No memory, but need birth control

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2004
No memory, but need birth control
6
Fri, 07-16-2004 - 8:45am
I am really really forgetful and I was wondering if I could get any imput on types of birth control that you don't have to think about a lot. I am currently on the ring which is working pretty well, but I have been looking at things like the shot or IUD. I was wondering if anyone had any personal feelings about either one and any other useful information. Thanks a ton!

Blair

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Fri, 07-16-2004 - 9:39am
Hi,

If you are interested in the depo shot, please research before you decide because I have a friend who like you could not remember to take a pill every morning so she went on the depo shot. She has had severe side effects with the pill and inasmuch as 3 months she has gained 20 pounds. I feel really bad because the weight really shows and even though she has been eating less and exercising, the weight is not coming off. She did her research after she got the shot and has found that her situation is not uncommon. I am sure others will give you better advise than me so keep checking back but I wanted to give you my two cents on the depo. Take good care.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 07-16-2004 - 9:47am
never used the birth control shot....I've had the IUD for almost 1 year now and I absolutely love it.I have the Mirena.

www.mirena.com/

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-24-2003
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 11:17am
OK, I have 4 daughters. Between my 2nd and 3rd, I used depo for 2 years. I had no side effects, so I am now back on that. I am very happy with it. Especially because you think about once every 12 weeks. Talk to your doc and see if he thinks it would work for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 6:03pm
I have the copper IUD paragard and love it. You only need to check for the strings once a month. I like this because I don't have any of the side effects I had with the pill.

The IUD is a great option when you are trying to avoid hormones or want a long term BC.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2004
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 8:47pm
I was on the depo shot last year, for 3 shots. At first it was great! I had no periods/spotting at all whatsoever. (that was a plus!! :) ) But I did gain weight, very quickly, about 25lbs. The weight has stayed on, even though my last shot was last NOVEMBER!! And then, right before my 3rd shot, I started bleeding & didn't stop for about 2 months! That sucked! But, everyone has different reactions/side effects. I had a friend that actually lost weight while she had depo, and got pregnant right after missing one shot. Another friend of mine tried to concieve for almost 2 years, and never got pregnant. It can take up to/over 18 months to attempt to get your cycle regular again. It all depends on you. Research it, and talk w/ your Dr about it. It's worth a try, but if you have any weird side effects, problems, etc. You cannot reverse the shot once you've gotten it. It has to go through the whole 12 weeks. ??? It's a toss up, there are pros and cons. It's great to not think about bc with the shot, cause I was horrible at remembering to take my pills on time, if I remembered to take them at all! But, in the end I don't really regret doing it, there are lots of different methods out there, and the only real way to find out if it would be suitable for you is to try it! :)Good Luck!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2004
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 11:50am
Hello, I am new here,and I want to share my experience: I was on the depo shot for a year and I gained 20lbs, I read that it increases your appetite, and it did for me!! I am very active (surfer), never been overweight and I eat healthy, so it was a really emotional thing to not have control over my weight or my health!

I have been on the nuva ring for 5 months now and I love it, the side effects are virtually nil, and I have lost the weight I gained on the shot, literally it came off a couple months after my last shot was due. I recommened the nuva ring for the convenience and the low dose of hormones. But as with anything, do your homework and you will find what is best for you.