Fish

Read my post here for background info: http://www.womens-health.com/boards/...d-virgins.html

I have been doing my research and have decided that I want to go on the pill. There are so many brands out there, it's pretty confusing.

So what kind do you take and would you recommend it? I want the least amount of side effects, I don't mind having my period every month, I'm not overweight, no history of blood clots etc, and I am capable of remembering to take it every day.

I am planning on going to see my obgyn soon and want to go in informed with my pill options.

Thanks!

LanaBear

I took a low dose BC pill called Nordette. I was pretty happy with it.

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Fish

From what I understand, low dose pills are no less effective than higher dose pills except there are less side effects and you have to take them at the same time every day? Why doesn't everyone take low dose??

LanaBear

Yeah - pretty much. I took them because I get migraines and with the regular pills, I'd be flat out for days. These helped a bit.

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Sometimes life isn't the party we hoped for, but since we're here, we might as well DANCE!

TWills32

Sometimes women need the extra hormones to help regulate their period, mood, ect. I needed a high dose pill because my hormones were all out of whack.

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Mes_T

Have you considered a copper IUD? (Seriously, they should pay me, considering how much I advertise their product. ) Very cheap, no harmful hormones, and no remembering to take a pill.

Otherwise, in the past I really liked the Nuvaring (low dose, also no remembering to take a daily pill).

And also, I really liked the first brand I had, Ortho-tricyclin lo.

I agree that you should go for something that has low hormone levels (if any). I think maybe some women are just not educated about hormone levels and their effects, so some companies get away with selling products with very high levels... Dunno, just a theory.

Fish

I have looked into copper IUDs but I have read they are not recommended for women who have never been pregnant. Also I'm not sure if I like the idea of having the 2nd highest conductive metal in my uterus (think static shocks in the winter- ouch? haha). I do like that it stays in place for up to 10 years. I will keep this an option and talk to my obgyn about it.

I have also looked into the Nuvaring but I have read more negatives than positives. Some concerns I have about it: it seems prone to bacterial buildup leading to infections, I have read that many women have chronic itching for a while after inserting a new one, it seems my bf would be able to feel it during sex if it's not in far enough (or could hurt if it was pressed up against the cervix)- I know it can be removed for up to 3 hours during sex though, could potentially rip a condom?, and it might be difficult to tell if it fell out. I feel like I would constantly worry that it fell out in the toilet and would probably drive myself crazy checking it every day.

I'm still open to these options but I think I'd feel best sticking to a daily, low dose pill. I'm trying to get into the schedule of taking my multivitamin at the same time every day just to get into the rhythm before I start the pill. I do keep hearing about ortho-tricyclin-lo everywhere I look so I will definitely mention that one to my Dr.

Fish

I have looked into copper IUDs but I have read they are not recommended for women who have never been pregnant. Also I'm not sure if I like the idea of having the 2nd highest conductive metal in my uterus (think static shocks in the winter- ouch? haha). I do like that it stays in place for up to 10 years. I will keep this an option and talk to my obgyn about it.

I have also looked into the Nuvaring but I have read more negatives than positives. Some concerns I have about it: it seems prone to bacterial buildup leading to infections, I have read that many women have chronic itching for a while after inserting a new one, it seems my bf would be able to feel it during sex if it's not in far enough (or could hurt if it was pressed up against the cervix)- I know it can be removed for up to 3 hours during sex though, could potentially rip a condom?, and it might be difficult to tell if it fell out. I feel like I would constantly worry that it fell out in the toilet and would probably drive myself crazy checking it every day.

I'm still open to these options but I think I'd feel best sticking to a daily, low dose pill. I'm trying to get into the schedule of taking my multivitamin at the same time every day just to get into the rhythm before I start the pill. I do keep hearing about ortho-tricyclin-lo everywhere I look so I will definitely mention that one to my Dr.

Fish

Also, will the Dr likely do blood tests before she puts me on the pill? I am horrible with my blood being drawn...I faint at least once every time. It's pitiful really.

LanaBear

It's hard to say, I've had Dr's who do and Dr's who don't.

I'm with you on the needles though, my veins don't like them either.

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Sometimes life isn't the party we hoped for, but since we're here, we might as well DANCE!