Birth Control

[StarFish]

So I've been thinking of switching to BC pills as my form of Birth Control, but I'm worried about the side effects (especially low sex drive b/c I like having a sex drive) So I was wondering everyone's recommendations/opinions on BC pills or other forms of Birth Control.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I have never had any problems with low sex drive from the pill (I take the generic form of Ortho-Cept). Still wanted it all the time! But I am sure that's different for different people.

I also never experienced many of the other side effects (like nausea or weight gain...and certainly none of the really bad ones), but I really notice the difference in my moods. When I am not taking the pill I am much more even. It's kind of weird because some people say it evens them out, but it had the opposite effect for me like every emotion is magnified. I considered condoms a pain so this still was a viable option for me. However, I am beginning to wonder just how it really affects the body.

I guess that doesn't really help you make a decision. Just my experience. Good luck finding what works for you. I know there are a bunch of other methods out there...maybe someone with more experience than me will be more helpful.

[StarFish]

I'd really like an IUD, but from what I hear a lot of doctors don't want to give them to girls my age (21) because of risk, so the pill is really my back up if I can't get an IUD.

[Tripp444]

If you are worried about losing sex drive, then tell your doctor that you don't want to take Yasmin or Yaz birth control pills. These birth control pills have a form of progesterone that offers a mild diuretic effect and also decreases your testosterone level. This decrease in testosterone is great for clearing up acne and lightening body hair, but it also dimishes your sex drive
I would recommend trying one of the tri-phasic birth control pills, such as Ortho-Tri-Cyclen which most closely mimic your natural cycle.

[Cath]

I have been using nuvaring for about 2 years now, and i've been very pleased with it.

[Wit and Itch]

I was OK first 2 years on pill, than I started getting migraine headaches and yeast infections. I had to go through candida cleanse to get rid of problems.
With IUD I head bleeding 28 out of 30 days.
Now I use inserts, but I am married for 20 years, and we don’t cheat on each other.
For young people condom is the best, because it protects from STD.

[Michelle]

I think the BC pill is poison. I took it for two years, and it completely changed my body. Since going off it, I feel much more like me and less like a chemical mutant.

I have been using the Pearly Computer for several months now and am extremely happy:

Natural Methods :: Natural Birth Control, 99.3% Effective with Lady-Comp & Baby-Comp

It's accuracy is comparable to any hormonal contraception.

[Chemgirl]

I agree with Michelle 100%, I had lots of problems when I used the pill so I switched to Implanon (an implant form of BC) which stopped bleeding altogether. After a year of this I did some research and realised it's so unnatural to pump your body full of hormones like this. Unfortunately I was so young at the time and didn't realise I had hormone imbalances before going on the pill.

So as annoying as it can be, I reckon condoms are the way to go.

[bdp]

I agree with the poison comment. My wife had nothing but problems with the pill, and we concluded that it was just another toxic chemical that interferes with the body's natural functions.

[cherryredcutie]

Hi Starfish,

I wouldn't recomment Birth Control Pills either. I have taken it for 11 years but then everything inside me started to resist and in the end I decided to stop taking them. I had loads of problems with my sex drive, it was practially non existent, luckily it got a bit better and I am looking after guys again lol. I also had headaches and spotting. I felt very relieved when I didn't take the pill anymore and much more free, hard to describe but I wouldn't wanna take the pill again.

If you are interested in natural methods I would recommend you NFP (Natural Family Planning), here's an introduction:Natural family planning - fpa
or you can also have a look at this book: Amazon.com: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement: Books: Toni Weschler

Take care,
Anne

[asrai]

I'd ask about the IUD. I know of a few people who haven't had kids who got an IUD put in. Due to the complications of BC I think more and more women are asking for IUDs.

[shananigans]

Everyone’s individual experience with BC is so different, only you can decide what’s best for you in the end. But it’s great that you’re making the effort to educate yourself about your choices.

IUD’s have some serious risks associated with them. Periods often become heavier and more painful. The effect of the device is meant to make the uterus a hostile environment for sperm and eggs, but it also has the same effects on developing embryos and that is thought to contribute significantly to their effectiveness. If fertilization does occur there is increased risk for ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Plus there is a small risk of other complications includeing expulsion, uterine perforation and infection (pelvic inflammatory disease).

To me these risks are unacceptable. I’d rather take artificial hormones that ensure that I do not ovulate at all. I know it’s unnatural, but I’ve not suffered any adverse side effects, in fact I’m very pleased with my experience on the pill. My periods are light and short, and I have not become pregnant (definite bonus!). I was on ortho tri-cyclen for about 5 years and I’ve been on ortho tri-cyclen lo for the last 3 years.

[insatiabl3]

Hi starfish,

just my personal experience - i hated being on the pill because it gave me a lower sex drive..it sucks to not feel like doing it when you have every reason to be doing it more. also i didnt like the way i was chemically altering my body day in and day out.. i stopped taking it after the 2nd or 3rd month even though i had a year's supply..everyone's body reacts differently though, so perhaps try it out and hope it doesnt effect you the same way. good luck!