Birth control poll

[Imua 0]

I am curious about what form of birth control do you use if you are going to be separated from your SO for a long time and only see each other for a few weeks at a time. I recently went back on the pill after years of being off it because condoms are too much of a PITA. I am a little concerned about long term effect of hormones especially when we may be separated for another 11 months when I come back seeing as VSC is dragging their azz... So I am curious about how others manage the BC situation.

Edited May 17, 2008 by Pattu Rani

[Alex & Rachel 78]

The pill. I start the month before I'm going to see him and end it a couple of weeks afterwards. I'd actually just like to stay on the pill throughout the year, but I'm saving supplies! No bad side effects so far...

[bora bora 1]

We're together now, but I've been on the pill for years. I used it to regulate my period so it's not just for the BC aspect. I used it when we were apart too.

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

I take the pill as well.

I want to enjoy the little time we spend together without having to worry about BC, so I just stay one the pill all the time (also to avoid hormonal imbalances - mood swings sucks )

[Dr. Obvious 49]

We did condoms a long time ago.

My husband had a vasectomy shortly before he moved to the US.

[Imua 0]

Maybe I will do what most of you guys are doing and just take the pill while with Govi and then stop when I come back, though I am tempted to stay on it just because lately my periods have been really painful - I only have a $5 copay so cost is not an issue but since I am (just) over 40 I am wondering how risky it is to be on hormones long term.

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Pull and pray

Just saw that!

[Nessa 23]

none

[Nessa 23]

Edited May 17, 2008 by Nessa

[Nessa 23]

ah, wth, I was a virgin and on our honeymoon we made love. It was very nice, he was such a gentleman, he even cried on our first time.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Maybe I will do what most of you guys are doing and just take the pill while with Govi and then stop when I come back, though I am tempted to stay on it just because lately my periods have been really painful - I only have a $5 copay so cost is not an issue but since I am (just) over 40 I am wondering how risky it is to be on hormones long term.

Is it worth discussing it with your doctor? The pill can reduce the risk of certain things and slightly raise the risk of others, depending on personal circumstance and the type of pill being taken; your doctor should be able to better inform you on the specifics. I use the pill solely for contraceptive purposes and when the doctor was quizzing me and found out that I was in a long distance relationship it was she who actually recommended only going on it when I was going to be seeing my fiancé.

Honestly, though, I am looking forward to being on the pill long-term; it makes my periods more regular and less painful, too.

[ELW 5]

The pill seems like the best short-term option for you. Since it is short term I wouldn't worry about the chemicals.

When hubby first came to USA, I took the Depo-Provera shot. The only side affect I had was irritating spotting for a few weeks; then there was no more periods. One has to take the shot every 3 months. My co-worker has been taking it for 8 years due to bleeding troubles she had, though I hear one shouldn't take it for too long (over two years or so). She said she hasn't noticed any side effects at all (she is totally active) and she's had no periods since starting it! (She's 48 now.)

I had the Essure procedure done 3 months after hubby came, because I wanted permanent birth control. (http://www.essure.com/) It was great, just an outpatient procedure with no cutting and no pain, and I don't have to take drugs for BC ever again! No side effects except my periods have longer gaps than before.

Edited May 17, 2008 by ELW

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Depo was bar none the worst form of birth control I have ever used. I would never recommend it to anyone. It is part of the reason I completely swore off hormonal birth control.

Edited May 17, 2008 by Wacken

[ELW 5]

What side effects did you have? My sister has been taking it for 2 years and she loves it.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I've never been a fan of hormonal contraception. I've tried probably 8 different kinds of BC pills over the last 16 years, and the side effects put me off. When the usual side effects wore off after a few months (fluid weight gain, nausea, things tasting weird, headaches, moodiness, all that stuff), I was left with a libido many times lower than my usual force of nature (nyuk nyuk). I thought, eff this, what's the point? Although I admit that very mild cramps and predictable periods were a good thing. Until a couple of years ago, my periods were highly irregular and painful, but for some reason, my cramps are now way milder than they used to be, and my cycles are pretty predictable within a few days (I'm 34). So, at this point, I really don't have any reason to try the pill again.

I've used a diaphragm off and on since I was about 22. It took some getting used to at first, but it's never failed, and it's great to have a nonhormonal alternative to rubbers, which kinda suck. It's cheap too--something like $30, and it lasts for years. You're supposed to have your doctor check it every couple of years to make sure it's still in good working order. I have a sensitivity to nonoxynol-9, so I don't use the gel with it, although you're supposed to. If you're comfortable dealing with the inner workings of your hoo-ha, I think the diaphragm is worth a try. Kinda old fashioned, I know, but hormonal contraception just isn't for me. But how you react to the pill is, of course, highly individual. A lot of people have no problem w/ it at all. If you can handle the pill, it certainly has its advantages!

I say, the diaphragm! It also doubles as a bathing cap for cats, or a satellite dish for your dollhouse.