What are plusses and minuses of Pill?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
What are plusses and minuses of Pill?
4
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 8:15am
I am 32 years old and seriously thinking about going on the pill. I've never been on it, but am with someone now who I believe will be around for a very long time and want to be safe. We have only had sex 2 times so far and both times we used condoms. The thing is, I still don't feel safe with condoms and am constantly worried that they will break. Even if I was on the pill though I would probably still insist that he wear a condom because I would be too afraid to let him cum inside of me. Is it worth going on the pill? Are there a lot of side effects? Will it screw up my system? How much do they cost a month? They seem difficult to use because there's placebos and if you skip one and take a placebo or something then your period won't come? If I make an appointment with my doctor, will there be a physical or will she just go over things with me? I've been in to see her 4 times in the past year for cervical dysplasia so I've been well checked out down there.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 10:11am
There are many different types of pills....I've been on both the "mini pill" and the regular dose hormone pill.I didn't like the mini pill.It didn't help out with the "monthly pains" as well as the other ones did.But I have chronic high blood pressure and my ob/gyn wouldn't put me back on the regular dose pills.I now have the IUD (and absolutely love it) Back to the pill question....When I was on the pill (not mini pill) I knew exactly when AF would come and when it would end....AF wasn't as heavy as when I wasn't on the pill-cramps and all were easier too.The cost can vary-I've had some as low as $6/month (generic-YES they are as effective as other pills) and I've had some as high as $30/month-that was before insurance started covering the bc pill.I was on the pill 13 years before deciding to have a baby and being on it that long didn't affect my "fertility" (you hear that alot-the longer you're on it you can damage your fertility--not in my case)..Your dr can help you decide which pill is right for you in your current situation.good luck


Edited 7/22/2004 10:14 am ET ET by mrs_frazier
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 10:12am
Hi cheesehead2004, welcome!

Read “Deciding which method is right for you” and “Taking your pills correctly” in the FAQ folder at the top of the board. They will give you an overview of the methods available and some of their pros & cons. While hormonal contraceptives are very effective (98-99% if taken correctly) many members here use a second method as well, just for peace of mind. It doesn’t have to be a condom. The sponge, diaphragm or cervical cap are effective and like other methods they have their pros and cons too. Personally, I was on OTC for 3 years and never had a scare. I did loose my libido, one of the possible cons, but as a contraceptive it was very effective. Now I use a cervical cap (and have my sex drive back) and am very pleased with its effectiveness. If you have more questions, please ask. You’ll let us know what you decide, right?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 10:39am
Question for Jill: Jill, I see you mentioned that you use a cervical cap. Can you please tell me a little about that. I don't hear too much about it, but I'm wondering how it works and what exactly it is? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 11:11am
Hi nchristinzio,

A traditional cervical cap (Prentif or Oves) is a small thimble shaped barrier that fits snugly over the tip of the cervix and is held in place by sucking on the sides of the cervix. There are other cap designs, FemCap and the Lea Barrier, which develop suction against the walls of the vagina. The Prentif cap http://www.cervcap.com/ is a good latex cap and FemCap http://www.femcap.com/ is a new style cap made of silicone rubber. I wear an Oves, http://www.veos.com/ a tiny disposable silicone cap which is popular in Europe. However, Oves hasn’t been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S. so it is only available over the Internet. The good news is that caps can be very effective when used by a woman with sufficient motivation and discipline to use it correctly and for every act of IC. The bad news is that a woman interested in a contraceptive barrier may have trouble finding a sympathetic and experienced fitter as vaginal barriers are out of favor right now. For more read “Diaphragms and cervical caps” in the FAQ folder at the top of the board. Does this help?

      Jill