what's easiest bc besides pill?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2004
what's easiest bc besides pill?
5
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 9:59am
Hello all,

I have been on the pill off and on for 10+ years. And although it has its good points for me, I am so done with it! I know I need to talk to gyn about it, but I thought I'd get some *real opinions first. If you don't mind sharing, what form of bc do you use if not the pill? I've heard a cap can be hard to do %100 right. I need something temporary as we are still thinking about more kids. Any input? Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 10:04am
I like the IUD....It's the best thing I've found over the years.I took the pill (different ones) over a 13 year period....but after my baby was born my dr would only put me on a mini pill due to my high blood pressure.I didn't like it at all and opted for the IUD--it has a few side effects but they go away after time.My periods are easier,lighter.I went from using a double pack of kotex overnights to using a few pantiliners each month.The IUD I have (for some women) will make your periods "stop"--meaning you might have one every few months or so or you might not....each woman's experience is different.It's good for 5 years-effective the first day it's in ....Up until I tried the mini pill I was happy with taking the pill....but now I'm happy with the IUD.GOOD LUCK in your search.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 1:56pm
I love Nuvaring! If you're not familiar with it, it's a flexible plastic ring inserted in the vagina where it secretes hormones (just like the pill, it's very similar to Desogen) for three weeks until it's removed. It's as effective as the pill and works just like it but you don't have to think about it every day, just on either end of your period (to remove, wait seven days, and insert a new one).

*plink plink*

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2004
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 3:27pm
I have heard of the nuvaring before. What is its success rate? Do most insurances cover it? Or is it OTC?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 4:06pm
Hi heatherannie1,

In defense of the cap, since I wear an Oves cap, I'll just say that the ease of use often depends on the motivation and discipline of the user. A cap is only slightly less effective than hormonal methods but compared to the patch and ring it's a high maintenance device. Unless you have special circumstances you would probably find NuvaRing easier to use and more to your liking than the cap. NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp is what I would try if I was to go back on hormones. NuvaRing requires a prescription and just as effective as the pill (98-99%) and there is a LOT less chance of user error which is where many women slip up using hormones. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 8:42am
I too got fed up with the bc pill.

I have been on the depo shot for 4 years, and I love it. I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day, changing a patch, etc. I just go in to the doctors office about every 11-14 weeks and get a poke in the arm. I am usually in and out of there in about 5 minutes.

My insurance does cover the shot - I had been having a lot of trouble with my periods, and my doctor wrote a letter to the insurance company telling them that I needed the shot for medical use as well, and they pay for it!

Some people don't like the shot, but it has worked wonders for me. I haven't had any weight gain (in fact, I am lighter now than I was when I started it.) Talk to your doc, it might be another option to consider.

Good Luck!