Confused, please help!
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Confused, please help!
| Wed, 06-23-2004 - 10:27am |
Hi! This is my first post, so I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed. I have been reading all of the topics, and have not found much about non-hormonal forms of BC. I was put on Ortho Tri Cyclen a couple of years ago for slightly irregular periods, and at the time was only 17 and the doctor was HORRIBLE. She didn't give me any information about BC, the specific type she was perscribing me, any side effects -- nothing. So it came as a complete shock to me why I was gaining so much weight, (over 20 lbs.) and why I was so depressed. At the time I was not having sex, so I didn't even notice a lack of sex drive or lubrication, but I'm sure it would have been an issue if I were sexually active. I already have a pretty low libido, so I don't want to lose the little bit that I do have!
I have also noticed that since I took myself off that horrible pill, my cramps on the day my period starts have gotten MUCH worse. I can barely function. Is this normal? I've been off the pill for a long time, so I would think everything would go back to normal by now.
Right now, I am only using condoms with spermicide, but I would really like to have a second form of BC. I read the post mentioning the Paragard copper insert, but it said it can cause even worse bleeding and cramping, which I just cannot handle. I also saw that it wasn't good for people who want to have kids some day, is that true? What about a cervical cap? How effective are they?
Anything would be helpful! Thanks so much, and I'm sorry this was so long!
I have also noticed that since I took myself off that horrible pill, my cramps on the day my period starts have gotten MUCH worse. I can barely function. Is this normal? I've been off the pill for a long time, so I would think everything would go back to normal by now.
Right now, I am only using condoms with spermicide, but I would really like to have a second form of BC. I read the post mentioning the Paragard copper insert, but it said it can cause even worse bleeding and cramping, which I just cannot handle. I also saw that it wasn't good for people who want to have kids some day, is that true? What about a cervical cap? How effective are they?
Anything would be helpful! Thanks so much, and I'm sorry this was so long!

There are some very effective non-hormonal forms of contraception. However any method has its plusses and minuses. IUDs are very safe these days. In the early 70s there was a poorly designed one on the market, the Dalkon Shield, which caused a lot of trouble before it was taken off the market. There is a slightly greater chance of expulsion by women who have not given birth but otherwise IUDs are extremely effective and very low maintenance, just check the strings once a month. Your fertility returns immediately when the IUD is removed. There are 2 types currently available in the U.S.: ParaGard (the copper-T) http://www.paragardiud.com/ a non-hormonal device good for about10 years, and Mirena http://www.mirena-us.com/ that is good for 5 years and which continually releases a tiny bit of progestin which usually makes periods lighter and shorter. With ParaGard you cycle naturally and some women experience more cramping and heavier periods, at least at first. Libido is unaffected on ParaGard.
Diaphragms and cervical caps are as effective as condoms but they do take discipline to use correctly and consistently. I wear an Oves cervical cap as my primary method and a Milex diaphragm for menses (both are made of silicone rubber) and I love them! I have been using them, trouble free, for two years this month and I recommend them highly. If you would like to know more about diaphragms and caps see the info about them in the FAQs on the Board webpage at: http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-judie_rae/id1.html
I hope you find an effective method that works well for you. Let us know what you decide, ok?
Good luck,
Jill