Contraceptive Choices

We decided to not use any birth control. Its been over 1yr and our decision has been successful so far! Basically I chart my temperature and we avoid intercourse a few days before my temperature goes up. We chose this method because I dont like hormones and condoms ruin the whole experience for us. At first charting was a cumbersome task but after i upgraded my membership to premium fertility all I had to do is enter my temperature on the site it has been much easier. The only other con to NFP is that u need to have a regular cycle. I am not sure how successful it would be if u werent regular.

Me and my husband only use NFP. We both agreed that we didn't think it was right to use artificial contraception. Through talking to friends and family and doctors, this seems like the only way to actually be myself all the time. There is also a stronger feeling of respect for each other as to certain times when sex is appropriate. We also have the choice each cycle as to whether or not we want to try to conceive. So far 3 and 1/2 years and no accidents. It also has no affect on your fertility later on in life is we choose to try to have children. I highly reccommed it. I don't think there is any better way.

When I first got married almost 15 years ago I swore that I would make sex as natural for the both of us as possible, so condoms were out and the pill was the bc of choice. About 6 years later and almost 40 pounds heavier, not to mention all the lovely hormonal ups and downs, I got preggy by choice. When the decision of bc came around again I had to go for condoms. It doesn't mess with your system, doesn't require the memory of an elephant to take every day, is relatively inexpensive, and comes in all kinds of interesting types. While I am still not as happy using them as opposed to not, they are more reliable and easy on the bod as opposed to the next most popular method of bc with hormonal control. I wont use an IUD as it doesn't prevent conception, just implantation, and for those sensitive to the pro-life issue it hits the mark. I considered a diaphragm but the cost, not to mention the trouble(kinda ruins spontaneity of sex when you have to run to the bathroom to stick it in) ruled that one out. Other than surgery on him or me, condoms by far have been the best choice for us!

I was on Depo for awhile after the birth of my daughter. I gained a lot of weight, and my hormones went crazy. So I got off Depo. I got back on it a year into my previous relationship, and got off it again, and I got pregnant in October of last year. I had my son in July on my b-day last year. I had my tubes tied a month after having my son. I regretted the decision at first, but now I know I made the right choice.

I am 25 and I have been on the pill for 10 years however 3 months ago I was diagnosed with hypertension. Being a healthy young person my doctor was naturally concerned. I went through extensive testing for a period of 6 months when the final conclusion was that my birth control was causing this problem. Ultimately my only birth control choice was a Copper IUD, the hormones were causing the high blood pressure so the copper has none. I did not know anything about it and went online for some answers, boy was I wrong. The resources online didn't calm my nerves about the entire situation but after talking to my ob, she really helped. I was surprised at how easy it was and why I never did this before. It is about the size of a penny and is inserted in the doctors office and takes a few minutes. Since I never had any children or anything ever in that region of my body it hurt, like having bad cramps but then I was good to go. I never have to worry about taking a pill or worry about getting pregnant and when I am ready to do so, I simply get it removed and I can get pregnant immediately. I do not have to wait for the hormones to escape my body. I have lost some serious weight since being off birth control too! I will admit, my periods are heavier now and I do have cramps but that is hereditary in my family but I don't get the mood swings I used to so it balances out.

The Pill is wonderful. Assuming you can remember to take it everyday. My cramps went away completely, my skin cleared up, and I dropped 20 pounds, because it made me want to eat less. If that isn't great, I don't know what is.