what form of birthcontrol would you recommend.

pcos~chick · 09-14-2008, 02:43 PM

Hi Ladies

I am going to see the nurse tomorrow and as long as my BP has come down she is going to give me some Birth Control.

I was wondering what you would suggest.

I am thinking of using the Patch Evra. But I have been reading that it doesnt help with regulating periods

. Right now mine are about every 40 days MAX.

I dont want birth control thats going to make them go AWOL again.

But the pill will make me put on weight.

Please help me make up my mind.

Oh and thank you all in advance

lj2blessed · 09-14-2008, 02:47 PM

I used the patch for a few years, and my cycles were regular 28 days just like the pill - is that what you're looking for? My body adjusted to it pretty well, I was able to lose weight well while on it (LA Weight Loss eating plan, minimal exercise - lost 25-20 lbs). The only thing is, the first few cycles I was an emotional wreck! My body wasn't used to all those hormones at once, the pill is a gradual thing but the patch is more of a BANG all at once! It took a bit for my body to get used to it, but I liked it while I was on it.

Wish you the best!

Meringoo · 09-14-2008, 04:46 PM

It is really tricky. I've got an IUD (not Mirena, just normal one) and it is fantastic as contraception, but I need hormonal help so I am now on Yasmin again, so if I get pregnant I'll be in shock lol!!!

The advantage of having my IUD is that if the pill I'm taking doesn't suit me, my contraception isn't affected plus I can come off it straightaway, as was the case with Cerazette (yucky times).

I wouldn't go for a Mirena coil as Levenorgestrel is not good for PCOS because it's so high in androgens, but some of us cysters are ok on it...

Have you tried a bcp that's low in oestrogen such as Mercilon? That may help weight-wise. I was going to have that but because my acne is bad, I need higher oestrogen so chose Yasmin, which is good so far.

I don't know about the Evra patch, but from what I've read, I think a blast of hormones would screw me up! I need gradual doses otherwise my emotions are unbearable!

Hope this helps a bit. Have you tried searching on netdoctor.co.uk and bbc.co.uk/health? I find them helpful.

xx

Stacie M · 09-14-2008, 06:02 PM

I used Ortho TriCyclen LO pill and loved it. I actually lost weight on it (about 15 pds) and had no side effects. Since coming off of it to TTC I have gained a few pds back and my skin isn't as clear

While taking it my periods were very light and like clockwork.

LucyInTheSkyWithDiamonds · 09-20-2008, 03:50 PM

My RE doesnt recommend the patch because it gives women a higher dose of hormones on the front end, rather than a continuous even dosage. This can increase s/e. For me, this was especially important because I get H/A on all BCPs, and I have tried a lot over the years.

Most recently, I tried the Nuva Ring. I was on it for almost a year, and I have to say, I loved it. My RE said it was better than low dose BCPs because it is even lower--because it is inserted vaginally, it continously delivers the constant hormone levels--no higher front end levels--and it doesnt have to go through your metabolism to be absorbed, so the dosage can be lower.

I still had H/A on it, but definitely much fewer than other BCPs.

Versus the patch--no one sees the ring, and it doesnt fall out (off like the Patch can).

It was also super convenient. I only thought about it twice a month--once to put in and once to take out. Little reminders on my calendar helped me there, but I didnt have to remember to take it at the same time every day.

Some women dont like it because they have to insert it vaginally. For women who are more uncomfortable with the insertion, you can use a tampon applicator. Just remove the tampon, squeeze the ring to put it in, then use the applicator as you would with a tampon.

I never had a problem inserting it, and I never used a tampon applicator. It isnt as tough to insert as a diaphragm, which I have also used....and let me tell you, THAT was a tough thing for me to learn. The ring, you just have to get it in there--it isnt a barrier method, so the placement doesnt really matter.

Also, some people complain they can feel it during sex. I never did. But if you do, you can take it out for up to two hours, rinse off, then re-insert.

I won't ever return to BCPs as long as the ring is still available!