Need Some Advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Need Some Advice
2
Mon, 05-31-2004 - 8:14pm
Hi there!

So here's the scoop...need to find another form of birth control BUT I'm unable to take any hormone based BC. Condoms are getting really old, really fast. I have researched the FemCap, unfortunately it is only available in the USA, not Canada. Does any one out there have any suggestions? I'd appreciate the feedback!! Thanks!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2004
Mon, 05-31-2004 - 8:32pm
Hey and welcome to the board! I have to say that I, as a Canadian, *love* your screen name. Cute! :)

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I came here for help with my problem with hormonal birth control as well and I found a lot of women who were full of knowledge and suggestions; it really helped me through. My personal outcome was to get a Copper IUD. I love my IUD and will never go back to hormonal birth control again.

For you though, there's a lot of other things to consider. There's the IUD (like I said) but there are also diaphragms and cervical caps, there's the Fertility Awareness Method (where you chart your temperatures and check cervical muscous to determine when you are in your firtile times), there's the sponge (I've tried it and it's alright), and there's both female & male condoms which can be used with spermicides. If you're wanting permanent birth control, there is also tubal ligation and vasectomies... but if you ask *me*, those are too extreme.

So, hopefully I've helped a little. Forgive me if I forgot anything! What you really need to consider when chosing your birth control method is your day-to-day life. What's important to you and what you can put up with: Can you take the time to be as meticulous as you need to be with FAM? Are you willing to cut back spontinaity for condoms/the sponge/diaphragms/cervical caps? Can you handle the possibility of having worse cramps/heavier periods with an IUD? Lots of things to consider.

Good luck with your decision and feel free to email me: JennyC1123@hotmail.com

~*~Jenn~*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 05-31-2004 - 10:35pm
Hi jocanadianeh, welcome!

It depends on your circumstances and the level of risk you find acceptable as to what methods (other than hormonal contraceptives) you might choose. The IUD, is long term (5-10 yrs.) extremely effective and low maintenance but the initial cost is high and there is an increased likelihood of expelling it if you haven’t had children. Vaginal barriers will depend on two things for their effectiveness 1) proper fit and 2) correct use. Once a barrier (diaphragm or cervical cap) is fitted then it becomes a matter of user discipline as to how effective her barrier will be. A properly fitted diaphragm or cervical cap can be as effective as condoms if used correctly. I have been wearing an Oves cervical cap as my primary method of contraception and a diaphragm for flow control and contraception during menses for almost 2 years and I am very pleased with how well they have worked for me!

A diaphragm and cervical cap should be fitted by a medical practitioner to insure a proper fit. FemCap, Oves, the Lea Barrier and the Reality female condom are all available on the Internet and all can be purchased w/o a prescription. The Lea Barrier and Reality are one-size-fits-all devices. Both FemCap and Oves come in three sizes and should be fitted by your doctor. I have used the Lea Barrier and found it to be bulky to wear and it hurt my partner and the FDA says it is less effective than other barrier methods. I have used FemCap and it is a pleasure to wear but the removal strap can (depending on the couple’s anatomies) also hurt your partner. In that case some FemCap users have cut off the removal strap. As I mentioned, I’m an Oves girl. Oves is a disposable cap made of silicone. If you are interested in Oves you should first buy a fitting pack containing one of each of the three sizes and be fitted by your gyn. Once you know your correct size you can order a supply. With a cervical cap if you are young or petite you may not be able to be fitted for a cap as the smallest size is 22mm (a Prentif made of latex and requiring an Rx) and the smallest size in Oves is 26mm.

I’ve also used the sponge. It’s basically a spermicide delivery device. During IC it moved around too much to suit me. While I was able to use it without a problem it isn’t as effective as a properly fitted and used barrier and I didn’t care for it and if you have much need it can get pretty pricy.

If you are interested in knowing more about Diaphragms or caps see the Information in the Boards FAQs at: http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-judie_rae/id1.html If you have more questions please ask. I hope you find a method that is right for you.

Good luck,

      Jill