Swtiching birth control methods...
 

So I'm on the shot and have been doing so for almost three years. I'm kinda getting sick of it, so I want to switch to another form (leaning toward the pill). What I would really like is no chemicals at all, but I have a feeling I am one of thoe "overly fertile" women and so if the condom breaks, I'm pretty much preggars... Have any of you switched methods? Any advice at all would be appreciated. Thanks guys...

I would never take anything but the pill since there's a 99% guarantee that you won't get pregnant if you take them as you're supposed to... the second best choice is condoms which has a 97% guarantee

but of course the choice is up to you.... :)

I know you prefer no chemicals but the Orthoevra birth control patch is a good equivalent to the pill. It releases continous levels of certain hormones into your body and through the skin and into the bloodstream.

The benefit is that you only have to change it once a week. Like all birth control methods there are potential risks.

Here is a helpful link ::
http://www.orthoevra.com/faqs/faqs.html#q5

I've heard some bad things about the patch, that it tends to come off easily and isn't as waterproof as they say it is... Plus I want something that isn't visible when I'm wearing a bathing suit (or nekkid for that matter).

About the pill, I've also heard stories about girls missing one pill and they become pregnant... I don't know if it's true or not, maybe you could clarify :) Oh, and the shot is just as effective.

I know there are tonz of different hormone combos for the pill, which one would you guys reccomend? I want one with the least amount of moodiness and weight gain. Thanks guys :)

As for combos talk to your gino, i was on mircette and it made me fat and REALLY sensitivy during my period. Like I would cry non stop for 4 days, I don't know how anyonw put up with me. I switched to ortho tri cyclin (sp?) and it gives me really bad cramps but I'm not as sensitive. I think you just have to try different things, my doctor always gives me a 3 month prescription and then I call her to give me more if I like it.

About getting pregnant over missing a pill, you can miss one once in a while and take two the next day. There shouldnt be a risk of getting pregnant if this happens like once a year.

Again talk to your doctor, they know more than us girls.

PS please let us know how it goes, I'm on the pill and I want to switch methods too.

Sweet, thanks girls. I think this is the best advice I can get next to my gyno :) I'll let you know how it goes. My next shot isn't due until March, so I have to wait till then :(

were you just hoping to get rid of the chemicality of depo or was there some other reason you wanted to switch. honestly, if the depo is working well for you, i wouldn't even advise switching to the pill, it becomes a daily hassel. i am on the pill, but if i could go with depo, i would. its just that much less you have to think about. if you let us know what differences you're looking for, i could give you a better reccommendation.

as far as which hormone combinations for the pill, gabshu is right, you have to talk to your gyno about it, taking other people advice is not a great idea, because different combos have very little to do with what other people have experienced and a lot more to do with your own personal hormonal balance. there are too many factors and too many options to figure it out yourself. here, again, someone else's advice was good: talk to your gyno about what factors you are concerned about, and they will give you a recommendation, and if you don't like it after a couple months, go back and ask for something else. just keep in mind that most take several months to even out, so i and your gyno don't recommend you base your judgement on that first month.

I don't really want anything different, I just want to give my body some kinda break. My girlfriend told me that he aunt was on the shot for three years and after she tried to get pregnant, she found out she was sterile. So that is what I'm afraid of I think. Is it a good idea just to switch hormone mixes (cuz I know the pill is way diff than the shot, no matter what type of pill you go with)?

I hope this doesn't side track your thread StormBerlin, but i thought it'd belong here since we're talking about getting on the pill. If you wanted to be protected by the pill for say specifically July, how early should you be going to the doctor's and getting started. (Worried about the spottings and err the wrong strenths of pills i hear of) thank ya :)

StormBerlin,

I have been on two types of pills and the shot as well- there are side affects and differences in any birth control method you choose- I really would ask your gyno.

And I don't believe that Depo could cause one to 'become' sterile- it's possible she was like that before, and just discovered it when she was trying to get pregnant?

And I agree with siryn, if it's working, don't change it- most other methods are a hassle!

First, Unga - it takes one week for the pill to become effective if you've not taken it before.

StormBerlin, I'm with the others - if depo is making you fat and especially if you're periods have stopped or slowed to a trickle, I'd stick with it. Most of us want as low-dose a pill as we can take and while that may be great for our bodies, it also requires that you take it about the same time EVERY DAY. For some that's hard and it can also be hard to remember. Even skipping one dose can mean a happy little fertilized egg... Plus, if you take antibiotics or St. John's Wort while on the pill, they can negate its effects so you will have to use back-up birth control during that time (translation - hassle). There's a new very low dose pill out there that is supposed to be pretty good - learn more about it here: http://www.orthotri-cyclenlo.com/.

Yeah, thanks for all you input guys, I think I'm just gonna stick with the shot. My body is used to it, so why screw that up right? Thanks again :) *kisses*