[sootyandpipey]

I was on Yasmine and Yaz for 2 years, but towards the end I developed really bad headaches and migraines, I got them once, sometimes twice a week, they got so bad I was bed ridden and no pain killers worked. I stopped taking the Pill when the doctor said it was probably the cause. I can't really switch to a different pill because the doctor said Yaz is the lowest dosage. The doctor did however recommend the mini pill but it has other side effects that to me would be worse than headaches. Has anyone tried the mini pill? If so, what was/is your experience with it?

[Mes T]

I dunno, I haven't heard too much about the mini pill, but have you considered non-hormonal options? The copper IUD, cervical cap, condoms...? I'd try the IUD first, if I were you, because if your body accepts it then that's you set for birth control for a good 10 years if you wanted.

[ItsASecret]

The mini pill contains only a progesterone-like compound and is usually only taken if the body does not handle estrogens from other types of birth control well. It is maybe a percent less effective as the regular birth control (putting it at about 97-98% if used EXACTLY as prescribed) but will still work to prevent pregnancy. The problem with it is that ovulation still may occur simply because FSH is still being released, since the estrogens are not present to prevent it. Because of this reason it is not prescribed too often since it is clearly not going to be as safe preventing pregnancy relative to the other forms of contraceptives.

If you are still looking for something you can give the IUD a try, no hormones so no side effects other than pain from minor surgery.

[kira]

Dosage is not the important part. Various pills have different hormones. Sometimes you just respond badly to one irregardless of the amount in the pill. It takes trying completely different pills not just lower or high dose versions of the same thing to find what works. If your doctor doesn't understand that and you are interested in continuing to take birth control pills I would suggest getting a second opinion and to visit a gynecologist or other specialist instead of your general doctor.

[Faerunner]

Mes_T converted me to an IUD supporter, but I haven't taken the mini-pill so I can't give you an opinion on that side of things. My experience with the IUD insertion was relatively painless (ok, so it was excruciating, teeth-clenching pain for about 5 minutes - but it's much better than, say, twisting your ankle!). I chose it because the copper IUD (Paragard) is hormone-free, long-lasting and doesn't require you to remember a pill every day. When I was on the pill I'd forget at least one pill a month, if not more, and it was just not working out in terms of stress or side effects (mood swings, dryness, drop in libido). I'm much happier off the pill and suggest you seek out non-hormonal options and weigh them carefully.

Hormones are certainly convenient, cheaper to get than some of the other options and recommended by most doctors, but they are not the end of the story. Whatever you choose, I hope that your next birth control works well for you!

[Ashlee T.]

What type of birth control is best?

Non-hormonal ones. Your doc wont likely talk to you about those options, but you can research them Non-hormonal IUD's, Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, etc.

[Sooty]

I am so confused. I have read all these threads about how bad the Mirena IUD is, but I do believe that is the hormonal IUD, is the Copper IUD non hormonal, does anyone know and can explain it to me, because obviously I am very confused about it.

[Sooty]

I really hate being a woman! It is all so hard and confusing and the worst part is how vague and evasive doctors are. I see female doctors only, because I thought they would be more understanding and knowledgeable, but maybe I am wrong about that. I have seen three different female doctors and they are all the same. Either they don't know and so can't tell me or they won't tell me. I was on the pill for ages until they finally said, hey, the pill might be the cause of your migraines so I stopped taking it. Recently I went to ask about the IUD and she was almost shocked that I even knew what it was, let alone was asking for it, considering I have never had a baby.

Why don't doctors give you all the facts? Why don't they give you all the options? I am left searching the internet, reading too much information, feeling overwhelmed, sick, confused and depressed. What do I believe? What do I trust? What do I try? Unfortunately I don't have many female friends that I can discuss these things with, which makes it harder. And I know everybody says try this and try that because every woman is different but to be honest I can't afford to go to the doctor all the time, or a GYN, I can't afford to try all different types of the pill or an IUD or a diaphragm, none of these things are free. I am really at my wits end and getting very depressed about it all. I don't know what to do. All I know is I don't want to fall pregnant but it is becoming a real issue because I am constantly worried about it and fearing it. Even when I was on the pill I was scared I would still fall pregnant and I was a very reliable and sensible pill taker, I never missed a day and took it at almost exactly the same time every day. I just think birth control is such a major part of almost everyone's life, but still there isn't that much information on it or rather you have to search for it. Nobody talks about it and doctors just want to shove you on the pill and let you deal with all the side effects, which they describe as minor. I am sorry, but being bedridden with migraines twice a week is not a minor side effect.

Does anyone know of a really good book about birth control, if not, I am seriosuly considering writing one. There needs to be more information about this stuff and women need to talk about it more. This site is great. It really is. I have learnt a lot and thank everyone for sharing their stories, experiences and advice. Being a women is so very hard.

[Sooty]

One more thing, I had to get a pap smear before they even consider letting me get the IUD and it was my first pap smear and I have had pain down there all week afterwards. Is that normal?