Would you like to hear some perhaps useful birth control experience?

[NoSheep]

Okay. I took the pill-gave me migraines, fat, lowered sex drive, leg cramps, etc. Besides, it made me very emotionally vulnerable. Crying jags, etc.
Then I got a diaphragm-didn't use it.
Then I did rhythm-didn't need it because I was mostly inactive.
Too scared to get an IUD.
Figured the patches, implants etc would be just like the pill (hormones)
THEN!!!!!!!! I discovered a GEL (used to be called advantage or something) now it's just called ortho contraceptive cream. comes in individual tubes like tampons. Get it at the drug store. Fairly inexpensive. Had a very active intimate life now for about 10 years and everything has been great. The stuff works for me with NO side effects. Some say it increases risk of UTI if you are susceptible. My doctor says this is avoidable if you always pee after sex. (sorry if that sounded indelicate-works for me)
But here's the thing: I don't think many people know how good this stuff is. I never see articles about it in women's magazines and no advertising. It could be the answer to many problems that other forms cause. Hell, use a condom with it (like you should if you are not monogamous) and it's even more effective.
Just thought someone might find this useful. I saw the migraine thread and remembered how bad mine were when I took the pill. I'm so glad I found out about this stuff.:shrug:

[skygazer]

1. Elaine on Seinfeld was all about the sponge

"Is he sponge-worthy?" - always cracked me up.

[NoSheep]

2. Yeah, they're kinda pricey if I remember right.

;)

[NoSheep]

3. Kicking in case somebody needs it!

:kick:

[yardwork]

4. Always use a condom

Gel or foam or whatever moves around. It is not 100% effective against pregnancy and it does nothing at all to protect you from disease.

It's not just HIV. There is hepatitis, herpes, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, all kinds of nasty things. Some are fatal. Some are incurable. Some have zero symptoms (especially in women) and you can have them for years and not even know it, until they've spread and caused cancer or serious health problems or death.

This is not hysteria. This is the truth. Sorry to sound like a nag, but you're playing russian roulette if you don't use condoms.

[xmas74]

5. I have tried gel before.

Now I have an IUD (though I don't need it-no use for it). The first 48 hours there was some slight cramping since your body has to get used to having a foreign object there consistently. Otherwise, it has been wonderful. If someone asked me and they were in a monogamous relationship, I would absolutely recommend it.

[Book Lover]

6. Does it contain nonoxynol-9?

Many people, including myself, can't use creams, jells, etc, because of (very common) allergic reactions to nonox-9.

[Mrs_Beastman]

7. I've heard of it, but have never seen it in a drug store

so how early do you have to insert it before you have sex?

[NoSheep]

17. I have used it 2 hrs before and immediately before

[Mrs_Beastman]

25. thanks

[gollygee]

8. I'm allergic to the gel

but I love my IUD

Every woman is different and we hopefull can all find a birth control method that works for us. I'm glad you found something :)

I had the terrible migraines with birth control pills too - it got so bad I ended up with a mild stroke before I figured out it was the pills causing them, plus I turned into a raving psychopath, which is its own special form of birth control. I will never take anything with hormones in it again.

[radwriter0555]

9. I don't know why the IUD scares you. It works PERFECT, I don't feel

a thing, there are no chemicals or hormones or anything screwing up my system; it's completely inert, painless and risk free, and believe me, I did the research.

I mean I REALLY did the research.

Doesn't cost a dime, no maintenance, no worries, no side effects, no problems, no shopping, no pharmacist, no judgements; just a simple, easy, long term, completely safe and reliable solution to a serious issue.

I couldn't recommend any birth control device more than an IUD!

[oregonjen]

14. A neighbor's IUD ruptured her uterus. THAT is why I won't even consider

it. Nope, no way. She is a perfectly healthly woman and had that happen to her. She had it taken out and won't go near one again.

[Book Lover]

15. Please consider that perforations are very rare

I agree with the pro-IUD folks. As for my own personal choice, once I have my final child, I'm getting the non-hormonal copper one. They are very safe, notwithstanding your neighbor's unfortunate experience, and very widely used globally as well as in the US.

[DrDebug]

20. I used to do datamanagement for clinical trials

One of the things tested was IUDs. You don't want to know what happened to the women who used it. Extreme bleeding. Pregnancies from losing the IUD. Wounds. Lots of adverse events. But it wasn't stastically significant enough, so it's on the market.

Glad I'm out of that field, but - trust me - if you have seen the case report forms than you know that an IUD is the one of the worst contraceptives around. It maybe easy but the risks of something going wrong is big. And the same for pregnancies. For some reason a lot of IUDs went missing or dropped out in the toilet or the shower.

[bleedingheart]

10. I had my husband fixed...

now he is more calm, doesn't mark his territory and no pregnancy worries.

[uppityperson]

13. hahahahahha

very good

[NoSheep]

18. LOL!!!!

[greeneyedpookie]

22. my hubby will do the same

he doesn't want me pumped full of hormones. says it will make the sex drive go bye-bye, and we do not want that! ;-)

once we have the kiddo's that we want, he will do the deed. now that is love!!!

GEP

:bounce:

[katinmn]

24. Hee Hee!

good one.:thumbsup:

[bearfan454]

11. It tastes terrible.

ha ha.

[liontamer]

21. that's my issue with a lot of birth control too

seriously, I can't wrap my head around using birth control that so hinders sexual pleasure.

[uppityperson]

12. Spermicidal goo (jelly, cream, foam) an alternative

It's not as effective as pills/other hormones or IUD, can be comperable to diaphram and rhythm (depending on how well you use them), very good in combo with condoms, or with rhythm method and much better than nothing or the diaphram in the case method. It's fast and easy to use. Some people (both male and female) have urethral irritation so make sure everyone involved pees afterwards. And, no hormones. I'm not sure what long term side effects on cervix is, but it seems better than using spermicide held in place by a diaphram for 6 hrs. I used this too for quite a while without getting pregnant. Finally did get pregnant, briefly, before having an extremely heavy period with cramping 6 wks later.

[tammywammy]

16. My Gyno wouldn't give me an IUD

She said she doesn't give them to women until after childbirth; and I was 21 or 22 when I asked about it.

So, I switched from the pill to the patch. The patch was fine, it does stick for a week. But you know, the edges would get dirty, and I didn't like wearing it when I felt it was dirty. And you can't put soap or lotion over it or it will fall off.

So, then I switched to the NuvaRing. I love the ring. You put it in, and you can't feel it or anything, and 3 weeks later you take it out. My doc also said that the ring is approved for constant usage (no period, just put in another ring). (Though, I know it's been common for women to skip periods by continually taking the pill, the ring was actually approved for this). I don't skip my period, but it's nice knowing that if I'm going on vacation that week I can skip it.

[belladonna]

19. I'm considering the ring myself

Due to some health issues, they had to yank my IUD out last week. Fiance and I HATE condoms, but we're using them til I figure out a better alternative. Can you tell me a little more about it?

[katinmn]

23. depro provera is also a good option. One shot four times a year.

It's especially good for athletes. There was some initial weight gain.