[BasketCase]

Is it true that you have to have at least one child to use mirana. I thought that looked like a great option, you know less to worry about. Does anyone know?

[Calicorado83]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I am just going to stop taking the birth control all together. I don't think having to go through the mood side effects and emotional is worth it. I'll just stick to using condoms. It's not easy for me to go to other alternatives when it comes to birth control because I am native american and so the choices are limited if I want to do it for free.

[Faerunner]

If you can't stand the hormonal BC do get off it. I'm really not sure what other sources are out there for Native Americans. I'm assuming you aren't living in a place where you could apply for state aid? PA has SelectPlan which covers nearly all gynecological costs for low-income women... other states may have similar plans (although not well-publicized). Most family planning centers give out condoms for free, at least...

I wasted nearly 6 years of my life with mood swings, fatigue, loss of libido and other issues on 4 different kinds of pills (Including Triphasil and Ortho Lo) because I wasn't sure what else I could do for birth control. Now I'm going in for a copper IUD (as soon as my period starts... I've never been so eager to bleed!) and while I've been off the pill for nearly a month and my mood has certainly improved overall, I'm still noticing swings. I get frustrated and snap at every little thing, feel like I'm going to cry and then 5 minutes later I'm back like nothing happened. I expect it'll be a while before my hormones readjust... I'm glad you're taking control of your body sooner than I did!