Rec Your BCP

Hummingbird125

I freaking hate my birth control. I never used to have any PMS symptons, but starting about six months ago, like clockwork, I started getting ridiculously emotional about a week before my period was due to start. Last night, I got slightly upset over something BF said, gave him the silent treatment, and then thought about every little thing in life that isn't perfect right now. This morning my little sister sent me a cute proposal video she saw on YouTube and I started bawling - and it wasn't even anything special! 

I'm taking Loestrin 24FE right now, but I need to make an appointment within the next month or two for a check-up, so I figure I'll ask for a new prescription then. Also, I pay out-of-pocket for BC (I get to stay on my parent's insurance until the end of the year, and they work for a Catholic hospital), so I'm hoping to find somethjng cheaper too. I currently pay about $96 for Loestrin. 

NONE of my best friends are on BCP right now, so I really need your suggestions.

Any recommendations??? 

Swazzle

All BCs and BCPs affect everyone differently. What works for any of us, might not work for you. For example, I take the generic version of Loestrin (microgestin) and I absolutely love it. It's the only BCP that hasn't turned me into a complete lunatic from all of the hormones. I had issues with Depo, NuvaRing, Seasonale, Seasonique, and god I can't even remember all the other BCPs I've tried but a lot of ladies here use these forms of BC and it works for them. Your best bet is to speak to your doctor about this and get a rec from him/her. 

Also, if you were to stay on the Loestrin, there is a discount card for $24 a month or it takes $24 off of what you're paying or something. 

kmbryant2413

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:dd78f246-52f5-49e2-9ded-9a734772e03e">Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]I freaking hate my birth control. I never used to have any PMS symptons, but starting about six months ago, like clockwork, I started getting ridiculously emotional about a week before my period was due to start. Last night, I got slightly upset over something BF said, gave him the silent treatment, and then thought about every little thing in life that isn't perfect right now. This morning my little sister sent me a cute proposal video she saw on YouTube and I started bawling - and it wasn't even anything special!  I'm taking Loestrin 24FE right now, but I need to make an appointment within the next month or two for a check-up, so I figure I'll ask for a new prescription then. Also, I pay out-of-pocket for BC (I get to stay on my parent's insurance until the end of the year, and they work for a Catholic hospital), so I'm hoping to find somethjng cheaper too. I currently pay about $96 for Loestrin.  NONE of my best friends are on BCP right now, so I really need your suggestions. Any recommendations??? 
Posted by Hummingbird125[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Is going to your Dr. an option to discuss? Like PP said, each BC affects everyone very differently. I personally never had any issues with Ortho Tricyclin Lo, didn't feel like it gave me any weight gain, or PMS symptoms at all really.. I've been on Microgestin Hi and Lo and didn't like it (gained weight, made me feel bloated, gave me acne) and Yaz, with the same results.</div><div>
</div><div>I have awful, awful cramps (like laying on the floor sweating in pain and vomiting from pain kind of bad) and Ortho really helped those symptoms go away, even after a month. </div><div>
</div><div>Not very helpful, but maybe it might work for you. :/

</div>

peekaboo2011

Yep, everything will affect everyone differently.  Yaz was the first pill that didn't make me go crazy, but I have a terrible time remembering to take pills, so I'm on NuvaRing and it's amazing.  It's pricey if you're OOP though - I paid $90/month.

I also was on Avian for a while, which wasn't bad, but eventually made me crazy.

[Deleted User]

I took Yaz and really liked it, but we decided to take me off because of the issue some people are having with blood clots, etc.  also, my skin really was great on it.  however, I was having a lot of breakthrough bleeding and it didn't seem to do much for my anxiety.

I'm currently on lo-loestrin, which is only 10 mcg of estrogen.  Nuva Ring is the next lowest at 15 mcg; I think regular Loestrin is 30 mcg.  so far, it's been 13 months and I'm still really liking it.  about 10 days before my period (like, ON THE DOT!) my skin will break out and I'll have some mild cravings PMS symptoms.  however, we think this may be due to the really low estrogen and my body is trying to have my normal cycle.  and then the week of my period I have one day of EXTREME fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and cravings.  however, it's only one (maybe one and a half or two at the very most) day out of the whole month.  the rest of the month is really great, so I just take it and warn H.  he brings me chocolate and does the dishes on my bad days. 

it's $40 a month with insurance and a discount card.  I've been considering changing it because it's so expensive, but I've had some HORRIBLE experiences with trying BCP.  I'm scared to switch.  my appt is this spring so I'll talk to my GYN about possibly trying something else.  but the low 10 mcg estrogen is great for me.

oh, and I do have some breakthrough bleeding on the 10-day mark, but nothing major.

steign

I'm currently on the Nuvaring. I only like it because I don't have to remember to take a pill every day but, it does make me nauseous a few days on the 2nd week of my cycle. My cramps only last about 2-3 hours my first day then I don't even feel like I'm on my period.This is amazing for me because I used to be miserable in high school from cramps that I would miss 2 days about every other month.

