Seeking Birth Control Advice

I am currently using NuvaRing after starting out with several different types of the pill when I was younger and then switching to Depoprovera for 2+ years and when I went off Depo, I switched to the patch. Out of all the types I have tried, I like the NuvaRing the best. Keep in mind that yes, it does contain hormones, but different levels. While I was on Depo I was not getting a period, when I came off it, I switched to the patch (which turned out to be too weak for me) and I bled through a lot - clotted a lot and spotted a lot. I told my doctor I needed something new and he agreed, and we tried the pill. I couldn't take it, I was on it for a few months, but my stomach was very upset from the hormones - and I was on a low-estrogen pill. I've been using NuvaRing for over a year and wouldn't switch!
It's nice because there is no daily reminder, you take it out after 3 weeks and put a new one in a week after you take the old one out, and so on. I didn't gain any weight, I'm not moody, I don't get the cramps I used to, and I bleed a lot less than I used to. I still get very tired around my period, but I have a condition (called congestion of the pelvis - means my veins in that particular area are huge and I bleed a lot more than normal women.
When I first tried it, I was hesitant, but I never feel it inside (I did for the first maybe 5 minutes the first time I put it in & that was it) and neither does my husband. I've never had it come out on accident, it doens't come out until I take it out.
The only downside is that you have to take it out with your finger (it's a finger's length inside you) and put a new one in with a little help (from yourself) as well. But, I wash my hands and get on with the day.
I'd say to give it a try for at least two months (because usually the first month is when your body is adjusting to everything) and if you don't like it after that, then at least you tried it.

Have you looked into Natural FAmily Planning/Fertility Awareness? There are really only 10 days a month you are fertile and educating yourself on your body and it's fertility signs greatly reduces your need for birth control. I use barrier methods when fertile and nothing the rest of the time and you can also use it to help you get preggo again when you decide to do that. No hormones and nothing in your body.

The best book is "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Wechsler. They have a website too...www.tcoyf.com

I also got pregnant on the pill with my middle daughter. It was something else too, because I did everything correctly while taking it. My now husband and I were actually broken up when I found out too so what a shock. But, we worked through our troubles and made it. I have heard good things about the ring. A friend of mine just got that a few months ago, and she really says she likes it. Good luck! And congrats on your baby.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Hi N.,
I tried the NuvaRing this past year along with a friend of mine. My Gyne recommended it stating that you either love it or hate it. It was never mentioned that a possible side effect was the loss of sex drive or actually anything sexaully related. That totally happend to myself and my freind. I was on it for about 6 weeks. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Sincerely,
J.

I have been happy with NuvaRing. I can not even tell when it's in. I have been on the pill before, but I am just incapable of remembering to take it every day. I've been through about 3 cycles with it and am happy to report that it also seems to have shortened my period and made the flow lighter. So, I'd say give it a try!

There is the deorvera shot you get it once every 3 months I love it

I have been using the nuvaring for over two years. I have had no problems with it and you can't feel it. You forget it's even in there, so sometimes I worry it slipped out. That is rare to happen, but it did once(but that's out of over two years). I had to switch because this was my last hope. I wasn't getting pregnant on the pill, but I was getting a lot of ovarian cysts do to the fact that I was still ovulating when I shouldn't have. My suggestion is to get the Nuvaring. Everyone is different, you may or may not like it, but it doesn't hurt to try. I aslo would not suggest the patch because they are talking about pulling off the market due to side effects.

I was on the NuvaRing for 4 months, and like Jeanette and her friend lost all desire for sex. Although I loved barely having a period and never felt the ring - for my marriage's sake, I had to discontinue use. Be aware that the ring may disrupt your labeedo, it also caused intercourse to be very painful due to extreme dryness. Just things to watch out for.

I am actually on the Nuva Ring now for the past 2 months. I actually really don't mind it at all. Once you insert it, I can't feel it at all. I am really bad at rememebering to take pills so this really works for me. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me at ____@____.com.

I was on Nuva Ring for about a year and I really liked that it was simple to remember, simple to put in, I could not feel it, etc.
HOWEVER... I am not blaming Nuva Ring, but I want to let you know that it is still a fairly new method and I may be having a potential concern now- I have one daughter 6 yrs old and have been trying for the past 10 months to get pregnant with a second child, which I have not be able do to. My husband has had all manner of testing done to determine fertility (with his first wife) and has recently undergone a few more tests to be sure... we still are not conceiving and I wonder if it is not a side effect of the Nuva Ring.
I don't mean to scare you, but that is a concern that I have. Of course, I was on the patch for a year prior to that, so it could also be that or a fertility issue with me, but I couldn't help but mention it!
-A.

Hello
I'm your opposite I had 2 boys the last 2yrs n I 2 want 2 wait 2 try 4 my girl. I started feeling very low n angry on the pill so I tried the nuvaring n I had the your same concernse will I feel it n how do I know I put it in right. But when I tried it it was fine I didn't feel it b putting it in was easy n I wish I didn't get the same sympthoms as with the pill. I got a lot of reasponse from other moms when I asked about it. If u click my name it will show u the ? I've asked n u can see wgat other moms had 2 say about the nuvaring.
Good luck

What type of birth control were you on and did you take any antibiotics or any mother medication that would reduce the effectiveness of the BC? That is how I got pregnant with my daughter. I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen for 5 years and got pregnant with her! But I was taking heavy antibiotics at the time for a nasty Upper Respiratory Infection.

