Birth control

FleetingWish · 2016-01-06T15:52:38+00:00

Sounds like you tried mirena IUD, I would try paraguard. It is hormone free.

LauraXVII · 2016-01-06T17:17:34+00:00

I'm not sure if this is a thing in the states, but I have the implant - it gets put in on the inside of your non-dominant arm and it just gets left there for 3 years.

I've never liked condoms, the pill gave me awful awful mood swings and I forgot to take it sometimes, and I'm a wuss so after a couple of the injections I had to stop 😂

I've never had any mood swings or acne problems with the implant, the only downside is that the periods are completely random - you could have none, you could have regular or irregular ones, they could get heavier or lighter and they could last for longer or shorter than usual. And there's no way of finding out apart from having it put in. Even so I would totally recommend it :)

littleteafox · 2016-01-06T18:11:50+00:00

I was put on hormonal BC when I was 16 after I had an ovarian cyst burst painfully. I was on various brands of the pill/patch for about.. 8-9 years. Then I switched to condoms because every single pill I tried really killed my libido and just made me feel more prone to extreme emotion. I've been hormone free for years now. The only thing I really miss are the lighter periods and clearer skin!

I have used fertility awareness before, combined with condoms, and that worked out just fine too, but it was only with one guy who I very much trusted (and he trusted me).

[deleted] · 2016-01-06T15:40:11+00:00

I feel like I've done all of them. The iud has a couple different forms. the five year and the ten year. Not sure which one you used. The depo made me insane. I used a couple different types of pills but I was not comfortable with taking so many hormones. So I had the mirena iud (five year version) for about 10 years. No periods and it was a low dose of hormones. It is what worked for me. You're gonna have to talk to your Dr about it and it could be trial and error for a couple years til you figure out what is best for your body. There is also the female condom. Never used it but it could be worth a shot.

Kittenkajira · 2016-01-06T17:18:08+00:00

I had similar problems with birth control pills. We use a more old-fashioned, controversial form of birth control - the pullout method. My SO was the one who recommended this method, as he doesn't like condoms, and doesn't want me to take birth control. I had a lot of misconceptions about it, and was initially hesitant until I did thorough research.

There's also the family planning, or fertility awareness-based method. That one involves tracking your cycle and bodily changes to determine when you're fertile, and either not having sex during fertile times, or using back-up methods then.

Both of these should only be used in committed relationships, and you want to talk about what would happen in the event of an accidental pregnancy.

ZingMaster · 2016-01-06T15:42:12+00:00

Each combo pill will be different for you. Try a different brand and see if that works better for you. If you were on a low dose, try a higher one.

[deleted] · 2016-01-06T16:04:25+00:00

I'm currently on the Depo Provera shot (I'm like 90% sure that's the proper name for it), and have been for almost 2 years. I used to be insanely moody and my acne was pretty bad. The doctor that first gave me the shot said that I would experience weight gain and my acne would get worse. I gained a total of about 50 pounds on the shot in half a year. I lost all that weight by eating better and eating less. (I used to eat way too much.)

My acne did the opposite of what the doctor said. It cleared up so much, I had mild back acne and at least 6 pimples at all times. Now with the Depo combined with a decent skincare routine, my acne is almost entirely gone. My moodiness has been toned down since starting the shot and it only comes back when I go more than 2 days between shots. I'm generally pretty happy now.

I have no period whatsoever, but it took a year for the periods to finally stop. It's common to bleed every once in a while within the first year of the shot, so I wasn't really worried about that. After the first year was over, I haven't gotten a single period.

I do suggest really doing some research about it though. I just jumped right into it because I wanted something that would make my mood swings go away but didn't want the responsibility of taking a pill.

Land_Before_Thyme · 2016-01-06T18:06:07+00:00

Here is a long post I wrote for IUD Divas with my experience with the Paragard (the ONLY form of hormone-free reversible birth control)

Acne is a western disease, much like heart disease and diabetes you don't see it in other parts of the world. I had pretty terrible acne and when I changed my diet from vegetarian, high glycemic grain based to low glycemic (aka low carb) high lean protein and tons of veggies, my acne disappeared.

After a year, I started working out intensely and my periods went to 4 days in length.

Spotting can be controlled with 200-400IU of Vitamin E daily at the mid-cycle point.

