Let's Chat About Birth Control

Sparrow87 · April 2011

I did a spit take from the word selection Aud! But thanks I really think I'll look into that before my next Drs. Appointment.

Beads921 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:b990ee50-7df8-482b-88fa-5be62381a790">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control : This should definitely be the new directions on the Nuva Ring package!!!!!
Posted by amsybot[/QUOTE]

<div>*Gigglesnort* I'm imagining that the directions are currently a lot like tampon directions - possibly even complete with pictures where the drawing only has one leg? </div>

SopChick · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:8d874dde-11c3-464b-aadf-6914519fb0ae">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control : *Gigglesnort* I'm imagining that the directions are currently a lot like tampon directions - possibly even complete with pictures where the drawing only has one leg?
Posted by Beads921[/QUOTE]
Amazing.

I'm currently on the pill, and have been on different ones for the last 9ish years. Lately I've been getting crazy headaches most days of the week, although I haven't linked all of them to the pill. I have only ever tried the pill, but I am really interested in the Mirena IUD. I had a friend who used Nuva Ring and found it ok, but she has since switched to the IUD and swears by it.

Sorry I didn't have much to contribute, but I'm glad you started this thread, because I was contemplating starting one the other day. :)

throoper · April 2011

I got a copper (non-hormonal) IUD about 9 months ago. At first I had bad cramping but it's mostly gone away. I love that you just need to check that it's still in place about once a month, and besides that you never have to think about birth control (for 10 years!!) I was also SO OVER taking hormones, and it's great to have all that out of my system. I highly recommend it.

peekaboo2011 · April 2011

This was a great idea Beads.

And Audgie? ZOMG YAY!!!!!! BABIES! Although, this doesn't help the baby fever.

When you get pregnant, I reserve the right to post lots and lots and lots of adorable baby things, kay?

As far as BC, I've been on 4 different versions of the pill in about 2 years. When I went gluten free, I had to switch from whatever generic I was on to Avian, what we thought was the only GF pill on the market. Turned out it made me crazy. I'm talking about severe mood swings the week before, week of and week after my period. Like, someone would make me laugh and in thirty seconds I would fly into a rage or spend hours crying uncontrollably in bed (I was the epitome of BSC). I'm on Yaz now, and it's better for the mood swings, but I've gained some weight and I'm having problems losing it. I'm also INCREDIBLY awful about remembering to take it. I always have been bad with pills.

So, I think I'm going to talk to my doctor about NuvaRing. He's going to look at me like I'm psychotic, but if I don't have to deal with it on a daily base, it'll be much better.

The three of you who are on NuvaRing, what's the deal with the mood swings? Do you have them? Are they better/worse?

lmwilber · April 2011

I just started back on the Nuva Ring, after leaving it for the pill due to cost a few years ago. However, seeing as how I was not great about taking the pill at the right time/day, it seemed cheaper then an 'opps'. I love it! Its easy to put in, stays put, and is a much lower dose of hormones then the pill.
I had an IUD for about a year, but there was an issue with the strings. They kept poking my BF. ( I guess its not that uncommon, but I had never heard of it before I got one) This caused him a lot of pain, and as a result we didn't have sex very often. When I came down with an infection I just had it removed. I wish it hadn't been a problem, I loved not getting a period for that year.

AudgiePodge · April 2011

Thank you everyone for the giddy babiness

@peeka- I'm not moody at all. At least, I don't think I am. I don't have PMS-y symptoms.

zipis1 · April 2011

I got my IUD when I was barely 20 and I most vertainly don't have kids, so you can definitely still get it. You may have to shop around though, as many doctor's still cling to the scare stories caused by an IUD from the 70's (which isn't a concern with modern IUDs). And for pain, it may have hurst less if I 1) wasn't a virgin, and 2) had taken the proper amount of ibuprofen beforehand (I messed up and only took half the recommended dose -_-). As far as pregnancy, what some friends of mine do to reassure themselves that they're not pregnant is buy pregnancy tests in bulk from places like http://www.saveontests.com/index.htm and then test once per month. Just something to keep in mind if you want to consider it

