Need Advise PLEASE...I'm Lost!!

It's a little pricey initially, (though not in the long run), but I've found the iud to be a good option. If you can afford the initial investment (about $100 for the device plus whatever the dr charges) it lasts for several years, you don't have to think about it, and it is not hormonal.

I don't have health insurance either and the shot made me keep all of my baby weight, and I got pregnant on the pill, so I got an IUD at the health Dept. They give out so many free ones. you go and ask about them, apply and if your income is low based on the number of family members they will usually approve you. it doesn't have the same all over body effect, since the hormones are only released in your uterus. you can keep it 5 years worry free too! Check it out, your local health dept has all the info you need!

J.-

This is going to be an fairly unpopular response, but it has worked for my husband and I for as long as we've been married (5 years). I chart my cycle each day (take temperatures and look for other fertility signs), and abstain during peak fertility days (usually 4-5 days of my cycle). This method is called Natural Family Planning; it is free, healthy, and I am always in control of my body. We have one child, who was planned, and are expecting our 2nd this year--another planned child.

We investigated this birth control method after I had suffered from depression from hormone-based birth control (the pill, depo, etc.). I prefered to respond to my body's natural rhythms, and I have never regretted it.

Best of luck with your choices.

Kelly's advice is good. But you need backup protection when you start doing this. Check out Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It's a book that's THE BEST. It tells you all about charting your temps, as well as checking your cervical position and fluid. It's often used for couples who are TTC, but it works the other way too. You can also use this method WITH condoms, using condoms only on your fertile days.

HTH!

Are you sure about the pill? I've been on it for 20 years and only got pregnant when I wanted to. As far as I know, the only thing you have to watch out for as far as reducing it's effectiveness is antibiotics. Maybe I'm wrong and I've just been lucky! I can't think of anything over the counter I'd really trust. Good luck.

Try the VCF's. They are Vaginal Contraceptive Films. You fold it up and put it where it needs to go and fifteen minutes later you're good to go. It comes out naturally and it doesn't change the sensations. It's basically a small sheet of spermicide. You can find them just about anywhere. Good luck!
H.

Hi J.!
I agree with Susan. Are you sure about the pill? I've been on it since I was 17 (I'm 32) and I haven't had any problems. Your doctor should be able to advise you about any prescription meds that may counteract with the pill. I've been on plenty of meds, and nothing has happened so far. The only other thing would be the IUD like Kristie suggested. A friend of mine got one after her 3rd child and she says she wouldn't use anything else. She doesn't have to worry about remembering to take a pill or buying condoms, etc. Good Luck!

Hi J. I have a Mirena IUD and it has done wonders because I couldnt try anything else because I am overweight so my doctor didnt recommend alot of the birthcontrol methods out there. I got it for free because I make less than the limit and at the time I was a stay home mom. Some of the benefits are no weight gain,hardly any periods and when I do have one it is so light all I need is a pantyliner and it lasts maybe 3 or 4 days. I havent had any uncomfort or anything I can complain about and it lasts 5 years and I havent had a problem with intercourse either, my ex husband never had a complaint about it either. I hope you find something that works great for you like this has worked for me. Good luck.

I can truly relate. If your doc or health dept can, you should try the ring. It is truly wonderful. I will advise, it takes a minute to figure out how to insert but once it is in, it stays for 3 weeks. You basically use 1 a month. If you cant get that, then I think your only other option is condoms. I was never really a fan of them, but after trial and error and trying almost every brand out there, my husband and I have found a winner. You should try the Trojan ultra thin or they make one out of polyurethane. The both of them are quite thin and are almost like using nothing at all. (Plus, there is no mess afterwards :)

Hi J... Have u considered the Ring?? I believe its spelled "Nuva Ring". I too have been there and done that with the pill( it resulted in my 11 yr old's existance) and I did the Depo Shot for 5+ yrs. The Ring works pretty good for me.. basically u insert it(not messy at all) for 3 weeks and take it out during the 4th week and during that week is when ur cycle will come. Then the next week u insert another. NOW HERES THE CATCH.. these lil rings don't come cheap so I'm not sure what they will cost u with no health insurance, but for me even with insurance its $30 per ring and u have to have one every month. BUT the Ring is what I stick with now.. so theres one option u can look into. HTH(hope this helps)
J.
ps.. oh yeah there aren't any sides effect.. well I should say I didnt experience any.. the only pain/discomfort I felt was during the 4th week(cramps)

I understand you dont have health insurance, but does the health dept. not offer IUD's? It will be of some cost to you but not as much as if you went to the OBGYN. It's very convenient & hassle free!!!!!

Over the counter?.....the foam is about your only option and i's not even desinged to be used by itself. Using the foam exclusively is risky business.

Sorry, but unless there is something out there I dont know about you are better off getting an IUD.

Hi J., I dont have advice for the over the counter birth control. The pill was not affective for me so at my 6 week check up I had an IUD put in. You dont have to think about it and it works. It costs about $600 and lasts for 5 years. That is a lot cheaper than another baby.

i have a 16 year old son who is living proof that the foam doesn't work anyway. I stick with a condom...

I know alot of the girls are recomending the IUD if you don't want to go that route, I didn't you could go with a diaphragm. I used one for 3 years and didn't get preggo. I would use one again if I needed bc. I had my tubes tied after my last though so no need. I got preggo with my daughter on the pill and depo made me gain a ton of weight and get very depressed. I discussed the options with my doctor and this is what I decided on.