PP appointment tomorrow

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
PP appointment tomorrow
8
Wed, 09-06-2006 - 3:52pm
So, the sponge has not gotten me pregnant, phew! I go in to discuss other methods, I'm thinking hormonal. Anything inside me for a prolonged period of time presents significant irritation, had that problem with sponge, diaphragm, cap, sometimes even the diva cup or tampons, just very sensitive down there, have to be careful what soap I use, etc. The IUD caused a lot of pain and cramping. Does anyone have thoughts about the pros and conns of the shot, versus the pill or patch? I want something I will remember to use. I was on the pill several years ago, like fifteen, and quit because of nausea and depression, although I really liked it. I was just wondering if waiting longer to change patches the ring or shot created more of a memory lapse for people. I take supliments and meds every day anyway. Of course, spontaneity is a primary consideration, we're monogamous. Any advice or experiences would be appreciated. Also, since I'll be starting at the beginning of my cycle, is there a difference in how long before the various methods take effect fully?
Amie
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-07-2006
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 4:09am
i've only ever used birth control pills, but i have had good luck with them. i take the ortho-trycyclen lo (which is a very low dose birth control pill), and have never had any ill side effects, and aside from not getting pregnany, i have also found my periods are lighter and easier, and my skin is clearer and healthier. i have a couple times missed a pill, but usually don't find it too difficult to remember to take them every day. personally, i know i would be worse about remembering to take/change something that i didn't have to worry about for extended periods of time. but, i suppose that's sort of individual.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 7:46am

I would avoid the shot.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 9:47am
Thanks so much for the info, girls. Yeah, the ring sounds good, though, as for irritation, I tried the diva last month and am so in love I'd never switch, though I intend to get those washable pads. I'll put up with it. How soon does the patch or ring take effect if started on the first day of your cycle? Also, when can you have unprotected sex after stopping either if you want to get pregnant. My boyfriend was great, he said whatever method caused me the least side effects, and he would be happy to try for a baby when we were ready. I'm lucky to have him in my life. I'll keep you posted on what I get.
Amie
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 11:29am
The patch takes at least 7 days to be effective if used according to directions, check with your doctor on that. I got pregnant the first month I was off the patch, and I was 34 and dh was 35 when we decided to try, so you can get pregnant the first month if the doctor says it’s ok to try.
I do better on higher estrogen bc (like the patch) myself, but some women do not.
Good luck,
Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 4:47pm

As my gyn had said to me once......the pill has changed a LOT in the past 15 years.....so you may wanna give that another go. Also, if you only tried ONE brand before, there are many out there to try nowdays.


I know I was on Ortho Novum 777 for a long time, YEARS ago, and I hated it. IMagine my surprise when a new gyn suggested something else, Yasmin. Which meant, no cramping, no moods, light periods. I was in heaven. lol. I think before, if it worked, they left you on it. whereas they're more likely to ask "how is it working for you" lol.


Good luck.


oh yeah. one last thing. you said you were sensitive down there. I wasn't sure if your skin was sensitive too. Mine is. and my gf showed me her patch and it was sticky. I "scar" from using a band-aid. where my skin will discolor and stay that way for MONTHS. I know if I used the patch, I'd have cute (sarcastic) square dark spots all over my body. NOT pretty. lol.

~IDM
It was
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
Thu, 09-07-2006 - 9:01pm
Well, they helped me decide to go with a low dose pill. They said if I didn't like it, there were like ten more they could try. Nothing but the most severe side effects would deterr me. I thought it would be easier to remember doing something every day than once a week or month, and my vagina would remain uninvaded. I hope the pill doesn't raise my blood pressure, so I have to go off of it. I'll definitely be posting questions if I have them. Seems there are a lot of pill symptom posts here I'll wanna check out. Thanks for all your help.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Fri, 09-08-2006 - 10:13am
I'm glad you found something and hope it works out well for you. Post questions/concerns/positive feedback as you have it. It is good for others to read how you're doing!
Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
Sun, 09-10-2006 - 2:22pm
Hi. I started ortho tricycline lo this morning. I haven't gotten my period yet, but wanted to start on a Sunday, to make things even, the clinic told me to start immediately. Don't I have to wait a week for them to become effective? Will I get my period, or do the pills stop it until the blank ones? Does anyone have any experiences good or bad with this brand? Thanks.
Amie