[kygirl]

Okay, so I'm turning 30 tomorrow, and I am looking into getting some advice on BC from everyone. Right now, I am on Yasmin and I love it but it's quite expensive even with my insurance. My budget is going to be getting really tight the next couple of years due to job changes and I can't rationalize paying out $65 a month for a BC pill. I also want to think about some non-hormonal options bc in the next 2-3 years, I'd like to get off hormonal bc due to potential for issues as I get older.

So...
1) What type of BC are you on? Do you have any complaints about it? Things you love?

2) Can you skip a cycle if you have a trip, or something else, planned or is that not an option?

3) What about the DEPO shot? Pros/Cons?

4) When using Non-Hormonal forms of BC do you feel like it "kills the mood" to have to stop and put in a cervical cap or diaphram?

Thanks ladies!

[Ashlee T.]

EEEEK!!!! I was JUST thinking about emailing you. Creepy.

1) What type of BC are you on? Do you have any complaints about it? Things you love?

I'm sure you already know. But I'm going to answer anyway. I am currently using condoms in conjunction with FAM. What do I love about it? Where do I start? I have NO bc expense (he buys the condoms most the time), I don't have to remember to take it, I don't have to worry when I take antibiotics, I don't have the emotional rollercoaster I had on bc, I feel more energetic, my thinning hair has thickened up, my libido and actual enjoyment has increased drastically, because of charting I know exactly what's going on with my cycle, whether I have things to be concerned about when I decide to consider having children, etc etc. What I don't like? Who really "likes" condoms? But they are something I have totally adjusted to. Mes has too, perhaps she'll respond as well.

What about the DEPO shot? Pros/Cons?

If the possibility of babies is anywhere in the near future I would not recommend Depo. Many women not only report weight gain with Depo (not all...some have had great experiences like KMonte!) but also can have trouble conceiving for several years after going off of it. My cousin is a great example of this. She was off Depo for almost a year before she had her first ovulation and period. And now, almost 2 years later, still no conception. I'd stay away from Depo.

When using Non-Hormonal forms of BC do you feel like it "kills the mood" to have to stop and put in a cervical cap or diaphram?

I've been saying I'm going to get a diaphragm for at least a year now. My doc had a long talk with me about them and he recommended the diaphragm over the cap because the cap is easier to dislodge during intercourse. But he said you need to be 100% comfortable with a self examination in order to be comfortable with a diaphragm. He told me to go home and get comfortable finding my cervix with my fingers and then call him in 2 weeks. That was a year ago. lol. Others here, like WC, have used diaphragms at times for years and have had great success. It becomes just part of the routine. Obviously it would take some adjustment........ but so does hormonal bc right?

[LanaBear]

Hey stranger...

I HATED Depo, however, like BD says, KM loved it. Just too many bad things happened to me on Depo. I probably could have qualified for being dumped in a psychiatric hospital.

The pill that I had the best luck with, regarding side effects was Nordette. It is a low dose pill and was pretty decent. I was on that for a good number of years.

[kygirl]

Thanks Ladies I've had zero issues with my bc to date. I LOVE the Yasmin and I've been on it about 9 years. WHICH is why I'm really considering my options. I've already had a discussion with the boyfriend a while ago about me potentially wanting to get off the hormonal stuff and I was a smoker a while back even though they obviously tell you not too. I think I have some fears about lingering harm in combination. I also feel like being in a committed relationship with someone who is willing to work with me helps a lot.

I am definitely leaning towards the diaphram. I'm comfortable enough with my body, and I like that I can insert it ahead of time so there isn't that kind of awkwardness that you get with condoms. I do think, however, that we might get smoe to have for a backup for those times that they are more convenient. I think at this point, I would like to know what my body does without the pill bc I've honestly forgotten. I started on them in 2001 and have never had a break.

The Depo sounds like it's probably out. I definitely want to start thinking about kiddos in the next 2-3 years and I don't want to do anything that might make that more difficult.

BD, what exactly do you do when you chart?

[Ashlee T.]

For ANYONE who plans on charting or using FAM, reading "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" is a must.

I log my BBT in the mornings, then input it into the charting software I use (which makes it SOooo much easier). I also monitor cervical fluid because it changes quite significantly right before and during ovulation. You can also monitor cervical position if you want. It's just another indicator of ovulation when it gets low and soft. After a few months of charting, you'll be able to know when you are the most fertile and least fertile. I typically abstain all together during my highly fertile days. But you could totally do the diaphragm along with FAM.

I recommend FAM not so much as a birth control method, but an awesome way to learn your cycles for preventing pregnancy and also achieving it.