Birth Control Decisions

rweaver8611

I hope this is okay to post on a new thread...wasn't sure where else it could go, then again, it's 6 am and I am nursing and 1/2 awake, so I may have missed an obvious thread. :-??

I went to the ob/gyn last week for my 4 week check up and she was asking me what form of bc I wanted to start, if any. I had never taken anything before DH and I got married and even then, I did the IUD so I wouldn't have to worry about missing a pill or anything. Long story short, I decided to take the mini pill this time since I am EBF my DS. So, my question is, what, if any, is your experience with the mini pill, or what have you chosen from your doc? There were so many choices (IUD, arm implant, pill....) that I wondered what different people chose and what your experiences were.

Again, if this goes somewhere else, blame it on baby brain and just let me know.

btm013

I am sitting in my gynecologist office now and anticipating this question. I took the pill for years beforehand and loved it. I'm pumping and supplementing so I know that may be out but I'm hesitant to go on the pill again. Not because i want to get pregnant immediately but because after having my hormones so messed up these last 10 months I want to level out and give myself a break.

queequeg09256

I'm doing the arm implant. I've done pill, patch, and the shot. I love the shot but was on it for a too long where it could compromise my bone density my ob gave me the iud options and the arm implant seems to be the best for me especially with my blood pressure issues. Pretty stoked about it, with the shot I didn't have a period for 3 years it was magical! Looking forward to the same thing with the implant.

mishmardhiono

I was thinking about mirena but there's a horror story going around on fb & a good friend had complications do I'm starting to rethink it. 1 more baby to go & then husband gets the snip woo hoo

teather5

I chose the mini pill. Started Sunday, so far so good. I'm not a BC fan but after 7 years success with "natural planning" or whatever, I'm just not willing to gamble as much at this point

rweaver8611

@mishmardhiono I had the Mirena for 3 years and loved it, but I know it only takes one horror story to make you question it! If feel the same way if someone I knew had complications with it. Thankfully, everyone I know that had it loved it at the time I got it.

@queequeg09256 I was nervous about the implant because I had heard about recalls on some of them. I am bummed I'll have a period with the mini pill...I got so used to not having one with the Mirena...that's what I'm really going to miss!

dancegurl1118

I'm going with the arm implant. I'm not comfortable with an IUD. Just a thought of something going into my uterus makes me nervous. I took the pill for 10 years, but since I don't have a regimented schedule right now I do not trust myself to take it at the same time every day.

Also, I'm pretty sure I have my period right now, which is strange because I'm exclusively breast-feeding. I stopped bleeding at like four weeks postpartum, and now I'm bleeding again with bright red blood (no clots). I'm going to the doctor on Tuesday so I will ask her.

CBHoneyB

I'm doing the mini pill until 12 weeks then getting Mirena. I thought about the arm implant but I work in a vet clinic and I'm afraid to get it caught and ripped out. I did the Nuva ring for 3 years last time and had good luck but I want something I don't have to mess with this time.

SammeMotley

I had a paragard iud for three years prior to getting pregnant this time. It worked great as far as not getting pregnant. I started having headaches the last year and as soon as I took it out they stopped. Not sure if I'll get another.

katyertl

Blah I have my pp appointment next Tuesday and am starting to think about BC. I was on the pill when we got pregnant(well technically not since I forgot a few days so that's how we got pregnant lol) I just hate having to remember it and I was on the shot for a few years and loved it. But I am worried that when we want another child it'll take longer to conceive once getting off the shot vs the pill. I loved not having my period on the shot too lol but when I first got on it I had it for a month straight when my body was adjusting! It was pure torture

rpazzaam

I'm getting a diaphragm called "caya". I really wanted a no hormone option and don't want anything messing with my bodies chemistry. I've heard horror stories about them all & no one knlws the long term effects. I also am tracking my ovulation, temp & using a period tracker to document when we have sex. It was really helpful in preventing pregnancy before my last baby.

