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Birth Control
I'm searching for a good birth control method to use. I have taken Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Depro Vera before, and would not be incredubly unwilling to try them again. The problem is that I have a very hard time remembering the pill each day, and I have heard bad things about the shot. Such as: weight gain, increase in discharge... and I find it hard to believe that it is healthy to go through your life without having your period.
I know that this should be a question for my gynocologist, but I could not get an appointment for another month or so. I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on a good method of birth control. Perhaps some good and bad experiences you have had?
Of course, older columnists prefered.
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u suck!!!
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ortho evra, a.k.a., the patch, is a wonderful alternative to the pill and the shot. i've been on it for about two years now, and never had a problem.
weight gain IS a side effect of most every birth control treatment available for women, but it's also an effect of PREGNANCY, so i wouldn't worry about that one. worse comes to worst, it'll make your breasts bigger.
as for the increase in discharge, i haven't heard this one, but i haven't noticed anything of the like.
i usually wear the patch on my rump, switching cheeks each month. you only have to change it once per month, 3 weeks a month, and go one week without it. it controls your period, and not vice-versa [period usually starts about 3-4 days after removing the patch after the third week]. it's free, and each box contains one month's supply [3 patches].
downsides are that it leaves a square-shaped mark, similar to the ones that band-aids leave behind, and carting around a patch on your rump all the time may seem unattractive to you. there are other places to wear it, such as lower stomach, upper abdomen, upper arm, etc. generally you should not wear it on extremities unless specifically advised, and NEVER wear patch on breasts.
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Well, in my own personal experience, i am now on the shot (after having my 2nd little girl) and i will tell you i am bad with pills, and a girl i knew,was on the patch and she just delivered her 3rd boy, the patch does NOT work, the shot, i have not gained weight and it is perfectly normal not to get your period, you see when you get your period, you are letting eggs go (so to say) the shot prevents you from producing eggs, therefore no reason to get your period, i have asked all these questions when i got on it, it is safer than the patch and good for those who can't take pills. And to be honest, when i got on it i was about 180 lbs. i started working out for 20 min. a day, tredmil, bike, stair master, and i am down to 140lbs. i like the shot, and i don't need a 3rd just yet, so i think it is good, plus, what girl really WANTS their period?
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I prefer Mircette. Depo Provera shot can cause several problems and can often take a long time to get your system back to normal after taking it. Mircette is a pill, much like ortho tricyclin. I have tried several different pills and Mircette has caused me the fewest side effects. There was no weight gain with it, and it cleared up my complexion! Also, when I got off of it, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms, my period got right back on track.
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When I was 15 i went on the pill and, like you, i couldn't remember to take it each day. It was such a hassle. When i turned 16 i decided to go on Depo-Porvera and i've been on it for the past 3 years.
I personaly love it and find no disadvantages at all. I had gained about 1O lbs since then (in 3 years) but by dieting and excercising i lost about 7 pounds. I haven't had an increase in discharge either. I really haven't had a bad experience w/ it.
I also have faith that it's completely healthy. I mean...if not...why would so many people use it? Like, nothing pills up in there because you just don't ovulate. It's just kind of like you're body is on PAUSE and then once you get off of it it'll get back into motion.
I always recommend depo-provera to anyone who asks because it's a really good method of birth control and what's better than not getting your period?
Hope i helped and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!
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I used to take birth control pills because I had horrific PMS symptoms and artificial hormones were the best way to control them, but, like you, I was horrendous at remembering to take them. Do you have a mobile (cell) phone that you take most places with you? Most fairly-modern phones have a feature so you can set yourself a daily reminder / alarm which you can use to remind yourself to take your pills. Once I had something physically beeping at me and reminding me to take them, I was fine and the only real problem I've had with taking them since I set up this system has been when I've popped out without them and ended up staying longer than I thought I would be. I think if you can work out a way like that to remember to take your pills, they might be the best method of contraception for you.
You might have to try more than one brand of Pill before you find one that suits you perfectly. I have a girlfriend who had to try three or four brands before she found one that she was happy with, but it's definitely worth finding the right one for you.
You don't say how old you are or whether you've had any children, so I don't know how appropriate other forms of contraception like the IUD and coil would be for you - but they might be worth discussing with your doctor when you have an appointment.
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It takes 21 days to form a habit. It you and your doctor decide that the pill is best for you, then there are a few ways you can help yourself remember. Do you eat any of your meals at the same time every day? If so, take a pill with the same meal each day.
Buy a watch with a timer on it; set it for, say, 10:00am (or a time which is doable for your life), and make sure you've got the pills with you. Maybe you have a purse you carry around with you everywhere? Stick the pills in there, and you can't help but take them on time.
There are also other methods of birth control, including the IUD. This will not stop periods, is cheap, and requires little maintanance. Ask your doctor about this or other possible forms of birth control, and also about what can happen to your body if you don't have periods (ie if you go on the shot).
I think the pill is regarded as the easiest and safest method by many women, and once you figure out strategies to make sure you're taking it every day you'll be good to go.
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Well,I'm 21 and my doctor started me on Ortho Tri-cyclen and I didn't react well to it.It messed with my heart condition(Sinus Tachacardia),and I actuall broke out in a rash!So much for helping your skin huh?Haha! But my doc switched me to a pill called Modicon,and I really love it.I've had no complications and it actually HAS helped to clear up my skin!!! I've been taking it for about 2 1/2 years now and have never missed a pill.What I find helpful in remembering is to designate a time of the day that you will take your pill.Your doc should tell you if it's better for you to take it at night or in the morning.That way,before you know it,it becomes a habit.I've been in the middle of the mall and just known when it was my time!Also,make sure to take the placebo pills because that will help keep you in your routine!If you have an alarm on your cell phone,set it for that time before you leave if you're going out.If you'll be home,set an alarm clock for your time.Maybe make the time something you'll easily remember,like the time of your favorite TV show,or something.I hope some of this helped you a little!! ;)
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THE PATCH or THE SHOT
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If you have trouble remembering, then the patch (ORTHO EVRA) might be your way to go. You put it somewhere that people can't see it (ie. your very lower back, upper shoulder) and it lasts for a week. So you only need to put it on 3 times a month.
Certain things work better for certain people however, and your doctor will know the best solution. And you never know - it could even be the shot.
Anyways, here are some sites that have to do specifically with Ortho Evra, the patch that might interest you.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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Well there is the new birth control patch which will help you not forget, but that comes with the downside taht you can see it! It doesn't really matter if you do find an alternative method before your appt. tho. You'll need a perscription anyways.
Ok, Sorry! I was just saying that incase you thought that it didn't need a persciption! But u didn't! It's just taht earlier u didn't say how old u were or anything!
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