Insertion: The greatest paid I've ever been in. Spent next 2 days in bed scarfing Advil. Could barely walk. Months 1-3: Long periods, 7-8 days. Horrible cramping. Used advil and lots of stretching (hands towards ceiling, bending backwards, etc) to alleviate. Months 4-present: 27-29 day cycles. Periods 4.5-6 days depending on diet and stress.

Overall: Only side effects are mid cycle spotting (I take Vita E every other day during ovulation week to eliminate) and chronic low grade back pain. It's an amazing decision, I'm very thrilled it worked out for me.

I think that a lot of people are a bit frustrated with Paragard after HBC because HBC covers your ass in terms of skin issues and periods. You have great skin and lighter periods almost universally. Off of HBC, if you eat crappy or are stressed out you see it on your face! Your periods are longer or irregular due to stress! This is how it should be. Actions = consequences. When I'm stressed my period is heavier and more painful. This is life!

I'm quite proud of my excellent low starch high protein and vegetable diet, which I transitioned to shortly after getting my Paragard. I don't consume bread, pasta, or beer. I eat lean meats, seafood and vegetables and some fruit. I drink water and coffee with Stevia. This is 95% of my diet, the 5% being the whiskey, chocolate, etc. In the 3 years since I began eating like this, I have never contracted a cold or the flu. I used to get sick at least 4 times a year. I also used to experience migraines twice per week. With adequate water intake and regular sleep, I now get a migraine very rarely, perhaps every other month, always due to stress.

Daily I take Enzymatic Therapy's Acidophilus Pearls, Garden of Life RAW One-a-day multi vitamin, and 1000 IU Vitamin D3. As needed, Vitamin E & D-Mannose.

I share my story with any girls who ask or if BC comes up. It's amazing how those in their mid 20's through mid 30's were fed a steady diet of propaganda: "If you're not on BC you're irresponsible! What will you do when you get knocked up and haven't set your career!" I see the backlash now.

Infertility and birth defects from HBC usage are finally being discussed. It's sad to see those who suffer. History is your friend here: HBC was developed and used on women who already had children. It was never intended to be used for 10-15 years before you were financially ready to bear children.

Many more people are willing to use condoms, and the market has responded by presenting more and better options. Naked condoms are awesome, in 4 different sizes (we used those before he had STI testing). I've heard the latex free condoms are widely used and enjoyed by those in long term monogamous relationships as well (many don't protect against STI's)

All in all, I plan to have my Paragard in for 5-7 years total (aka 2-3 more years from now onward) until DF and I are ready to conceive. I hope to use it in between children too.

theyellowpants · 2016-01-06T23:37:29+00:00

I had a hoooooooorible time with hormonal pill. I also had a horrible time trying to have an IUD inserted.

I started taking several years ago an imported non hormonal pill called Saheli from India and i love it. its an estrogen receptor (used in anti cancer treatments in USA but not approved for bc)

a year of treatment is around $50

babybluebells · 2016-01-06T23:59:08+00:00

I use the ParaGuard and despite what some ladies had said about the cramping and heavier flow, I have not had the same experience. I had cramping the first couple of months when I first started my period, but it's now turned into mild cramps. Also, my flow is heavier but I'm okay with that since it means I won't be pregnant. My uterus is smaller than most so the tip can be felt by a penis but I've had no complaints from my partners. Also, I use condoms on top of that just in case (plus condoms can protect from chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can be caused by unprotected sex).

big_blue · 2016-01-07T02:10:33+00:00

I've been on Yasmin for a few years. Unfortunately I need the hormones due to a hormone imbalance in my body. I get cramps for a day or two, and my period is now much shorter and lighter than it used to be pre-birth control. Only side affect I get is a sore chest the week before. Oh, and sometimes I have homicidal PMS, but not all the time :)

r/birthcontrol may have some more answers for you too!

m0llywobbles · 2016-01-07T17:21:08+00:00

I use the Caya diaphragm in conjunction with FAM. I know you mentioned FAM as not a good fit for you, but a diaphragm, the sponge, or a cervical cap might be!

Littleknownfacts · 2016-01-06T15:31:04+00:00

I never had a mood problem while on the pill, at least not that I noticed, but perhaps I'm biased. I was taking the seasonal one, where you get 4 periods a year. I really liked it since I get really bad cramps.

Recently I started depo (1 injection every three months), its less hormonal (or affects different hormones) than the pill from what I understand. The only issues I've had is a good bit of spotting (but that's stopped now) and a thinning hair, luckily I had a good amount of hair to begin with, but its something I'm gonna bring up with my gyno next time.

