Alternative birth control methods?!
Question: I'm looking for a method of birth control other than the pill. I've been on it for over 12 years and I just prefer not to take it anymore. I often forget to take it, and that's just one of the issues!
Now, I'm in a common-law relationship but we don't want kids yet. We always use condoms. Is there something else you can suggest to use instead of the pill? I haven't been pregnant before and I've heard that rules out the IUD. I don't want to get the shot or the patch. Spermicide foam? Anything?
I've just moved and don't have a doctor. I have to wait 3 months to see one when my new medical plan kicks in. So, I can't ask my dr right now! Any advice would be appreciated.
Answers: I'm looking for a method of birth control other than the pill. I've been on it for over 12 years and I just prefer not to take it anymore. I often forget to take it, and that's just one of the issues!
Now, I'm in a common-law relationship but we don't want kids yet. We always use condoms. Is there something else you can suggest to use instead of the pill? I haven't been pregnant before and I've heard that rules out the IUD. I don't want to get the shot or the patch. Spermicide foam? Anything?
I've just moved and don't have a doctor. I have to wait 3 months to see one when my new medical plan kicks in. So, I can't ask my dr right now! Any advice would be appreciated.
Not having kids DOES NOT rule out the IUD. This is a USA thing - in other countries women with and without get IUDs all the time.
There are two types of IUD - Mirena, which has progrestrone embedded in it and last for five years (the hormones stay localized to your uterus.) and Paraguard - a copper one that is good for 12 years. Mirena will mess with your periods for a while until you get used it. Paraguard can cause heavier bleeding.
I was recommended the Mirena. Not having kids can make the insertion a little more painful - I had it inserted last week (THREE TIMES) but there is something going on with my uterus that made it so it wouldn't stay there. (I am getting that checked out currently.) I have a friend (no kids) who got the Mirena and LOVES it.
There are also diaphragms, cervical caps, the sponge and condoms. Other than condoms, the others are not NEARLY as effective.
There is also the NuvaRing, the Depo shot (LOTS of hormones - maybe not the right thing for you) and Norplant (again, lots of hormones.)
Good luck!
Nuvaring, you put it in once a month, take it out the 4th week(the week of your period) so its convieneint, effective, and you can stop it at any time.
you can get this thing put in your arm it lasts three years or until you take it out. Or an injection but that would need a doctor.
I have used the Nuva Ring and I really liked it. However, you do have to have a prescription. You can visit their website for more information. But it is a small plastic ring that you insert vaginally. You leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out a week to have your period, and then put another one in. You don't have to worry about remembering a pill every night. My sister used it too and she really liked it.
www.nuvaring.com
I am on birth control right now but what we do for "extra" caution is pulling out.
That seems to have been working so far *fingers crossed* until we're ready to cross that bridge
:)
Hope my input help!