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 76 to 99 of about 118.
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jenim24 - 301 days ago.
I just got the MIRENA removed. I don't know anyone who has gotten and kept it in. I never stopped bleeding. I had it for 6 months and never ever had a day that I didn't at least spot. Also I have never had a yeast infection in my life and had one every single day I had the Mirena. It also made me gain weight. Doctors do not like to admit to these things, but my doc said they had a woman in their office get the Mirena removed due to chronic yeast also. google Mirena and yeast infections or Mirena weight gain. Ugh what a dissapointment!!!

momentfrozenintime - 302 days ago.
happyforest-- I have been using Yaz for a few months now. I have just recently felt moodiness, but I don't know that it is caused by the pill. Other than that, there hasn't really been too many bad side effects. It has helped my acne, it somewhat helps my pms symptoms, and my periods are a lot lighter. I don't know that I have gained weight with it. I did, though, feel stomach pain the first month or two, and I think that's common, but it goes away

happyforest - 302 days ago.
i just picked up my prescription for YAZ...i came home and googled it to see what kinds of expierences people have had on it and all i could find was bad things. please if u have tried yaz leave me a message on my page about how it was for you. thanks!

Bri - 305 days ago.
jacquelyn - I understand your problem. I would be careful on what you choose. The mini pill is breastfeeding friendly except I have heard of horror stories on how women have lost supply while on it. If you had troubles last time then I would avoid it until you are established. As for waiting six weeks. If you can't wait then you can't. I know this is a no-no but the likelihood that you would get pregnant while newly breastfeeding is slim. I now you say condems hurt and I understand completely but if it's only for a month then maybe you can wait? I think you should wait and see how you feel. You may need longer this time. good luck!

SabrinaK - 305 days ago.
jacquelyn- You should try the mini pill. It is breastfeeding friendly and you don't have to wait the 6 weeks PP to begin taking it. Before I even left the hospital the dr asked what method of birth control I wanted. I was and still am breastfeeding, so I chose the mini pill and began taking it the next day, just 48 hours after giving birth. After 6 weeks PP I switched to mirena bc I hate having to remember to take the pill. I had the mirena in for 5 almost 6 months and had it taken out. I had horrible side effects from it and they told me it was a must that it come out, so I am now back on the regular pill(seasonale). I am still breastfeeding and since I had been breastfeeding for 6+ months when I got the mirena out I was able to try any method of birth control I wanted without it effecting my milk supply. So far the seasonale is working out great! I hope you find something that works for you! Good Luck to you and your little one!

jacquelyn - 306 days ago.
I'm having a bit of a dilemma. I know for a fact that my husband and I will NOT wait 6 weeks to have sex after this baby is born. With my daughter we only waited 18 days and I wanted it after only 2 weeks. But condoms hurt and I am going to once again give breastfeeding a go. I am going to have the mirena put in at my 6 week check, but I don't know what to use until then. I am not taking any chances of getting pregnant again. I am done. Abstinence is completely out of the question. It's totally unrealistic. I'm reading that any breastfeeding-friendly birth control can't begin until weeks postpartum. Anybody have any suggestions? I made hubby pull out last time until my pills started, but I didn't mind the idea of getting pregnant again. My body can't handle another pregnancy right now. I am going crazy here!

muri - 314 days ago.
im scheduled to get the iud tomorrow afternoon. im a little nervse. does any one know how long im going ot have to wait before i have sex again???? i would love the advice. thanks

TMDB101 - 316 days ago.
OMG ever since I had my baby girl in september i have been on depo and it sucks. I bleed for weeks straight. Headaches dizziness and SO TIRED all the time. Didnt realize all this was because of depo until i looked it up. So I was wondering what is the best birth control to get on? because I need to switch birth controls!!!

jennllewis - 318 days ago.
So today I went and got the mirena..from planned parenthood it will cost about 600..over the long run I will save more versus pills or depo. When I went there I was expecting the worse but honestly it was no worse than a pap smear. I cant feel it and have no cramps. I am excited not to have to worry about becoming pregnant.. They did however say to wait 7 days to have intercourse. Yeah for MIRENA

ariannas-mommy.x - 318 days ago.
i have IMPLANON, how soon after i get it removed can i most likely get pregnant again??

nancy26 - 319 days ago.
Muri, yes you can, but you should not use tampons for the first 6 weeks after insertion, until after you've had your 6 week checkup, and I was told to just make sure you take it out carefully.

muri - 319 days ago.
i have a question. can u use tampons if you have the iud???

