i don't feel that (for me) using just a condom is enough, i feel i need to use another form of contraception. but i'm just not so sure about the pill. i know it's a great form of birth control, but a. i just feel like taking it everyday would eventually become a problem and i would have days i would forget. also, as asthetic as it sounds, i'm worried about the weight gaining issue. i know a lot of people that have gone on it and have gained weight, and i just don't want to deal with that. are there any other forms that have worked well for you, or do you have any advice about the pill? thanks!
I haven't gained any weight while on the pill. How I do it, is I set my watch to always go off at 10pm. That way I'm reminded to take my pill, since my watch is almost always near me. There's also the patch and the ring to consider. Essentially the same hormones, the patch you stick on your arm or pelvic area or lower back (I believe) once a week. Some people have problems with it when they have sensitive skin, it also has the bad habit of peeling off of some folks rather easily The ring is a small ring of hormones that you insert vaginally once a month and slowly releases the same hormones as the pill. You just have to make sure that you insert it deep enough - sometimes guys can feel it in their partner.
I think using just a condom consistently and not having sex during the fertile days of a cycle (that is 7 to 10 days of a month when a woman is most fertile) should suffice. At least, that's how my wife and I are going to prevent pregnancy. (We have no issues with using a condom.) ALWAYS CONDOM+abstaining from sex during fertile days=99%guarantee
the fertile period is about mid-cycle...I'll give you an example: say, your partner has a five-day period and her period starts say on May 3 (and ends May 7). Then if you want to prevent pregnancy, you should abstain from sex during around May 12-May 18 period (or better yet, -May 21)--this is her most fertile period. This calendar method only reduces the chances of conception and is not a sure thing. Therefore, if pregnancy is not desired, a condom must always be used, even outside of that May12-May21 period in this example.
I have no problem with using the Pill ... I daresay I have one of the most sporadic memories of anyone here, and I rarely forget! And as long as one uses backup (ie, condoms), even forgetting is not a problem. As far as weight gain ... I did not gain undue weight, and I am very susceptible to doing so! (As soon as cold weather sets in ... boom! Automatic extra five pounds, even if I'm careful!) The only time I did, was when I threw out the placeboes (the inactive green pills that let you have your period) in an attempt at ceasing my menstruation. This tricked my body into a false pregnancy ... but it was a delicate balance beam to walk, so I went back to regular usage. (See below.) Extra benefits: 1. Easier periods (the initial reason I went on the Pill) 2. Ease of skin problems (it really does improve complexion) 3. Ease of PMS symptoms 4. Ease of sexual frustration (no skipping fertile days) 5. Ease of mind if the condom breaks! The patch or ring may work for you ... I know people who hate the Patch, as it tends to fall off, and some don't like the ring either. I guess it's all up to personal preference. Now, I am not an advocate of using "false" hormones ... but I feel the Pill is an exception, especially considering it is not that "false" at all. Find out more on feminist websites ... use Dogpile or your favorite search engine. Good luck, and peace! - K
The pill is a great thing to have if you're the paranoid type, like me. I will say though, even though I didn't experience any weight gain with it, it makes me have awful mood swings. Annnnd, I really don't think I like the thought of my body being pregnant every day, it's just not healthy! bah.
