Birth Control - Pacoima, CA

You can go to this link for the FDA and it gives a list of different forms of birth control and some info about each. Here's the link: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/brthcon.html
Good luck!

I am kind of in the same situation as you. I haven't tried an IUD yet, but I want to. Have you tried Mirena?? It's also an IUD. I was on the BC patch for a while and thats ok. Kinda like the pill but you only have to change it once a week. I was better about remembering to change it once a week instead of everyday. It worked for me for a while. Good Luck!!

The patch was too strong for me. Had it on for 3 days...loved the idea...but was nauseated and lousy so took it off.

Am now trying the pill...low dose.

Good luck.

The NuvaRing worked well for me.

I'm using a diaphragm and like it. No hormones to cause cancer, no copper to irritate my uterus. Only thing that it does is lessen spontanaeity, but with kids we usually have to plan it out anyways.

The only option that I can think of is DepoProvera. You get a shot every 12 weeks so do not have to remember very often. It is one of the two options given to me by my midwife while I am nursing.

We use (when I'm not pregnant or trying to get pregnant) VCF. It's cheap and it works AMAZING. They'll send you a free sample. it took me 2-3 times the first time to get it in right, but I'm a pro now. You can get 12 of them for like $8 at CVS or Longs as well. It's 94% effective and I've had itching issues with other spermacides, but I've had NO reactions with this. It's odorless, tasteless and there is no discharge. It's active for up to 4 hours and takes 15 minutes to activate...which gets me a little foreplay. :)

http://www.vcf-contraceptive.com/sample.asp

If you are BFing then many of the hormonal pills and injections can be rough on the baby, especially a boy with all of that estrogen.

Read the book Taking Charge of my Fertility. It teaches a natural way to know when you are ovulating. It is also just a great book for every woman to read. It teaches you all about how your body functions as a woman and makes you feel normal.

Hi Carmern,

Don't worry your not alone. My best birth has been condoms, I tried everything just like you. I have grown to liking them anyway,they have worked for us and when we decided to have another child we simply didn't use any. Theres no side effects and its clean cause you won't have any mess ... besides my husband last longer too!!!haha

Good Luck...

hi C.. read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. about half the book is devoted to natural family planning. the book teaches you how to get to know your cycle and when you are and are not ovulating etc. it helped me get pregnant and i'm sure it will help you with the opposite. good luck!!!

i also have used the nuvaring for several years and have had no issues with that... you just insert it for up to four weeks and then take it out and put in a new one after you start your period. it's not available in generic, so depending on your insurance, it could be expensive.

good luck!!!
L. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Reprod...

hi, i just started yaz, its great! it actually made me loose 5 pounds in a month and a half! www.heavenlyhooked.com

Have you tried the Depo-Provera injection? You only get one every 3 months. Here's some info on it. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/contra...

I've been using Nuva-Ring for almost a year and I'm very happy with it. It's way easier than the pill or the patch.

Nuva ring is amazing!!!
Low hormones, you put it in and don't think about it for 3 weeks and then take it out for a week and begin again.
I love it!

Ask your doctor about Nuva Ring. You don't even know it's there and you only have to change it once a month. Plus the hormones are absorbed internally instead of orally so it really cut down the nausea for me.
But whatever you do stay away from the "seasonal" varieties where you only get your period 3 or 4 times a year. These have been shown to increase your risk of blood clots, and in worst case scenarios those clots have led to death. Who says you need your period once a month? Every woman's body, that's all.
Good luck!

I used the pill for many years but often forgot to take it and ended up pregnant. after having my son i went to the patch for a few years. it was fine for me. it was only once a week to remember for 3 weeks out of the month. there is also a surgically implanted thing that can go in your arm. not sure what it is called, but you can see it thru the skin. there are many more options today than there were a few years ago. research them all before making a decision.
good luck

Have you considered the Depo Provera shot? It was fabulous for me! I started with it after the birth of my second son. It is a shot every 3 months, which was great for me, b/c I tended to forget a daily pill. Other Plus... NO periods, no hassle. You do have to make sure you get your shot EVERY 3 months on time though or else you have to do a pregnancy test before you can get the next shot. This was super easy and great for me. I was just taken off the shot...regrettably... I was on for 5 years, but new studies have shown that they are recommending a 2 yr Max b/c it may deplete some calcium from your bones if on continuoulsy for too long. My Dr. Said he has been giving it to women for over 10 yrs and has seen no adverse effects...but better safe than sorry...so he said get off... for 2 yrs..then if I want I can go back on again after 2 years. I opted to try the IUD...which so far is working for me. The shot was great though! Think about it! Cindy

Check with your OB/GYN. There are a lot of other types of birth control methods. There are quarterly injections that work well especially since you forget to take the pill.

