Which is the better form of birth control?

Question

I know I'm not going to remember to take a pill the same time everyday, so according to my research, my only two options(besides no sex) are the Depo shots or the patch. I was wondering if any users could tell me some pros and cons to using them and which would you recomend?

Answer 1

There are a few options open to you.

1. Depo-Provera - The Shot
pros: - protects you for 12 weeks
- don't need to remember a pill daily
- helps prevent cancer in the uterus lining

cons: - if you don't like shots this is clearly bad
- pregnancies tend to be ectopic (in your fallopian tube)
- it takes an average of 9-10 months (if not longer) to get pregnant after your last shot.

2. Ortho Evra - The Patch
pros: - Apply one patch per week, 4th week off.
- Fertility returns soon after ending patch usage.
- may reduce heaviness of period and cramping

cons: - reaction on skin at site of application
- increased exposure to estrogen
- blood clots

3. NuvaRing - The Ring
pros: - use one ring for three weeks straight, vaginally
- does not require a fitting by a clinician
- it does not take the spontaneity out of your sex life

cons: - it can pop out during sex, you wash it in cold water and replace it
- increased vaginal discharge is possible, as is irritation

4. Intrauterine Devices - IUD
pros: -
- long term birth control, no remembering to take anything or do anything
- menstrual flow tends to be reduced by 90%. For 20% of women, their flow stops in one year's time.
- less than one woman a year gets pregnant with this method

cons: - expulsion - it slips out of the uterus fully or partially
- perforation - it’s pushed into the wall of the uterus, may require surgery to repair, may not.
- infection - it’s rare but possible to have a pelvic infection occur with use (bacteria entering during insertion)

5. Diaphragms, Caps, and Shields
pros: - use it only when you need it
- can be carried in your purse
- does not affect your hormones
- can be inserted hours before you plan on having sex

cons: - you can not use it while you have your period
- may be difficult to insert
- may be pushed out of place by sexual position or thrusts
- 14-16 women will get pregnant using one of these options

More pros and cons are listed for each of these options at my source link. There is also additional information there.

As a personal and less clinical note... all people react differently to different birth controls. As a doctor once told me "it's hit or miss. Keep trying until you find the one that is right for you." I tried the pill, monophasic and triphasic and suffered severe depression (they pulled me off the pill immediately). I then used the patch and have stuck with that. Yes, it does get stuff stuck to it along the edges, but the conveniences balance it for me. I can remember to change the patch once a week and I don't experience severe mood swings. In the end, I chose what was right for me... and I wish you luck in finding the one that works best for you!

Answer 2

Of course no sex is the safest sex, but I'm sure that is not what you want to hear. To be honest, the depo has had very little research done on it. "They" don't know what kind of long term effects it might cause. It hasn't been tested long enough to really know anything about it. There have been cases where the depo caused infertility. Also, it causes weight gain and mood swings. The patch can cause irritation on the spot that you wear it. It falls off before time and above all no form of birth control is 100% effective. The only pros to either one would be the length of time that you can go without the bother of remembering to use it. The depo is every 3 months and the patch, depending on the brand is either twice a week or once a week.

Answer 3

Both the Depo shot and the patch are associated with VERY serious side effects, I can't recommended either.

Please read that patient insert for Depo-provera and decide if those risks are worth it to you:
http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/ppi_depo_provera_contraceptive.pdf
It is also strongly recommended you not take Depo for more than two years.

Due to the high hormone levels in the patch it puts you at greater risk of all the side effects of the pill, such as blood clots, etc. that is why there are class action lawsuits against the patch.

Nuva ring is supposed to release lower levels of hormones, but I don't know if that is true.

You might want to consider an IUD, the new hormonal IUDs (non-copper) are associated with much lower rates of side effects, and ALL side effects caused by IUDs go away as soon as they are removed, unlike Depo which can cause a lifelong loss of bone density.

