Birth Control Thread

[winneythepooh7]

I have been on Ortho Triycyclen for like 2 years now and have noticed over the past year my weight goes back and forth throughout the month, from water weight/bloating. SO I met with the ob/gyn this morning and she prescribed me Yasmin. She said this is probably the best on the market now to prevent this from happening. It is supposed to not make you have a big appetite and cut bloating altogether. So I will let you all know, even though it all depends on our body chemistry I guess ;) Anyone on this now and what has been your experiences?

[shinyleaf]

Hmmm, if it's pretty new then I've never been on it (like Kita, I"m "synthetic-hormone free" for almost 4 years)
Is it a mini-pill?

[shimmer728]

I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and have been pretty happy with it, aside from the mood swings, which have improved with time.

I, too, was afraid of gaining weight while on it, but that hasn't happened. My, um, bustline has increased significantly, though. I guess there are worse side effects. ;)

[lawya girl]

I'm on yasmin for that exact same reason and I still bloat..... :cry:

[kimmer23]

[QUOTE=shimmer728]I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and have been pretty happy with it, aside from the mood swings, which have improved with time.

i was on that too. i switched to seasonale a while back because of migraines. overall i liked that pill though, its just that i had terrible migraines, which i am prone to regardless.

i heard about the yasmin though. i always see ads for it in cosmo.

[tina1979]

I've done Ortho and Yasmin.

The ortho gave me severe mood swings and the Yasmin made me break out so i don't take use either of them. I am on Dimulin ( I think thats how you spell it) anyway, it works great for me. acne clears up and no mood swings

[biodork]

I've been on Yasmin before, for a year, and it didn't seem that bad for me except I had breakthrough bleeding, which was annoying. And I don't know if this is just because of an incident where I had to switch back from yasmin after three months to my old one for a month because of a big huge fuck up by the pharmacy (still pissed about that to this day) but I had weight issues on it...but i still do.

Although my body is weird and has done the opposite of what the dr's say happens on BC and i've had an increase in breakthrough bleeding with hormone inc, so the same thing prob won't happent to you.

[phuong]

I tried Yasmin, but it made me feel a little worse than my usual low-dose monopills. (not that I had any problems aside from the usual pms symptoms) I heard different things though (like a friend lost weight :cool: ) so it's definitely worth a try. I switched back also cause my usual pills are insurance-covered and Yasmin is not and it just wasn't worth paying for.

[embrassezla]

Yasmin has some Potassium-absorption issues and is generally regarded as a useless risk to take when so many other brands don't have it...

[SmilesSoSweet]

I just started taking Yasmin a couple months ago. It's okay. I just wanted to get back on a mono-cycle pill. Since Dec. 1999, I've been on Ortho Novum 1/35, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Cyclessa, and now Yasmin. I wish Yasmin had a generic version so that it'll be much cheaper. It's $25 a pack. Once I have my insurance at my new job and see a doctor, I'll ask if I can switch once again to another mono-cycle that has a generic available.

[MetFanL]

I'm in my 3rd week of being on Estrostep (a tri-phasic pill) and I've turned into a big crier. I cried while RUNNING ON THE TREADMILL the other day b/c I was listening to a song (Bill Withers - Lovely Day) that made me think of my brother and realized that, on his wedding day, I wouldn't get to spend the day w/ him b/c I'll be w/ his fiance. Then, this morning, I cried in the car on the way to work listening to Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better."

I, again, have issues...

[24forever]

Hmmm, if it's pretty new then I've never been on it (like Kita, I"m "synthetic-hormone free" for almost 4 years)
Is it a mini-pill?


Hormone free eh? What do you do? Just other forms of protection??

I've been on like four different pills. I keep having breakthrough bleeding. My new tri-phasal pill has been making me weepy, which sucks. Right now I'm on nothing b/c I couldn't get my pills on time b/c I got a new job, new insurance, it was a whole mess... so I'm waiting to start up again.

[biodork]

I'll be starting on the Nuvaring next week...i'm actually sorta nervous about this one. I HOPE the breakthrough bleeding goes away, that's my biggest concern. Nothing like having 2 periods in one month...

[MetFanL]

I'll be starting on the Nuvaring next week...i'm actually sorta nervous about this one. I HOPE the breakthrough bleeding goes away, that's my biggest concern. Nothing like having 2 periods in one month...

Yeah, that's what I had on my last pill... and the one before that. I'm so sick of having it twice a month. That's why she switched me to a tri-phasic. If this one doesn't work, though, I think I HAVE to take a BC break.