I was on Nuva Ring and I loved it but it made me extremely tired so I had to stop that one. You never feel it in you, nor did my husband feel it either.

I loved Loestrin 24 GREAT PILL, but I had to switch to Yaz for certain reasons.

Here is a few web site that list what can interfere with your birth control

http://www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/Instruct-Pill.htm

Good Luck!

D.

I'm a big fan of the NuvaRing. I was on DepoProvera for 4.5 years, and I HATED it. I gained more weight than I did pregnant, and when it was time for a shot, I was very moody and depressed. The only upside was no period for 4.5 years. I then switched to the Patch for 3 years. I still have little squares on my butt from the last cycle. I was sensitive to the adhesive, and the last 6 cycles I used it for I had super heavy and clotty periods. I got pregnant the month I stopped using the patch. I got NuvaRing when I went in for my 6 week checkup, and have had it for 5 cycles now. I never feel it, my husband says he doesn't either. My periods are very light, and much shorter than before. I love not having to remember anything daily or weekly.

**Edited to add the following:

The pill, patch, and ring do indeed contain the same type of hormone combination as mentioned in another post, but they do NOT contain similar amounts. Because of the time-released administration of the Patch and Ring, they are able to give a lower, consistent dose. With the pill, you have a spike of hormones every day, followed by a low point when you are due for the next dose. It is this oscillation that bothers people more than the actual hormones. It is only after you go to your placebo week that the levels of hormones are the same with ring/patch vs pill. The ring is able to have an even lower dose than the patch because it is absorbed through a mucous membrane into the blood stream rather than the skin (plus you only put one in so there is no oscillation). With the patch, the skin still does a bit of filtering and destroying as it is a protective organ. The stomach, though, does the most which is one reason why pills have the highest daily dose of hormones.

I could never remember to take the pill everyday, so I switched and tried several other methods.

NUVARING... most women do not experience problems with this. I couldn't feel it, but if you lead an *ahem* experiemental or very playful sex life, you may have difficulties. I slipped out during intercourse for me... and my doctor had inserted it because I was worried I'd do it wrong. It's easy to use, but it just didn't work with my body.

THE SHOT... I liked this method the best - once every three months. I wasn't insured and got mine through Planned Parenthood... $80/shot and the first time you go in, you pay I think $30 for a birth control evaluation (the PP Express Centers do not to an exam). I did gain a few pounds, but that may have been more from stress (and the comfort eating that goes with it).

THE PATCH... I couldnt use the patch... I found out while using it that I'm allergic to the adhesive :(

You can find more information on the birth control available... from condoms to the ring to IUD's to Sterilization... at Planned Parenthood's site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/birth-control-pregnancy/...

You sound exactly like me! Except I had 2 boys in the last 2 years. I had baby #1 on the pill and I tried Nuva ring last year and had baby #2! My husband and I need a few years before we have another and nothing seems to stop us fron getting pregnant. I am currently using and IUD. Mirena is good for 5 years and can be taken out at any time if you'd like to try earlier. There is quite a bit of cramping the first months, but smooth sailing after that. No pills to remember and It even shortens periods.
As far as being pregant for 2 years and putting on weight, I completely understand. I spent a lot of time on bed rest. There is a great doctor in the crystal lake area who has a very successful weight loss program. Similar to weight watchers, but includes meds and is paid for by insurance. Dr. Palanca is great. Hope this helps.

I have been using the Nuca Ring for 2 months after being on the pill for 10 years. I love it!

You will think you can feel it for a couple days. But after that you won't even notice it.

Have your Dr give you a sample for the first month. If you visit the Nuva ring web site, you can get a "coupon" for a free one. So you will have 2 months free trial! Good luck

I don't have any really good advice. I just wanted to make sure you know that the patch, pill, and ring all use the same combination of hormones all in similar amounts, so if the pill is not effective for you they may not work either.

Have you considered a different route like a diaphragm? It's kind of a pain, but you are relying on the barrier and spermicide rather than the hormones so it may be effective for you. Good luck!
Just wanted to add:
I should have been more specific. As another poster mentioned, the dose of hormones in Nuvaring is lower. This is because the bioavailability of the hormones in the ring is greater. The AMOUNT of hormone that actually works in the body and is not lost to metabolism is the same. So, if you find that the pill wasn't enough to prevent pregnancy for you, the ring may also not be enough. Keep in mind even slight stomach upset (diarrhea, vomiting) can make the pill ineffective, so maybe that is a possibilty of what happened with you? The website to the Nuvaring is here: www.nuvaring.com. If you access the provider information you can see the specifics on metabolism and the amount of hormones working in the body.

I began using the Nuvaring about a month ago. So far I haven't had any problems. I did feel it after an "energetic" night of intimacy, but you just need to put it back in. I have read, that it is ok to remove it during intercourse, as long as it's replaced within 3 hours.

That said, I do believe that if you're concerned about taking a hormone form of contraceptive because of failure of your birth control pills, I would consider something like an IUD. They are supposed to be safe nowadays and are effective for several years at a time.