What birth control method do you use and why?

I use the NuvaRing on the extended birth control schedule (skip the week off for up to 3 months). I get really painful periods, so my doc suggested making them less frequent. I'm also really limited in bc options because my body is incredibly sensitive to hormones -- ortho novum lo made me curl up in a ball and cry for a week straight each cycle. So most hormonal bc options (other pills, the shot) are out for me.

The up side to the ring is that it has the lowest systemic level of hormones of any effective hormonal bc, so less emotional side effects (my sex drive is back!). The down side is that I'm discovering that I can't use it to go a full 3 months between periods like I did the last pill I was on.

 

It would be pointless to have a fertility test done as very few people ovulate every month regularly. Even people who have PCOS and stuff with questionable fertility find with charting they they may not ovulate for over 40 days or longer yet they are not infertile and NEVER ovulate.

If you decide to get the IUD they will want you to go in when you have your period as your cervix is naturally dilated a bit then and you're obviously not pregnant. Also, I think it's a requirement that they do a consultation visit first, so the day you go and ask for it they'll just talk to you and set up an appointment during your period. As to if you should finish your pills it really only matters if you're going to be using them as birth control until the IUD is put in. I wouldnt' take them with the IUD though since they change the lining of the uterus (not sure if it would make perforation more likely or not). Really not sure about that.

 

The pill. Seasonale, actually. I love it to death because my periods were hell before I started the pill. Seasonale just made it better. I recommend it to every female on the planet. If I use condoms it's to protect myself from catching anything, not getting pregnant.

 

I guess I'd just want a fertility test to know that I'm not doing all this birth control crap for nothing... although after I talked to the dr about it I thought about it and realized that people who were told they would never be able to have children do, so what would keep me from not being one of them if I found out I "wasn't" fertile. Better to be safe than sorry if you ask me.

I'd just finish up the pills I have so I don't waste them/money. And as I am getting to the end of my supply I'd set up the consultation and appointment for the IUD. Seems like the best option for me.

 

I have to say that being fit for the IUD hurt more than I expected, it was like VERY VERY intense menstrual cramps. I suppose being fitted for an IUD is a bit like labor as your cervix is dilated, etc. Not to scare you, but I found it painful. Although afterwards I didn't hurt at all, but bleed a little.

 

AHH!

Well... I have muscle relaxers left over from when I was having severe back pain, I'll talk to them about taking one before I get it done. Maybe it'll help.

 

I've NEVER gotten a PG test before I was issued BC.
I was taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen before I got pregnant....and I got pregnant while on the pill.
Now, I'm taking Depo-Provera. After giving it a lot of thought, it was the best choice for me. Once every three months and I also read that periods pretty much don't happen....just sporadically. And, I can still have babies when I'm ready for more.

 

I was on depo... but I stopped using that not because I didn't like it, but because of that whole osteoperosis thing. I kept seeing/hearing conflicting information about how long you can be on it, so I just decided better to be safe than sorry.

 

I drink a lot of milk anyway, so I'm good to go.

 

Not true, hon. I have an IUD and I haven't had any children. The drs prefer to use this method on women that have had their cervix dialated before. I told them I didn't want hormones or condoms and that I was in a commited relationship so they let me get one. Its great cause I don't have think about it. Its just there. It didn't cost much either because I'm Canadian and our health is covered, it was about sixty bucks. It does cause heavier periods and painful cramping in some women though.

 

After reading more Ive come to realize that other ppl have posted very similiar things to my post srry

 

Pull out

 

Diaphram, if not then pull out

 

I've only used condoms and vaginal condoms so far. Once I get in a serious relationship I might get a Mirena

 

Well, I can tell you I accidentally got pregnant on depo, but am currently using an IUD, which is effective for the next 5 years. I could of gone with the 12 yr one but I felt safe with this one. It wasn't painful, and I think is a great choice if your in a long term relationship, and don't plan on having children for a while. Whatever you choose make sure ya read up and make sure it works best for you.

 

pull out for me

 

I use the pill because it's more convenient than condoms or anything like that, doesn't affect how sex feels (like guys complain condoms do, ), is easy, made my boobs grow like a cup size and a half (I think it was the birth control, unless I had a crazy growth spurt at 20 which is also possible I suppose) and this way I can skip my period. All good reasons!

 

It could totally be a growth spurt... I grew a cup size last year and I'm 25! I was pretty stoked

 

A little word called 'no'.

NFP if/when I need it.
Some of my friends are on bc pills/injections and it's really messed them up. I'd never take meds to make me sterile.

 

Used to use the pill but it really fucked with me.