decisions about birth control

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2004
decisions about birth control
1
Wed, 08-18-2004 - 8:16pm
Hi everyone. I'm new to this board and I have a dilemma. I've been using condoms as my birth control method for about six years. I was on many different pills over the years and had a terrible time with either water retention and bloating, or mood swings and depression (and I have diagnosed clinical depression and the pill really made it worse). So I finally gave up (at my boyfriend's pleading) and we used condoms for the four years we were together. We loved them. They were easy, they made my boyfriend last longer, and we never had any problems. And I was much happier off hormones. However, he and I broke up last fall and I recently started seeing someone new. The condoms don't seem to be working as well with my new partner. He loses his erection more easily when we have to stop to put them on. Also, I seem to be more aware of them than I was with my last guy--I have this sense that they are inhibiting the feeling or intimacy in some way and I never felt that way before. My new boyfriend is smaller and that may be why I'm getting less sensation. I'm also trying to adjust to sex with another person after so many years of being with someone else and it was a very painful break-up that I still haven't fully gotten over. Anyway, I debated on giving the pill another try but I'm really reluctant to go back to hormonal methods since I seem to be doing much better without them. But I also want a good sex life and to feel close and intimate with my partner. I'm pretty crazy about this new guy. I wondered if anyone had any thoughts.

Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 08-18-2004 - 11:18pm
Hi cassandra73, welcome!

There have been some new low dose hormonal methods that have become available in the last several years. If I was going to use hormones again I would try NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp Though, personally I am extremely happy with my Oves cervical cap. Oves has worked wonderfully well for me over the last 2 years… Vaginal barriers, diaphragms and cervical caps, take discipline to use but they can be as effective as condoms if used consistently and correctly. If you think you might be interested in a diaphragm or cap you can read more about them in the FAQs at the top of the board. If you have questions, please ask. I hope you find an effective method that works well for you.

Good luck,

      Jill