birth control options and risks

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2004
birth control options and risks
4
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 5:18am
I'm 24 and have a 36 month old and a 24 month old and suffered from depression prior to their births and after (post partum) my last child's birth. I'm looking into bc options after just using condoms for the last 2 years. I'm worried about the hormonal side affects of bc..mainly pills....and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

I'd appreciate the help!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 7:34am
We have a lot of resources here about all the different kinds of birth control, you came to the right place! We have a post in the FAQ's (I'm pretty sure) about what's available. In a link up at the top of the board, there's a link to "Birth Control A-Z", that may help you too.

A lot of moms check into IUD's. They're extremely effective long-term birth control that need very little maintenance. Not every woman is a good candidate, and they are expensive up front if they're not covered by insurance.

As you know, the pill (and now the patch and the ring) is very very popular. Hormonal issues can happen to anyone, but they don't always happen to everyone. Sometimes it takes the right pill, and some women can take most any pill and be fine. They don't always make depression worse in women who have had depression, but I'm not sure about pre and post-partum depression, as to whether that's something to consider if you're not pregnant.

We have a lot of good information here, do a little looking around and if you come up with questions feel free to ask!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 12:22pm
Hello, I was worried too about hormonal side effects (depression, weight gain/loss, stuff like that) with taking birthcontrol (and I'm about the same age as you). I talked to my Gyn and she told me about the Nuva Ring. It is inserted into your vagina and sits up on your cervix. The amount of hormones from this device are lower than the pill, patch, and shot because your vagina directly absorbes it from the ring. I've been using it for almost a year now and I love it. It's so cool and I have had not one side effect from it. Its convenient and it works well for me. You put it in for 3 weeks, take it out for a week then put a new one in. It's not uncomfortable, and you can take it out during sex for up to 4 hours. It actually reminds me of a jelly bracelet. Anyway, hope this info helps. Talk to you dr. about it, maybe you can get a sample.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-26-2003
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 1:39pm
Can anyone use the ring? Or is it suitable to certain type of people?

Kind regards

Chantelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 6:36pm
Hi chantelle01, welcome!

NuvaRing is a one-size-fits-most device. There have been a few members posting whose anatomy wasn't compatible with the ring but for most it will fit very well. If you try it let us know how you like it, ok? Thanks for posting.

Take care,

      Jill