Birth Control

Which type of birth control meets my needs?

To prevent an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, couples should consider their options for birth control. While there are many choices of birth control, not all options will be appropriate for everyone.

CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

*The pill is one of the most common types of birth control for women. When the pill is taken correctly, it is more than 99% effective at preventing an unplanned pregnancy. Oral contraceptives have two hormones-estrogen and progestin. These hormones do not allow your body to ovulate. The pill is easy to use and does not interfere at all with your sex drive. The pill is also taken to make menstrual cycles more regular and less painful. If you are breastfeeding, you can not take oral contraceptive pills. Ask your doctor if the pill is suitable for your birth control needs.

VAGINAL RING

*The vaginal ring is a newer form of birth control and is 98-99% effective when used as prescribed. The ring does release hormones into the body once it is inserted into the vagina. The ring is actually a bendable plastic ring that is about 2 inches in diameter. One new ring is inserted into the vagina, where it will stay for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, the ring is removed and your menstrual cycle will begin. Because you do not have to remember to take a pill each day, the ring can be a convenient choice for birth control. To get the ring, a doctor must write you a prescription.

CONDOMS

*There are both male and female condoms available on the market. When condoms are used correctly, they are 97% effective in preventing an unplanned pregnancy. The male condom is placed over the penis and prevents semen from entering the vagina during ejaculation. Condoms are meant to be used one time only and discarded after use.

DIAPHRAGM

*Diaphragms are dome-shaped disks that are inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The diaphragm will have to be fitted by your doctor initially and can only be received with a prescription. In order for the diaphragm to be effective, it must be inserted atleast 6 hours before sexual intercourse occurs and no longer than 24 hours afterwards. If the diaphragm is used correctly, it is 92-96% effective. The diaphragm should be used with a spermicide to kill any sperm.

CERVICAL CAP

*A cervical cap is a rubber cup that has a round rim and is positioned around the cervix. Cervical caps are smaller than diaphragms and they have to be fitted by a doctor before using initially. The cervical cap does not allow sperm to enter the uterus and can be placed into the vagina at any time before sexual intercourse has begun. Spermicide is necessary when using the cervical cap and the failure rate is fairly high. Approximately ten out of every one hundred women will become pregnant while using the cervical cap.

IUD

*An IUD, intrauterine device, is a birth control method that is placed into the uterus by a doctor. There is a copper wire on the IUD that causes the atmosphere in the uterus to change. The changes do not allow the sperm to fertilize eggs. IUD's can remain in palce for 5 years. The IUD is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Some women may experience more painful periods and the chances of getting pelvic inflammatory disease is higher with the use of an IUD. For women that are breastfeeding, an IUD is optimal.

Comments: Birth Control

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flamommy - 304 days ago.
hi there ladies... i am overwhelmed with this topic... I am currently on the paraguard, and have had it for a year and a half, and i have been having to many complications and coincedences since i've had it... well now i want it removed and not sure if i want to get the Essure.. Does anyone have the essure?? can you please tell me the pros.cons?? thank you

carmelo - 432 days ago.
Hello! Okay so I got off Ortho Evra 2/13/12 and the last week I was on it I had a UTI (tea is my love) and i took antibiotics to cure it. My AF was 2/16/12. I took an ovulation test and it said ill ovulate 2/28/12-3/6/12 and i had intercourse the entire week. Now my lower back hurts, been hurting for a few days, and I was wondering what it could be. No sore nipples or anything, just lower back. Could I be pregnant? Am is the BC out of my system?

