Why have you chosen your method(s) of birth control?
Lifestyle considerations were the most important factor in my choosing to use the Pill for the past several years: I was in monogamous relationship with a healthy partner, and wanted a method of birth control that didn't interrupt the sexual act.
However, I recently became concerned about the hormones in the Pill and some physical/mental health problems and the possible links between the two. But I still didn't want to have to put a raincoat on my man and the other barrier methods don't work as well (I DO NOT want a baby). So, I have been trying to get an IUD (the NON-hermonal kind, which isn't in the poll - it operates using copper, not hormones) and finally managed to get it put in this morning. Wish me luck!
Are you in a committed relationship?
Think I answered this one. Yes, I am, and that is what makes it possible to avoid using condoms, since we know we are not bringing any infections to each other.
Are you using birth control for quality of life, health or financial reasons?
I am not ready for a kid. I don't really like babies or very young children, and I don't like the idea of being pregnant (although nursing intrigues me). I am also not even close to ready for the level of committment involved: 18 YEARS of my primary focus going to raising a child would leave me without the opportunity to live my adult life focussed on my husband, dog, and personal maturation until it's way too late.
I'm in a transitional period regarding birth control. I had been using the Pill because it is convenient, doesn't interrupt sex, and is very effective. I am now using the IUD because it is convenient, doesn't interrupt sex, is very effective, AND it's non-hormonal.
Putting the IUD in was painful, and I'm still having cramps as my body tries to expel it. but it was only in passing and if the IUD works for me then it was totally worth it. I freaked when she was putting it in, but only because she tried to give me a local anesthetic and I have an irrational fear of novocaine needles (ONLY novocaine needles, other needles are fine, don't really know why). She agreed to let me do it without anasthetic, but I had already lost my "cool" and there was much fussing and tears.
Wish me luck! Many women have the copper IUD removed after a month or two because it worsens their period bleeding and cramping, but most are OK. Here's hoping
