what is the best birth control method you've used or are using?

Question

i can't decide whether to take the birth control pills or the depo provera (shot). whats the best one? and what side effects have you experienced? i just had my baby (he's 3months) and want to use a birth control method but want to know what the majority of you ladies use. thanks in advance for all you who answer!!!

Answer 1

I started out on Depo, and that wasn't too bad. I didn't have a period for 5 years (which was great, because mine were horrible). I didn't gain any weight whatsoever; if anything, I lost weight. Weight gain depends solely on the individual, so please ignore those that tell you weight gain is eminent, because it's not. It usually takes a while to get pregnant after stopping the shots, though. You have to go in every 3 months to get the shot. I always got mine in the arm, and initially, it stung going in, but that got better over time.
I later learned that bone density is negatively affected by taking Depo for more than 2 years, so I got off of that and switched to Ortho Tri Cyclen. I didn't last too long on this, just because each week, you take a different level of hormones, and this made me extremely nauseous. I also had breast tenderness (extreme). I switced to Ortho Cyclen, and I've used that ever since. There is no nausea, and though I've gone up in my bra size, I haven't had any other significant weight gain that I would attribute solely to the pill. I think your best bet will be the pill.
My doctor also told me about Mirena, and if you're in a monogamous relationship, that may be a good idea for you. It's over 99% effective, and it's just a little plastic intrauterine contraceptive device. It lasts for 5 years, and you can try to get pregnant again the moment that you have it removed. Also, it doesn't interfere with breast feeding as the majority of oral contraceptives do. Also, it's proven that Ortho Cyclen, Tri-Cyclen, and Tri-Cyclen Lo help with acne, which is a great benefit if that's something that you suffer from. And you can control when you have your period...for instance, if you decided that you wanted to skip your period one month, you just move on to the next pack without taking the placebo. My doctor had me doing this so that I would only have 4 periods a year (cheaper than getting Seasonale). Plus, your periods get lighter and shorter.
With any birth control that you choose, you want to make sure that you use a back-up method (and withdrawal does NOT count, because you can still get pregnant from pre-***) until your doctor assures you that you have full coverage with your BC method. I personally always used condoms with my BC just because I don't want any STDs or babies.

Answer 2

Depo provera is Great. Works like a wonder, and I didn't have any side effects that I can remember (I've since had my tubes tied), so if there were any, they couldn't have been bad. OH, other than the fact that the shots hurt like all &^%$

However, if you miss a shot or stop taking it, you get pregnant instantly. I've even wondered if you even have to have sex to get pregnant after stopping depo. Two of my three kids were conceived that way. That's when I got my tubes tied.

Birth control pills were always so much worse for me. I had spotting, cramping, and my first kid was a birth control miracle. So, I'd go for depo, but just watch out if you are late for a shot or decide to stop taking it...

Personally, I've decided the best birth control is to just tie the things off and be done with it... but then, I don't plan on ever having another.

Answer 3

I'm on a birth control pill called; microgynon. I've only noticed one bad side effect, which is a little weight gain, only a few pounds but it doesn't keep going up. But it's really helped time my periods right down to the time of day, I also suffered painful cramps but they have subsided a lot. It's a pill 1 day a for 28 days then you have a week of, then back on with the pills again and you remain safe all the way through. Hope that helped ^^.

Answer 4

I like the pill, but I know that I did gain weight. However, the weight gain was gradual-I'd say it was about 11 pounds over 6 years. Fortunately I was able to lose the weight. But I eventually had to stop taking the pill because I developed high blood pressure.

I used the diaphragm for years and that was reliable. Only problem is that you have to make sure that you are wearing it-and if you aren't, then you have to carry it around in your purse or whatever, and I didn't like having to do that. Plus you have to remove it after about 7-8 hours (when you are done with it) or else it starts to kind of sort of cramp. And if you gain or lose 10 pounds then you have to be refitted for another one.

After the birth of my second child, my gynecologist suggested that I use the Nuva Ring.I love it! You put the ring in and leave it in for 3 weeks and then you take it out for 1 week. The ring releases hormones into your bloodstream (just like the pill does). It pretty much also decreases my PMS symptoms as well (just like the pill did for me too). I have been using the Nuva Ring for about 2 years now and I am so happy that my doctor suggested it. I haven't suffered from any side effects whatsoever, and just like the pill, I know exactly when I am going to be on my period. One of my girl friends is on the Depo Provera shot, and she has gained quite a bit of weight, but she tells me that it is water weight. I also didn't get on the shot because I didn't like the idea of having to go to the doctor once every 3 or 4 months. I have another friend who uses the patch; she said it's great.

Answer 5

I've known far too many people who were on Depo and gained a massive amount of weight, like 50+ pounds. My sister is the ONLY person I've come across who was on Depo and didn't gain weight. However, after 15+ years of using it, the Depo shot caused her irreversible muscle damage.

I started taking the pill when I was 12 for irregular periods. I couldn't have possibly been more pleased. My periods were short and light, never once had a menstrual cramp during my years of being on the pill... not even one! I never gained weight even though I've heard of some people gaining weight, but only a pound or two. Certain brands of the pill also help clear up skin blemishes.

Answer 6

i know alot of women that use the depo provera. It is reliable and you get a shot every 3 months. Just like the pill women do put on weight but it also has alot to do with what you eat. Its good to go on depo as you dont have to remember to take it everyday.

Answer 7

birth control pill will make you gain weight and most you still have a period, depo might make you gain too but you wont have a period. i took the pill long before depo was around.

Answer 8

I would advise using the Pill. I know of several women who've used the shots and they all had significant weight gain. Not 10 lbs. of weigh gain, but between 30-40 lbs.

Answer 9

nuva ring, and condoms for the first month until the nuva ring or birth control pill works.

best to be too safe than 8 months that is.

Answer 10

I honestly can't say that I've ever used a reliable form of birth control other than occasional condoms, and um..pulling out :x