Contraceptive Choices

I currently have a copper IUD for my birth control, but before that I was on: Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Cyclen LO, Ortho Evra (Patch), Yasmin and Yaz. Each hormonal method resulted in different side effects: chest pain, breakthrough bleeding, depression, migraines and low libido. Yowza.

At the tail end of taking Yaz, I started working for Planned Parenthood, and was introduced to the amazingness of IUDs. I researched it for a while and thought about which one I wanted (Mirena with Progesterone = 5 years or Paragard with no hormones = 12 years). The choice was easy for me based on my past experiences with HBC; I chose Paragard.

Insertion was PAIN FREE! I did not take pain killers beforehand, nor did I receive any numbing agents or dilators. I am 22 and have never been pregnant/had babies. There was 1 minor cramp during insertion, and afterwards I did not experience any cramps, nausea, dizziness, etc. It was like it never happened.

It's been just a bit over 2 months that I've had it inserted, so I've had 2 periods with the IUD. My first period was like my periods before I went on HBC - long, heavy, bloody. (Hey! It IS your own natural cycle!) My second period was light! and only lasted a few days and I did not have ONE cramp. Woo. We'll see what next month brings.

I recommend IUDs because there isn't much to think about (just check your strings to make sure your IUD friend isn't expelling), it's the next most effective method of birth control to Tubal's, and it's reversible at ANY time (with Paragard you theoretically can get pregnant removal day since you are still ovulating).

I am into more natural methods of birth control and medicine, so I feel good about my decision to have a non-hormonal method of BC. Here's to 12 years! (Oh, and cost wise...expensive at first, but I've calculated how much a Paragard costs over a month over 12 years based on the prices at my Planned Parenthood and it's $3.80 a month for 12 years...more cost effective than any other method.)

I had side effects with the pill: migraines, weight gain, hypertension. I was otherwise healthy and in my mid-20s; the risks associated with hypertension weren't worth my staying on the pill. I've been off OC for several years now, and now using NFP. Was monitoring body temp for a while, but my cycle is very consistent and we've been doing fine by abstaining when I'm fertile. The calendar method doesn't work well if you're irregular, but ovulation tests and body temp can help you to make a more accurate assessment. I like the idea of not having to take any medication or use a barrier method.

I use the Ring too and I have to say it has been great using it. I have to agree that it is pricey even with insurance. The first 3 months of using it I had some nausea during the first week after insertion but since that I haven't had a problem. I noticed some amount of water retention and breast tenderness but nothing compared to when I was on the pill. My periods were shorter and lighter and the word "cramps" was not even in my vocabulary. For me it was a good choice because I used to forget to take my pills and with this it was once a month. Absolutley great!

I would definitely recommend this birth control

FemCap

A good non-hormonal method. I've been using this for about 2 weeks and it's been good so far. I also considered Lea's Shield but that seems so bulky! I found FemCap easy to use, and that it needs less spermicidal goop than with a diaphragm. I only wish that pharmaceuticals would develop an alternative spermicide to nonoxynol-9. It seems that a lot of people have reactions to nonoxynol-9, and there are now confirmed warnings about frequent use -- but there seem to be no alternatives

I love the ring. I was using the patch then there was controversy and my gyno suggested ring. 3 weeks, don't feel it. No PMS! It was $$ though because it's "brand name". Only side effect I noticed was I had to take Advair for a few weeks because of nasty bronchitis and I had MAJOR cramps that month.

For non hormonal I like VCF. It's quick and effective, but my husband hated waiting for the 15 minutes if we were being spontaneous.

-Caeles

Been using the shield for 10 years now. Love the fact that there is no hormones involved, that it doesn't need fitting, it's inexpensive (lasts SO much longer than the manufacturer claims), environmentally friendly, you don't need to get the doc involved, in short: you are totally in charge.
Takes a bit of a calm and collected mind and some planning ahead, though.