Talk to me about birth control

[cardiganagain]

Ive never used it and really know nothing about it. I know you have to take it at the same time every day and that the green onces are sugar pills and the blue are the actual birth control.

Can anyone tell me about possible side effects, especially weight gain. Im obviously really against the weight gain issue.

[janegold]

Weight gain is a definite possibility. Everyone's bodies respond differently to different birth controls so it's hard to say which one will be best for you in terms of minimizing weight gain and other symptoms. In general, though, the low doses forms of BC (like Yaz, Loestrin, NuvaRing, etc.) are supposed to cause fewer side effects.

The weight gain shouldn't be a deterrent to you if being on BC is important. Having to lose five or ten pounds is a lot easier than an unexpected baby.

[joenali]

They help me to not have a heavy flow period. The last period I had without birth control I was using ultra absorbency, one almost every hour. It was awful. I don't have an side effects from it, not even weight gain.

[Deleted]

There are different kinds of BC but not all of them are pills that you take every day. I had Nuva Ring and loved it but after a few years it made sex hurt but I don't think you'll have that problem. It's once a month and easy to use. There's also the patch which is monthly to. But if you want to get regular BCP, I would get something with low hormones. Orth-Tricyclyn Lo or something like that. I would talk to your doctor about BC and see what they suggest as well. GL.

[leahmel]

I am on loseasonique and I really like it. No major side effects and only get my period oevery 3 months. My actual period lasts a few days and I have minimal cramps and almost no PMS. I was a beast with PMS before I was on BC and while on monthly pills.

Every woman is different though, so talk to your doctor.

Are you using condoms now?

[EmilieMadison]

Getting pregnant will definitely make you gain weight. So...
There are lots of different types of BC. If you dont plan on having another baby for several years (which, I dont think you are, right?) then perhaps an IUD would be good for you. They even have non-hormonal IUDs. Pair it with condoms and you should be good.

[TrickyBob]

I used Yaz but it caused me to have horrible cramps and lots of pain, I didn't gain weight with it but it did cause me to bleed almost all the time. Once I got off it, things went back to normal.

[cardiganagain]

Dec 19, 2012 20:35:12 GMT -5 leahmel said:

I am on loseasonique and I really like it. No major side effects and only get my period oevery 3 months. My actual period lasts a few days and I have minimal cramps and almost no PMS. I was a beast with PMS before I was on BC and while on monthly pills.

Every woman is different though, so talk to your doctor.

Are you using condoms now?

Absolutely! There is no way in earth I would have sex without a condom. Thank God condoms have always worked for me. I do however want to see about trying the pill out.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

You are planning on leaving your H and are still having sex with him? Why risk being tied to him any longer than necessary?

[cardiganagain]

Dec 19, 2012 20:36:30 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

Getting pregnant will definitely make you gain weight. So...
There are lots of different types of BC. If you dont plan on having another baby for several years (which, I dont think you are, right?) then perhaps an IUD would be good for you. They even have non-hormonal IUDs. Pair it with condoms and you should be good.

I don't ever want to have children again. I would seriously consider having my tubes tied if a Dr would approve it (and if I had the insurance)

The odds of having another child with Albinism scares me to death. One is enough.

[leahmel]

I didn't gain any weight on any pill. I think a big part of the weight gain is because you may have increased appetite or gain water weight. Keep healthy snacks around and drink a ton of water and green tea and I don't think you'll have a problem with that.

[cardiganagain]

Dec 19, 2012 20:41:30 GMT -5 leahmel said:

I didn't gain any weight on any pill. I think a big part of the weight gain is because you may have increased appetite or gain water weight. Keep healthy snacks around and drink a ton of water and green tea and I don't think you'll have a problem with that.

Ok that makes me feel a little better. I already eat healthy and only drink water and 1 powerade zero a day. I don't want my electrolytes level to be out of whack from all the water I'm drinking.

[Kit]

I didn't gain any weight on the pill either, and I agree with leahmel's reasons why some might. You are working out, right? Keep doing that and just watch your junk food intake. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Start out with a low dose and see how you like that first.

[cardiganagain]

Dec 19, 2012 20:45:03 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

I use NuvaRing. I keep it in for 4 weeks instead of 3 and then just put a new one in right away so I don't get my period. I did gain a few pounds on it but that was my only side effect. I'm not so good with remembering to take pills at the same time every day, so I love the NuvaRing.

I take heart medication everyday. I have to take it at the same time every night. I have a reminder on my phone to take it everyday and I don't miss it. I would probably just take my BC pill at the same time.

[cardiganagain]

Dec 19, 2012 20:46:05 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

Also, here:

www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/birthcontrolmethods.aspx

It's a chart that compares all the BCs and their side effects.

That's a big help. Thank you!

[loveday]

I used to be on hormonal birth control before I had my kids. However, I get migraines, and my OB does not want me on hormonal BC because I have a higher risk of clots. H went for the snip 2 years ago, and it has worked very well for us.

The BC pill though. I've been on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo and another triphasic that worked well for me. I did not get any side effects. Oh, and I had the Mirena as well, but that did not work well with my body at all

[drrn04]

I never had any weight issues w/ bcps. I was on Mircette (both name brand, and the generic) for 9 years before I got pg with my first (planned).

But if you don't want a kid for a long time, I think an IUD would be something to consider. It can end up being cheaper in the long run than bcps, depending on brand and insurance. And you don't have to worry about it. Pair it with a condom to make extra sure you don't get pg, and you should be good to go.