Welcome to Gaia! ::

So there area few types, and they do different things to your body, but the end result is the same: no/shorter/more regulated periods. They can also stabilize your mood, help with acne, and other things such as that. Many of them are known to increase dryness, reduce libido, and make it harder to lose weight.

You have to find the one that works best for you. In my opinion, the best way is research combined with trial and error. No doctor will know 100% what is right for each person- and in many cases they push a particular type or brand that they like, or that they get samples of, rather than what may be right for you. Many doctors do not listen to their patients well enough, so it's up to you to be vigilant in learning what is right for your body.

So. You have your high/low estrogens and your high/low progesterins. Those are two different hormones and if one pill that uses one dose doesn't work well for you, you need to play around to figure out what works for you. Some also mix the types together, and later one of my links will help you figure out if that's right for you.


Some targeted info:

http://contraception.about.com/od/prescriptionoptions/p/MissingPeriods.htm
(really good info on the safety of having no periods)



http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/new-no-period-no-pms-birth-control-pills

http://www.epigee.org/guide/anya.html
(at the end it says that no long-term testing has been done on anya/lybrel yet, so unless it's chemical makeup is remarkably similar to the other types, I'd hold off on this one personally- however it seems to just be taken 365 days a year, which any pill can take away your period by doing. dose is probably adjusted for this.)

http://women.webmd.com/features/comparing-birth-control-pill-types-combination-minipills-more
(whole article has really good info toward determining what might be right for you, though trial and error is often still needed)

http://women.webmd.com/features/comparing-birth-control-pill-types-combination-minipills-more
(some good info here)

http://contraception.about.com/od/thepill/l/bl_choosingapill.htm
(really good info about the hormones in different types and their effects- really good quickie chart to get you on the right track)

http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/articles/best-birth-control
(article explaining other non-pill types of birth control)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraceptive_patch
I do not personally recommend the patch. While it did take away my periods, it was unsightly, can cause a skin intolerance to medicinal adhesives (it's like a band-aid) which gives you a rash, and often doesn't stay for the whole week (especially if you shower a lot/bathe/swim) without being taped down. It has also raised concerns about doubling certain risks over the pill or other methods which you can read more about here (item 10 and 11).

I really really want to get Paraguard and see how I feel about that.

I'm starting to forget my BC pills. I'm really freaked out I'm going to end up pregnant because I have no clue how much abortions cost. I'm pretty sure they aren't covered under my HMO.

My BC pills have also killed my libido, increased dryness (I literally go dry in the middle and it hurts).

I may eventually get sterilized with Essure. I don't want to rush into anything, Permanently altering my body like that is not a willy nilly decision.

So I think that getting Paraguard may be my best bet, which is the no hormone, copper IUD.

Xip- I have the same issue most always. I've given up on the idea that it's shameful to use lube. Loooots of lube (when necessary).


Also, I hate condoms and I really love pill birth control. Condoms are uncomfortable and smell like balloons and I know I'm not allergic to latex but I think they make my lady parts irritated. D;


Maybe keep your pills in a certain place. If you go to get a drink or a whatever every morning, you see them right there. I keep mine either in the bathroom or next to my morning rush-out-the-door stuff.