What Is the Best Form of Birth Control?

I like the paraguard IUD (non hormonal). I have no side effects from it, and it was no big deal to have it put in. I don't have to mess with anything or remember anything, and it can be taken out any time you want, up to 10 years.

I would really suggest you talk to your OB/GYN -- my sister tried the Depro Provera shots and gained 10 lbs a shot! I do not react well to hormonal birth control and gave up any of those options long ago (horrible PMS symptoms). I had a baby 8.5 months ago (also have another who just turned 2). My husband and I have opted for condoms. I did not want the hassle of having to put something in (like a diaphragm) every time and I didn't want something that had to be "placed" like an IUD -- I also heard some bad things about Mirena from people who have lost their hair and had other bad symptoms on it and honestly, my mom got pregnant with my sister with a non-hormone IUD in supposedly "perfect position" 28 years ago :) If you opt for condoms, it is not cheap and they are not "fool" proof so you have to make sure it is done right and hope they don't rip. We plan to try for #3 next summer (had emergency C-section with #2 and planning to do VBAC so waiting longer between this time).

Good luck!

PS - I am breastfeeding still and have no menstrual period...had planned to do natural family planning but pretty much impossible in this situation...

Fatigue. LOL

No, seriously, we have used condoms for the past year, but we are going to be taking a NFP class soon. Also, you can look into the Standard Days method if your periods are regular.

There is a book about Taking Control of You Fertility out there. I am not sure who the author is. You can find NFP classes on the internet, too. I know my dh's doctor teaches them.

Anyway, there are many ways that you can tell when you ovulate, and then you just don't have sex those days.

Also, my dh is probably going to get a vas, but that doesn't sound like what you want right now.

I'm going to assume that when you said you were on birth control when you first got married...you mean the pill.

There are lots of options out there. NFP is great and extremely effective, but does require a lot of effort on your part as far as charting cycles/temperatures are concerned. Also, if you are breastfeeding your periods may or may not be normal. Do not assume that breastfeeding = accurate birth control. For some women it works great while for other women, well, they have a 'surprise' on their hands!

It all depends on if you want hormonal, barrier, chemical, or other forms of contraception. Condoms are pretty easy, but your partner has to use them correctly and consistently or else the effectiveness is decreased. Spermicide might be an option; just read the package insert and make sure you use it correctly. Also, 1/5 people are allergic to nonoyxnol-9, which is the active ingredient. Spermicide is fairly easy and effective if used correctly and consistently.

Ortho-Evra (patch) and the Nuva-Ring (ring) are both hormonal contraceptives...in other words the patch is like taping birth control pills to your body and the ring is like having 3 weeks of birth control pills slowly/extended released internally. If the 'hormone' part of the birth control was what you didn't like, chances are you won't like the patch or the pill either. If you didn't like taking the pill every day, the patch or the pill don't require to be taken as often. There is also Depo-Provera, which is like taking the pill in a shot form that lasts for 3 months.

IUDs come in both hormonal and non-hormonal form. The ob/gyn places it and it works for up to 5 years, but can be removed at any time. The hormonal form has the added bonus of also acting like the bc pill to prevent ovulation/implantation and thicken cervical mucus.

There is a lot to consider in what you are looking for in a BC option, so it is hard to say which is the 'best'. Talk to your ob/gyn who can probably counsel you as to what is best for you given your lifestyle and preferences.

Definitively condoms! No mess, no hormones, no life-beging-at-conception issues.

Do they still have a diaphram or is that outdated? The two times I didn't use it I got pregnant. Hows that for an answer.I had to get a doctor to measure me for it.

Although unpopular at this time the diaphragm/spermicide is still an effective and easy form of birth control. I had lots of problems when I went on the pill and tried various kinds etc. but in the end this works way better.

I use the Depro Provera shots, I have not had any problems on it as far as weight gain...plus I only get my period once, maybe twice a year. You go four times a year and get a shot...I just see a nurse so I don't have to wait around the office for a long time either. But I would talk with your doctor, they know you and your body better.

Discuss this your OB/GYN. A doctor is the only one you should get advice from. He or she know what is best for your body and your situation.

IUD's can cause the fertilized egg not to implant in the uterus. So if you believe life starts at conception, this wouldn't be a good option for you. Just want to make sure you know this info before you decide.

I have a copper wire IUD. I got it put in about 5 years ago and have had no trouble at all with it. There are two kinds of IUD, the kind that emits hormones each month and the copper kind, which I have, that does not. I don't want to have any artificial hormones, like the pill, because I've only had bad experiences with it. So this IUD was perfect. When it was inserted, I had some cramping for about a week, but ever since then I really cannot even tell it is there. It is good for about 10 years at a time, so you just don't have to worry about it! My GY doctor just checks it when I go in for my annual checkup, but it pretty much just sits there! Another BIG plus = if you decide in a couple of years to try for another baby, you just go to the doctor and they pull it right out and you are ready to go! It could not be easier.Definitely my favorite method of birth control!!

I too am avoiding birth control pills. I'm going to try the natural method after I deliver in September. At the doctors office they have the cycle of a woman. I got pregnant on exactly the 14th day of my cycyle, which the 13-15 days are your peak days for a pregnacy. So I figured I would just keep track of my period when they start and just track when it's safe to have sex and not get pregnant and when not. I know it's a little extra work, but I think it will be worth it at the end. There are so many things you can do to keep a good eye on your schedule, but with God's help, I'm keeping it basic with the 28 day cycle day counting. Good luck and just pray about it. God will hear you.