allirose10 - 473 days ago.
I\'m a novice to this so I hope I do this right & get my forum posted for real this time, as I\'m in dire need of feedback, educated guesses, experienced view & opinions, asap. I have a long-ish story to tell, backed up by accurate dates. However, I apologize in advance for bombarding you with so many dates & #s that you\'ll have to read through to keep track of my verbose tale. So, here is how it goes: On Nov. 16th, 2011, my doc put me on Junel 20 mg, which is the lowest hormonal dose. He put me on it for one main reason & one side reason. The main reason for Junel bc was to reduce the severity & the length of my agonizing menstrual cramps.The side reason for it was that my wedding anniv. was Nov. 23rd & I wanted to delay my period. I felt a need to delay my period since its always on time, hardly ever late....I\'m like reliable clockwork! Even when I was on birth control years ago, right after getting married, my periods never fluctuated & I never missed a period ever, except the 2 times I was preg. As you see, my period pattern can hardly be altered...despite the pill! My period still began on Nov. 22nd, regardless. :( Anyway, so I began my new pack of Junel on Sunday, Nov. 27th. I experienced no issues with Junel whatsoever...& had a normal month with a normal 4 day period that started promptly on Dec. 24th, 2011, once I began the placebo pills. I was happy with my low dose Junel!! Too happy, perhaps? For it lead me to complacency. On Jan. 1st 2012 I had unprotected sex 3 times....& also missed my pill. I have a alarm set as a reminder at 8:30 AM, daily, to take my pill....but this time I did not take my pill until about 8:30 PM on Jan. 2nd ~ about 12 hrs later. So I ended up missing almost 2 days. Furthermore, I did not double up on pills as I did not know I was supposed to do so if I had missed a dose. At the time I was also taking Adderal (20 mg) for ADD & I\'m not sure if that hinders the efficiency of Junel bc!? The sex was very intense though he is sure he did not ejaculate inside me.... I know that, that is not a sure preg preventive..! According to the bc pack I was supposed to get my period around Jan. 16th---but never did! Not a drop! Like I said earlier, I am like clockwork & missing a period has never an issue, even when i was on bc years ago. Now I have some minor symptoms such as--- the stomach feeling tight, as though there\'s something in there (psychological???? maybe...), Slight nausea that was more prominent a couple says back but is better today, terrible cramping, upset stomach---again, i hardly ever get an upset stomach, but lately my stools have been soft whereas, generally I\'m constipated & go to the bathrm about 2ice a wk., very gassy. I also have been highly emotional lately. A constant wet, gooieness is inside the vaginal opening with white discharge. I am not overly tired though! But these are some of the main symptoms, and last but not least, I am feeling extreme restlessness & anxiety. My sex drive has not decreased in the least bit, in fact, has been stronger. Does that make sense??? Don\'t quite remember this being the case with my 2 earlier pregnancies, but then I was 29 & 33. Now I\'m on the doorstep of being 40. I am sure that makes a big difference. I took a pregnancy test in the doc\'s office on Jan. 26 which was neg. I also took an ept yesterday that came neg. I\'m very puzzled as to what is going on with my body. Does this sound like pre-menopause? I\'m not experiencing any hot/cold flashes....or mood swings. What could this be??? I stopped taking Junel 3 days ago. Please give me all/any feedback, opinions, & educated/professional guesses. I\'ve a blood test scheduled for later this wk & am very nervous. I thank you deeply in advance for your time. Edit Delete

babynguyen2 - 599 days ago.
For those who don't know there is a other BC out there. its called Implanon, an implant that goes in your arm just under the skin. I have it and besides the extra bleeding which can happen with any BC, I love it and I just want to let other women know its out there!

krzyk1174 - 605 days ago.
Anyone ever use Paragard? I'm wanting BC but not looking for all the side effects from hormones! I'm real sensitive to hormones

kayla1229 - 711 days ago.
Hello ladies... it has been a LONG time since I have been to this site but I have a problem and figured this would be the best place to go for info. I am currently taking the Trinessa pill, I am taking my last 'inactive' pill today but I still haven't had a 'normal' period. I have had VERY light , brownish spotting for 2 days, but it is so light I don't even need a pad or tampon, it's mainly brown discharge (sorry if TMI). Should I consider this my period or could I be pregnant? I haven't missed any pills so if I am pregnant it will definately be a surprise!! PLEASE COMMENT OR SEND ME A MESSAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE OR HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. Thanks

