any advice regarding the best birth control methods?

[Alameda]

Maybe this has been already discussed over and over, but a search didn't bring anything up.

I don't have to worry about this now, boy am I glad for that. I have a young friend who asked me for advice on birth control methods. I really should know the latest and best methods so I can offer information and advice to my younger friends.

In my time, I've gone through pills, IUD, diaphragm....all had problems and issues. The diaphragm didn't work. the IUD caused horrible problems, and the birth control pills had their own problems.

What do ladies do now? Are there any new wonderful methods?

[TxDemChem]

1. I've been on the depo shot for almost 13 years now

I chose it because I was never able to keep the pills down and I have endometriosis. It has been wonderful. Now I did spot for about 9 months right after I started getting it, but then I had no periods afterwards for about 11 years. I've had two instances of periods this year (one in early spring and the last about a month ago) I personally love it. It does require that you get the injection every 3 months, but that's about it as far as inconvenience goes.

And now that it is covered by insurance, I no longer pay $96 per injection.

[Alameda]

2. No period for 11 years???

...and it is a 3 month shot? Don't you worry about the effects of that? What are the successful pregnancy statistics when the shot is discontinued?

I have found that hormones that effect ovulation, also effect sexual desire and gratification, as when we are ovulating, we are more receptive in all ways.

[TxDemChem]

3. There seems to be no problems ovulating afterwards.

All the ladies in my family (except my grandma) have been on it for a decade at a time and they all still conceived later - including an aunt who was just starting menopause and got off because she thought she didn't need it. I've heard that it can affect your sex drive, but we've been fortunate there as well. Hubby hasn't noticed anything either.

But i was the only one who had the spotting side effect, or any side effect for that matter. It will affect everyone individually.

Although I must say I enjoyed wearing all sorts of white and cream colored pants and capris and never having to worry. I put my 16 year old on it last month for her endo.

[Alameda]

4. does she have

endometriosis too?

[TxDemChem]

5. Unfortunately, the five generations of us

My daughter, me, my mom, grandma and great grandma all have had it. Both grandmas are post menopausal now, but it was pretty bad for them as well.