 I used to take a generic form of Yaz (Gianvi) but, the insurance I have stopped supporting it at their pharmacies (I have to go to certain ones to get my BCP) so then I started taking using Nuvaring. I've also taken some other generic forms of BCPs but, I was such a biiiitch on them that it wasn't worth it for me to stay on them and was so glad when I found Givani and hope with my new insurance I can find it again.

My suggestion is to make sure if it's not working for you to tell your doctor ASAP so he/she can give you other ones to try. I was miserable for 6 months on Sprintec and wish I had talked to my doc instead of thinking "This is normal".

Peaseblossom55

I'm on estrostep the generic is Trilegest, I've been on them since I was 18.  I haven't had a single problem with it at all, but as everyone has said BCP and BC can affect each person very differently. 
I've been on it for so long I almost can't wait to go off it, but we aren't ready for that just yet :-)

steign

Also sort of a threadjack but - with the new Obamacare I thought BCP was free? I don't pay for mine at all now.

buddysmom80

Definetly have a chat with your doctor.  My ob/gyn is amazing and she has me switched from OC to other forms etc and I always had horrible side effects.  Finally she and I both decided to get the Mirena which has been wonderful.

Peaseblossom55

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:afe54dc4-d60b-4016-905c-fbc800800689">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]Also sort of a threadjack but - with the new Obamacare I thought BCP was free? I don't pay for mine at all now.
Posted by steign[/QUOTE]
It is free I don't pay for mine anymore.

peekaboo2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:afe54dc4-d60b-4016-905c-fbc800800689">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]Also sort of a threadjack but - with the new Obamacare I thought BCP was free? I don't pay for mine at all now.
Posted by steign[/QUOTE]

<div>I think it depends?  I have Tricare, which is military healthcare, so I pay when I refill off post, but I can refill on post for free.  I also know that Obamacare didn't really touch Tricare, so I basically know nothing about normal insurance.</div>

[Deleted User]

this is sad, but I don't understand the "free BCP" obamacare thing.  why am I paying $40 a month then?  SOMEONE TELL ME.

steign

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:a35c5266-bffe-4c82-8ed5-fe539eeab3dc">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]this is sad, but I don't understand the "free BCP" obamacare thing.  why am I paying $40 a month then?  SOMEONE TELL ME.
Posted by CocoBellaF[/QUOTE]

I am interested to know because my sister has Cigna (I believe) and hers was free for her last month too...but, then you are paying so I'm confused.

Swazzle

I have United and I still pay $10 a month for my BCP. I realize that's not much but I want to know why it's not free, also. 

[Deleted User]

are there any experts out there that can tell me why I'm still paying for my BCP??

[Deleted User]

I HAVE THE ANSWER.

 the reason you are paying for your BCP right now is because it's not in effect for old ("grandfathered") plans until 2014.

So new plans have to abide by the free well-women visits and BCP, but old plans have until 2014.

Hummingbird125

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! I know different BCP affect everyone differently, but I wanted to try to do some research on my own of different brands, so that when I talk to my Dr. about it, I know what I'm talking about. 

As far as the Obamacare stuff - I don't remember exactly what the deal was. I know that insurance through religious employers will have to cover birth control, but they have some period of time before they have to put that into effect. Between my mother and my stepfather, they have 5 girls who have been on BCP at some point in their lives, and it sucks that we collectively have spent so much money on something that most women with insurance can practically get for free. Frustrating. At least it's cheaper than having a baby...

steign

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:f429fdc7-ffa5-4843-ac71-c1767dd2ba91">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]I HAVE THE ANSWER.  the reason you are paying for your BCP right now is because it's not in effect for old ("grandfathered") plans until 2014. So new plans have to abide by the free well-women visits and BCP, but old plans have until 2014.
Posted by CocoBellaF[/QUOTE]

Okay that makes sense. I was going to do some research but got sidetracked at work.

