A few questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-16-2007
A few questions
6
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 12:22pm

Dear Judy and Jill,

I have a few questions about the Pill and backup methods. (Sorry Jill, I know I've pestered about this before.) I have been on the Pill for over 3 years now. However, previously I was just on it to regulate my period. Only in the past month have I been sexually active and started using it as birth control. Last month, there were 2 or 3 days where I forgot to take it at its regularly scheduled time. I took it as soon as I remembered later that day. I never had to double up on pills. However, that month while I was bleeding, I had sex with my boyfriend. We didn't use any other protection (he's STD free, and the only partner I've ever had), save for the Pill and he didn't ejaculate inside me. I know I probably don't have anything to worry about, but I do have a question: Did I forget to take it for long enough to cause ovulation? And is a backup method necessary for the situation I have just described? Or, since I took it as soon as I remembered, is that still considered taking it correctly because I properly followed the instructions that come with my Pill packs?

Secondly, if a backup method is necessary, what is a good one to use besides condoms? I know my guy is healthy and has never contracted an STD at all. Before we did anything, I asked him about being tested. He hates condoms, but will use them if I ask him to. I have friends that use the vaginal contraceptive film, the Today sponges, and the diaphragm with spermicide. Does this board have any thoughts on the pros and cons to these methods?

Thirdly, I was considering the diaphragm but I could not get it on my insurance because as a student, I am still on my parents' plan. I know that out of pocket, they range from $25 - $50. I could afford some of lower range ones, but if it were to cost more than $35, it would be tough for me since I'm still in school. My boyfriend is working; we have a great relationship and are talking about having a future together. Could I ask him to chip in, do you think? It seems to make sense to me because I think that bc is something that a couple should decide together...but I'm just wondering if any other women have had to have such a conversation regarding chipping in with the actual cost.

Sorry for the long post, but my best friend is abroad right now, and I've had these things swimming around in my head since the beginning of the weekend! Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: fsb567
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 1:12pm

Hi again hon,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-16-2007
In reply to: fsb567
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 2:31pm

Well....I think more than a few hours passed between when I normally take my Pill and when I actually took them. I normally was taking them at about 8 am, and would have ended up taking these around 5 in the evening. (What happened was I left the house without taking it.) Right now I am in my last week of pink pills, and next week begins my placebo week which would be my first period after sex. I think I should get it around Apr. 9. Please keep your fingers crossed. (Seriously, this ranks #1 among mistakes I will never make again.)

I did call my local PP regarding a diaphragm. They told me that they do not keep them on hand, and if you are interested in a diapgragm, they will write you a prescription for one to get at a pharmacy like CVS. I called a few pharmacies and it seems like they cost between $25 - $50 depending on the brand.

As a follow up question, what is the difference between a cervical cap and a diaphragm? And do you have a preference?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: fsb567
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 4:26pm

>>I normally was taking them at about 8 am, and would have ended up taking these around 5 in the evening <<


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-16-2007
In reply to: fsb567
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 7:48pm

Good news - Aunt Flo arrived this afternoon! Lesson learned, and this month have been extra sure to take pills METICULOUSLY.

I am going to schedule an appt. with my doc. to talk about the diaphragms vs. cervical caps issue.

In other news, I had a great conversation with my BF about chipping in. When I explained the situation, he just said "Do you want me to just write you a check?" without batting an eyelash. Things are great on that front, and we had a good conversation about backup methods (should we ever need/want to use them.)

Thanks for your help and support, Jill. I really appreciate it!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: fsb567
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 9:54pm

Hi again hon!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: fsb567
Tue, 04-10-2007 - 11:35pm

I found when I went to talk to doctors about caps and diaphragms that getting support for them is going to be difficult. My regular gyn has only a couple of patients who use diaphragms and the gyn I was told would be more helpful (in a different practice) flat out told me I should just use spermicide instead. (And if I were just going to use spermicide, I use a gel in a prefilled applicator)

In cases of needing backup, my husband prefers to abstain rather than use a condom unless I can do a really good job of convincing him that it's going to be okay for him. He hates them. The female condom is a different sensation for him than the male condom (it doesn't fit him tightly, but is somewhat like having sex in a Hefty bag), but he's not a big fan of that either. Female condoms are hard to find, but can be purchased over the internet in a box of 3. They're also not as inexpensive as male condoms.

I hope your appointment goes well! Don't be discouraged if it doesn't, at least my regular gyn told me that if I wanted a cap to let him know with enough time for him to re-educate himself about fitting. There are some doctors out there who are supportive and knowledgeable, they're just few and far between.

Good luck!

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