Need help with BC options! Please!
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| Sun, 05-28-2006 - 12:30pm |
Hi There!
I wanted to know if anyone had suggestions as to BC options that are most effective without hormones. I've been reading a bunch of posts about Paragard and wanted to know if there are negative side effects with it. I'd prefer not having to get an IUD because I haven't heard great things about them.
I've never been a big fan of IUD's, but I've tried over a dozen BC pills over the last ten years and all of them have given me horrible side effects (weight gain, crying, etc.), even the ones that claim to be "low hormone". Has anyone experienced weight gain from Nuva-Ring?
I got pregnant a couple of months ago and am not ready for that yet so I'm very fearful of it happening again anytime soon. My boyfriend and I have been using condoms with spermicide since then but I am still paranoid and want something that may be more effective.
Thanks for your help!!
Gili

Hi gilgirl06, welcome!
Jill
Hi Jill!
Thanks for the information. I think that I decided not to get an IUD for a few reasons. I do possibly want to have children in about 4 or 5 years. I'm almost 30 and not quite ready but do not want to wait 10 years as with Paragaurd.
I only have one partner and we have no problem using condoms with spermicide but I feel like it may not be enough. We sometimes use VCF but having to wait 15 minutes is sometimes a bit of a hassle. I'm considering trying one last bc option, NuvaRing and seeing how I feel.
But I will definitely keep the board posted as to what I feel worked best!
Thanks again!
Gili
I have had a non-hormonal IUD (Nova-T in Europe) and I am now using the Nuvaring. I hope my experiences will help you.
First thing, the IUD can be left in for UP TO 10 years (5 years for Nova-T), but can be removed at any point in time before that. So as soon as you know you want to start trying to conceive, the IUD can be removed and you are ready to go!
I did like the IUD. It was very low maintenance.. check the strings once a month and that's all. My periods were heavier for a day or two, but other than that I think my periods were otherwise 'normal' for me.
My BF was able to feel the 'strings' during intercourse sometimes and that was uncomfortable for him, sometimes a bit painful. But, from previous posts I have read here, he seems to be in the minority. I do think part of the problem was due to my strings being on the long side.
(The next time I get an IUD, I will make sure the strings are shorter!)
Now for my Nuvaring experiences: I love it!
It too is easy to deal with. There is only the removal and insertion of the ring once a month! The hormones are a low enough dosage that I find I still have a sex drive (most of the time) and I'm not overly moody.
I haven't gained any weight, but then again I haven't gained weight with any forms of birth control I've tried over the years.
My skin has cleared up. It was never that bad, but it is definitely much better now!
Did I mention how easy it is to "deal" with it?
I hope this has helped. Let me know if you have questions, I'll be happy to answer what I can.
This is just my two cents, but I have paragard and so far I am very happy with it. My period was heavier, but it hasn't been a big issue. I had all kinds of side effects when I used hormonal methods, so I really love that paragard is hormone free. And, as the other poster said, paragard can be used for up to 10 years, but you can have it removed and be fertile anytime. I previously had minera which is good for up to 5 years, but I had it removed after just one. The removal was painless, by the way.
Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose. I've never tried nuvaring, but I've heard very good things about it here on this board.