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What has been the most effective birth control that you know of or have used?? what has been your exspirence at the doctor?

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I don't know, but I am really glad you asked this question.

I've been told you need BC pills at least 1-2 months before you start relying on it. And that the diaphram doesn't work.

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I'm not sure I entirely understand your post, other than the 1st part.

I've been on the pill for a few years now. The pill I use is called Yasmin. It's a daily lower-dose pill. Keeps your skin clear, like all the others. It has a diuretic in it to help with bloating before your period. I set my cellphone calendar to ring every night at 10 so I will remember to take it. I have a crappy memory! Believe it or not, I've missed 2, even with the ringer on.

I don't know what you mean about the Docor and the "before the wedding" thing... Maybe someone else can help me out, or can you elaborate? Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Complicated Woman I've been told you need BC pills at least 1-2 months before you start relying on it. And that the diaphram doesn't work.
I bet wynelle can answer this one with certainty. I don't remember what the Doctor told me, but I don't think it was 1-2 months. I'm thinking like 2-4 weeks. But I could certainly be wrong.

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I am on the patch (Ortho Evra) and I like it. Other people have different opinions. You need to be on BC for at least one full month before intercourse to be sure it has had time to affect your system properly.

I have been to 3 different OB/GYNs.

One, my first, I didn't feel comfortable with. He was an older Dr with no bedside manner. Just in and out, over and done.

During my lapse in insurance, I went to the local clinic. It was fine, the woman was nice and happy to discuss whatever, but the wait was horrible, even if you had an appt.

My current doc is great. I've been going to him for 3 years now. He is younger and easy to talk to. DH even went with me one time to discuss BC and TTC.

They do a pap smear, and a breast exam, as well as a visual and physical exam. I'm going to let our resident health expert (wynelle) be more specific about what happens at the appt, because, I really don't know what all they're looking at or for.

ETA: Ladies, I'm not sure, but I think this will be her first visit to an OB/GYN and she wants to know what it will be like.

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I am assuming you are asking because you've never had a pelvic exam before? In this case, Wynelle would have a better answer than any of us...

I have been on the pill for years and years, but when I was first starting I had troubles with the levels of estrogen and had to change a couple of different ones until everything was okay and my cycles were regular. Now, I use Ortho Tri-Cyclen 1/35 (which is a low dose as well) and I tri-cycle my pills, meaning I take three cycles before the placebos....

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yeah that is exactly what i was looking for. just how far in advance you need to take the pill for it to actually take effect. I heard the patch had really bad side effects though but i guess its just depends on the person. glad it worked for you.

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I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen for 8 years and never had any problems with it.

Your doctor will tell you which birth control is best for your body. Not every woman can take the same type.

You should go through one entire cycle of birth control before it's considered "effective."

If you're considering going on birth control, I'd make an appointment ASAP.. especially if you've never been to the Gyn. When you're there, they will do a breast exam. Then they'll insert a apectrum (I think it's called that) into you (it kinda looks like a duck bill). The doctor will then swab inside you. It's painless and only takes a moment. If you want birth control, you should bring it up and the doctor will discuss options with you.

Hopefully Wynelle will pop in on this one... she's a nurse and I'm sure will be more than willing to help you out.

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I've had a coil fitted for the last 3yrs. I had been on the pill for years before that, then in between the two I was on injections of depo-provera.

I'm not so sure about the coil (I think you might call it an IUD over there?) it hurt like hell getting it inserted so I've been too scared to get it back out! I'd like to get it out and go back on the pill though...

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thats good to know. but i dont think i could ever have a coil fitting. i think thats brave of you.

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I was on the pill, Ortho Tri Cyclen, for 4 years and it worked fine. Then they put me on Ortho Lo, which is basically the same thing just has lower hormone levels from what I understand, for about 2 years and it worked fine too. I decided to start using the Ortho Evra patch because it would be more convienent, but I ended up pregnant the first month on that. I am currently using the Nuva Ring and really like it. It's a whole lot easier because you don't have to remember anything everyday. No problems with it yet!

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Thanks!

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The only proven 100% effective birth control is abstinence, but I guess that isn't best for the honeymoon!!

If this is your first visit to a GYN, then go as soon as possible. They will take a medical history, probably check your urine (for bacteria and sugar) and your blood (hemoglobin- low iron), blood pressure, pulse, and then do an internal exam. You will be on your back, suitably draped, feet up in holders, and the doctor will "feel" to see if there are any irregularities in vaginal walls, overies, etc; then will put in a speculum (mjetal holder) to keep the vaginal walls open while he takes a sample of mucus from your cervix to test for various disorders.

This is your chance to discuss various forms of birth control. There are many, many different variations of "The Pill," and if this is your preferred choice, it may take a little while to find which one works best for your body chemistry. And yes, you need to be on the pill for a full cycle to see how your body handles it, and for it to be effective. Pros: 99% effective. Cons: have to remember to take it every day *at the same time*. Some women have break-through bleeding; it can totally change your menstrual cycle.

The diaphragm: a fitted sort-of-spring loaded barrier. 96% effective; when inserted correctly and used with a spermacidal jelly it is up to 100% effective.
Pros: effectiveness Cons: having to physically put it in place when ready for sex; not fitting it effectively

An IUD: a shaped piece of metal/plastic (coil, "7", etc) which is placed through the cervix into the uterus. Very effective;
Pros: never have to take a pill or put it in. Cons: Not usually used in women who have not had a baby. Can cause cramping from mild to severe, plus bleeding

What else?
Condoms. Very effective-99.9%. Problems- putting it on, having it slip off at the wrong time, lack of sensitivity.
The Patch: works just like BCP only changed weekly
Progesterone implants: scarring on the arm, break-through bleeding
Depo injections: see the patch and the pill- only it is once every 3 months.

