don't want to go back on bcp

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
don't want to go back on bcp
2
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 12:53pm
Hi, I'm new to the board. I'm looking for alternatives to bcp's (besides condoms). I was on othro-tri-cyclen for 8 years, (i'm 26), and have been off of them for 6 months. Well, I've started a new relationship, so I'm thinking I should do something. I'm just not excited to go back on BCP's. I never realized how much they messed with my body, until I got off of them. I feel 200% better than when I was on them. I'm not moody, bloated, and I actually have a sex drive! I really don't want Depo, since I've heard you gain weight and it messes with your period. I was thinking of the patch, but isn't that just like bcp's? I'd be ok with trying a different brand of BCP, just don't know what's best. Anyone on Yasmin? Any suggestions?

:)

Nikki
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 1:20pm
Hi Nikki, welcome!

We are all different so while a certain pill might work well for one woman it could be the pill-from-hell for another. You won’t really know how a pill will work for you until you try it. I was on OTC for three years and lost my libido after the second year. I had no idea how much better I would feel when I stopped taking hormones, and my libido came roaring back within a week! I've been using a cervical cap for the last two years and love it.

However, if I were going back on hormones I would try NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp first. A lot of members posting here seem to like it. NuvaRing has the lowest dos of hormones of any combined method available in the U.S. and it is very low maintenance: insert for three weeks and remove for one for your period. And, because you can leave it inserted and remain protected for four consecutive weeks it gives you a lot of flexibility in rescheduling your period when you need to. I’m sure other members will be along to let you know what has worked well for them. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 2:29pm
I checked out the website for nuvaring, and I'm very interested. It looks like a much lower does of estrogen that the pill or patch, and says you're not supposed to even notice it's in there. And you only have to mess with in once a month. Thanks for the advice - I just may try it out! My annual exam's in a couple of weeks.

-Nikki