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

Comments 26 to 49 of about 118.
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fallenangel32 - 98 days ago.
Has anyone been on Seasonique? I was on it for about two years then I had a Lap done to test for Endo ( came back Positive ) and before the surgery I had to come off of it. Then after I got back on it, I had a horrible time with mood swings, memory loss, hair loss, cramping, mirganes, etc for 4 months so I stopped taking it. I am now CD 18 with no BC -- we shall see what happens

babynumbertwoJ - 103 days ago.
anyone take ortho-novum? im having some crazy side effects or im prego can anyone let me know if youve been on it and how u felt ? or if u got prego on it ?

jessikaanne - 108 days ago.
I had the Meraina (sp?) IUD put in when I had my daughter in March, In July I bled for 24days straight a heavy flow, on the 25 day the IUD just fell out. My experience with it was horrible and will never have another one put in. I hope others have a better experience with it...

softkitty - 114 days ago.
I recently got my Mirena inserted. Real talk, I didn't feel the cramping that the Dr said I would feel, instead I felt as if I was being pinched or if I was having my membranes scraped. It didn't last long, but no one warned me of that. Other than that I'm good for now.

premiere madame - 115 days ago.
Hi ladies, I was reading and saw alot of ladies talking about mirena iud and just wanted to share my experience. I got mirena placed in march 2005 and had no problems. A little cramping after it was placed but that was it. I still had a light period every 26 days and no side effects. Everything was good until a couple of days ago it just came out, after over 4 years, on the day I was ovulating. I panicked. The next day, I felt like I had the flu, shakes, fever, cold and hot sweats, sore breast, vomiting and dirreah. I googled it and found alot of women talking about the 'mirena crash'. My body was crashing. Now I am bleeding and cramping horribly. Im assuming that Im having my period. I dont know why it came out after this long but that was the most horrible experience ever. I wont be getting another one placed.

manda-may - 119 days ago.
Hi linzigenavieve, I had an IUD put in a few months ago and have had no problems at all, and have not had the heavy periods so far that apparently can come with an IUD. Having it put in was a bit uncomfortable, sort of like going for a smear test, but with a pinching when they get hold of your cervix, then a pinching/stinging when they attach the IUD. (the nurse held my hand... but I say that if you can go through child birth how many times... this will be a piece of cake!!) There was a little bleeding/spotting for a few days afterwards, and I was crampy for the rest of that day (hey, who wouldn't be with all the poking around) ... but apart from that it has been all good!!! It is great not to have to worry about taking a pill at the right time, etc. I was a bit freaked out about the whole string thing inside, but got over it after a few days, and now don't even think about it. I figure by the time it needs to come out we will be able to make a decision about whether we want any more children. All the best in making your decision. This was a good solution for me when I was still breast feeding too. :-)

linzigenavieve - 120 days ago.
I just wanted to ask about IUDs. I do horrible on birth control and I'll have 4 kids in dec (the last 3 in 3 years) so things will be really hectic and I know I wont remember to take the pills when I'm supposed to. Anyways, I was wondering what the expiriences were of women with an IUD.

littlemama1989 - 123 days ago.
Please help!! i had the implanon inserted over a year ago and at first i didnt have a perioed ( for the first 4 months-but i was breastfeeding) after that i've had really bad prioeds where the last forever. id be off for a week then be on for 3 week then of fora few day then back on where i was almost always on a perioed that as until may i havent had a perioed sence then....its now almost august..whats happening? is something wrong? could i be pregnant? or is this totally normal? HELP!!

mame3 - 128 days ago.
Hey ladies...I had Mirena inserted on July 10 and its has been 8 days now...I have had a lot of side effects...extreme pelvic pain, spotting daily, painful sex, bleeding bright red the day after sex, moodiness (more than usual!), lower back pain, headaches and nausea. Feel like crap. I plan on calling on Monday to get this thing out of me. I just hope I can convince my husband to get the V. Just had our 3rd baby April 22--he is almost 3 months old now! Can't believe it!

Military~Mommy - 138 days ago.
I would take a test just to be sure, but it would not be too unusual for you to just have stopped having a period.

nicole47 - 139 days ago.
Hey ladies, I need some advice. I had the Merina inserted 5 weeks pp with C-section. I spotted for about a month and a half and went through a lot of pain finding out that it's my ligaments causing the cramping and no the IUD. I have not had what I think is my period since insertion, or since birth. My Husband and I have had sex before the insertion and used the pull out method. I have no s/s of being pregnant but I did not with the last one either until about 4 months pregnant. I know with the Merina it is not uncommon to not have periods but i'm not sure if it's like instint. My husband and I used the pull out method for 3 years before and never got pregnant. do you think I should take a pregnancy test? Or that i'm just being overly concerned.

