[KimmyC]

Ok, so my boyfriend (of a year and a half now) and I were talking a while back about stuff, and the topic of birth control came up! Now, we don't have sexual intercourse (just the usual "fun-time"). We are saving ourselves for each other until marriage (even though neither of us are virgins).

Anyway, he brought up birth control when we get married. We always talk about marriage and being together forever He asked me if I would consider going on the pill when we get married, so we can "do it all the time" when we're finally married. Of course, the honeymoon won't happen without "the deed" lol. I mean, we just don't want kids right away, ya know? But I immediately shot his suggestion down.

I have never really supported the pill (for me anyway). I've heard it can screw up your body and fertility, and the fact you have to plan around it really bothers me. And I'm not exactly the best at remembering to do things, like take a pill everyday! When we're ready for a kid after marriage, I don't wanna have to plan my cycles just so I know when I'm fertile! To me, it just seems like too much trouble.

So I guess my question is this. Is it true that the pill can REALLY prevent pregnancy? Does it have any effect on the body whatsoever? Would it be a good idea to go on the pill when we get married so we can have all the sex we want??

Oh, and does it help with cramps? I've heard women go on it all the time to calm their cramps. But the problems/questions about it come up when it's suggested. THANKS!!

[Mes T]

Sorry what do you mean by this: "When we're ready for a kid after marriage, I don't wanna have to plan my cycles just so I know when I'm fertile!" ...?

Anyway, the pill is 99%++++ effective against pregnancy, if used as directed. That means no skipping pills.

If you're worried about forgetting to take a pill, there are other options.
- Shot (every few months)
- IUD (put it in once and take it out when you're ready, even if it's 10 years later)
- NuvaRing (put it inside your vagina and change it once a month)

Some women get side effects from hormonal treatments, and some don't. You won't know until you try it, and yes some of the side effects can be positive, like lighter periods and less cramps.

My personal opinion is that hormones should be stayed away from if you can help it.

My favorite non-hormonal method is the copper IUD (there is also the Mirena, which is the same but with hormones).

And there are also condoms.

That help?

[heryseshta]

I actually went on it for cramps when I was 13... It's not hard to remember, just put the pills next to your toothbrush. I don't understand what you mean by having to plan your cycles. Just start the pill the day after you start your period and your all set. It actually helps you know when your period will be. I love it.

[KimmyC]

Shots are not an option lol.

I guess I phrased it wrong about cycles. I've just heard people have to have sex around the period or something in order to make sure you'll get pregnant.

[heryseshta]

You don't have to. I am now also using it as birth control and my doctor never said anything about not having sex around a certain time. Maybe some people do that, but I haven't heard of it. Then when you want to get pregnant you just quit with the pill. My sister in law got pregnant within about a month of stopping the pills and she had been on it for years. Hopefully people can give you info on some of the other bc.

[LanaBear]

Shots are not an option lol.

I guess I phrased it wrong about cycles. I've just heard people have to have sex around the period or something in order to make sure you'll get pregnant.

If you have a difficult time getting pregnant, you start learning more about your cycles and when you are ovulating. That way you know you are having sex at the most opportune time.

[Helebell]

I've been using the pill for about a year and a half now, and ive had no problems. theres a little weight gain at the start but that quickly goes. it can be annoying at times to remember to take it but its not going to have a drastic effect if you miss your pill by an hour or so

[KimmyC]

Alrighty, thanks everyone. That answers my questions. But I will still have to think about it for a while. I have plenty of time lol.