SmashJam

 I am doing an IUD because the mini pill is too much work for me-my midwife said you have to take it at the exact same time every day or its ineffective, and I do not in anyway believe that I can do that, haha.

rweaver8611

@katyertl that's why I did the mini pill...all the other options meant having to wait longer to ttc once we are ready (thinking trying next summer). With Mirena we had to wait 2 months, with the mini pill, you only wait one day. Plus, we don't have to make an appointment to get anything taken out like I had to with the Mirena.

ksimo6

I was in the mini pill for awhile and it made me feel like a crazy person. Super unstable and emotional... But that may have just been how it mixed with me personally. Now I'm on the "tubal" plan so if I get pregnant, it will be a miracle!

kkdb14

I just went to my appointment Monday and I pick up the pill today. I've never been on any form of BC before, and although I'm nervous about remembering the pill, LO has become much more scheduled at 6 weeks than she was when I first started worrying around 2 weeks, so I feel a little more confident. I know all the information is online and also available from OB and the information packet, but it would really settle my nerves to hear it from women who can put it into layman's terms..

If I start the Sunday after my first period (this Sunday), can I expect to start my next period at the beginning of the placebo pills? Or does it take a few months before it's that scheduled?

I've heard periods can become lighter and less intense. Is it possible that it can do the reverse?

Did it make you gain weight? I've heard yes and no, and the only reason I chose the pill over the shot was because I don't want the weight gain that seems to be inevitable with the shot.

How safe have you felt using ONLY the pill as BC? I plan to use condoms as well for the first month, and 100% will be abstinent for the first week (I'll be out of town from Friday-Sunday), but boyfriend and I hate condoms and would like to avoid them as soon as is safe, but I'm worried. I CAN'T have another pregnancy right now.

Sorry if this all seems a little google-search-like, I'm just really trying to make sure I know what I'm doing!

ETA: apparently my fingers really don't want to finish words

btm013

SmashJam said:

 I am doing an IUD because the mini pill is too much work for me-my midwife said you have to take it at the exact same time every day or its ineffective, and I do not in anyway believe that I can do that, haha.

My gynecologist told me there was a three hour window.

queequeg09256

kkdb14 said:

I just went to my appointment Monday and I pick up the pill today. I've never been on any form of BC before, and although I'm nervous about remembering the pill, LO has become much more scheduled at 6 weeks than she was when I first started worrying around 2 weeks, so I feel a little more confident. I know all the information is online and also available from OB and the information packet, but it would really settle my nerves to hear it from women who can put it into layman's terms..

If I start the Sunday after my first period (this Sunday), can I expect to start my next period at the beginning of the placebo pills? Or does it take a few months before it's that scheduled?

I've always had a regular period so for me my period started when I got to the placebo pills.

I've heard periods can become lighter and less intense. Is it possible that it can do the reverse?

With the pill I saw no difference in my periods. With the shot I had no period. No I've never heard anyone getting a worse period with any form of bc.

Did it make you gain weight? I've heard yes and no, and the only reason I chose the pill over the shot was because I don't want the weight gain that seems to be inevitable with the shot.

I gained weight but I also ate worse. Hahaha. With the shot I gained some weight but I'm sure mostly because I ate bad and didn't exercise

How safe have you felt using ONLY the pill as BC? I plan to use condoms as well for the first month, and 100% will be abstinent for the first week (I'll be out of town from Friday-Sunday), but boyfriend and I hate condoms and would like to avoid them as soon as is safe, but I'm worried. I CAN'T have another pregnancy right now.

Yes. I used the pill for a few months as my only form of bc. My husband and I had used bc and condoms until we married. Then I was on the shot for a long time and we never used a condom. I went to the pill for a few months before deciding we were ready for lo. I do no people who have gotten pregnant on the pill. The ones I know did not take it as prescribed meaning they missed a day or 2 or 3 and dint take it at the same time everyday. The risks of this as I understand are pretty low if you use it as directed.


On mobile so sorry for any confusion here lol! There is also plan b which you can take should a condom break or you miss a pill you need to take ot wothin 72 hours of having sex. The biggest thing is if you take antibiotics it can make the pill ineffective so keep that in mind and ask the dr if you end up needing antibiotics for a cold or something.

Hope this helps!

ETA: apparently my fingers pregnancy right now.

Sorry if this all seems a little google-search-like, I'm just really trying to make sure I know what I'm doing!

