[malbean3]

I'm 18 and I am going to be on birth control for the first time. I never planned on being on birth control but my boyfriends is allergic to latex and the non-latex condoms break so easily. I can't really take "the pill" because I am way to forgetfull to take it everyday. I am really thinking the nuvaring. Has anyone used it before? are there any better forms of birth control i can use? Thanks!

[BabyGirl]

Goodness at 18, you have a long road and Struggle coming on .

Does he have a true allergic reaction to both the latex and the Silicon Based Condoms ?

From here. you have 3 choices .
No Sex, No Protection.

The Nuva Ring or Nor Plant.
" 5 Year Protection "
The Pill ..The IUD

If you can Brush your Teeth ,you can take a pill.

[MCR100]

I have never used the Nuvaring, but my friend has and said she liked it but it did fall out.

You can try the depo shot (bc lasts for 3 months), the patch (was my second option to the pill but I didn't like the thought of a sticker on me at all times), there is a birth control implant that I don't no much about.

Your doctor will also be able to walk you through all the other forms of birth control.

Good luck!

[fidler.e]

I used to take Loestrin FE and even though I didn't take it at the same time every day I didn't get pregnant, even having unprotected sex with my husband. Now, I might just have been lucky. 2 months ago I got the Depo shot because I wanted something I didn't have to worry about taking every day. But, I will not be getting the shot on July 10 like I am supposed to. My experience on the shot was not the greatest. I gained 10 pounds, it made me crazy emotional, and I spotted for 3 of the last 4 weeks, which was extremely frustrating because I was in Egypt those 4 weeks with my husband who currently lives there and I live in the US. Anyways! I didn't lose my sex drive like many women do and I don't recall any other side effects. There are some horror stories out there though, do your research even if your doctor tries to play it like Depo is all fabulous, because for most women, it isn't.

I have a friend on NuvaRing who really likes it and hasn't had any issues with it, although it falling out can be an issue.

Another option is an IUD, like Mirena, although if you haven't been pregnant before, most doctors won't recommend it. Not having been pregnant before increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy or it dislodging from your uterus. But, if you really want an IUD, I know people who have gotten them before ever having been pregnant. For me, wasn't a good option.

There is also the implant they put in your arm (little plastic rod(s)) that supposedly has little side effects. This is currently the method I am looking into. My doctor said the main drawback is some insurance companies won't cover it, so that could sway your decision.

So, those are the options I know of. I have tried the pill and shot and strongly prefer the pill. If you try to discipline yourself it is possible to remember to take it. I just get lazy because I only see my husband every few months since he is overseas. Alarms on your phone really help to remember. Just explain your concerns about forgetting to take the pill and see what your doctor recommends. But please make sure you ask a lot of questions. I didn't about the shot and am regretting my lack of questions and research.

[LizziB]

I first started on the Levlen pill, and I used to take it very irregularly, but never had any issues with it, my doctor took me off it though, as I get migraines, and apparently that can increase your risk of stroke. I went on the mini pill next, but you have to be very regular with that, and I also an not very good at remembering things like that, which made me try the depo shot. Personally, i have very few complaints. I also had 2 weeks of spotting in the last few weeks of my first shot, but otherwise I didn't have any periods. It's possible that it has increased mods swings and anxiety, but I've had a lot of stress, and I can't really say for sure. I've also seen a lot of people who hatred it though, so absolutely, do your research and make an educated decision. it's been great for me though, I haven't gained any weight, my sex drive is fine, and I love not getting periods!

[sweatersandtea]

I've had the patch, the nuvaring, and a paragard IUD.

The patch did not work for me at all. I was constantly worried, as the patch would get bunched up through normal movement. I never knew if I was getting enough of the hormones. Also, it left rather unsightly dirt rings, in the same way that a band-aid does. I was over it within a month.

I had the paragard IUD inserted because I thought I could finally relax and no longer worry about becoming pregnant. Not only did it cause my periods to become horrendous, but I was still constantly worried that it would move and I would become pregnant. This does happen. Also, as you've had them longer, the threads become harder to feel. I knew that this would cause me to panic and that I would never find piece with an IUD. Thus, I had it removed.

I've been on the nuvaring twice. I wanted to try the IUD the first time I stopped using it. After having the IUD removed I decided to try to patch. I would have given my leg to get back onto the ring after my experiences with these too forms. I've only had it come out once, during sex, in the 2-3 years that I've been on it. It's very easy to keep track of and I've found that setting up text reminders through bedsider.com makes it even easier. I love my nuvarings and will probably never change my form of birth control.

That being said, each form of birth control has it's own pro's and con's and each person has a preference. Aside from these three, there are also diaphragms, natural family planning, the sponge, the nexplanon and inplanon rods, the mirena iud, and the shot. Figure out what you're looking for and talk to your doctor. Planned parenthood has a neat little test where you can enter what you're looking for and they will give you suggestions along with tons of information. Good luck!

[Christi_93]

This is very helpful, thanks ladies! As for the pill, does anyone recommend a certain brand, hopefully one that will not make you gain weight?

[lizzardb63]

If I were you, I would try other options before the shot, because you will want to find out first how your body reacts to the hormones before you commit yourself to 3 months of it. I've been on 3 different birth control pills in which none have made me gain weight. Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, Yaz, and I forget the other one. If you're forgetful of the pill, it's a good idea to go for something you don't have to remember every day. There is, as you mentioned, the nuvaring, patch, depo, implanon, and IUD's for a more long-term option.

Just remember, every person reacts differently to all these types of birth controls. I personally cannot be on anything hormonal. I suffer from depression and it only makes it worse. It didn't matter which pill I tried, it made me have horrible anxiety and bad depression. Also just because something DIDN'T work for someone else, doens't mean it won't for you. It's a matter of trial and error. Right now my husband and I use female condoms, but I know you said that's not an option for you. Just see what works and maybe you'll find something that fits!

[kira]

My problem and a lot of other people's problem with the nuvaring is that it's too big. It sticks out. Which it still works apparently because I used it for 6 months with the end sticking out and had no problems. For some people it does fall out or cause irritation.