[biodork]

Yeah, that's what I had on my last pill... and the one before that. I'm so sick of having it twice a month. That's why she switched me to a tri-phasic. If this one doesn't work, though, I think I HAVE to take a BC break.
I was on mircette for awhile, not sure what category it's in but I only had 2 placebo pills, so there were 3 dif colors in the pack, and I didn't have breakthrough once. Stupid me went off it though because I thought it was causing my drop in libido. Turns out that was just plain old me doing that

[mishl982]

Then why don't you just go back to mircette?

[biodork]

Trying something new I guess!

[shannon08]

I personally have been on ortho since I was about 17 with no problems, I actually lost weight when I first got on it. But my friend went to the gyno last week and she asked ab Yasmin, they told her that bc she weighed 145, that it might be a problem bc they have found that its not as effective with patients over 150 lbs. Wierd? Is it a low dose hormone? That may be why?? But I though that was funny...
And also...I know that they tell you not to smoke on BC becasue of blood clots etc. has anyone ever had or heard anyone ever having issues bc they smoke....it hasn't stopped me and I haven't had any problems....

[MetFanL]

I think ALL bc pills lose some of their effectiveness if you're overweight or obese. Doctors don't always mention that b/c then they're calling you fat toyour face, but they should be telling women and they don't.

[biodork]

I personally have been on ortho since I was about 17 with no problems, I actually lost weight when I first got on it. But my friend went to the gyno last week and she asked ab Yasmin, they told her that bc she weighed 145, that it might be a problem bc they have found that its not as effective with patients over 150 lbs. Wierd? Is it a low dose hormone? That may be why?? But I though that was funny...
And also...I know that they tell you not to smoke on BC becasue of blood clots etc. has anyone ever had or heard anyone ever having issues bc they smoke....it hasn't stopped me and I haven't had any problems....
That is really weird, I was never told that either and I'm around 150 (even when I was on yasmin, which was over a year ago) At least the doctor actually said something though!

[kitalyn414]

Hormone free eh? What do you do? Just other forms of protection??
i'm using the fertility awareness method coupled with diaphragm. i've only been charting for like 2 weeks, 1 of which was during my period, so i have yet to actually use the diaphragm because i am nervous/worried i won't put it in correctly. in 3 months, my cycle should go back to normal so we can rely on the chart. for now... we are doing "other things" until my anxiety wears off.

[Winter Storm]

I'll be starting on the Nuvaring next week...i'm actually sorta nervous about this one. I HOPE the breakthrough bleeding goes away, that's my biggest concern. Nothing like having 2 periods in one month...
I've been on the Nuvaring for like 2 months now and there's been no breakthrough bleeding. I'm loving it.

Plus my Dr. was right, the guy can't feel it inside you.

(hee hee)

[biodork]

I've been on the Nuvaring for like 2 months now and there's been no breakthrough bleeding. I'm loving it.

Plus my Dr. was right, the guy can't feel it inside you.

(hee hee)
Woohoo! :p

[mishl982]

I've been on the Nuvaring for like 2 months now and there's been no breakthrough bleeding. I'm loving it.

Plus my Dr. was right, the guy can't feel it inside you.

(hee hee)
I thought you said you don't get periods? Or was that post from way back and since then you started using Nuvaring? Funny how I can remember your form of birth control!

[24forever]

This is gonna sound gross, but I don't want to try the nuvaring or diaphram b/c I don't want to think about all that "digging around" you have to do. (Sorry, I can't think of a "nice" way to say it).

For alternatives though I heard the sponge is going back on the market.

[lawya girl]

This is gonna sound gross, but I don't want to try the nuvaring or diaphram b/c I don't want to think about all that "digging around" you have to do. (Sorry, I can't think of a "nice" way to say it).

For alternatives though I heard the sponge is going back on the market.

Yeah I wanna try the sponge but you have to dig around with that too, don't you?

[24forever]

lawya, I'm pretty sure you do have to do some digging with that too, but I guess I have to get over it eventually b/c I'm sick of BC pills.

[lawya girl]

lawya, I'm pretty sure you do have to do some digging with that too, but I guess I have to get over it eventually b/c I'm sick of BC pills.

Me too! I'm thinking of not starting a new pack this Sunday. I'm scared though because I've been on them for 10 years now. And nothing is as effective as they are. Of course, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I got pregnant - but we're not trying to at this point.

