Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain

[Pandabaire]

I took about 5 different formulations of the pill (including OTC and the last 2 being monophasic types) and none of them worked well for me. I had headaches, bad acne, depression, weight gain, and no sex drive. Not my idea of fun.

After the birth of my son in 1997, I was given a copper type IUD (look at my webpage under "An Ectopic Pregnancy: The Failure of my IUD") but 2 years later endured an ectopic pregnancy in which it was removed.

I often get emails asking me what forms of birth control are available to women who don't do so great on the pill. Of course, there is always the diaphram and the cervical cap, but I tell women that the IUD is a great choice. I recommend them to get the Mirena type with the additional hormones that prevent pregnancy.

I also need to update my page when I get more experience with the new bc pills I'm taking called Yasmin. I'm currently on my 4th week of my very first pack so it's really too soon to tell about it.

I had an ititial break out of acne on my chin during week 2, and my breasts have been sore while on the yellow pills, but so far, no bloated feelings or weight gain which was my biggest fear. I'm going to give it about a good 4 to 6 months to see what the outcome is, but so far, so good.

[bigbossy2k]

i've been taking the birthcontrol pills since my marriage (3 years now)the orthotrycyclen ones.

i have a 14 month old daughter now,i continue to use them after her birth...i gained weight using them (not drastically)maybe 3-4 lbs.. and sometimes i do get depressed too but i don't blame it entirely on the pills.
hope you get to know what you were looking for

[Dramaqueen]

I've been on BC for about 8 months. I have probablly had a little bit of weight gain, but not alot. I went up a cup size though, but other than that i's been great.

[fairnymph]

If you don't want to take hormones, the IUD is a great option. I'm getting one myself in a couple weeks (btw, I have not had children either).

The Mirena has hormones like someone mentioned -- but I wouldn't get that, becuase then you aren't getting away from hormones! Go with the copper-T IUD -- hormone free, fewer side effects, and I believe leave it inserted for up to 10 years.

Also, if you are positive you don't want to have kids, has your husband considered getting a vasectomy? They are also about 85% reversible, and I believe sperm could always be taken directly from the testicles, so that could be a good option for you both.

[Raq]

When I decided to go on the pill 3 yrs ago, I asked my gyno for a pill that would not make me gain weight. She gave me Levlite and it's been GREAT! Not only did I NOT gain any weight, the only side effects I had were a little lightheadedness and slight nausea the first 3 days - that's it. I can't say enough about it, but maybe we all react differently to different pills.