Swazzle

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:f429fdc7-ffa5-4843-ac71-c1767dd2ba91">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]I HAVE THE ANSWER.  the reason you are paying for your BCP right now is because it's not in effect for old ("grandfathered") plans until 2014. So new plans have to abide by the free well-women visits and BCP, but old plans have until 2014.
Posted by CocoBellaF[/QUOTE]

<div>You rock. </div><div>
</div>

[Deleted User]

it wasn't me, a little birdy in public health studies told me. 

kmbryant2413

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:a2e528fe-427c-48ce-9ba6-b5117509ea60">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! I know different BCP affect everyone differently, but I wanted to try to do some research on my own of different brands, so that when I talk to my Dr. about it, I know what I'm talking about.  As far as the Obamacare stuff - I don't remember exactly what the deal was. I know that insurance through religious employers will have to cover birth control, but they have some period of time before they have to put that into effect. Between my mother and my stepfather, they have 5 girls who have been on BCP at some point in their lives, and it sucks that we collectively have spent so much money on something that most women with insurance can practically get for free. Frustrating. <strong>At least it's cheaper than having a baby..</strong>.
Posted by Hummingbird125[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Ain't nobody got time for that! At least right now. Haha</div>

bethsmiles

I take the same thing as RDR and it's been great. I haven't tried any other BCP and I don't feel a need to. I haven't had any side effects. But like RDR said it will effect everyone differently.

Stina51286

I am currently on the generic of Ortho Tricyclin Lo, Tri- Sprintec. WIth my insurance it is free, Blue Cross Blue Shield. The regular Ortho Tricyclin was $40 a month for me.

Blue & White

I think I'm on a generic of Junel FE (which is now generic too?)  It's called Gliddess FE.  I like it because it semi-controls my other skin condition and keeps me from having babies.  I stink at remembering to take it and one time took two the same day (without noticing) and didn't die.  So that's a positive, for sure.

My sister's doctor just recommended Nuvaring because she ALWAYS has had trouble with BC.  She constantly spots and any other issues you can think of she would have.  She hasn't tried it yet, but I mean, I guess that's another option that's KINDA like a BCP but not quite.

Blue & White

ah, okay.  My FI pays $10 for 3 months of my BC, haha.  He's been paying for it for a while (which I find hilarious) because our pharmacy will only let us have one credit card on file per account and I'm on his account as a domestic partner.  At least it'll be free next year, he'll be stoked to save $3.33 a month!

thejucheidea

I feel like the crazy one out here. I don't use birth control because I fear it -- I've just been tracking my cycle for the last three years and no baby yet. VICTORY.

[Deleted User]

as a semi-crunchy lady, I would love to get off hormal BCP.  however:  we absolutely can not have any tiny Coco's any time soon.  also, my cycle is horrendous off hormonal BCP: like to where I would miss several days of school and work.

if it weren't such an awful time to possiblymaybeprobablynotbutcouldhappen have a baby, I would definitely consider getting off hormonal BCP and seeing what my cycle is like as an adult.  but since we've got furloughs + student loan debt + me going back to school, I just don't want to chance it. 

Hummingbird125

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:c2fc08fc-87ef-4b70-ae4e-a961960f941a">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]I feel like the crazy one out here. I don't use birth control because I fear it -- I've just been tracking my cycle for the last three years and no baby yet. VICTORY.
Posted by ahstillwell[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>That's awesome. I would love to get off of the pill, but I have always had a very irregular cycle and I wouldn't be able to relax without having a regular "You're not pregnant!" reminder every month.

</div>

s-aries8990

I've been on generics for alesse (orsythia and lutera, depending on where I get it refilled) and I've been fine. I never had terrible cramps and will only get terrible cramps (when I say terrible, I just mean unpleasant - I'm lucky) a few times a year. I'm only changing now because I want something to help my skin a little more.

Buddysmom - Do you have a babe? I thought you needed to already have a kid to get mirena?

buddysmom80

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:d4fbea3d-29f0-4cbf-a9e7-35475faca32b">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]I've been on generics for alesse (orsythia and lutera, depending on where I get it refilled) and I've been fine. I never had terrible cramps and will only get terrible cramps (when I say terrible, I just mean unpleasant - I'm lucky) a few times a year. I'm only changing now because I want something to help my skin a little more. Buddysmom - Do you have a babe? I thought you needed to already have a kid to get mirena?
Posted by sydaries[/QUOTE]

No, no babies!  I thought so too but my ob/gyn said it can done if you haven't had kids yet.

s-aries8990

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_rec-your-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:265a056e-8a47-46ad-b7d1-3c5b060adc39Post:5e7bb2dc-669e-41ce-b66b-1f2123d95941">Re: Rec Your BCP</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Rec Your BCP : No, no babies!  I thought so too but my ob/gyn said it can done if you haven't had kids yet.
Posted by buddysmom80[/QUOTE]

And you like it? I need to find a REAL ob/gyn (I am finally establishing care at some place that ISN'T the PEDIATRICIAN in 2 weeks!) to talk more about it.

THREADJACK: For those who went on a BCP and then came off and had weight issues:

Did you see a difference in your weight when you came off?