[hauoli]

Here is my story:

I am engaged to the most wonderful man and we are getting married in 5 weeks! Our tentative timeline is to stop trying to not get pregnant (if that makes sense) by this summer (in 6-8 months). We are both almost 30 and have been together for years and want a family but also want to be married first.

So...here is where the advice is highly needed! I have tried hormonal birth control on and off for 10 years. I have tried OrthoTri Cyclen, Loestrin, Yasmin, Ocella, the mini-pill, Nuva Ring, and some others I can't even remember. I try them all for 6 months to a year or longer and bottom line is my body just doesn't handle them. I break out terribly, I am always in an irritated state, and super emotional. When I am not on any birth control I can't believe how amazing I feel. So, I am trying to find a non-hormonal method and can't find anything out there that seems to work for people. I have thought about spermicides, a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponges, etc. and can't find anything positive about any of them! We both hate hate hate condoms and would love to avoid that if possible. Because we are realistically only 8 or so months away from trying to get pregnant, we don't need something that is 100% effective. We just want to find something that has worked for other people and can hold us off on getting pregnant for another few months.

If anyone has had any experience (good or bad) with ANY non-hormonal method, please tell me about it

Thank you

[WildChild]

I had no problems with a non hormonal IUD but those typically stay in for up to 10 yrs, so may not be the best for less than a year. Unless you are sensitive to the gel, a diaphram works fine. I used one for years. You do have to actually use it - so someone who can't remember to take a pill might be challenged. You are mature enough and have a long standing relationship, so you shouldn't find it a problem. I've used the sponge too, it was fine but they are a bit pricey.

I agree with you about condoms - really not the same experience.

[hauoli]

Thank you WildChild! I have talked to my doctor about an IUD but she said she is hestitant to put one in unless I'm ready to keep it for 2 years which I'm definitely not. I was also diligent about taking my pill so I know a diaphragm wouldn't be a problem. The only negative thing I have heard about them is that they can be "messy". With all the gel and everything taking them out can be "gooey". Not sure if I want to deal with that

I don't know much about the sponge but I am going to look into it! Thank you for your reply