I don't like the idea of being on birth control for any reason (I'm not sexually active...)as I've heard of the side effects it can have. Is there a safe natural alternative to birth control that will do the same things (he wants to prescribe it for irregular periods, cramps, heavy bleeding etc..) Oh..he is an OB/GYN..I have my exam yearly and he hasn't found anything abnormal.
Any help would be appreciated
2007-03-14 06:30:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
I know you say you are opposed to the pill, which is understandable. But your doctor has good reason to prescribe it. It really does help with the irregularity and the cramps and all the symptoms you are experiencing. You can ask to go on a low dose like Ortho tri-cylcen Lo. It rarely has side effects and has a low dose of estrogen. Its the one i'm on and all those problems have been fixed. I hope this helps.
2007-03-14 06:35:25 · answer #1 · answered by Jenny B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just want to echo the sentiments of others above - try the pill! So-called "natural alternatives" have side effects, too, some of which no one really knows about because no controlled studies have been done on them. Any medication your doctor prescribes for you has been through rigorous scientific testing and shown to be safe and effective for most people.
When I was a teenager my doctor gave me a choice of going on birth control pills or something else to regulate my period. He told me the birth control pills would also lessen the bleeding and lessen the cramps (which were really bad) while the other thing would only regulate my cycle and not help with the heavy bleeding or the cramps. I went with the birth control, and I'm so glad I did! I was on it for 14 years, and as soon as I'm done having kids, I'm gonna go back to it for as long as I can. In fact, even if I was a nun in a convent and never saw another man for the rest of my life I would be on those pills!
Make sure you discuss all the possible risks with your doctor, as well as risks of not regulating your period or risks with trying natural remedies. You'll feel better about your decision if you feel you have all the facts.
2007-03-14 07:25:26 · answer #2 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do it! I used to have horribly long periods with heavy bleeding and really painful cramps. When I became sexually active I want to Planned Parenthood, they put me on Ortho-Tri-Cyclin-Lo, and now I would continue taking the pill even if I wasn't sexually active. It has made my periods so much more bearable. I have been on it for a year and a half now, and I haven't had any side effects(I'm 19). Many of the risks listed apply mainly to smokers and women over 35, so if you're younger and don't smoke, I would definitely try it. If it doesn't work out, you can always just stop taking it.
Also, it sounds like your doctor brought it up. If you're ok with the "menstral issues" then just keep doing whatever you're doing, maybe buy some of those heat packs and some Advil, and wear a pantyliner when you think your period should be coming (to avoid any messy surprises).
2007-03-14 06:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the exact same issue and found that the birth control took care of the problems I was experiencing. Being on birth control does not mean you have to be sexually active...I mean no one has to know your personal business. However, if you suffer from these menstrual issues it can bring tremendous relief. You may also try teas and herbs that are known to ease some of these discomforts, but they mostly work during your menstrual cycle. Also, I found out that after a few months of taking the pill, the discomforts became less intense and in continued use pretty much disappeared all together. Except for the menstrual cycle (smile).
2007-03-14 06:43:18 · answer #4 · answered by truintexas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when I was 15 I had to go on it for menstrual reasons and it did help a lot. I would say try it and see what happens in the first couple of months. Make sure to get the lowest dose out there or the new one they have called Yasmin. That will prevent some of the weight gain. But ultimately if you cant' stand the pain you are having (if that is why he suggested it) then you should try it. If he just wanted to give it o you for irregular periods and you are somehow morally against taking it then don't. I was in so much pain as a teen though I had to take it.
2007-03-14 07:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by Wanderer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with the birth control. All the pill will do is slow down and lighten your period. I had to deal with being on the pill for my periods as well. I ended up at the age of 22 having to have an endometrial ablation and then a hysterectomy. I never had bad side effects except that they didnt help me out with slowing down and lightening my period. Have your doctor look for something called endometriosis because that could be what you have and it cant always be found during a routine exam. Its not an STD either so dont worry about that. I didnt gain weight or anything with the pill.
2007-03-14 06:35:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot imagine an OB/GYN Dr. suggesting something that would harm you. The side effects are related to extended use over the course of years. That's not what is going on here. You would just be on the pills until your symtomology subsides, then you would be back on your own. It really is a very common treatment for the problems you describe. Good Luck with it!
2007-03-14 06:40:07 · answer #7 · answered by Dust in the wind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your periods are crazy and not regular, I would go on the pill. There are no natural alternatives that would do the same thing.
The low dose pills have fewer side effects. I have been taking the low dose pills for 7 years (of the 14) I have been taking them because I don't have periods without the pill. I take Aviane (generic of Alesse).
The pill won't stop cramps (you'll have to take period medicine or use heating pads for those), but your periods will become regular and over time your periods will get lighter.
2007-03-14 06:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by Nancy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not even birth control can be hundred percent garanteed which can interact with a lot of medication and can be less effective with some other medications such as anti- biotic. Birth control can also regulate your cramps and periods. I do not know the rest of the story but condom is still very useful. I know that men almost never use it. But be firm because once you get pregnant you can be traped and get stuck with some thing you can not run away for few years! Condom is the second best option if you use it correctly.Good luck
2007-03-14 06:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by S.E.E.N 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can't help very much chick but I wouldn't too much about taking birth control. I was on it for about 10 years and I didn't have any side effects. Good luck. x
2007-03-14 06:36:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