Answer 4

I think it really depends on the person. I totally agree with you about the pill not being the greatest option, I can't remember to take them at the same time every day- now that I have kids, I can barely remember much. BUT my sister got pregnant with triplets, lost one so she had twins, while on the Depo shots. Then she was on the pill when she got pregnant with her daughter (7 years later!). I got pregnant while on the pill (but I was taking it correctly at the time), and then again while I had a Paraguard IUD, it is supposed to last 10 years, I had had it for five. So we don't even have one that works for us. You might have to try one kind for a while, then if that doesn't work, switch to another, etc. The shot I wouldn't recommend, because of my sister's experience, but also because she puffed up like a fish. She was always pretty thin, but when she got on the shot, she looked like she had gained 40 lbs. and a lot in her face. She is a very healthy eater, so that person saying that if you watch what you'll eat, you'll be fine, if full of it. I'm not sure what my sister gained, I never felt it was nice to ask, but I'll sure never try it. I don't know about the patch, except for what people have already written. That might work. Good luck~

Answer 5

Dont take the patch. My gyno said they werent giving the patch anymore due to the side effects. Its killed people and several were young. The shot is only every 3 months. There are others like the IUD, diaphrams, cap, the ring,and the inplant.

Patcha(ortho Evra) Its placed on arm butt stomach once a week for 3 weeks.It protects against pregnancy for 1 month. It works best when Its changed on the same day for the whole month(like change it once every monday) Usually have shorter lighter periods. It can cause heart attack, blood clots, and diabities.

The shot- protects against pregnancy for 12 weeks.Protection is immediate if taken within the first 7 days of period. It is one of the most effective birt control options. Helps prevent cancer in the lining of the uterus. Disavantage It takes an average of 9-10 months to get pregnant after taking the last shot.

Answer 6

As a depo user for almost 5 years. On and off, before and after I had my baby. I would strongly suggest you to stay away from it. They do not tell you when you first start using it, but it is not good for your body at all. And when you are decided it'd time you want to start having children you will not be able to, it messes with you body so bad. There is an entire website dedicated to "life after depo" Just take the pill. Use your cell phone (everyone has one) and set an alarm to go off everyday at the same time. If you want to be responsible and not get pregnant you can remember to take a pill once a day

Answer 7

There are pros and cons to all forms of birth control. Although abstinence is the best and most effective I have heard more negatives about the patch. I was watching a commercial that was basically saying it has more side effects than doctors and pamphlets will tell you. I would recommend the shot. The myth with that is you gain weight, which is not true, it all depends on your diet. That doesn't mean you have to succumb to being a vegetarian but if you eat McDonald's everyday your bound to gain SOME weights. Take the shot and watch your diet and you should be OK.

Answer 8

I have had both. Depo made me gain alot of weight and I had a terrible 1st year. I bled alot and often through the first year but was never able to drop the weight I gained. Later I tried the patch. It was OK but it gets alot of lint etc. stuck to it and looks very unattractive. It also gave me a headache. I just got an IUD called Mirena and it is the best experience I have had with birthcontrol. I skip months at a time and don't feel pregnant like many birthcontrols make me feel. Mirena is a procedure but it is not that bad. You feel a pinch thats all. It is good for 5 years but can be removed at any time. I suggest you look into it! Hope this helps!

Answer 9

I would recommend the depo shot although I haven't used either. With the patch you'd still have to remember to take it weekly and I heard it had a higher failure rate than the depo shot. With the depo shot you don't need to think about your birth control for 3 months although there are some pretty serious side effects to consider.

Natural family planning is not an effective method of birth control.

Answer 10

My doc won't give Depo to women who are not done having children. There are simply too many cases of infertility following use for him to be comfortable with that. I don't know anything about the patch; that came out after I enquired about Depo.

Consider getting a watch that beeps at the same time every day to remind you to take your pill. I mean,think about it. How are you going to handle it if your life depends on taking a pill every day (as in the case of folks with heart trouble). In addition, invest in condoms.

Oh, and the IUD was successful for my Mom for decades. That's also an option.

To the poster who says she should just see her doctor, well, I'm here to tell you that many doctors don't even TELL you about the choices available! The Internet is a good place to find out about what is available and what questions to ask so when you DO see your doctor, you have some knowledge to ask the right questions.