tinkerbellfairies - 723 days ago.
I have posted a question about this ... I am on Loestrain 20 and have been for over 2 mnths i am in my 3rd mnth and my doc has told me to stop as i have been on sevral different pill scince i had my twin boys 2 years ago and none have suited the one i am on now i have had break through bleeding and 2 UTI'S and i have noticed that i have put on weight all on my tummy area i look about 3/4mnths pregnant ... And my my doc said i am not happy about this ... When i asked if i could be pregnant he said yes even although i have done pregnacy tests he has said my body could be masking the pregnacy.... OMG... So now i am not to take the pill take my Anti B's for the 7days then hand in a sample to see if i am pregnant... Has anyone herd or knowen this happen to someone as i am freaking out big time .... I have 3 kids and i am thinking how could i be pregnant and NOT know .... plz help... xoxo

desertmonkey73 - 750 days ago.
Question: Anyone here ever get preggers after the Essure procedure? I had mine done in10/10, with confirmed blockage in 1/11. Problem? My last period was very light and very short. Now I am ravenous and nauseous, constipated and gassy, sore bbs and stretchy ligaments. I am scared to DEATH to take an hpt. Any suggestions or comments?

wanting-number-3 - 766 days ago.
Hi ladies, just thought I should put this out there, before u decide what birth control to use please research! II thought I did research but I was not given all the facts, I had the mirena implant removed on the 12th and now I have found out there are quite a few side effects. II had quite painful back pain, aches in my legs, mood swings (not massive ones but still) weight gain, headaches, the feeling of fetal movement, lack of energy, always tired the day after it was removed i started bleeding and it was and still is very very very heavy and i am clotting too. to which the doctor says it is normal as its my body getting rid of the hormone, but the period pain is worse than i have ever had! I am only writting this to hopefully have every woman thinking about getting it to fully research it and decide when u know everything. Although there is currently a law suit going against the makers of mirena, quite a few women have become infertile!

jbearsmommy - 914 days ago.
Just curious ladies...have any of you been on the birth control Micronor? It's a mini pill as I cannot do the combo pills cause i suffer from migraines. I am asking because i have been on it for about 3 months, but this last month my boobs have been killing me like I cant barely touch them and I am sooooo exhausted, always tired :( just wondering if anyone else has experienced this!

mummy2ava(blue) - 916 days ago.
Ive used the Depo shot for over a year now. After my birthing experience there was no way I was ready to have another, but now my daughter is 13 months old and were ready to give her a playmate. I was researching about getting pregnant after using the depo and I was horrified. It decreases your chances by 45% in the first year! That aside, while I was using it I was moody, suffered PND, immense pain and cramping when it wore off, and sometimes bled for over a month inbetween shots. I also gained 20Kg. So I would say to anyone wanting the depo shot to go for something else instead!! Depo has been linked to cervical cancer and osteoperosis...... definately wouldnt use it again!!

mugs - 956 days ago.
I just wanted to throw this warning out there...I had heard it could happen but didn't think it would. I had my daughter 9 months ago. I BFd so I was on the mini-pill and just stopped bfing 2 months ago. I never switched back to reg. pills because I still had 2 months left of the mini pill and wanted to use them up first. This is the second month since I stopped BFing and low and behold...I am pregnant. I haven't missed a pill-maybe been late once or twice but within an hour. It's VERY early (or so I think) because I won't miss my period until Sunday but I got a positive this morning. The symptoms started in so strong and I took a test just to rule pregnancy out...oops. Moral of the story: Careful when on the min-pill!

cassiebear711 - 978 days ago.
has anyone ever had paraguard? I have it but i'm wondering if anyone has had any bad experiences. Please leave them on my page. You can leave good ones too please!

micaela137 - 995 days ago.
Babyboy2010- although i am only one person, i really dont think you should use the Depo shot. i used it for three years, no problems while on it, but once i stopped, i had the worst mood swings in the world, depression, all that. then i bled non stop for almost a year, i wasn't ovulating AT ALL (and was very regular previously) i now have low calcium (in my bones) that the doctor associates with the depo (cause it can cause osteoporosis ) also after discontinuing it, i gained weight that was VERY hard to loose. And im not the only one who had most of these issues, i had a friend, and an acquaintance that also had alot of problems from it. Just remember that even tho its been around for years.. doesnt mean its well tested! but thats just my opinion!!! good luck i know how hard birthcontrol can be

