CycleViews(tm) - Share your monthly cycle views!Views Home | Profile | Follow

Contraceptive Choices

From condoms to cervical caps to hormonal rings, patches, and many types of birth control pills, today we have so many contraception options from which to choose!

What birth control do you use? What are your birth control's pros? Its cons? Are you thinking of switching to something else?

<Prev Page 8 of 29 Next>
Posted by: ponderous on Feb 9, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

Paragard IUD

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.)

Overall Relate Rating: 3 Ratings

Posted by: PghRN on Feb 7, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

NFP

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.

Overall Relate Rating: 4 Ratings

Posted by: keishas77 on Feb 4, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

THE RING.....it's great.

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

Overall Relate Rating: 1 Ratings

Posted by: tcat on Feb 3, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

FemCap

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

Overall Relate Rating: 2 Ratings

Posted by: seamonster on Feb 2, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

Love the Ring

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

Overall Relate Rating: 3 Ratings

Posted by: MsRosso on Jan 30, 2008
Contraceptive Choices

Lea's Shield

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.

Overall Relate Rating: 3 Ratings

<Prev Page 8 of 29 Next>
CycleViews is provided for entertainment purposes only. It is not not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a medical doctor or qualified healthcare provider. If you have any questions about your medical health or believe you have a medical problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read in CycleViews. No guarantee is made about the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the information contained herein. bInfinity Web Inc. does not necessarily endorse the opinions or information provided by its members on CycleViews.