I know the diaphragm might be considered old-fashioned, but it has worked for me for more than 15 years. After a while you can put that thing in as fast as you can blink! I like knowing that I am not altering my body with chemical hormones. You could also combine this with some natural planning methods- for some more "free" and spontaneous times in the safe part of the month.
S.

I've been using the NuvaRing for over a year, which a flexible ring that you put inside yourself once a month. Easy to remember and I haven't experienced any negative side effects.

you can try the patch or the depo shot. the patch is a patch that you stick on and change it once a week and the shot is good for 3 months.

Hi C.,

I like you was looking for the "alternative" birth control. Since raising two teenage daughters has left me with no brain anymore (forgetting to take my birth control pills as well)I tried the Nuva-Ring. I LOVE IT!!! You put it in (very easy) the day or two after you finish your period and just leave it in till the next month!! You take it out during the week you have your period. NO BRAINER!! The best part is no thinking involved (which is good for us busy moms!) and my husband can't feel a thing ( I have heard that they can with the Diaphram). Hope this helps!! Good luck to you!!

C. C.

Ask your doctor about Nuva Ring. Nice alternative to the pill.

I just wanted to say good for you for not doing anything permanent to your body. I had two girls and was very sure I was done and still am very sure. I had a Tubal Ligation (tubes tied) when my 2nd was born via c-section and began having horrible problems right away. I went 18 months with long painful heavy periods, consistent pain and pressure in my sides, painful ovulation with heavy urine like fluid coming out of me. I was dry and itchy, sex was painful and I had no libido. My doctor wanted to put me on a ton of medicine including the pill. I began researching long term side effects of Tubal Ligation and all over the internet are website that talk about PTLS or Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. Something I didn't know about and was not told about. All of my symptoms were on there. The only way to get rid of the symptoms is to have a tubal reversal. I did so a month ago and feel as normal as I did before I got pregnant the first time. I am and have been a naturalist for many years but I thought TL would have been fine. No one told me about PTLS but luckily I am intune with my body and had a feeling that my problems were due to the TL. I am so glad that there was a solution for it but so sad that I went through so much for 21 months. We are now going to use the Natural Family Planning and withdrawl method. We did that before and in between my pregnancies and should have continued it. I am scared to try any hormone birth control methods after what I have been through.

I wish you the best and thank you for listening. If anyone reading this has any questions about PTLS please feel free to send me a private post. I would be glad to lead you in the right direction and answer any questions. I am now the research queen on Tubal Ligation and PTLS.

D.

Hi C.,

Check with the Dr...they have shots and so many other things out there now!

Good Luck
K.

The Ring!!! Nuvaring was the best thing that ever happend to me. It's simple to use, no remembering to take a pill everyday. You just put it in and leave it there for three weeks. Simple and easy. I have four boy's and don't have time for pills, I hated the Depo shot. You can't feel it durring intercourse and if you need to you can take it out for up to 3 hours.

There is a great book called, "A Cooperative Method of Natural Birth Control" by Margaret Nofziger. I've also seen other books on natural birth control. This awesome method requires no alteration of your natural body or hormones, no condoms etc. It may be the way for you.

Please don't poison your body with chemicals and injections.

Although I have not personally used it, my sister swears by "the patch". It looks kind of like the ones people use to quit smoking, but smaller. She puts it in a spot under her underclothing and she says it is easy and she doesn't have any side effects either. I'm sure there is a medical name for it but I can't remember. She just calls it "the patch". Good luck!

If you don't mind the hormones of the pill, I loved the NuvaRing. It has the lowest level of hormone available because it goes in the vagina. You wear it for three weeks and throw it away, get a period, and put a new one in. I never felt it, and neither did my husband during sex. A friend of mine used to take hers out and wash it everyday, which you can do but it isn't necessary. I wouldn't touch mine for the three weeks and it was fine. Most OB/GYN's really recommend it because it is the lowest dose and you only have to remember once every 3 weeks.