ETA: apparently my fingers really don't want to finish words

mvargas12

I went with the shot. Got it at the hospital and have to schedule the next one at my pp appointment later this month.

I was on the pill when I got pregnant but I wasn't very good about remembering... Hence, the pregnancy.

I'm glad to hear those who have had the shot loved it.

rklinge0

Getting the mini pill although my ob said I could take the regular one if I wanted. I am pumping but she just said it could decrease my supply slightly, I just didn't know how much so didn't want to take that chance.

hbornzin

I took the pill for 12 years before I started TTC.. My body was so messed up from coming off of the pill for so long that I am opting to stay off of birth control until we have one more baby.. Then I will happily take the pill again! Loved it, never had a problem with it and never forgot to take it.. Just always took it when I took my daily vitamin every night!

ajramirez25

Is there anyone who opting for NFP? I don't want to start hormones because it made my breasts grow a whole cup size in a few months.

SarahBaby87

This was our last baby so DH is going to get himself fixed. We're both pretty excited about it.

dancegurl1118

I was all for the nexplanon but after my PP appointment today my OB convinced me to get the Mirena. She said she recently has had a few patients who hated the nexplanon and that's changed her view on it. She said the insertion is easy peasy once you've had a baby..so, mirena in 2 weeks it is.

kkdb14

I started BCP for the first time 4 days ago. Ha...worst nausea of my life. My parents had to change, feed, and put LO down to bed last night because I was doubled over in bed with a heating pad. When does this get better? I know it's a common side effect, but I'm dreading taking another in 3 hours. Will this be every month? Ugh...

katester91

I got the mirena and it was no problem getting it put in. I have always taken the pill but I wanted something that I didn't have to remember. So far so good and I had it put in a week ago.

Sammy K

I had paraguard before DS and loved it. Between DS and LO we just used condoms, which was awful. But I don't respond well to hormonal BC so I didn't have many options. This time, DH will be getting snipped and we're both excited. There's nothing worse than having to go back to condoms.

7425cait

I was doing the diaphragm and pull and pray method prior to my pregnancy. Probably going to do diaphragm and condoms this time too. I don't like the idea of extra hormones and not getting my period for an extended time.

ElRuby

Have prescription for mini pill but haven't started it yet.

house86

I got my tubes tied lol

HoosOnFirst

Sammy K said:

I had paraguard before DS and loved it. Between DS and LO we just used condoms, which was awful. But I don't respond well to hormonal BC so I didn't have many options. This time, DH will be getting snipped and we're both excited. There's nothing worse than having to go back to condoms.

I just told DH we have to use condoms until I get my period and can start the pill again. Ain't no one happy 'bout it!

aligons

@hoodoll82 I got the mini pill too but haven't started my period yet. Stupid question but do you have to wait until you start your period before you start taking the pill? I forgot to ask my doc.

hswan26

My doctor suggested essure. I looked into it and did some research online and there were a lot of people talking about their bad experiences with it. Due to that we have decided DH is getting snipped. So I have a prescription for BCP in the meantime while we get him taken care of.

HoosOnFirst

aligons said:

@hoodoll82 I got the mini pill too but haven't started my period yet. Stupid question but do you have to wait until you start your period before you start taking the pill? I forgot to ask my doc.

My doc said yes I need to wait for my period, but I know another poster's doc on the boards said she could start now... So I guess it depends on your doc!

rweaver8611

aligons said:

@hoodoll82 I got the mini pill too but haven't started my period yet. Stupid question but do you have to wait until you start your period before you start taking the pill? I forgot to ask my doc.

I have mini pill too and doc said start right away.

hallmayys1313

What is a good option while breastfeeding? I'm afraid my milk supply will dry up with BC.

klkonwi

Mirena is great for breastfeeding according to my doc and all my co workers who have used it.

foxa319

I'm going with the pull and pray method and condoms! My liver does not deal well with hormone fluctuations- I've tried both the pill and nuva ring and during that time I was on both I became sick and had signs of liver damage, and when I was pregnant I had the cholestasis which has now resolved since the baby was born. I also tried mirena and that flipped the wrong way in my uterus so it was ineffective and I had that taken out! So no thanks to anything!