Regular Birth Control Pill or "Lo" Kind?

Stop taking the birth control pill, very bad for your system, instead go with the IUD

I always took the "Lo" pills before I had kids. This past summer when I got back on the pill, the doctor put me on Yaz. I'm not sure if that's a higher dose or what, but I felt really "bitchy" and out of it. I also had break through bleeding in the middle of the month. I wasn't sure if that was a result of my miscarriages or what, but once I switched back to the "lo" one, I was back to "normal" so to speak.

I've had the Mirena IUD for almost 2 years now. I was on the ortho pill after my first daughter and it made me have horrible mood swings. And being the forgetful type when it comes to taking pills I forgot to take those as well and along came #2. I absolutely love the IUD. My periods are very light and last maybe one day. I never have to worry about forgetting or being able to afford birth control again (I am one of those without any health insurance).

I know I didn't answer your question but I thought I may suggest a different BC route.

I have the "implanon" birth control implant in my arm since my six week checkup after my daughter was born and i continued to bleed for about 3 months and now that she is close to 6 months i am still spotting a little but not much at all. it lasts for 3 years and i dont have to remember anything to do every day but my daughter likes to poke it when she finds it in my arm. Over all the 1st few months are crazy but after about 5 months its not even noticable.

Took what you're calling the "regular" pills for 10+ years, then after the birth of my third child, my body changed a bit (imagine that!) and my doctor switched me to the "lo" pill. (I think it was "LoOvral"?). I was reluctant, just because it was different than what I was use to taking, but had no problems, and at that time, worked much better for me, as the other had previously. Because of the changes in my body, my periods had gotten longer after my son's birth, whereas they were practically non-existent before. Once I switched, they went back to being very light. Personally, I would not suggest the IUD, as I have had friends with quite negative side effects. I know some women, however, seem to be happy with it. Hope this helps!

i think it depends on what your body can handle. when i was on the regular pill i was depressed and it was awful. on the lo pills i am much more myself. i still have lighter shorter periods but non of the emotional side effects.

My obgyn said with the lo birth controls you need to be using something else with it for it to work (condoms, spermicide, etc.). She said it really is not that effective and if you have to double up you might as well just use the condoms and spermicide instead of the pill.

We use natural family planing / calendar method. But that only works if you are extremely regular.

I use Seasonique (the 3 month pill). I'm not sure if it's the regular or not (I bet it is though). Anyway - I love it. I don't have periods while I'm on it which means I went a year & 1/2 without a period. Dr. says all is good with that. It does help me with my mood swings during that time. I ended up off them for 2 months (long story) and had 2 periods and my husband and kids thought I was going to chew them up and spit them out ! It was bad. Now back on it, I don't have that reaction. This has worked really well for me.

Have you thought about using the Mirena I.U.D? They work quite well and you don't have to remember to take a pill everyday. Prior to my second child, I used the Paragard I.U.D. only it made my periods really long. The Mirena will end up making your period disappear.

rather than the pill, try the Mirena IUD - your doctor inserts it in the office (takes a couple minutes) and you're done for 5 yrs. it is just as easy to remove also (and only one copay!). I had it after my first child, loved it. When I was ready to try for a second child, I had it removed (no different feeling than a pap) and was pregnant within a couple months. Also, you have no period - or very little spotting. Talk to your doc and see what you think. I never have to remember to take anything, order a new script, pick it up . . .

They work great! I couldn't take the full strength pill I used to take - it made me nuts - I think we change hormonally and your old pill might not be the best now anyway. Low dose pills make all symptoms lower and a shorter, lighter period as well. You just need to be good at taking your pill and take it around the same time everyday. And some work better than others. Lo Ovral was a "bleeder" according to my doctor and that is just what I experienced - spotting. I'm on Yaz now.

I take the low dose pill and love it. Though I used to have a lot of cramping each month, now my periods are hardly noticeable! My daughter also takes the low dose pill. She was having really heavy 8-day periods that were really hard on her. Now they last 3-4 days and are very, very light. I should also mention that I used to take the regular pills, so I can honestly compare the 2 and say there IS a difference. Good luck!

I've taken Micronor off and on for years now. I first started taking it after having my DD and used them while BF but when I stopped nursing I switched to different BC methods and never liked any of them. After having my 3rd child 19 mnths ago, I started back on Micronor since I am still BF and I really like it. I'm one of the few who have regular periods while breastfeeding so I have to take some sort of BC and Micronor is a very low dose hormone with only progestin and no estrogen which I like because I don't have a bunch of different hormones going crazy all month and I've been able to tell a BIG difference in my moods and fatigue. I used to feel so tired with my other pills and super moody but not since taking micronor. I just feel "normal".
Here is a link that gives you a little information on Micronor and it also tells you the generic names. I've also taken the jolivette, same effects and it says it's a "less effective" pill but taken regularly you will be fine.http://women.emedtv.com/ortho-micronor/generic-ortho-micr...

I get pregnant VERY quickly and have never "accidentally" gotten pregnant while taken this pill. Good luck to you in your decision.

I love Natural Family Planning: www.creightonmodel.com. I would love to answer any questions you have. It works for everyone (not just if you're very regular.) I've used it for 6 years and I'm not regular. Never had an unplanned pregnancy and have gotten pregnant almost immmediately when wanted.

Hey D.!

I have had both ortho-tri-cylen and now the "lo" and I like the lo A LOT better! My periods are shorter, I'm less crampy and my mood swings are non existant!

I have also tried the nuva ring and really liked it. It is also a lower dose birth control, but I remember better when I have to do something every day.

Good luck in the decision making!

Desiree'