[kitalyn414]

i don't get why people are grossed out by it or whatever. it's your body, what's the big deal? you let a guy put his fingers/penis up there, why not your own finger? :lol:

[lawya girl]

i don't get why people are grossed out by it or whatever. it's your body, what's the big deal? you let a guy put his fingers/penis up there, why not your own finger? :lol:

With me, it's more of an issue of it getting stuck.

[24forever]

i don't get why people are grossed out by it or whatever. it's your body, what's the big deal? you let a guy put his fingers/penis up there, why not your own finger?


Let me tell you, I'm not grossed out by doing that, b/c I can take care of things by myself if you know what I mean (sorry for too much info). It's the thought of not putting it in right and having to fidget with it. I had that problem with a tampon once and it was not fun.

I always give too much info b/c I'm a very open person, so if anyone minds let me know.

[mishl982]

(sorry for too much info)
I think with all the things we have talked about on this board, nothing is TMI! :p

[Winter Storm]

I thought you said you don't get periods? Or was that post from way back and since then you started using Nuvaring? Funny how I can remember your form of birth control!

I still don't get periods (and you can elect not to with the Nuvaring) but at the end of the Depo cycle, I would sometimes get some spotting. Maybe I used the wrong term.

[Winter Storm]

i don't get why people are grossed out by it or whatever. it's your body, what's the big deal? you let a guy put his fingers/penis up there, why not your own finger? :lol:

Agree! And those things are really gross! LOL

[Winter Storm]

Let me tell you, I'm not grossed out by doing that, b/c I can take care of things by myself if you know what I mean (sorry for too much info). It's the thought of not putting it in right and having to fidget with it. I had that problem with a tampon once and it was not fun.


With the Nuvaring, you can't put it in wrong. As long as its in, it works. What sucks is I have long nails!

[24forever]

With the Nuvaring, you can't put it in wrong. As long as its in, it works. What sucks is I have long nails!


One of my friends was on the nuvaring, and she had a lot of problems with UTI's. I've had some pretty bad ones (ended up in the hospital) and I don't want to risk it.

[Angyl]

Let me tell you, I'm not grossed out by doing that, b/c I can take care of things by myself if you know what I mean (sorry for too much info). It's the thought of not putting it in right and having to fidget with it. I had that problem with a tampon once and it was not fun.

I always give too much info b/c I'm a very open person, so if anyone minds let me know.


Oh man, I could tell you a story about me and a condom, but that's REALLY TMI. It was sick.

But y'all should read the book "Cunt." She has wacky ideas about periods.

[irish42]

lawya, I'm pretty sure you do have to do some digging with that too, but I guess I have to get over it eventually b/c I'm sick of BC pills.


The nuvaring is extremly effective and the "digging" isnt that bad you stick your finger in you and you loop your finger around the ring(minimum digging) and pull it out. It is like the size of a hairband. And yes I did have issues with UTI's but that was connected more to an inconsiderate x-bf then the ring and I had UITs repeatedly even after i got off the ring...now I am back on the ring again and I take special pills everytime after I have sex which prevent UTIs from occuring

[lawya girl]

But it is hormones, right? My goal is to get off the hormones...

[winneythepooh7]

I just want to say that I am now almost a month into my first pack of Yasmin and I definately noticed the difference re: the bloat. I feel like I have dropped the 5-10 lbs. I was always gaining on Ortho and people have even told me I look like I lost weight. I also noticed I am not really hungry throughout the day anymore. My ob-gyn told me this may happen. I eat a bagel and have coffee for breakfast but I usually just have a snack now for lunch and a light dinner. Go figure with the hormones ;).

[Drufus]

"Thats not my kid... I pulled out WAY EARLY on that one" ----Big Ern McCrackin Kingpin


I saw the title of this thread and couldn't resist.

[cornflakegirl]

that is good to hear. it is always nice to find a bc method that works for you.

i am mad that i wasn't around for this thread. i could go on & on about the wonders of the nuvaring.

[girlinterrupted]

Has anyone ever used an IUD? It's supposed to be one of the most effective birth control methods, but the side effects I am reading about online are scaring me (heavier periods, heavier cramping, acne, etc). Let me add that I cannot be on hormonal birth control. Sigh. I actually miss the Pill. Even though it made me crazy, at least I didn't have to worry too much about it.

[cornflakegirl]

Has anyone ever used an IUD? It's supposed to be one of the most effective birth control methods, but the side effects I am reading about online are scaring me (heavier periods, heavier cramping, acne, etc). Let me add that I cannot be on hormonal birth control. Sigh. I actually miss the Pill. Even though it made me crazy, at least I didn't have to worry too much about it.

unless you have a child & are in a monogamous relationship, then forget about it. a doctor will not insert one for you/

[bridgetjones]

Sigh. IUD. I guess that will be my method for my Carlsburg years. What other options are there that are effective yet do not mean pumping my body full of hormones?

