His and Her Health

I am looking for some method of birth control other than condoms now. Can someone explain what types of birth control there are, how they work and can someone explain the side effects of altering my hormones? Thank you so much!

Try<BR><A HREF="www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/" TARGET=_blank>www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/</A><P>In case this link gets nuked...Do a google search on birth control methods - Planned Parenthood should be right at the top! <A HREF="www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&...ds&spell=1" TARGET=_blank>www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&...lt;/A><P>It's quite comprehensive.<P>From what I know, which isn't a whole lot, probably, the best hormonal method, that would have the least effect on sexuality, would be NuvaRing.<P>It should produce the lowest serum levels of Estrogen, and thus effect libido the least. It's quite effective, though more costly (in my research) than Evra or the Pill. (It's listed as 30-35, but the best cost I've found was nearly $50 - even on the net.)<P>I don't know your situation, but Norplant or an IUD might also be decent choices.<P>Thanks,<BR>Greg<p>[This message has been edited by distressed_12345 (edited 07 January 2003).]

I've also done internet searches on birth control methods. For me, it seems that there's nothing without some health risks, with the exception of (IMHO), condoms (unless you have an allergy which you'd easily find out). I know that they do interrupt the mood and some may experience reduced sensation, but when it comes to my body and the side effect potential, I'll do without the risk. Read the fine print about the different methods and you'll see what I mean.

One thing to consider re: B/C and risk.<P>Pregnancy is NOT a riskless thing. In comparison to risk from birth-control, the risk of pregnancy is much higher. This doesn't take into consideration the other complications an unwanted pregnancy might have...<P>I'm not saying it's all great and such, just that getting pregnant isn't a walk in the park for some people either. A few people die from complications from pregnancy, not many do from B/C...<P>Get knowledgeable, and use your brain. You'll do fine.<P>Thanks,<BR>Greg

I would NEVER recommend NORPLANT. There have been horrible side effects and many women have had a very hard time getting them removed (they are surgically implanted)Though I had an IUD before I had children it can be more uncomfortable and cause cramping and heavy periods. But at least you can just have it removed if you want. The Norplant can have effects for months if not years, after removal. Do a web search norplant+side effects and while your are at it do the same for depo provera which also has many horror stories associated with it. The Nuvaring or the PATCH may be more appropriate, and talk to your doc, you may be someone who has no bad side effects from the pill, just avoid the ones that promise to clear up your skin, they are the same ones that surpress libido.

I've had my IUD (Paraguard Copper T) for 5 years and love it. My periods and cramping was heavier at first, but now I hardly know it's in there. The insertion was no fun at all (maybe because I've never been pregnant so my cervix tight), but it was over quickly. <P>If you are planning to have children in the future, you might want something other than the IUD, although I'm aware of women who've had perfectly healthy pregnancies after using the IUD. However, if you're not planning to have children and have never been pregnant, you can still get an IUD, but some people/doctors might tell you otherwise.<P>Whatever you do, stay far away from the Depo-Provera birth control shot. Women who do well on this are few and far between.<p>[This message has been edited by sept (edited 10 January 2003).]