I use Depo Provera. It's a shot you get every 3 months.

I love it! I'm usually afraid of needles, but it's a tiny one, and it's in your butt, so it really doesn't hurt much. Plus, I haven't had a single period since I started using it 10 years ago. It's also not very expensive.

If you decide to have more kids, just stop getting the shots, and you should have no problem.

If you're nursing your baby boy this won't work for you, but if not my suggestion would be the Nuvaring. It's a small flexible plastic ring you place inside your vagina yourself. You leave it in for 3 weeks and on the fourth week it's removed and your period begins. I've used it before and did like it. It's easy to remember and worry free since you don't do anything once it's in. It can take a little practice to put in so it's comfortable. The other good thing is that it doesn't matter how it's placed, it will still be effective. Essentially you can't put it in the wrong place, like say a diaphragm. I would be on this myself, but again you can't use it while nursing. They also include little reminder stickers for your calendar. Good luck!

PS - I take the mini pill because of nursing. It can be hard to remember to take it, but my doc told me my only other options would be the IUD or Depo shot. I set my cell phone with an alarm specifically for that purpose and my husband is also helpful with reminders! I'm always a little nervous about conceiving again, but we usually add other levels of protection just in case.

I have been using the nuvaring and I love it because like you, I too have a hard time remembering to take the pill. The Nuvaring is great because you insert it for three weeks and then just take it out for one week. You can even have sex with it in. I love it!

Hi. Well before I got pregnant with my last child I was on the Depo. It stops you from having your period most of the time and you only have to go into the doctor every 3 months. Only thing is that you might end up gaining weight. As long as you are active I'm sure you'll be okay. Then when you want to get pregnant again you stop taking the depo and your cycle will go back to normal sooner or later.

NuvaRing has been great for me for 2 years. You only have to think about it 2x a month and once you get used to inserting it, it is so easy.

One word: Nuvaring

Simply one of the easiest forms of birth control on the planet. I love it!

hi C.....your other options can be contraceptive patch or vaginal ring / dmpa injection every three months...however, you should discuss it with your ob/gyn, as all the hormonal birth control have advantages and disadvantages...your md should be able to help you as he knows your medical/family history....if any contraindication to any of these BCM...you should not seek advice from others because each woman reacts differently to all these BCM...one that is suitable for you might not be ok with others. For example, the paragard IUD is a popular BCM in our practice and only few women have problems with this but obviously did not work for you. Good luck...I hope with the help of your provider you will be able to find the most effective and suitable BCM .

Hello C. I have the same problem remembering to take the pill so i went on the depo shot. you get a shot every 12 weeks it was great the only thing is you will not have a period while on the shot for me it was great some women did like that good luck

why dont you try the shot? it gets given every three months. thats what i did. because i knew i would heve trouble remembering a pill. you will also have a decrease your period to the point you may not have one at all. although it could take up to a year after comming of the pill to have a regular cycle again.

i use the ring. I think it's great it's like the patch but you insert it for 3wks and for the 4th take it out to have your period so you don't have to worry about it daily. And the best part is, is that you don't even feel it.

Hi C.!

Look into NFP...it has worked for us for over 20 years.

Requires diligence for you and your husband but you both will become closer if you work together. We are more intimate as a result..and no more chemicals!

www.nfpandmore.org/

You will get a lot of negative people who have failed at this...just be open to reading about it and giving it a try.

Blessings,

C. R

Hi C.,

I agree that the nuva ring is fabulous! I used it for a long time and it was wonderful, you don't even have to think about it for three weeks. And it relieved my cramps like no other kind has. I highly recomend it. Good luck!

I have been using Nuvaring for the last 9 months and love it. It's super easy to use. You insert it and it stays in for 21 days. You remove it around the same time of day as you inseted it and leave it out for 7 days. I usually start my period 3 days after removing the ring. My periods have been pretty managable despite the occasional headaches. You insert a new ring after 7 days even if you still have your period. It usually comes with stickers that say "in" and "out" with a space for the date. I stick these on my calendar for an easy reminder. The only drawback is the price. I have a $50 copay wich is pretty steep but worth it to stay worry free and baby free for now.

Dear C.,

Your body was doing you a favor by rejecting the IUD. In many countries in Europe, IUDs are outlawed because they have been linked to later development of reproductive cancers and other long-term side effects.