Spermicide and a condom are a pain in the butt EVERYTIME.

[cornflakegirl]

just a condom

spermicide

diaphragm & spermicide

cervical cap & spermicide

the options are mediocre

[pisces2473]

Spermicide and a condom are a pain in the butt EVERYTIME.
A baby would be a pain somewhere else... :razz:

[ebruening]

I've never had any scares with using a condom and being on the pill...that should work as well as anything, right?

[cornflakegirl]

I've never had any scares with using a condom and being on the pill...that should work as well as anything, right?

any safer & you won't be having sex.

[ebruening]

Well, I like having sex, so I think I'll go for the dual forms of protection rather than do without :huge:

[bridgetjones]

just a condom

spermicide

diaphragm & spermicide

cervical cap & spermicide

the options are mediocre


Ha ha Pisces... Man... How cumbersome are the cervical cap and the diaphragm? As cumbersome as condom and spermicide?

I just do not like the idea of screwing with my hormones artificially. I get sorta icked out about taking any kind of drug unless absolutely neccessary. Too bad I cannot get that IUD until I am practically married.

[cornflakegirl]

I just do not like the idea of screwing with my hormones artificially. I get sorta icked out about taking any kind of drug unless absolutely neccessary. Too bad I cannot get that IUD until I am practically married.

practically married? try once you are a parent.

i don't like hormones either. although my desire for a kid ranks a little higher than my desire to put hormones in my body.

[meatwad]

Spermicide and a condom are a pain in the butt EVERYTIME.

Bridge, I'm trying to get AWAY from putting your funny quotes out of context in my signature. Stop making it so difficult.

[wordsmith]

Bridget, generally speaking, they don't like to put IUDs in a womb that's not carried a child to term before. Your body has a high likelihood of expelling the foreign body if you've never been pregnant before. My friend had the Copper-T IUD after she had her daughter, and even then, her body expelled it. NOT. PLEASANT.

[bridgetjones]

Well I intend to be married before having a kid!

I know IUDs are abit dangerous.

I just want alternatives to pills and IUDs seemed to be one. Blah! Condoms and spermicide it is I guess.

Ahhh hell I am a walking freudian slip! Feel free Mr. Meat Man!

Cornflake - "i don't like hormones either. although my desire for a kid ranks a little higher than my desire to put hormones in my body."?

[cornflakegirl]

Well I intend to be married before having a kid!

I know IUDs are abit dangerous.

I just want alternatives to pills and IUDs seemed to be one. Blah! Condoms and spermicide it is I guess.

Ahhh hell I am a walking freudian slip! Feel free Mr. Meat Man!

Cornflake - "i don't like hormones either. although my desire for a kid ranks a little higher than my desire to put hormones in my body."?

hmm, oops. i still can't figure out how to correct the sentence & mean what i want it to mean. says the girl waiting patiently for her period to start.

[bridgetjones]

Sign in. Go to the post in question. Hit the Edit Button. Edit. Hit Save Change.

[shimmer728]

I may regret asking this, but......what happens when your body "expels" an IUD? Sounds freaky.

[bridgetjones]

I assume it is like the worst cramps you have ever had with lotsa bleeding... :redface:

[girlinterrupted]

OK definitely not going the IUD route! Even though it seems like I would have been rejected anyway, as I've never had a kid.

It really sucks that all the other non-hormonal options have shitty prevention rates. UGH....

[cornflakegirl]

Sign in. Go to the post in question. Hit the Edit Button. Edit. Hit Save Change.

i know how to edit. what i meant is that trying to reword the sentence is a tad tricky. better to just erase & start again . . . forget it, too late, but you get my point, i hope.

[bridgetjones]

Oh ok. You meant that your desire to prevent a pregnancy AND enjoy rumpy pumpy outweighs the ickiness factor of pumping artificial hormones in your system?

Hmmm... I wonder if your naturopath knows of any more natural ways to prevent preggers? :confused:

[ebruening]

Oh ok. You meant that your desire to prevent a pregnancy AND enjoy rumpy pumpy outweighs the ickiness factor of pumping artificial hormones in your system?

Hmmm... I wonder if your naturopath knows of any more natural ways to prevent preggers? :confused:

"Rumpy Pumpy?!" BJ, you totally crack me up!