HarleyQ · 2016-01-06T21:41:25+00:00

I haven't seen anyone mention the Patch yet but since it's all I've ever used I figured I'd throw in my experience.

I used (off it now since I'm pregnant) an off brand version of ortho evra (can't remember the name at the moment) and honestly I absolutely love them. You get 3 patches a month and change it weekly. Im super forgetful so they let me to not have to worry about forgetting to take a pill every day.

I had been on them since I was 16 (26 now) and I never noticed any weight gain. The heaviness and pain of my period was drastically reduced though which was a major bonus. I'd also say I'm honestly more moody when off them, but always attributed that to my body simply being used to taking something almost every day for 10 years.

The only "issue" I had is when people see it they always ask if it's a bandaid.

becomingabetterme88 · 2016-01-06T22:02:39+00:00

hello ladies! I literally registered to make a comment on this thread -- bc is something I'm very passionate about.

Condoms + fertility awareness/pullout method is what works for me. I tried a couple versions of pills and they made me crazy, bloated, and totally uninterested in sex. Worryingly and more importantly, bc pills may impact mate selection and alter women's brains (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/birth-control-brain_n_7032578.html).

Personally, I love to ovulate, and I love feeling my natural hormonal fluctuations. I feel like I'm more emotionally sensitive and have access to more subtle intuitive feelings when I'm off hormones (though I haven't tried the hormone-free options mentioned above). I feel more primal, in a good way, more connected to my femininity, and more connected to being a woman. Also, the upswing of male attention when I'm ovulating is a nice perk!

Edit: Oh, and if anybody is interested in learning more about women's bodies or getting more in touch with your specifically female being, I highly recommend this :)

Yintegrity · 2016-01-07T03:25:54+00:00

I've had two paraguard iud's put in and they both fell out of place. I recommend doing some research on iud's in women who have never been pregnant. Mirena and paraguard were both designed for women who already have been pregnant. I have skyla iud now, it's smaller and made for young women who have never been pregnant. Only lasts for 3 years though.

MadeUpMama · 2016-01-07T03:31:14+00:00

When I went off hormonal birth control I thought I would go back to it after I had a child. However I couldn't ignore how much better I felt without the pill (mood, acne, libido, lube production, even energy) and the more research I did the less hormonal birth control appealed to me. This was further complicated by my husband's absolute dismissal of condoms as an option. I used FAM (that's the fertility awareness method you've heard mentioned in a few comments already) for about 9 months while I was on a fertility diet before conceiving, and I continued using FAM after the birth of my daughter. The abstinence during my peak fertility can be trying at times, but it's really the best option for me and my husband right now.

Edited for spelling, etc.

PinkFloweryBranches · 2016-01-07T04:07:07+00:00

I'm not a fan of using traditional birth control just because of the links to cancer, the fear of blood clots, spotting, thinning hair, etc. I'm already on a few meds for my narcolepsy, so I'd really like to limit what I put into my body. If I HAD to be on some form of birth control, it'd probably be the Nuvaring. You can take it out for 3 hours (which is long enough for sex).

Pulling out and one of the fertility awareness method (FAM) are what I prefer. Here are some FAMs that I like:
* Cycle Beads -- will only work for ladies with very regular cycles (length 26-32 days)
* Lady Comp -- must take temperature as soon as one wakes up

proprioceptor · 2016-01-07T05:55:04+00:00

I feel the same way. In a way that I can't really put a finger on it, I feel a lot better when I'm not on the pill. However, right now my husband and I really don't want to get pregnant, so I'm on the pill.

I've tried a lot of different types: normal combined hormone oral, progestin only oral, nuvaring, and they've all worked pretty well. However, it's important to let your doctor/partner know if you're having side effects, they might be able to suggest an alternative.

Have you looked at natural family planning? I'm not sure what your current situation is, but it might be something to look into. That being said, it's a little risky if you're not at least 'ok' with the idea of having a kid with your bf.

Title	Birth control
Author	blindedbythebrights
Upvotes	22
Comments	62
Date	January 6, 2016 9:53 AM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/RedPillWomen
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/RedPillWomen/comments/3zp5wy/birth_control/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/RedPillWomen/birth-control.85888 https://theredarchive.com/post/85888

Comments

Spotting can be controlled with 200-400IU of Vitamin E daily at the mid-cycle point.