Alternative forms of birth control - Birth Control Message Board

KaraKaraKara · 10-14-2005, 05:38 PM

I'm going to see my boyfriend soon, who is out of state and I am not on birth control. Our relationship started out pretty serious so I went to my Ob/gyn to get birthcontrol. I was only on it for about a month because of the side effects. I did not gain weight, but I allways felt nautious, had headaches, NO libido (sp?) and the main reason was I was actually becoming DEPRESSED. So, I decided to stop taking it. My boyfriend doesnt really like condoms, but I'm sure he'll use them if necessary. Are there any other forms of birthcontrol, that may be effective?

Ive heard of the temperature method and the calender method, but how effective are those and are there any others? The pull out method I heard is SOME WHAT effective, but then i'll allways be living in fear of that one time when its not. Neither of us want to have babies, we want to be safe, but birth control pills are not working out.

eklektika · 10-14-2005, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaraKaraKara

I'm going to see my boyfriend soon, who is out of state and I am not on birth control. Our relationship started out pretty serious so I went to my Ob/gyn to get birthcontrol. I was only on it for about a month because of the side effects. I did not gain weight, but I allways felt nautious, had headaches, NO libido (sp?) and the main reason was I was actually becoming DEPRESSED. So, I decided to stop taking it. My boyfriend doesnt really like condoms, but I'm sure he'll use them if necessary. Are there any other forms of birthcontrol, that may be effective?

Ive heard of the temperature method and the calender method, but how effective are those and are there any others? The pull out method I heard is SOME WHAT effective, but then i'll allways be living in fear of that one time when its not. Neither of us want to have babies, we want to be safe, but birth control pills are not working out.

Kara my dear you must do some more research!! I don't know who you've been talking to! Pull out method, temp., and calender method are so not safe!! Please don't try anyone of those.....and even if you are on birth control you should still be using a condom for the risk of getting an std....even if you trust your guy do you really want to take the risk of living with an std for the rest of your life??

As far as BC goes everyone is different and will react differently and it may take time to find the one that suits you best. The ones i hear the best about are alesse, nuva ring (which i'm on), seasonal, the patch (didn't work for me), and otho tricyclne....there are also some nonhormonal methods out there......do your research there is a lot of info on there.....but just so you know most BC aren't fully effective for the first 3 months so you will want to use a back up contraceptive (ie. condom) as well. Good luck!

BorderGirl · 10-15-2005, 02:40 PM

I disagree. Temping and checking cm for birth control is very effective. Just as effective as the pill in fact.
The "but" comes in with diligence. If you aren't diligent taking the pill, you are still probably somewhat protected against pregnancy. But if you aren't diligent with fertility awareness, that means you are by definition having sex at a very dangerous time.
The method is not difficult. But you should practice for 3 cycles before relying on it to prevent pregnancy. I would suggest picking up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and if you want stricter rules I would then read The Art of Natural Family Planning (not such an easy read). There are some gynecologists out there who will work with you, read your charts, etc. But you will probably have to call around to find one that is supportive. I find having a doctor look over my charts is good reassurance. But its not strictly necessary. Just read the book, practice until you are comfortable that you can identify your fertile times.
My first month charting I was like "CM? What cm??" But my second cycle everything fell into place and now whenever I am off the pill I chart my cycles. I don't know why they don't teach women this important info about their bodies! If nothing else, you should learn about it for empowerment.