[LegalEyes]

I have been having a lot of trouble remembering to take my birth control pills for the past few months, and am looking for another method. Since I can't really decide which method would be right for me, I figured I'd seek advice from the folks here.

So here's what you need to know:
1. I have trouble remembering to take a monthly pill.
2. I would prefer to use condoms only as a last resort.
3. Abstinence is not an option.
4. I have been with my partner for 2 years. We do not need STD protection.
5. I had a terrible reaction to NuvaRing (hourly mood swings that bordered on insanity, thick blackish cervical mucus).
6. I also had a bad reaction to the spermicide on Trojan-ENZ condoms (burning, dryness, pain lasting until the next day).

Because of 5 and 6, I am worried about trying certain methods.

I am currently leaning towards trying the following methods, and have listed my concerns with each:
(from most to least)
1. The Patch. (am worried about going through the NuvaRing side effects again)
2. Implanon. (am worried about going through the NuvaRing side effects and having to have it taken out because of them)
3. Hormonal IUD. (same as above)
4. Depo Provera (am worried about going through the NuvaRing side effects for 13 weeks, and the bone density issues--I have very good bones)

If anyone can give me some advice (personal experiences, knowledge, etc) that would be wonderful!

[LegalEyes]

EDIT: Make that the Copper IUD, not the hormonal one.

[kira]

I would try the patch first. You can always remove it easily. You won't be stuck dealing with side effects for months or having to return to a doctor to remove an IUD. It's the most easily reversed option out of them all.

Then if that fails to work I would probably skip the shot and look in to the IUDS. Probably the copper one if you have so much trouble with the other hormonal methods. Implanon is a lot easier to insert with less risk though. My uterus has decided it will not accept even perfectly placed IUDs and cramps until they get pushed out even if it takes a month to do it. I spent 3 weeks unable to move from the pain so implanon does have it's benefits.

[Lizzy girl]

Hey i think this would be great for you. Its called implanon. Its the best one ive ever had. i tried the pill for 3 years then i tried the shot called depovera."i got pregers on it after 9 months of use/" each shot is in 3 month series. BUt the thin im on now is implanon as i said b4. Its a very painless procedure takes about 10 -20 min. in all. they numb your arm first so justa little pinch not bad at all. then wait f or it to kick in. then insert the needle and implanon in your arm. it lassts for 3 years and you can get a period or dont . it took me 8 months to get one but now i get 2 to three days a month if that. I love it no scary oh no what ifs. and its every 3 years. Which is amazing.!!!!! and after 3 years you get it out and if you want it again you can get it again. AMAZING ask your dr. asbout it and if its right for you

[Airmans Sweetie]

i currently use the patch & i love it. i have been on the pill, used the nuvaring, & had the mirena. the patch has been the best by far.
the nuvaring didn't fit, the mirena gave me horrible golf ball sized ovarian cyst & the pill i know realize dropped my drive alot & was causing some dryness (yaz to b specific).
with me personally the patch does have one side effect but it isn't enough to stop me. sore nipples, but during sex my nipples r not sore so & for me that is the only time i would b concerned with them being touched....so problem solved. the patch can cause some skin irritation & it will itch some for the first month but the good thing is that it will go away & u can move the patch to another one of the 4 approved placement areas! u only have to remember to change it once a week.

[bangbangbby]

i currently use the patch & i love it. i have been on the pill, used the nuvaring, & had the mirena. the patch has been the best by far.
the nuvaring didn't fit, the mirena gave me horrible golf ball sized ovarian cyst & the pill i know realize dropped my drive alot & was causing some dryness (yaz to b specific).
with me personally the patch does have one side effect but it isn't enough to stop me. sore nipples, but during sex my nipples r not sore so & for me that is the only time i would b concerned with them being touched....so problem solved. the patch can cause some skin irritation & it will itch some for the first month but the good thing is that it will go away & u can move the patch to another one of the 4 approved placement areas! u only have to remember to change it once a week.

I'm on the patch too. I think it's good. I haven't had any side effects. Well, my boobs got bigger and my face cleared up. But those are good side effects!
I could never remember to take the pill and I'm scared of Mirena/Implanon.

[Mes T]

I'd recommend the copper IUD. I'm not sure why your concerns about that are same as for the nuvaring... The copper IUD doesn't have hormones, of any kind.

I really think this is the best option for you. Considering how much trouble you've had with hormones, to me this is a no-brainer.