And Deburnin, the ParaGard can tend to cause increased cramps for the first year or so, but typically they die down and actually become lighter as time goes on. So there is hope, if you keep toughing it out (though sadly not guaranteed).

peekaboo2011 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:fe3469f6-e08a-4a88-9ba0-0b718f6a96aa">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you everyone for the giddy babiness :) @peeka- I'm not moody at all. At least, I don't think I am. <strong>I don't have PMS-y symptoms.</strong>
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]

<div>Did you before you started?</div>

hollyb78 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:d1ac3eaa-d246-498d-a5ae-b101e6f9a489">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Yay Audgie! That's so exciting (all you threadjackers are totally forgiven). I'm glad to hear about the positive NuvaRing experiences! I considered Depo, but I live over half an hour away from my doctor, so getting the shot every month would be really inconvenient.
Posted by Beads921[/QUOTE]

It's actually every three months, and my doctor told me that if I knew a registered nurse, they could give the injection. So if you know a nurse that lives closer, you can have your doctor call the prescription into a local pharmacy and have someone else give the shot. It's just as convenient for me to go to my doctor's office, so it's not a big deal for me. I didn't really notice any side effects, either. Some weight gain, but nothing worse than what happens with the pill. I had a little spotting the first month, but since then I haven't had a period at all.

AudgiePodge · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:39169c11-ae7c-4c46-81f3-e7094a76e437">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control : Did you before you started?
Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

The only time I noticed was when I was on the pill a long time ago.

[Deleted User] · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:49cb440e-961e-489c-8aad-b453c27d35fa">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE] The three of you who are on NuvaRing, what's the deal with the mood swings? Do you have them? Are they better/worse?
Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

I had mood swings on the pill. I felt depressed, I had bad anxiety, I was always snippy to the BF (awful for the LDR) when I was around my period. The NuvaRing is my miracle BC because I have no moodswings on it. I was so bummed when my doctor switched me back to the pill, but I just started NuvaRing again a month ago. I actually just took it out on yesterday. BC is different for everyone though, so if it doesn't work out for you then keep looking around. I have heard a lot of good things about NuvaRing though, so good luck if you decide to switch to it!

loves2shop4shoes · April 2011

A few things:

1. Audgie--SQUEE!
2. GPB-- You said anal. Hehehe.
3. OP--I would recommend an IUD. My experience with NuvaRing (I was on it for 2 years) was overall good, but it KILLED my sex drive...and made me gain weight like crazy.

helenmreich · April 2011

Is anyone else on here on Seasonique? I have been for four years now...it's really nice because I only get my period once every three months and I have almost no cramps and it doesn't last long at all. I had the worst cramps and breakouts before I went on it. It is expensive (my insurance doesn't cover it, but if yours does its not much), but luckily my stepdad is a doctor and gets me samples.

In any case I really recommend it! My boyfriend doesn't really like condoms, and maybe it would be good to use them, but I feel good knowing that I'm on such a great BC pill (I am really good about taking it...).

bourgehm · April 2011

Oh goodness Audgie. Totally missed that you're TTC. YAY!

SilverLining1 · April 2011

I was on like, ten different pills and they all made me BSC. I would cry all the time for the most ridiculous reasons, and it really really sucked. I tried NuvaRing and I loooooved it. My doctor said that the NuvaRing worked better for me because I was getting a constant release of hormones, rather than having the up and down of hormones that comes with taking the pill once a day. My boyfriend said that he couldn't feel it, but when I stopped using it, he definitely noticed the difference.

I'm sick of hormones and sick of condoms. I'd like to try a copper IUD but I'm freaking terrified of the pain and side effects. Anyone else?

ETA: Another benfit of NuvaRing for me was that I could predict when my period would start and end down to the hour. I think it is infinitely better than the pill if you don't mind hormonal birth control.

Also, you can take it out for two hours at a time if you don't want ot keep it in during sex. And it's really easy to remember to change it out if you just mark it on your calendar.

