Birth Control, tampons, and other women's stuff. Beware!

[emmieslost]

i use the ring now, and i love it.  i don't skip a week (new ring ever three weeks) so i can skip my periods.  some women don't realize you can skip your period with any BC and it's perfectly healthy, in my case it *may* actually be saving my fertility.  **crosses fingers**

i've been on a lot of different BC because of my health issues (endometriosis, ect.) i like the ring because it's very low dose since it's absorbed differently then other BC.  

depo provera isn't the answer for everyone, i was on it for almost nine years and DO NOT recommend long term use.  it screwed me up big time, but it also probably saved my life in other ways.  it's great treatment for endometriosis (which is VERY common btw) and roughly 80% of women stop having their period while they are on it.  ((hence the saving my life))  if you use the shot, i highly recommend taking a few months off every few years.  not bleeding for so long eventually cased my uterus to start deteriorating, which caused me to bleed for nearly six months straight.  not good!  depo also can lead to bone loss so if you take it you should also be taking calcium and vitamin D (which we should probably all be taking anyway).  

if you are sensitive to estrogen the shot is estrogen free, as is the mini pill (or pop--progesterone only pill), implanon, and i believe the mirnea IUD.  these types of BC can be good for women with endo or migraines--or other estrogen sensitivities.  

[LC]

I tried ortho tricylclen (sorry if I'm spelling that wrong, I'm too lazy to look it up) a few years ago and it made me horrifically sick. Then I tried to the depo provera shot. Good god that was horrific for me. I spotted nearly daily for about 6 months. I avoided birth control for several years after that because I was terrified to try anything else. Then about 4 months ago I had to try another one because my period, which was normally very very regular, suddenly went all out of whack and I pretty much had it non stop for 4 months. I'd have a 2-3 day break every month, but other than that it was constant period. My gyno put me on Aviane, which is low estrogen, and it seems to be working pretty well. I'm about to start my 4th month and so far no sickness. My period hasn't become completely regular again yet, but it's much closer to regular than it was before.

[bowieluva]

My best friend was on ortho and....I'll just say it really sucked for her.  I'm on ortho lo right now just because my gyno had like twenty thousand free samples of it and I was leaving the country.  I really don't like it, I have annoying periods like I used to when I was a teenager that last too long, are really heavy, and full of fun cramps.  But my estrostep was awesome, my period was only about three days long, really light, and cramp free.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=kim_cg link=topic=7110.msg342344#msg342344 date=1178499146]
I took Ortho Cyclen for about 2 years, and never had any problems. But after I had my daughter I got the Mirena IUD. I don't really like it, I've had it for about 2 1/2 years. I only get my period once every 3 months, sometimes longer. And my period only lasts about 2 or 3 days. I found this article about my IUD, it make me want to get it removed!!   :-(

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinfo.htm
[/quote]

i would definitely not recommend an IUD to anyone who wants kids in the future.  i do know some women who love it, but they're also not interested in having more kids.  if you're under 25 and don't have kids, i think most dr.s will suggest another option. 

[JustGretch]

I was/am on Yasmin. Works great, short periods, no weight gain, pretty even moods, but I just lost my insurance and it's $55 a month without! Back to the birth control drawing board. Maybe I'll do that whole natural family planning nonsense and start playin' with my cervical mucus every month.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=kim_cg link=topic=7110.msg342387#msg342387 date=1178501139]
My Dr. pushes that Iud on all his patients. I really want to get it removed, my family has a big history of cancer, breast, ovarian, lung, colon, skin, pancreatic, just alot of cancer. I'm really afraid that I might get some form of cancer from this thing. My grandmother had to get a hysterectomy when she was 26 because she got ovarian cancer while she was on birth control.
[/quote]

any idea why there are cancer risks?  i know BC that contains estrogen and HRT can have breast cancer complications because of the estrogen itself....but i wasn't aware of any progesterone cancer link, or does it have something to do with having a foreign object stuck in your uterus? 

BC used to have REALLY high estrogen levels, the BC today is MUCH safer then what our grandmothers were given.  we can thank women loving male dr.s and an increase in female dr.s for that.  :) 

[k_bass]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342428#msg342428 date=1178502451]
any idea why there are cancer risks?  i know BC that contains estrogen and HRT can have breast cancer complications because of the estrogen itself....but i wasn't aware of any progesterone cancer link, or does it have something to do with having a foreign object stuck in your uterus? 

BC used to have REALLY high estrogen levels, the BC today is MUCH safer then what our grandmothers were given.  we can thank women loving male dr.s and an increase in female dr.s for that.  :) 
[/quote]


Well, I've read about it, and I haven't really seen anything about cancer risks. I read that it can cause cysts, but haven't seen anything about cancer, besides the breast cancer thing you are talking about. Really, I am just paranoid.

