Birth control questions

[celery-soda.livejournal.com]

I'm a virgin, but my boyfriend and I are getting a bit heavier about making out, hands over clothes and under clothes and such. We've had the birth control talk; he's offered to split the cost with me (so it's less of an issue, but still an issue) and we will use condoms on top of it (condoms, of course, will also be split). He has also gone in for a sexual wellness checkup, and was issued a clean bill of health.
 
I will be going to Planned Parenthood in a week, so I'll talk about options there. I have my little heart set on the shot. I'm looking for something I don't have to muck around with daily (like the pill) and I'd prefer the shot over the NuvaRing (scared of not putting it in correctly). In order of preference, just from reading the PP website and comparing: 

1. Shot
2. Ring
3. Patch
4. Pill

I'd much prefer the former two, since I don't have to worry about taking them as often. I also don't like the latter two because of the visible evidence, though I'd take the patch over the pill -- I'm twenty and still have the occasional visit to my parents' place to worry about. I'm not scared of needles.

What is your experience with all of these? Any weight gain with the pill (or any of them)? Difficulties inserting the ring? 

I'm really eager on the shot, so I'm interested about it specifically -- I've heard about weight gain and extra body hair from it. How much weight gain? I know about the loss of bone density; I've researched that, and the NIH says it's reversible after you stop taking it, but any personal experiences would be great to know about.

I've also been looking at IUDs, but I plan on studying abroad and will probably have it removed before I go over there. (I may end up in a very Catholic part of the country, and I worry about if it slips or something else happens. The doctors there speak perfect English, certainly, but I don't want to have to deal with talking to my parents/advisers about it.) Same worry with the implant. Also, with the implant, any scarring upon insertion or removal?

Thanks so much for your help! I just like hearing about personal experiences -- you might raise some positives/issues I can discuss with the doctor (I already have my own pros/cons of each as well as questions listed to take to the doctor).

Catching up on featured content

[kaberett]

Hello all! I have been a small disaster area and therefore woefully neglecting you when it comes to keeping you up to date with featured content over on The Dark Side.

Since mid-November (!), we've had all sorts of things:

• a review of the Broadway show The Performers
  
• Trans Kin, an essay by barrelofrain on per experiences as family and friend to trans* people.
  
• We've had discussions on self-care in grief, our evolving sexualities, things that have made us happy recently and sex during the holiday season.
  
• Most recently, barrelofrain reports back on an intuitive eating workshop phe attended!

We've also had a whole lot of links round-ups. From December: one, two, three, four, five - a right handful :-)

What have you been reading recently?

Reputable/quality sex product retailers in London

[katrina-splat.livejournal.com]

Hi all,

Looking to find a retailer in London that stocks decent products...I walked into a place in Soho that didn't know what I was going on about when I asked for glycerin free lube. Ended up buying something that I knew had it thinking surely it'd be okay...it was not. I know I can buy online, but I need to go somewhere today if possible. I'm probably going to head into 'Sh!' but it seems a bit boutique-y/overpriced.

Thanks in advance superstars! <3 <3