mcgill31 - 153 days ago.
I got the Mirena IUD put in 2 months ago and I do not like it at all, I have very bad mood swings, depression, lower back pain, painful intercourse, and weight gain and I. I feel the doctor lied to me about it, she said medicaid would pay for it to be put in which they did do, but before she put it in I told her I might not have the funds to get it out if I needed to. She said oh don't worry I will work with the price and you won't be charged the whole price. She said this IUD was the best way to go with no side effects at all this is not true. I called her office this week to get it removed and I was told I would have to pay the full price to remove the IUD which will be $150, but if a ultrasound is needed it will be an additional $300.00 I was lied to big time now I have to think of something else to do to get it out. the bottom line this iud is very bad and I was lied to and I would not recomend it to anyone.

courtney-elizabeth - 155 days ago.
I have the depo shot and got it almost 3 months ago. I have been bleeding for a little over 2 months. I can't stand it.

dustins mommy - 175 days ago.
Does anyone have any experience with Implanon birth control, I will be getting it soon. I wanted to get Mirena because it last 5 years, but my insurance company doesn't cover it anyone, so I opted for Implanon which last 3 years and my insurance covers it.

goddess27 - 181 days ago.
i had th mirena for 4 years and the only bleeding i got was the day of , accually i got it 2 days before my period was to start, and then i bled a little after sex the first time then i had no period for 4 years i hope when i get again after this baby will work the same i know the bidy changes after birth of a child but this was the only birth control that worked for me.... depo made me bleed everyday for 2 years then when i wanted a baby again took 1 and 1/2 year to get pregnant with mirena as soon as it came out i got pregnant right away!! with the pill i forgot to take most of te time and still had a period..... does anyone know how long after giving birth do you have to wait to get mirena?

msaelim0810 - 181 days ago.
I'm on the 'mini pill' right now because I am breastfeeding. I'm thinking about getting the 10yr IUD that contains copper because was told it doesn't have any hormones. Still a little hesitant tho. I was on the Depo years ago. I HATED it. I gained 15lbs and the area where I had constantly got the injection turned to a big white circle on my arm and it felt dented in like I was missing tissue there. Good thing it all went away. I haven't had any side effects with the 'mini pill' except very light bleeding. After I'm done breastfeeding I have to make a choice though. I wish insurance covered for a Vasectomy. lol I was even thinking about getting my tubes tide. But hey! Like Snipdad mentioned our men should do something for us too. After all we gave them one of them most precious blessings on this earth.

snipdad - 196 days ago.
I see TONS of side effects, complaints, and questions here...I have a solution...a vasectomy for your husband!!! Having been snipped recently, I can tell you my wife has never been happier! We reclaimed our sex life despite 3 kids running around! Your husband owes it to you ladies after what you go through as a mom, being pregnant, and giving birth.....I am looking for contributors to guide book I am in the process of writing...a vasectomy book for couples....please feel free to email at ..getsnippednow@gmail.com ....if you are done having children..it is time your husband takes on some responsibility and gets snipped! I look forward to your comments.....Snipdad

bellaamoresmybaby - 201 days ago.
i had depo! hated it! gained 20lbs after my daughter was born! i bleed for 4 months! it was awful! as with any bc ASK QUESTIONS! research ladies!!!

Angie- - 203 days ago.
Ive had Mirena for a month. I HATE IT. I can feel the stupid strings poking my 'woman hood' every now and then. Finally had relations and it hurt the whole night. I can feel it as Im typing this. I want to cry because I am breaking out so bad I look awful. Every time someone looks at me I feel like there staring at my discusting acne

nikkirosenico - 207 days ago.
I got the ESSURE done on monday! and it went great no pain no cutting...this is only for if your done having kids!We are done and if you are too i would talk to your Dr about essure...

lin - 208 days ago.
I am having merena put in in June...would love to hear any comments on what you think and your experience with an iud...please reply on my page. Thanks.

traciemac - 208 days ago.
well i was going to my doctor last week toget the uid and found out i am pregnant again. lol . My baby girl is 6 months old! Next time i get it right away. We're happy though. was a great suprise.

mrsdenney - 208 days ago.
just a thought on birth control. i have the implanon implant. well i got it placed in december. and i got a period in january....well i havent stopped bleeding since. a friend of mine said she bled for 3 months and now doesnt have periods at all. my SIL got it a while back and she still hasnt bled. i think its important to remember that not all birth control affects people the same way. i am sticking with this for the time being but if it doesnt go away soon i will try something different

iamjustmeforme - 209 days ago.
Has anyone noticed a decrease in their milk supply?!?! I am breastfeeding ONLY and was producing quite a bit of milk!! I was freezing and feeding like crazy! Now all of a sudden my breast feel empty most of the time. I mean, I am still breastfeeding her, but they dont have that FULL feeling any more... Any ideas?!? I started on the mini pill a week ago, but I was told that would not do anything to my production! If you have noticed a decrease, can you please send me a message, I need some help! How do I get it back up?!?!

CelticBabe2009 - 218 days ago.
....and since I am an older mom, there are limits on what I can do/use safely for BC. I know I don't want more children after I deliver in September and I don't want any oopses either. I mean, we will be 40 with two toddler/preschoolers. I just don't want to have my tubes tied and then feel 'spayed' (see my previous posts). Having a sex drive after having children is hard enough to maintain w/o having that added to it..: )