Which pill should I go with?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2004
Which pill should I go with?
2
Sat, 09-25-2004 - 6:07am
Hello all. I thought about getting back on bcp and the last time I took some was about 5 years ago, when I was 24. I still don't want to have children anytime soon. The last time I used was Ortho and it did ok for me. I'm looking for a pill that doesn't cause any significant weight gain (I want to lose some weight and maintain it as I get older), weird stubble on some areas, and I don't have any acne or skin problems of any kind. My period is already light with slight cramping (approx. 4 to 5 days) without the bcp. Which one do you think would be good? I will see a gyn soon and discuss this with the gyn, but I'd like to hear your opinion.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 09-25-2004 - 10:38am
Hi raynwytch, welcome!

There is the possibility of side effects with all hormonal contraceptives. Weight gain seems to be a pretty individual thing with some women on some pills, with the exception of Depo which has been shown to cause a significant percentage of users to gain weight. I think side effects are less likely on the lowest dose pills but it really depends on how your body chemistry reacts to the mix of hormones in your pill. Look at the post 'Your pills and what's in them' in the FAQs for the names and dosages of some of the lower dosage pills. Currently the lowest dosage combined method available in the U.S. is NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp which, if I ever go back on hormones, would be my first choice. NuvaRing is a small plastic ring that is worn in the vagina for three weeks and removed for one for your period. While inserted it continuously releases a small even dose of hormones. Most members posting about NuvaRing seem to like it. Let us know what you and your doctor decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 09-25-2004 - 11:25am
Why not go back to the pill that you used before? If you liked it, there's no reason that you have to change to something else. There are several new pills, the patch, and the ring on the market now since you were 24 (most within the last 2-3 years), but your doctor should have all that info and be able to help you make a decision.

All of the things you're looking for are very personal to each woman, so what didn't cause problems for me may cause problems for you, but there's no one pill that works for everyone and there's no one pill that's just awful for everyone. Sometimes it's a crapshoot, but sometimes you get lucky with the first try. Some women are less sensitive to hormones and can take most anything, even!

Good luck, you'll have to let us know what you decide to take! I've been using the ring for almost 2 years and don't have any complaints.

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control