Contraceptive Choices

I'm 21 years old, have had no children/have never been pregnant and I have a copper IUD (Intra-Uterine Device).

It is an amazing little thing that sits in my uterus and stops me getting pregnant (hoooorays!!!). It contains no hormones and works by making my uterus an inhospitable place for sperm by thickening mucous and making my womb lining less likely to accept an egg.

I love having an IUD because mine will last for 5 years, i don't have to remember to take pills, it contains no hormones, basically i don't have to think about it (apart from checking for the strings monthly).
Oh yeah, if you're in a country where you have to pay for contraceptives they are cheaper than 5 years of pills.

It was painful to have it inserted, can make your cramps and flow heavier and it does not protect you from STIs.
For me the pros far outweigh the cons, and i've had no changes in the length or severity of my periods.

So, if you're thinking about trying something new, why not ask about an IUD! :D

I've been using the pill (Yasmin) for two years, and I love it. I know that many don't want the hormones, but that's exactly what I like about it. When I first got on the pill, pregnancy avoidance wasn't an issue, but my periods were MISERABLE. I bled heavily for a week and had every awful symptom in the book. Since starting the pill, my period is shorter and lighter and ALL of those awful symptoms have improved. Of course, since my son was born late last year, my periods are even better now.

I have used a condom for the last 6 years.
I have used pills in the past and hated the ill effects it caused, weight gain, irregular etc. Plus my first child was conceived while on the pill, supposedly an antibiotic I was taking caused the pill to be ineffective. Since we started using condoms, no unexpected pregnancies. I find that you can still be spontaneous with a condom and not loose the mood.

Well, I have 3 friends who were all on the pill when they got pregnant. One had twins, and another had two seperate pregnancies while taking the pill. So, I don't really trust that...I know lots of people who have "condom" babies, so that's out too! So the birth control method that I have stuck with, is straight up abstinence. It's not the most fun, but it works. My BF of 3 years complains all the time...and my response is "3 years, no wedding?" and he shuts up real fast. Abstinence has been our compromise so to speak, because we don't want to have a baby out of wedlock. I don't really know how much longer this method will work, as it is rather annoying, but for now, it's all I got.

I chose to use the patch because of the simplicity of it. i have a hard time remembering to do things so with the patch it makes my life easier on me. the only con i would have to say would be the sticky residue from where the patch had been.

It's always interesting for me, I've always known I have a severe latex allergy, but never connected that condoms were latex... until I tried them. That's an embarrasing one to explain to your partner "Um, I'm sorry, but I have to go to the Emergency Room now... I can't stop itching and I'm having difficulty breathing, but don't worry I should get there before my tounge starts to swell and my airway closes... oh that red rash all over my body, thats normal!"

And I also have high blood pressure, so that disqualifies me from hormone therapy [the pill, Depo]

But I discovered a diaphram and vaginal film of spermicide. I love it! Its cleaner and it gives me freedom. So after a few mishaps, I'm finally happy!