What should I ask my doctor to do? (Birth Control)?

Question

I'm taking pills ( Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo) to stop my periods, basically I take the three weeks and instead of taking the week of sugar pills, I start a new pack. The problem is that my insurance will only pay for 2 months in a row and then it is too early for them to pay for it so I would have to pay for it on my own. The problem is that I can't afford to pay for the one month (Costs $50 to get.) Which one of these options should I ask my doctor about?

Nova Ring - A nurse at my doctor's office told me that you can keep it in the extra week and you won't have a period, that would eliminate the issue of having to get a Rx early and my insurance would pay for it all the time.

Depo Shot - Once every three months, but should stop period after awhile.

IUD - a hormonal one, that would last for 5 to 10 years.

I have fibroids and my doctor says that no matter what I try to do it may not work. Had ultrasound yesterday and see doctor on Monday.

Maybe Hysterectomy?

What would you do and why?

Lots of women do this now a days. Doctors say it is perfectly safe. Actually they have a pill called Seasonale out that normally doesn't allow miss any pills, but my insurance won't cover that either. Anyways, I had a tubal like 9 years ago I don't need to be shedding and cramping like heck every single month.

IT IS SAFE TO DO THIS.


Also, I already have 2 sons. I could do the IUD or the hysterectomy and be fine cause I won't be having any more kids.

Answer 1

I used Depo Provera for 5 years. I loved it! I had no periods. Only slight spotting a couple of days before my next shot was due and even that didn't always happen. I had no side effects from it. I only stopped becuase the 5 years were up...

Answer 2

I think that if you tell your doctor your insurance woes, they should be able to submit a special request that tells the insurance that this is the prescribed method of usage, and the insurance would have to pay. The process is long and drawn out, but it can be done.

The alternative is to try to save a little bit of money every week. At only $6 a week, you'd have the money you need by the third month. It might mean going without something else, but the alternative is to have to do without a necessary medicine.

And unless your fibroids are REALLY severe, a hysterectomy probably won't be done (there's a lot of physiological side effects that occur with the uterine removal). And I cannot in good conscience recommend the IUD (I had HORRIBLE problems with mine that ended up with surgical removal after only 5 months). You're right about the shot, although some women have spotting/bleeding all the time, along with other undesirable side effects.

I stand by my statement that if you're doing ok with this method, then you should try to get the doctor to get the waiver or try to save the money yourself. A buck a day isn't so hard when you think about it.

Answer 3

Sorry but I was on Seasonale and it was the worst experience I have ever had with a pill. Do not go for that option. I was miserable and always felt like crap. Also there is no guarantee that it will keep you from getting your period. It can take up to six months for your body to get used to that. If you are in need of stopping your period then maybe you should go for the depo shot. My friend had that and it worked really well for her. I wouldn't do a hysterectomy unless you have absolutely no choice.

Answer 4

okay, hysterectomy is a bit drastic and it does a lot more to your body than stop your period. you affects you hormonoly and that can really screw with you. I wasn't sure that the IUD would stop your period but I understand they are very safe now and becoming quite popular again. If that would work for you i would suggest that one, that way you dont ahve to worry about changing it. With the nova ring you still have to remember to change it every month.

Answer 5

You don't allow yourself a proper cycle? Why? You don't have to take the sugar pills, but your body really needs that week there to....you know, expel the uterine lining and stuff. Really. I cant believe your doctor allows this.

Anyway---try asking the pharmacist for generic. trust me on this---it could be as much as a $20-30 difference!

Answer 6

I have the Mirena IUD and love it. The only problem is most Dr's recommend you have had a child before they will insert it.

Answer 7

Your body has to expel, this is why birth control pills are made the way they are. Does your doctor KNOW what you are doing????? Please make sure that your doctor knows!! You may be harming your body.