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I've used Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for about two years and it has worked very well for me. No bad side effects and helped decrease cramping(if thats a problem with you)

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I use the Depo-Provera shot and I love it! I get the shot every 3 months and I don't have to think about anything! It's awesome!!!

But as has been suggested, it is imperative that you discuss this with your doctor, your lifetsyle etc...in order to get the method that is best for you!

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Thanks so much wynelle i really appricieate it. I've even done some of my own research. and I think i will ask my doctor about Ortho Tri Cyclen. Im not confortable w/ any thing inserted or given as a shot. My FH doesnt want to have to wear a condom even though they are fine w/ me. so i am defently concidering the pill or the patch. If i choose to talkto a doctor i'll def. be prepared. THanks again! & How about Spermicides, would u recommend that at all as a choice?

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I'm using the patch and really like it! I had break-through bleeding the first month but since then it's been great!

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I personally wouldn't recommend them on their own. As far as I know spermicides are usually used along with other methods to be extra safe but aren't very reliable on their own.

And I agree with Wynelle about waiting to have kids before you have and IUD put in, I didn't and it hurt too much

Wynelle: Do you know, is it true it hurts even more to have it removed? I'm a bit scared!

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you definitely should talk to a health practitioner IRL, if not a doctor at least a nurse practitioner...

with regard to spermicides, some women (like me) are highly allergic to them! If you use a spermicidal product and soon after experience burning, itching, swelling, etc., make a mental note for yourself about it & tell your partner/DH. Do not use it again, it's not worth it.

Another thing my doctor told me to consider with regard to an IUD is that you should only have it put in if you're not planning to TTC for about five years. So I wasn't a good candidate...

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I was fine that way, I was about 24 and we'd discussed kids and decided to wait until I was close to 30... well I'm 29 this year and we've started talking about it again

Not that I can afford to get pregnant immediately after the wedding but I wouldn't object

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Originally Posted by 555Ann555 I was fine that way, I was about 24 and we'd discussed kids and decided to wait until I was close to 30... well I'm 29 this year and we've started talking about it again

Not that I can afford to get pregnant immediately after the wedding but I wouldn't object
Ohh, it would be so exciting if you and Mo had a baby!

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I know

Och, it's not very practical just now though. I want to move after the wedding because
a) this flat was rented because we thought we'd be living together before the wedding but because I've been here on my own it now feels like 'mine'
b) The rent is too high.
c) There is no point renting when we could afford to buy (once we join our incomes we can)

I'd hate to force all that on our relationship at once! I think it'll be enough of a challange learning to live together without moving home and being pregnant too! I'd rather wait a little while and let us settle into the marriage first.

Moreno agrees (though he generally agrees just for an easy life ) we were discussing it the other day and although he hasn't come right out and said when he wants to start trying but he definately does want kids.

He does get a little bit worried sometimes because he knows how badly I want them, he's scared that I'd not be able to live without having children. And to be totally honest I'm not sure if I could either. I've wanted children since I was first hospitalised when I was 22! But I wasn't crazy; I knew the time wasn't right so I waited.

But we'll be ready soon I hope I keep reading baby books and watching programs about birth & raising children, I figure there is no such thing as being too prepared! I can't wait till it's my turn though I'll give it another year and we'll see where we stand then.

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Originally Posted by BrideToBe What has been the most effective birth control that you know of or have used?? what has been your exspirence at the doctor?
Abstinence.

OK OK I know what you mean. Before TTC we used encare since I didn't want to mess with my system with pills. We also used foam and condoms, though preferred encare.

The doctor I seen before getting married was terrible.

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You've gotten excellent advice so far, but I'm chiming in with my experiences because I'm bratty that way.
I'm on the pill, Triphasil to be exact. I've had nothing but excellent experiences with it; in July I will have been on it for two years. I have so far not had a problem with remembering to take it at 5 pm every day, mainly because I'm usually getting off work at that time, or I'm just heading to school or whatever. Either way, no problems at all.
I HATE THE GYNO. With an absolute passion, and I dread going there every year to get a new prescription. I am *ahem* a tiny woman, and it hurts like friggin hell to get swabbed and all that. For some women it is completely painless as others have said, but in my experience it is horrific. I really hope you don't have an experience like mine.

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Originally Posted by munchkin You've gotten excellent advice so far, but I'm chiming in with my experiences because I'm bratty that way.
I'm on the pill, Triphasil to be exact. I've had nothing but excellent experiences with it; in July I will have been on it for two years. I have so far not had a problem with remembering to take it at 5 pm every day, mainly because I'm usually getting off work at that time, or I'm just heading to school or whatever. Either way, no problems at all.
I HATE THE GYNO. With an absolute passion, and I dread going there every year to get a new prescription. I am *ahem* a tiny woman, and it hurts like friggin hell to get swabbed and all that. For some women it is completely painless as others have said, but in my experience it is horrific. I really hope you don't have an experience like mine.
Before I got married my visits hurt like you know what too. But at my last visit since getting married it just felt like a little pressure. Not bad at all. I hope your visit goes well B2B.