switching BC for skin reasons

[burnedxoutxstar.livejournal.com]

I've been a NuvaRing user since I started using any kind of HBC. This was when I was 18, and I'll be 22 this summer so it's been a while! While I really really love the convenience factor of the NuvaRing, I'm thinking of switching to something that will help my skin. I have *mostly* good skin but I get painful cysts on my chin every 2-3 weeks. Switching BC would be my last resort, because I already know I like this one...but I'm just wondering if any of you have switched birth control for this reason, what your experience has been, etc.

Also how hard is it to train yourself to take a pill every day? That's my primary reason for liking nuva ring so much is that so little thought is involved in the process. If I switched BC it would be vital that I learn to do this since I would also be relying on it for pregnancy prevention.

Comments

[shiny-jen.livejournal.com]

What's your eating and exercise like?

[burnedxoutxstar.livejournal.com]

Not much exercise...eating's about average. Not a health freak but not totally unhealthy either.

[serabelle.livejournal.com]

I would change make-up, skin routine, soaps, diet and exercise before changing your birth control for skin reasons.

[burnedxoutxstar.livejournal.com]

I said it would be my last resort; I have changed all of my makeup and skincare, soap, etc.

[serabelle.livejournal.com]

I can say from past experience, taking the pill everyday is a pain in the ass. Of course, my schedule kind of changed everyday, so it was difficult to find that "one time" to take it, ya know? As long as you can take it at the *same time* every single day, then you're golden. Otherwise -- it just isn't as effective.

[saltshakerheart.livejournal.com]

just as far as the pill goes.

i was worried about remembering to take it on time. i always have my cell on me, though, so i set an alarm to vibrate every day at the same time, and it works perfectly as a reminder, for me.

[slobbergal.livejournal.com]

is the nuva ring causing the skin problems or did you have them before the nuva ring?
If it's not the ring causing the issues, maybe you could stay on the ring and find a skin treatment from the doc for the skin issues?

[pygmybugs.livejournal.com]

I have similar skin, sounds like. A couple blackheads here and there, but every once in a while, I get a bad cystic pimple. I actually feel pretty lucky, because my mom had "bad 80's TV show latin drug-dealer" cystic acne her whole life.

I went to my doctor and got a topical clindamycin (antibiotic) cream that I just use when I'm starting to get a bad one. It's got benzoyl peroxide in it, so it's too harsh for me to use regularly, but it's magic if I spot-treat when I first start to feel a big'un getting warmed up. The BP helps it dry out faster, and the clindamycin seems to keep it from getting that hot/deep/sore cystic thing.

[burnedxoutxstar.livejournal.com]

Hmm interesting. I'm currently using a benzoyl peroxide topical which seems to help sloooowly, but maybe the antibiotic + Bp would help more. :)

[shil.livejournal.com]

I personally don't find that remembering to take the pill every day is difficult, but that might be because I'm not neurotic about taking it at exactly the same time every day. The POP is pretty strict about timing, but the combined pill really doesn't have to be taken at the exact same time to still be very effective. I'm sure there's a time when you're generally at home most days (I take mine at midnight; sometimes that stretches to 2AM if I go out, but a couple hours barely affects the pill). When I'm traveling or have an otherwise erratic schedule, I keep my pill pack in my purse so I have it available when I need it.

As for the skin thing, I first got on the pill for my skin (Diane 35) and it's pretty damn effective. Obviously everyone's experiences with different pill brands varies, but if you want a pill that will be good for your skin, I would suggest telling your doctor that outright so he/she can prescribe something suitable.

Personally, I have the clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide cream and it doesn't do anything whatsoever for my skin, other than drying it out and making it feel like I'm wearing a weird mask. If you've tried other options, talk to your doc about the birth control....

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

I've never had a problem "training" myself to take a pill every day, but then again, I'm a very routine-oriented, methodical sort of person. I used FAM as contraception for awhile with no problems, and the "low hassle" of Nuva Ring was never a big bonus to me when I was using it.

But it was pretty easy for me to look at my typical schedule and find a time (10pm) when I'm generally home to take my pill. I initially set my cell phone alarm to remind me, but it so quickly became routine for me that I don't use the alarm anymore. And when I'm not going to be home right at pill time, I think ahead and decide whether it would be best to take it earlier (like if I'm heading out to the bar just before 10), later (like if I'm seeing a movie that gets done at 11), or if I should bring my pill pack with me (like if my roommate is in charge of plans for the evening and all I know is that they'll be lengthy and fast-paced).