jennllewis - 322 days ago.
I have been reading in this forum for awhile and would like to ask if anyone in here has had a positive experience with the mirena? I am going on friday to get it and really hoping for a positive outcome?

izziebo - 329 days ago.
what do you think is the best form of contraceptin? i dont want something in me thats gonna be there for years andy n i dont like that idea but im so SICK of condoms they are poo! im still breast feeding too so i cnt have the proper pill (not that he trusts it anymore) and the mini pill sent me in to such an awful depression i dont know what to do:(

mrstranum - 329 days ago.
PLEASE HELP! I have had my mirena for almost a year, just a few months shy, and have ALWAYS had problems with it. It hurts to have sex, cramping, and vomiting. I am getting it removed, but have a question about the mirena's placements. When I try to feel for it, typically I could either not feel it (due to period coming) or it was in the center. Now it just feels really weird, like way off to the side. Does anyone know how it should feel or what I should be feeling for when I check it? PLEASE HELP!

AverysMommie - 343 days ago.
I am thinking about using Yazmin, not YAZ, anyone used this. Pls give me any feedback, thanks!

SabrinaK - 344 days ago.
jennllewis- Since your breastfeeding they recommend that you use the mini pill. You can also use mirena or the depo shot but they say you shouldn't use those until 6 weeks postpartum. Your almost there so one of those might be a good choice for you. The regular birthcontrol pill (ortho tricyclen, seasonale, etc) can reduce milk supply so they say its best that you don't use those until you have been breastfeeding for 6 months or longer when your supply is well established. I was put on the mini pill within 24 hours of having my daughter. I was sent home with it and was breastfeeding. We weren't taking any chances. Only thing with the mini pill is you have to take it at the same time each day. Theres only a 3 hour window that you can be late or it messes up the whole month! After 6 weeks of the mini pill I went to the mirena for 6 months. I had horrible symptoms with the mirena and am now on seasonale and so far no problems with this. I am still breastfeeding and it has not affected my supply at all but I have been breastfeeding for 8 months now and started taking the seasonale after 7 months of breastfeeding. Everybody is different though! Hope this helps!

jennllewis - 344 days ago.
Question...at what point after birth are you able to get back on birth control? It has been 5 weeks since I had my daughter and currently breastfeeding I have not had a period yet.. and my husband cannot wait anymore! LOL

tink21 - 345 days ago.
I just had my baby and I have worked in gynecology for 3yrs I have tried MANY diff. birth control methods. The Ring~ works well I used it and loved it but but had bad symthoms after 2yrs.(as do most women) The Shot~ Triggered my migranes and its proven that after 2yrs of use it decreases bone density which can result in severe arthritis later on. Seasonal~ I had abnormal bleeding (not good not to have monthly period... The patch I tried, gave me anxiety and depression after using it for 6months. I am now ready to give implanon a try. If u have any birth control questions feel free to message me.

jenna82 - 355 days ago.
I had Mirena IUD and had it removed after two months due to horrible acne on my before perfect skin, mood swings from hell, no sex drive, excruciating cramps, back pain, leg pain- it was miserable. I felt wonderful after I had it removed.

baby2onboard - 356 days ago.
has anyone else gotten pregnant with iud?

armywife83 - 359 days ago.
Dont get the Mirena! Ive had mine for 3 months now and i want it out. Ive never had painful sex till i got this. My moods are awful and barely to no sex drive. I bleed 2 weeks out of each month so far. Its terriable. I wish i had read up on it more before i got it.... Its not worth it. Im getting mine out ASAP!

makailasmommy - 364 days ago.
ANYONE KNOW WHY MY PERIOD WOULD COME WHILE I AM ON THE ACTIVE PILLS? PLEASE TELL ME THIS DOESNT MEAN I AM PREGO AGAIN?

SabrinaK - 367 days ago.
Annette- there is a chance of becoming pregnant on the mirena but a very small chance. My dr said none of his patients that are using it have become pregnant at least not yet anyways lol.. I was on the mirena and into my first month I started experiencing pregnancy symptoms. I asked my dr and he said pretty much impossible since I was on the mirena and breastfeeding. After 5 months of being on the mirena I had it removed. I was still having pregnancy like symptoms and they just kept getting worse and worse! The only thing we could think of was my symptoms had to do with the mirena. Within 24 hours of having the mirena removed all symptoms went away and I feel sooo much better... As it turns out I wasn't my drs only patient having these problems!

mrsdenney - 367 days ago.
does anyone have implanon? i have never been on birth control in my life. i know i cannot remember to take the pill. after discussing it with my doctor we decided my best option is either implanon or depo shot. i have about a week and a half to make up my mind. (that's when i go back to the dr)