J.J. asks from Hull, GA on January 13, 2007
Need Advise PLEASE...I'm Lost!!
Hello ladies I need some help from yall. I've just recently stopped my depo shot and I can't figure out which over the counter protection is best to use. I've tried the foam but it's sooo messy and I'm just not so sure about it. I'm not a big fan of condoms but either. But I haven't had any experience with anything else otc so anyone with advise would be greatly appreciated. I won't go back on the depo b/c it makes me crazy and the pill seems too unreliable(ie: just about any other medicine otc or prescription you take makes them not work)so that's out and I don't have insurance so the health dept. doesn't really offer anything else. Thanks in advance!!!!:)
So What Happened?™
Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I've gotten a sponge to try for now but i'm considering the iud. Honestly i never considered that as an option. I dunno why but I guess i just didn't think about it. Thanks again:)
Featured Answers
A.C. answers from Atlanta on January 16, 2007
It's a little pricey initially, (though not in the long run), but I've found the iud to be a good option. If you can afford the initial investment (about $100 for the device plus whatever the dr charges) it lasts for several years, you don't have to think about it, and it is not hormonal.
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A.C. answers from Athens on January 16, 2007
I don't have health insurance either and the shot made me keep all of my baby weight, and I got pregnant on the pill, so I got an IUD at the health Dept. They give out so many free ones. you go and ask about them, apply and if your income is low based on the number of family members they will usually approve you. it doesn't have the same all over body effect, since the hormones are only released in your uterus. you can keep it 5 years worry free too! Check it out, your local health dept has all the info you need!
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H.F. answers from Atlanta on January 16, 2007
Try the VCF's. They are Vaginal Contraceptive Films. You fold it up and put it where it needs to go and fifteen minutes later you're good to go. It comes out naturally and it doesn't change the sensations. It's basically a small sheet of spermicide. You can find them just about anywhere. Good luck!
H.
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K.H. answers from Macon on January 15, 2007
Hi J.!
I agree with Susan. Are you sure about the pill? I've been on it since I was 17 (I'm 32) and I haven't had any problems. Your doctor should be able to advise you about any prescription meds that may counteract with the pill. I've been on plenty of meds, and nothing has happened so far. The only other thing would be the IUD like Kristie suggested. A friend of mine got one after her 3rd child and she says she wouldn't use anything else. She doesn't have to worry about remembering to take a pill or buying condoms, etc. Good Luck!
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A.C. answers from Atlanta on January 16, 2007
It's a little pricey initially, (though not in the long run), but I've found the iud to be a good option. If you can afford the initial investment (about $100 for the device plus whatever the dr charges) it lasts for several years, you don't have to think about it, and it is not hormonal.
1 mom found this helpful
C.B. answers from Jacksonville on January 16, 2007
Hi J. I have a Mirena IUD and it has done wonders because I couldnt try anything else because I am overweight so my doctor didnt recommend alot of the birthcontrol methods out there. I got it for free because I make less than the limit and at the time I was a stay home mom. Some of the benefits are no weight gain,hardly any periods and when I do have one it is so light all I need is a pantyliner and it lasts maybe 3 or 4 days. I havent had any uncomfort or anything I can complain about and it lasts 5 years and I havent had a problem with intercourse either, my ex husband never had a complaint about it either. I hope you find something that works great for you like this has worked for me. Good luck.
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K. answers from Augusta on January 15, 2007
J.-
This is going to be an fairly unpopular response, but it has worked for my husband and I for as long as we've been married (5 years). I chart my cycle each day (take temperatures and look for other fertility signs), and abstain during peak fertility days (usually 4-5 days of my cycle). This method is called Natural Family Planning; it is free, healthy, and I am always in control of my body. We have one child, who was planned, and are expecting our 2nd this year--another planned child.
We investigated this birth control method after I had suffered from depression from hormone-based birth control (the pill, depo, etc.). I prefered to respond to my body's natural rhythms, and I have never regretted it.
Best of luck with your choices.
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S.W. answers from Atlanta on January 15, 2007
Are you sure about the pill? I've been on it for 20 years and only got pregnant when I wanted to. As far as I know, the only thing you have to watch out for as far as reducing it's effectiveness is antibiotics. Maybe I'm wrong and I've just been lucky! I can't think of anything over the counter I'd really trust. Good luck.
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J.J. answers from Atlanta on January 15, 2007
Kelly's advice is good. But you need backup protection when you start doing this. Check out Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It's a book that's THE BEST. It tells you all about charting your temps, as well as checking your cervical position and fluid. It's often used for couples who are TTC, but it works the other way too. You can also use this method WITH condoms, using condoms only on your fertile days.
HTH!
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