[cornflakegirl]

Hmmm... I wonder if your naturopath knows of any more natural ways to prevent preggers? :confused:

she is adamantly opposed to hormonal birth control. she gave me info on the femcap. it is similar to the diaphragm. http://www.femcap.com

[k.monster]

http://www.femcap.com

That is way cool and I <3 the "Directions for use" graphics :)

[bridgetjones]

Wow Cornflakegirl you sure do know your birth control methods.

[bridgetjones]

I looked at it and I like it. I guess you have to put it in before your hot date. That sounds ok to me.

Trouble is that I could not find whether it is approved for use in Canada. :frustrate

[cornflakegirl]

it doesn't look like it is approved in canada. strange.

i would like to talk to someone that uses is. i really would like to know how exactly insertion before sexual arousal works and what if you have sex numerous times, do you apply more spermicide? how easy is it to mess up insertion?

bj - birth control & it's failures & the repercussions of not using it is my line of work.

[bridgetjones]

Hmm... From the looks of it, it is rather like inserting an OB tampon way way up there. What if you get all hot and bothered thinking about your hot date with your BF while inserting it? :redface:

I guess you could apply more spermicide with that tubey applicator thingie and have another go at it? However I do not like the taste of it. So going down is not an option after that... Is there a less nasty tasting spermicide out there? Hey I may as well ask a professional...

[cornflakegirl]

Hmm... From the looks of it, it is rather like inserting an OB tampon way way up there. What if you get all hot and bothered thinking about your hot date with your BF while inserting it? :redface:

I guess you could apply more spermicide with that tubey applicator thingie and have another go at it? However I do not like the taste of it. So going down is not an option after that... Is there a less nasty tasting spermicide out there? Hey I may as well ask a professional...

i can't imagine the small amount of spermicide that you use on the femcap oozing out. you have to leave it in place for 6 hours post coitus.

if it does ooze out, then there are always baby wipes.

[bridgetjones]

Well with the current method I use it does ooze out and I guess it tastes freaking nasty if he goes down.

I was thinking you might add more spermicide afterwards or is that bad for some reason?

[cornflakegirl]

Well with the current method I use it does ooze out and I guess it tastes freaking nasty if he goes down.

I was thinking you might add more spermicide afterwards or is that bad for some reason?

i'd imagine it would be a pain in the arse. then again, you have to keep it in for 6 hours afterwards so maybe reapplying is not possible.

[SillyDreamer]

I love me pill and its not a common one i don't think. It's Ortho Novum.

I started years ago on Ortho Cyclen (not tri cyclen) and it made my periods about 7,000 times worse if that was possible...like go to the emergency room bad.

Ortho Novum I'm been on a long time. Without it i get my period once every 4-5 months, irregular, long, and debilitating. With it, I get my period exactly on time, every 28 days, for 2-3 totally bearable days. no pregnancy scares. less pain and bleeding.

I've wanted to go off and see how i'd do without it but i haven't cause i dont want to mess with a good thing.

[Cole]

My mom had an IUD put in before her honeymoon and said it was the most painful thing she ever did. Guess they had different regulations back then. (Probably have better equipment now too)

As for other methods... I have a diaphragm but I've never used it. I always worry about it popping out at the wrong moment or something. :eek: (totally unfounded? probably.) I'm okay with condoms, but can't use spermicide b/c of very sensitive skin that doesn't respond well to chemicals. Thus, the pill.

I went through 3 kinds of pills before I got on the current one, Desogen (I think it's a generic) and that has served me well. No emotional problems, no break-through bleeding, or anything (unlike the first few). I really wish I had a better alternative to putting hormones in my body, but it just works so much better than anything else for me.

Only thing is I've been breaking out like crazy for the past 6 months... I don't think it's the pills 'cuz that hasn't changed in 2 years, but I'm starting to wonder if my chemistry could change and then start to conflict with the pills, thus causing the random acne that won't go away? Anyone know of particular kinds that help with acne?

Also, b/c I don't have insurance, I get my stuff through Planned Parenthood. I feel like I should be glad I got my pills and not bother them about my acne... can they even change my prescription for that sort of thing? Anyone know?

[SmilesSoSweet]

I love me pill and its not a common one i don't think. It's Ortho Novum.

That was the first pill I was on. It was to regulate my cycle. I actually liked that one the best. I'm on Yasmin right now and there isn't a generic version of it so with my new insurance I pay $35. If there was a generic it would only be $10! So once I find a doctor out here, I'm going to ask to be switched back to Ortho Novum 1/35. I think by now there should be a generic version of that. I've been on the pill for over five years now!