Contraceptive Choices

I too use NFP and have found no nasty side effects with hormones. Also, it has allowed my dh to have part in our "planning". What a joy to be in this together!

Well, we've been doing NFP since my daughter was born in November 2004. My last period was January 24th and for some reason I ovulated early and am now 7 weeks + pregnant! :) I am super excited but with NFP you have to be open to having another baby. This will be my third and I'm due on Halloween.

I've used the IUD for about 5 years now. I tried a diaphragm for a year or so, but had constant UTI's. Could never remember to take the Pill. Plus as a former smoker with a family history of heart disease, it really shouldn't have been an option anyway. Not regular enough for natural methods. I LOVE my IUD. Never have to worry about forgetting, which is a big thing for me. The only con I can see is that it seems to have done a number with my periods (never particularly regular, now i generally have one only every other month, then they'll be pretty regular for 2-3 months, then start skipping again. They're also much heavier for a day or so, but not any longer than before...3-4 days really. Have been spotting lately in between every few cycles. But...I'm pushing 40 and my doctor says a lot of that could be as much related to my stage in life than the IUD. Either way, I wouldn't change it for anything. I have four kids and doubt I'd want to start over if I were blessed to remarry, but not prepared for a permanent solution either.

I agree 100 % , after having my son (who is now 16 months old) I was
put on depo the birth control shot and hated every minute of it , it really did a job on my horomones ! I suffered from several side effects like decrease in libido, mood swings, even unexplained emotional anger ! After having only one shot I decided it wasn't for me so I switched to Natural Family Planning ! Believe it or not it really works ! I gathered info on NFP and read books on NFP that teach you how to tell when your body is fertile and when it is not.
The Pro's : NO HOROMONES NO SIDE EFFECTS, NO WONDERING IF I TOOK MY PILLS , NO STRESS !!!!!!
The Con's Well I can't think of any !

I used to be on the pill for about 2 years... I have extremely bad PMS, and the pill seemed to elevate my mood swings even more to the point of disrupting my life, career, and relationship. So now I have a diaphragm. It took some getting used to, but has been working so far. My doctor thought I was crazy for wanting something so "archaic" but I'm sick of putting unnecessary chemicals into my body. I recommend the diaphragm.

I was on the pill for 3 years before my my fist child.After she was born i wanted something more convenient so i switched to the ring.I think it's easier to change my ring once a month than to take a pill every day.