[Just Me]

I love my method of birth control. Got my man fixed. LOL

I was on the pill , went off, then I had my daughter, went back on the pill, went off, had my son 2 1/2 years later..
Wanted my tubes tied but my Dr wouldn't do it.
So went back on the pill. Well I continued to smoke which my Dr. kept giving me shit about so I told my hubby "I have been on the pill over 10-15 years and I have had enough, either you get fixed or condoms forever".

So he went and got fixed because he hated condoms.

I love my birth control method.. :lol:

[k_bass]

That's what my guy needs to get done. Is it expensive?

[Just Me]

[quote author=kim_cg link=topic=7110.msg342479#msg342479 date=1178503689]
That's what my guy needs to get done. Is it expensive?
[/quote]I really have no clue what it cost. he had it done 3-4 years ago and my insurance paid for it.
But he never went back for the recheck to make sure he was shooting blanks so it was a little freaky each month making sure there wasn't any "accidents"

[emmieslost]

[quote author=Just Me link=topic=7110.msg342454#msg342454 date=1178503061]
I love my method of birth control. Got my man fixed. LOL

I was on the pill , went off, then I had my daughter, went back on the pill, went off, had my son 2 1/2 years later..
Wanted my tubes tied but my Dr wouldn't do it.
So went back on the pill. Well I continued to smoke which my Dr. kept giving me shit about so I told my hubby "I have been on the pill over 10-15 years and I have had enough, either you get fixed or condoms forever".

So he went and got fixed because he hated condoms.

I love my birth control method.. :lol:
[/quote]

was your dr. catholic?  seriously, what was his/her reason?  i would have been LIVID! 

i'm getting a hysterectomy when i'm 30.  i'm stoked! 

[Just Me]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342494#msg342494 date=1178504140]
was your dr. catholic?  seriously, what was his/her reason?  i would have been LIVID! 

i'm getting a hysterectomy when i'm 30.  i'm stoked! 
[/quote]Well I had my daughter at 23 and my son at 25 and she told me I was to young to get the tubes tied.
and then she told me hell you had the kids have your husband get taken care of. (I liked her for saying that)
But I was a little pissed at her for telling me that I was to young.
She was afraid that in a few years I would have changed my mind and wanted more kids and then I would be screwed.

But she is a great Dr other then not tying my tubes.

[hlw1214]

I was on the depo shot for 2 years and I loved it!I never had my period the whole time!But,after I stopped,I still didn't get my period for another year!I stopped because we were trying to have another baby.It took a little over a year for me to get pregnant.I'm not sure if it was because of the depo or what.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=hlw1214 link=topic=7110.msg342575#msg342575 date=1178506638]
I was on the depo shot for 2 years and I loved it!I never had my period the whole time!But,after I stopped,I still didn't get my period for another year!I stopped because we were trying to have another baby.It took a little over a year for me to get pregnant.I'm not sure if it was because of the depo or what.
[/quote]

most dr.s will tell you not to go on depo if you're planning on having kids in the next year or two, it takes a long time to work out of your system and for your body to start producing estrogen the way it would naturally. 

i miss depo.  :( 

[hlw1214]

I miss it too!I loved the no period part!I thought it was wonderful!

[deliberate_misuse]

I could never tolerate any hormone therapy.  I already have endocrine problems and artificial hormones make my tits ache, among other things.  I relied on condoms until my two kids were born, then the hubby had a vasectomy (I watched).  I never got pregnant until I wanted to.

TMI, but you asked for it!

[-kLiNk-]

[quote author=Just Me link=topic=7110.msg342498#msg342498 date=1178504311]
Well I had my daughter at 23 and my son at 25 and she told me I was to young to get the tubes tied.
and then she told me hell you had the kids have your husband get taken care of. (I liked her for saying that)
But I was a little pissed at her for telling me that I was to young.
She was afraid that in a few years I would have changed my mind and wanted more kids and then I would be screwed.

But she is a great Dr other then not tying my tubes.
[/quote]
Weird I got that same talk from my doctor after kid three even.
My husband did got fixed. But now we are separated and it looks like I'm about to have to find a BC plan if I ever wanna date.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=deliberate_misuse link=topic=7110.msg342585#msg342585 date=1178507200]
I could never tolerate any hormone therapy.  I already have endocrine problems and artificial hormones make my tits ache, among other things.  I relied on condoms until my two kids were born, then the hubby had a vasectomy (I watched).  I never got pregnant until I wanted to.