NoahWmommy - 1017 days ago.
I loved my Mirena - i never had any problems with it, never had AF on it, LOVED IT! i had it taken out in April, were trying for our second, and boy do i miss it!

angelajay - 1039 days ago.
So, I have to leave a comment about my awful IUD experience...well, I had the Mirena IUD in for almost a year. I gained about 12 pounds and could NOT shed the pounds....running, diet, you name it- I was chubs. I decided to make an appointment to get the IUD out and of course, my doctor said it would a quick procedure and out it and I will go. Well, my IUD 'traveled'... it traveled all the way up to the top of my uterus. My normal doctor couldn't fish it out and that's when she had to get another doctor. This doctor wasn't too sure how long it would take to get it out and the pain is unbearable- so he gave me a numbing SHOT in my uterus, then fished around for about ten minutes and voila- they found it. I mean they were about to resort to a ultrasound to see where exactly it was. With all that said, the scary thing is...if I would have left it in for two or three years the liklihod of it attaching to my uterus is high and getting pregnant could have been difficult with a scarred uterus. Anyway, it has been almost three months now and I have lost 7 pounds and I haven't been eexercising because I broke my foot seven weeks ago. Long story short- the IUD is evil and makes you a fata$$.

BellaKatesMommyy - 1058 days ago.
I just got the Implanon about a week ago on Tuesday, and she told me that I wouldn't gain weight from it... so I better not. Not that I have lost all the baby weight yet anyway, and I am 8 months pp. I was just wondering how long do I get to keep this cute bruise and how long is it still gonna be sore after they put it in?

Colourmepink - 1108 days ago.
Today is the 50th birthday of the Pill

babyboy2010 - 1155 days ago.
Does anyone have any good info about the Depo shot? I'm considering it...I'm 5 weeks pp and have my doctors appointment on Friday. Also how long after you get the shot is it effective?

mccoymama - 1165 days ago.
☆whitty☆ - I had implanon for a year. I liked it at first, but then after a few months started gaining weight (20lbs in all) and couldn't lose it no matter what I tried. I also had major mood swings. It was nice for the convenience but I have a friend who got mirena and had no trouble. She's had it about 2 years and loves it. I would recommend mirena over implanon due to the issues I had with it.

jaydenandlandon6507 - 1210 days ago.
monkey bug mommy it takes 7 days for birth control pills to be completly in affect my doctor told me that when i started them a few years ago

titangoddess - 1223 days ago.
NavyWifeTG is a fake name and person. This person used my information and photos to create his/her page. Do not listen to them! This person took alot of time to acquire photos and different things about me. They are also posting photos of children that are not mine because they could not find a photo of them online. Do not befriend this person because they are not who they say they are. Thanks for your time...

knockoutmom - 1228 days ago.
ive been on mirena for 17 months now and love it! ive read some people say negative things about it but honestly everyone differs with how they react with each birth control method. everyone is different! you just need to find whats right for you. in my case i couldnt remember to take my pill everyday and it was just a nuisance all the time. with mirena i dont have to remember anything and after a day of cramping after insertion i was back to my normal self. plus my periods come every month or two for only like a day. and its not heavy a bit! i love it!

tannersmommy - 1262 days ago.
Just in case anyone read my earlier post and wonders, or forgets their own first three days of BC, I had my AF. So I didn't end up preggo's. And I'm not doing very well again this month. I finnished my pack and have yet to go get my next, I'm totally playing with fire here.

RobinG - 1265 days ago.
Sadly I cant say it was good for me ~ when I didnt have the shot it took me one month to get preggers. When I had it (only one shot) it took me almost 2 years :( Sadly it varies with everyone from what I've seen of others who have posted.