LizzyTish88 · April 2011

Augie!!!! SQUEE!

I am on Ortho Evera. When I started taking BC I coundn't swallow pills so it was my only option, (this was back in high school, 2006ish) I don't mind it.

niknik15 · April 2011

I guess I am the odd one out! I was on Nuva Ring for about a year, but then realized that it made me crazy and changed back the Ortho Tricyclen Low. I didn't like the feel of the ring in there during sex, but it was really easy to take it out during then put back in when your done.

Hazel_B · April 2011

Beads - I haven't read everything, so ignore some of this if it has already been said.

I went from pills to the Nuva Ring for blood pressure reasons, not sure why it was my Doctor's suggestion. I got worse headaches with the nuva ring. So, I'm now have an IUD. Also, my health plan did not cover the nuva ring, apparently it didn't view it the same as birth control pills - just a heads up to ask about that before you make the switch.

I really like the IUD, cramps can be worse and periods can be worse for me, but I figure this is more natural to what my original cycle was (way back when) compared to the birth control pills.

I believe some doctors are reluctant to give IUDs to women who haven't had children. My doctor wasn't, but referred me elsewhere because of the problems associated with putting in the IUD on women who haven't had children. Insertion for me was brutal. The nurses kept me in the hospital over an hour after insertion (because they thought I was going to pass out the entire time from the cramps) and it took me a week to even start feeling normalish again. The insertion of the IUD wasn't so bad it was the "measuring" of the uterus that sent me through the roof and the cramps as my body got used the IUD.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Wrkn925 · April 2011

Wilber, my BF sometimes complains about the strings of my IUD. He says it isn't painful, just 'weird'.

I was on the Depo shot for 5.5 years. Honestly, I loved it besides the weight gain. It was really easy to keep up with, and I didn't have a period the entire time. (Besides a few random days of spotting.)

I got my Mirena in October. It hurt like a bitch being inserted, and I bled and cramped for a week afterward. If you would've asked me two weeks ago, I would've told you I loved it. Now, I've been bleeding and cramping for a little over two weeks. Nothing unbearable, just really uncomfortable cramps. I love not having to worry about BC.

I'm scared shiitless about removal, though.

hannahnola · April 2011

I used the Nuva Ring when it first came out about 5 or 6 years ago, geez do I regret it. I used it about 4 months, I was not sure why but I kept getting pains and went to the hospital about a half dozen times. Years later my obgyn related it back to the Nuva Ring. I still have pains during times I wish I did not, and no I do not mean my period. I hope if you decide on it it does not happen to you too. But hopefully you decide against it all together!

AbigailMS · April 2011

I didn't even post on this board..just creeped it. But I'd been shopping around for new birth control for the past few months. You guys convinced me. I totally just called my doctor and asked for an IUD. They're gonna call me back later. I'm super excited for no hormones.

Wrkn925 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:43152322-d03d-4dce-93fc-fc9f29d034db">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]I didn't even post on this board..just creeped it. But I'd been shopping around for new birth control for the past few months. You guys convinced me. I totally just called my doctor and asked for an IUD. They're gonna call me back later. I'm super excited <strong>for no hormones</strong>.
Posted by AbigailMS[/QUOTE]

Mirena=low hormone
Paraguard=no hormones.

I had to switch doctors. My original gyno, who I didn't like anyway, refused to put IUDs in women who haven't had children.
I'm really glad I switched, I like my new dr better anyway.

AbigailMS · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:e5f1402b-5bee-4096-8dde-789d14881e2a">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control : Mirena=low hormone Paraguard=no hormones. I had to switch doctors. My original gyno, who I didn't like anyway, refused to put IUDs in women who haven't had children. I'm really glad I switched, I like my new dr better anyway.
Posted by Wrkn925[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I specifically asked for paragard. I did a lot of research last night. I even called my insurance this morning. The nurse I talked to didn't seem to think there would be a problem with either though. I just don't want to deal with unnecessary hormones. :)</div>

Wrkn925 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:f3a5fb02-a85d-4c62-9bbe-f806c808197a">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control : I specifically asked for paragard. I did a lot of research last night. I even called my insurance this morning. The nurse I talked to didn't seem to think there would be a problem with either though. I just don't want to deal with unnecessary hormones. :)
Posted by AbigailMS[/QUOTE]

Good deal.