TMI, but you asked for it!
[/quote]

i have issues with most BC due to my body naturally producing too much estrogen.  i take a drug called FEMARA that stops all estrogen production and allows me to live my life nearly pain free.  it's fantastic!  

i know i've said it before, but since this is a BC thread, i highly recommend FEMARA to all endometosis sufferers!  it saved my life.  but DO NOT use it if you're TTC, it causes birth defects.  some dr.s used to prescribe it to help women ovulate, not a good idea.  only take it if you're on other HBC.  

[Karalicious]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342577#msg342577 date=1178506743]
most dr.s will tell you not to go on depo if you're planning on having kids in the next year or two, it takes a long time to work out of your system and for your body to start producing estrogen the way it would naturally. 

i miss depo.  :( 
[/quote] OH RLY?? DOES IT NOW? Tell that to my child that was conceived 2 weeks after I went off depo. (well 2 weeks after i was due for my next shot)    :lol: He was a sneaky bastard...I came up negative on home pregnancy tests too. I think my body just likes to fuck with me. :)

I feel like ive been on EVERYTHING. I hated the patch, that stupid thing always fell off, even though the commericals bragged about how it wouldnt. I'm pretty awful with the pill. I love hearing that the pill im currently on has caused brain lesions. That's just super.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=Karalicious link=topic=7110.msg342601#msg342601 date=1178509594]
OH RLY?? DOES IT NOW? Tell that to my child that was conceived 2 weeks after I went off depo. (well 2 weeks after i was due for my next shot)    :lol: He was a sneaky bastard...I came up negative on home pregnancy tests too. I think my body just likes to fuck with me. :)

I feel like ive been on EVERYTHING. I hated the patch, that stupid thing always fell off, even though the commericals bragged about how it wouldnt. I'm pretty awful with the pill. I love hearing that the pill im currently on has caused brain lesions. That's just super.
[/quote]

were you on it a long time?  every ones different i suppose, and my uterus was paper thin when i finally got off it, not fit to carry a baby for sure.  but then again, over four years later it's still not!

i've heard a lot of bad things about the patch....

[Karalicious]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342603#msg342603 date=1178509811]
were you on it a long time?  every ones different i suppose, and my uterus was paper thin when i finally got off it, not fit to carry a baby for sure.  but then again, over four years later it's still not!

i've heard a lot of bad things about the patch....
[/quote] I was on it for a few years, maybe two. I loved it at the time...i've trying going on it again a couple times since having Ry...no dice. I'm either a raging bitch or crying non-stop or a lovely combination of the two. :)

[emmieslost]

[quote author=Karalicious link=topic=7110.msg342607#msg342607 date=1178510027]
I was on it for a few years, maybe two. I loved it at the time...i've trying going on it again a couple times since having Ry...no dice. I'm either a raging bitch or crying non-stop or a lovely combination of the two. :)
[/quote]

yeah, i can relate to that!  my bf used to not believe that hormones can fuck with your emotions so much, i think he just thought i hated him!  :lol:  eventually he figured it out, because of my health he has read A LOT of info on women's health.  he knows more about women's health then most women do! 

[deliberate_misuse]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342589#msg342589 date=1178507451]
i have issues with most BC due to my body naturally producing too much estrogen.  i take a drug called FEMARA that stops all estrogen production and allows me to live my life nearly pain free.  it's fantastic!  

i know i've said it before, but since this is a BC thread, i highly recommend FEMARA to all endometosis sufferers!  it saved my life.  but DO NOT use it if you're TTC, it causes birth defects.  some dr.s used to prescribe it to help women ovulate, not a good idea.  only take it if you're on other HBC.  
[/quote]

I'm shocked that anyone would prescribe that to you.  Yes, it may stop your pain, but at what cost?  It's not a good idea for a young woman to halt her estrogen production.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=deliberate_misuse link=topic=7110.msg342612#msg342612 date=1178510300]
I'm shocked that anyone would prescribe that to you.  Yes, it may stop your pain, but at what cost?  It's not a good idea for a young woman to halt her estrogen production.
[/quote]

when you have endometriosis, it's a very good idea!  believe me, my dr.s know what they're doing and i've done a lot of research. 

if you had to experience the kind of pain i've had to, you'd think anything was worth it.  there are MUCH worse drugs they give women with endo, i refused to take anything that would put hair on my chest or put me in early menopause. 

[Karalicious]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg342610#msg342610 date=1178510258]
yeah, i can relate to that!  my bf used to not believe that hormones can fuck with your emotions so much, i think he just thought i hated him!  :lol:  eventually he figured it out, because of my health he has read A LOT of info on women's health.  he knows more about women's health then most women do! 
[/quote] i go through these times of depression and i rly think it has to do with my hormones. did you ever go thru shit like that? Ive thought i was bipolar in the past, because i have it like 1 week a month! but really really bad....but then i realized i never had the whole mania phase to go along with it.