concerned about what type of BC to pick

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
concerned about what type of BC to pick
5
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 1:42pm

I'm 22, never been on BC, but think its time to pick one....

My main concerns are: Mood Swings, Gaining Weight, and Breast Tenderness

I've never wanted to put hormones in my body, so i've always ruled out the pill but i'm reconsidering (I just have no idea what ones would be okay for me). In the last 2 years, I've noticed i'm much more sensitive right before my period, my breasts literally grow a whole cup size and hurt like hell, and i've been getting cramps really bad. i was bulemic and still fight issues with my weight and don't want to gain any weight at all because i dont' want to go back down that road again. So I would rather not take anything that would worsen these conditions, I don't think I could handle any more pain in my breasts or any more bloating!!!!

Does anyone have any suggestions as to brands i may want to bring up to my gyno, or has anyone used the copper IUD (i don't plan on having children for at least 6 years, tons of school left!!!)? Should I request a blood test to find out my personal hormone concentrations. any suggestions would be appreciated!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 3:31pm

Hi princessdee33, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Fri, 07-07-2006 - 12:38pm

I'm also not a fan of hormones at all. I'm 24, never been pregnant, and I use the paragard IUD. I love it. I've tried some other methods, but this is definitely the best thing I've tried. In any event, if you have any specific questions about paragard, you can post them on here or email me through my profile and I'll do my best...

Good luck with whatever you choose.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
Mon, 07-10-2006 - 8:32pm
thanks to both of those responses, i've been leaning towards the IUD, hopefully i can give it a try soon! thanks!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
Tue, 07-11-2006 - 4:56pm

Have your periods gotten any heavier from the paraguard?
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Tue, 07-11-2006 - 5:05pm

Yes, somewhat. Before paragard, the second day was always my heaviest and by day 5, there was pretty much nothing left. Now, my fourth day is heaviest and it lasts 6 or 7 days instead of 4 or 5. So, it's more just that things are different rather than heavier, I guess.

Also, I don't know if it's just because I'm older now or what, but I actually have no cramps at all compared to what I remember from when I was younger and hormone-free (about 5 years ago). I'm 24 now, btw. I've always had somewhat of an irregular cycle, and that is still the case; I tend to go 5 or 6 weeks between periods, as a general rule.