?

[khaikhai]

That question just sounds funny to me!! LOL

[ctdiver]

Originally Posted by khaikhai

Well I think I might try that nuvaring!!!! Umm how do you know you have it in right?

I don't think there's any "wrong" way to put it in. And yes, that does sound funny! You just squeeze it so that it's oval shaped and slide it in. Once it's in, you don't feel it at all. I guess it slides around as necessary, and sometimes is deeper than others, but it can't go far. When I've been "with" DH, I notice it's further in, but it really doesn't matter...