tired of the side effects...

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2004
tired of the side effects...
2
Sun, 11-21-2004 - 6:17pm
Hi everyone!
I just found this message board as I was looking for birth control information (again). I don't know if anyone can help me, but I would love suggestions.

I have been on the Ortho Evra patch for about a year now, and I have no sex drive (and I do mean none)! The patch also leaves large bumpy, itchy rashes where ever I stick one. I took birth control pills before that (Ortho Tricycline and Alesse I think) and I lost my sex drive then too, plus the pills regularly upset my stomach.

I also tried the Depo shot for 6 months, but it caused too much spotting. I was basically on my period for 6 straight months.

I asked my doctor about an IUD but she was very dismissive, and said that it would cause more spotting than the shot did.

My boyfriend of 2 years has been very supportive of my hunt for the perfect birth control, but we are both feeling very frusterated right now. Is reliable birth control without side effects too much to ask?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Sun, 11-21-2004 - 6:33pm

Sorry that you`ve had so many problems! Finding the right birth control can be a long road.

>>I asked my doctor about an IUD but she was very dismissive, and said that it would cause more spotting than the shot did.<<

Some women have reported a little spotting and heavier periods for the first few months, with both types of IUDs (Mirena, which has hormones, and Paragard, which doesn`t) but after that, your cycles become normal and your period flow actually decreases overtime with Mirena. I believe that with Paragard, your period eventually returns to your normal flow. A few women that people this board absolutely love their IUDs.

You may want to look into NuvaRing ( http://www.nuvaring.com ). It`s a 2-inch diameter, flexible ring worn in the vagina for three weeks and removed on the fourth so that you have a period. Most women don`t even feel it, because it sits up high in your vagina where the nerve endings are not as sensitive. But I would definitely check out that site. There are a lot of women on this board that rave about NuvaRing.

For both of these methods, the IUD and Nuvaring, the amount of hormones released is very low (Nuvaring and Mirena) or non-existant (Paragard). For most women, this translates into a reduction of side effects, so this could help you out.

I hope this helps!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 11-21-2004 - 10:22pm

You've only tried two pills, hon! There's a whole bunch more where they came from and they're not all created equal.

I've had my share of bad experiences with the pill. I wouldn't even go near Depo, and because of my bad experiences with one progestin, the patch is totally out (as well as about seven pills). But I have had a lot of luck with Nuvaring. It's got a different progestin that I don't have issues with and it's got the lowest estrogen dose on the US market (if you're outside the US, you'd have to check if it's available).

Another option might be a barrier method. Besides condoms, which a lot of people aren't fond of, there are diaphragms and cervical caps. They can be as effective as condoms IF they fit properly AND IF they are used consistently and correctly for every act of intercourse. They don't suit some women's lifestyles or preferences, but they're another option that's available. If this is something you're interested in, don't be surprised if your doctor laughs, makes a face, or tells you that it's not what you want. And if that's the case, you might find a practitioner of some type (midwives can be good) that is supportive and helpful and experienced at fitting diaphragms and caps.

And for the record, a lot of women have good success with IUD's and spotting isn't always the case. It might be your doctor's experience, but we have successful IUD users here!

It's hard, a lot of us have been there, and unfortunately there's no silver bullet or magic pill that's going to absolutely work perfectly, you'll still have to hunt for it. But you're not alone in this! If you have any other questions or just need to blow some steam (or need a push to find a more supportive doctor), just holler! Take care...

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