BTW
My first doctor orginally said yes, and forgot to look at my medical history. But he wanted me to pay for the Mirena at a pharmacy because he'd been stuck with a few when people backed out.
That caused a big problem.

IF I paid for the Mirena at a pharmacy, it was considered medical supplies, like a wrist or knee brace, and they covered 0%. (Because I'd used my prescription coverage.)

IF the doctor used a Mirena in his office and billed it as medical supply, it covered 100%. (Because I would be using my health insurance.)

That dr ended up saying no anyway, and I found a Dr who kept them in her office.

sparkles88 · April 2011

I've been on the pill since I was 13, minus a brief 8 month break where my body was completely out of whack without it. For me, remembering to take the pill has never been difficult, but I've been doing it for ages.

I started off with Loestrin and used it for 7 years. I loved it, aside from the mild-moderate headaches I got from it. Then I switched to Seasonique for 2 years, because I wanted fewer periods. I had a lot of side effects from it (bad headaches, weight gain, jont pain) and I always spotted on the last pack, so it wasn't worth it. Unfortunately, my body wouldn't tolerate Loestrin when I tried to go back to it.

Now I take Ortho Cyclen. It's similar to Ortho Tri Cyclen, but has a steady dose of homones so I can take the packs back to back, and I only have a period every 3ish months. I'm pretty happy with it. So far my side effects include mild mood swings and bigger boobs. I also have no headaches for the first time ever!

jemmini6 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:94654acd-6313-45d1-8dad-79495d50e589">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Jemmini- I haven't seen you around here in a while! How are you? Oh and your siggy challenge prompted me to look up Cabo and now M and I are considering that for one of our honeymoon/vacation spots when we do get marred!
Posted by luvdncn90[/QUOTE]

I know...I need to try to make it in here more often. :)

We're really excited to go to Cabo. We are using our 'trial' timeshare for the Cabo Azul Resort, which looks ridiculously nice. It's not an AI, but I freaking love Mexican food, so I would hate to be stuck with AI Americanized food there. LOL. When are you looking to go?

Cackle6 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:dfc8cd9d-5d4f-4a57-8ba9-2df3ca98ca56">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Is anyone else on here on Seasonique? I have been for four years now...it's really nice because I only get my period once every three months and I have almost no cramps and it doesn't last long at all. I had the worst cramps and breakouts before I went on it. It is expensive (my insurance doesn't cover it, but if yours does its not much), but luckily my stepdad is a doctor and gets me samples. In any case I really recommend it! My boyfriend doesn't really like condoms, and maybe it would be good to use them, but I feel good knowing that I'm on such a great BC pill (I am really good about taking it...).
Posted by helenmreich[/QUOTE]

<div>I'm on the generic version, and have been off and on for 5 years now. I love it. It's great only having 4 periods a year, and light ones at that. And the generic isn't too bad price wise - I get a decent deal with my insurance so it works out.</div><div>
</div><div>I've been on and off the pill since I was 17, and never had any issues at all. But I'm also lucky in that the only medication I have side effects to is morphine/pain killers. At some point I'd like to look into the IUD, because I'm really not sure I ever want kids, but until I get on SO's insurance, Jolessa it is.</div>

SilverLining1 · April 2011

What's the deal with the strings on IUDs? Are they like, hard plastic or something? Do you ever notice them?

AudgiePodge · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_lets-chat-birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:559e1580-2d3e-41f5-a4f2-2ca199b8ecb4Post:810197e9-b40f-40a1-83d0-2546efebf71a">Re: Let's Chat About Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]What's the deal with the strings on IUDs? Are they like, hard plastic or something? Do you ever notice them?
Posted by SilverLining1[/QUOTE]

It's kind of like fishing line. ExH nor I ever noticed it.

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