Alternatives to the pill

Tiara · January 9th, 2006, 08:31 AM

I think this has been discussed on here before but I just wanted to ask now because I've been thinking about it a lot lately.

I've been on the same pill for 3 years. I originally went on it because of heavy, painful and irregular cycles and acne. Now I think I've grown out of the acne (I can't be sure though coz I've never stopped the pill!) But I think its making me moody. I've always been moody around that time of the month and the pill was supposed to help with that too but I'd say they got worse. I cry for no reason sometimes and other times just the sound of someone breathing maked me want to strangle them.

I'm thinking of coming off it and taking some other kind of contraceptive. I need one that will keep me regular though, I don't want anything where you don't have a period for months. Having never tried anything other than the pill I don't know anything about the alternatives so I thought I'd ask on here what your preferences are.

I've got a check up booked with my doctor soon so I think I'm gunna discuss changing my contraception with her.

Barbara · January 9th, 2006, 08:53 AM

I plan to begin to use this in a couple of months, if my next check up is OK.

Tiara · January 9th, 2006, 09:35 AM

Hmm, I don;t fancy the thought of having something inserted. I was thinking maybe the injection or something. I really don't know I just don't want to have these crazy mood swings all the time!

Fonzarelli23 · January 9th, 2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiara

Hmm, I don;t fancy the thought of having something inserted. I was thinking maybe the injection or something. I really don't know I just don't want to have these crazy mood swings all the time!

I tried the shot(injection) before and it was awful. I had light bleeding the entire time. (3 months) I definitely don't recommend it.

Tiara · January 9th, 2006, 10:52 AM

^^ Really? Hmm, thats not good! A girl I work with said the inection made her put loads of weight on too which I most certainly definitely DO NOT want.

I guess the pill is the best bet for me, I have regular periods and I don't have to have anything inserted. I just wish I didn't get the mood swings. I might mention it to my doctor. She might be able to put me on anti depressants or something!

Fonzarelli23 · January 9th, 2006, 11:47 AM

^^Yes, I gained weight too. When I was on birth control, I thought it was the cause of me becoming such a moody, irritable person. Then I stopped taking it and I realized it wasn't the birth control---I am just a natural moody, irritable person.

My boyfriend wants to put me on Xanax.

Tiara · January 9th, 2006, 12:21 PM

^

You know, I think I'm probably the same. I can't see myself coming off the pill and suddenly turning in to this lovely, sweet caring person 24/7. I'm sweet and caring sometimes but other, phew, you better watch out!!!

Fonzarelli23 · January 9th, 2006, 12:29 PM

Oh yes Frank---I forgot to mention the fact that I never want to have sex either. Nowadays my boyfriend has to get his own girlfriend liquored up just to have a chance at action.

**Tati** · January 9th, 2006, 01:20 PM

I was on Depo-Provera (injection) for about a year and also had light bleeding the entire time. The last few months I also experienced extreme breast soreness and tenderness (although that also eventually happened with the pill, after having no side effects for the first two years...). I'm planning on getting a diaphragm soon.

A*O · January 9th, 2006, 07:05 PM

If you are experiencing 'moods' then it's very unlikely to be the Pill. You are probably just naturally sensitive to hormone changes. Unfortunately there are very few alternatives that are as safe or mess-free as the Pill. I tried a diaphragm (yuk) and got pregnant, and IUD and got pregnant so the only options were celibacy or sterilization. We'd completed our family so my husband had a vasectomy.

I don't think anti-depressants are the answer either. Mainly because you are not depressed. Lots of women swear by herbal/natural remedies for PMT, etc and most healthfood shops sell specifical herbal meds for it. Evening Primrose is a main ingredient I believe.

suede · January 9th, 2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fonzarelli23

^^Yes, I gained weight too. When I was on birth control, I thought it was the cause of me becoming such a moody, irritable person. Then I stopped taking it and I realized it wasn't the birth control---I am just a natural moody, irritable person.

My boyfriend wants to put me on Xanax.

Have you considered trying a different pill?

Since hormones effect mood and the pill of course effects hormones it could just be your body needing an adjustment.

I had changed a while bad because I thought I was just angery all the time for no reason and it took 4 tries to find the right one. Two of the popular pills, Yasmin and Alesse made me the most hystrical, moody irrational bloated insane person - it was like I was possessed - hell I was scared of me.

I dropped all hormones for about 3 months and tried mircette which so far (about 9 or so months) has been a good match. Quite honestlty, if it wasn't for the beau hating them I'd be content to use condoms and no hormones.

moomies · January 9th, 2006, 07:58 PM

How about getting your bf to use male contraceptive?

birdmadgirl · January 10th, 2006, 05:25 PM

The NuvaRing works well for me.

This is just my experience, but the Depo Provera shot was absolute hell. I gained more than 30 pounds and had horrible skin (acne) problems. The worst part, though, was the depression that kicked in. I thought about dying all the time. I'd be driving down the road, for example, and would begin to imgine what it would feel like to drive off it and crash into a telephone pole or tree or cow or whatever I could see. It was messed up.

I only had one shot--I was too terrified to get another. And I swear I knew the day I finally had all the sh*t out of my system. It was the day I stopped crying all day every day.

loulou58 · January 10th, 2006, 07:00 PM

my friend went on the injection and she had trouble with bleeding and she put weight on, not so much like fat weight, but she looked stocky if you get me, larger in the shoulders and stuff, not manly stocky but definately bigger. shes off it now and has gone back to normal!

**Tati** · January 11th, 2006, 01:37 AM

AO, if you don't mind, could you share your experience with the diaphragm? I'd really like to use something non-hormonal for awhile, and I'd rather not have to use condoms, but I've never known anyone who's used a diaphragm (except for, apparently, every female fictional television character).