Consider a diaphragm or cervical cap. They are easy to insert and remove, and they have a good track record for reliability. Even better, they don't mess with your natural hormonal balance like the Pill does. (I have seen plenty of women in my practice whose reproductive health has become dysfunctional by taking the Pill long-term.)Ask your OB-GYN for more information.

Best to you,

S. I., L.Ac.
Lotus Wellspring Healthcare
456 E. Mission Road, Suite 100
San Marcos, CA 92069
###-###-####
____@____.com
www.lotuswellspring.com

Hi C., I hate the pill too. My Dr. suggested the Nuvaring... I used this for almost a year. It is easy to use and very comfortable. You replace it once a month and it worked. The only thing I noticed was that you can feel it during sex... which may not be a bad thing.

M.

i have 4 children and i understand about choosing a good birth control method. i have used condoms but there are moments when it can be uncomfortable, i was also on the pill once but kicked that to the curb when i got pregnant with my second child unexpectedly, i went even as far as getting the depo shot every 3 months but it made it impossible to lose weight. so i ended up giving the spermicide capsules a try after i had my last child (may 2007) and well, that seemed to work the best for me, it can be a little messy for the aftermath...but it was well worth it. pads just ended up becoming my best friend :-) plus...it gives extra lubracation without the annoyance of rubbers, no sticky adhesives from patches and no hormonal glitches. plus if you choose to have another kids, you just stop using it. i personally think its a great thing but to know what works best for you is to see what you are more comfortable with and what works best for you.

If you have no problems with artificial hormomes I highly recommend the Nuvaring. You put it in much like a tampon, leave it there for 3 weeks, take it out to have a period and put a new one in a week later. My husband said he only noticed it once or twice in the beginning but it was fine.
I was unable to continue using it personally because my body reacts poorly to artificial hormones (this has the lowest possible dose and is localized since it's "right there" so this was my last choice before using something non-hormonal). I also ran into the problem of my dr was trying to help me have no periods so I was wearing them full time and found myself bleeding more than I wasn't, I would avoid doing that with them until you've been on them a few months if you choose that option.
If I had not had my personal problems with the artifical hormones I'd still be using them today. Absolutely worth checking out!

Dearest C.,
I to was forgetting to take the pill on a daily basis and had irregular periods. My OBGYN, nurse practioner suggested the IUD Mirena. I loved it. I had it inserted last summer and forgot about it. No more worries about forgetting the pill and possibly getting pregnant and also no more irregular periods. With Mirena, my periods got regular and less instense. I barely even used a pantiliner which was awesome. I just had it removed, about a month ago, my husband and I are trying for our third child. But afterwards, I do plan on getting Mirena IUD inserted again.
good luck
E.M.

hi C. ,
I have been told the nuvoring is great . I was on the patch for a year and my family and friends noticed a differents in my personality . I became more agressive and i was not my happy cheerful self . I went back to the pill and i am happy as can be but my sister told me about this nuvoring . She said that all of her friends are on it and they just love it . Good luck i am sure u will find something that is right for you .

Try an IUD again. I had the same thing happen, yet have been a happy user of the Mirena IUD for almost 5 years. I am going to get it replaced with the same one, it was so good to be. Not to mention with the paraguard, it is a copper based IUD with no hormones, and it actually increases your mentrual cycle effect, (ie. bleeding, cramping, sometimes even length of cycle). The Mirena has actually decreased all of these for a lot of people, and was ok for me to have even though I get migraines.

Would it be possible for you to try another brand of IUD? I have a Mirena and I have had it in for 2 years and I love it. I would recommend trying something you are comfortable with and pills have never been easy to remember to take.
Good luck,
M.

I have a friend who raves about the Nuva Ring. She's an OBGYN and it's a once a month birth control. Best wishes.

Hi C.. I have to say I have tried alot of different birth controls and the Nuvaring has been the best for me. Like you, I would forget to take the pill everyday, thus my first child was concieved. But the ring is great. You put it in and it's just there working all month until you have to take it out. It's alot easier to remember once a month than everyday. It comes with a little electronic thing that alerts you when it's time to take it out. I don't use that, I just write down on my calendar when I need to put it in and when to take it out. It's whatever works for you. I love it. Hope you find the one that works for you! Good luck.