I've been on the ortho tri-cyclen birth control pill for a while now and want to go off. My husband and I don't really like to use condoms either. I've been reading about the natural family planning method and wonder if anyone else is doing this and what are your opinions. I really want to do something that is safer and more natural for my body. Please share your experiences/wisdom.
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/postpartumsex/3603.html seems to have some good info, as does http://www.epigee.org/guide/natural.html I know it isn't listed as a "natural" method, but you could also consider using a diaphragm. I don't remember if you're supposed to use spermicide in conjunction with it, but it basically just makes a physical barrier rather than a chemical one. I'm pretty sure you need to talk to your doc about it (are they custom fit? I really don't remember much of this stuff from sex ed, way back in grade 9) remember, google is your friend too!
http://www.tcoyf.com/ this is what you're looking for. i dont actually use tcoyf to prevent pregnancy, but since reading the book, i've been far more in tune with my own body and if i was absolutely religious about charting i would trust it for birth control. that is, if i actually had a sex life, a monogamous partner and all of that! ha!
if you want to go off the pill because it makes you feel yuck try yasmin-it's really really good. I didn't gain ant weight because of it, my breast size increased but filled out a little not that pregnancy look that ortho gives them adn I haven't had too much moodiness on them. I am off of them now because i no longer need them for awhile but as someone who reacts horribly to birth control I can say that they really aren't nearly as bad as the rest.
When you get off teh pill be careful. When I got off those ( I think that brand even) I got pregnant right away! You are most firtile right off the pill.
I waited untill after my period came and I am not going to be sexually active again for a few months.
Yeah, I "googled" to find out alot of info but I wanted to hear about some actual experiences from the woman on this forum with using the natural method (charting to see when you are fertile, etc.). I think you do have to use spermicide in conjunction with a diaphragm. Thanks for all the responses.
Damn Lynsey, the same thing happened to me when I first got on Yasmin. I didn't gain and ounce of weight, but I went up an entire cup-size. Weirdest thing... Overall, I totally recommend Yasmin, as well. I have had virtually no side effects (except for the increased bra size).
It's a wonderful pill I am thinking of going back on it even thought I don't need it right now just because i am so loving the way my skin was clearer and the shape it gave me in some places.
I am enjoying my last week of the pill, which I have been on for three years without a break. It's given me a lot of problems, BV and yeast infections. My GYN has tried everything and finally suggested I just go off the pill and see if it helps. I'm planning to use to natural family planning method. I've read a couple books and am looking into a class that is usally offered at local hospitals. We're going to be using condoms for a few months (or not having intercourse, cause condoms hurt me if used often) until I get the hang of the method, but once I get the charting down I don't think I'll have a problem trusting it. It's totally better for you, and I think I'll really enjoy the charting and such. Let me know if you wanna talk about it or something. Good Luck!
Thank you for your reply Vanilla Faerie. I was beginning to wonder if anyone else on these forums was going through a similar experience. I don't want to switch to a different pill, I just want to go off of the pill. I know it's going to be awhile before I get accustomed to the natural method as well but I'll have to explore alternative uses of contraceptives until then. Anyone heard of wild yam as a means of contraception?
