Thinking About Switching BC

[x-i-n-e.livejournal.com]

I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo since April. Before that, I was on it for a year, had some insurance issues, and got back on it after a month with no BC.

But this time it feels different. One, I am getting really sucky at taking my pills at the same time every day. I've been forgetting a lot. My boyfriend mentions that I'm less eager to have sex, my smell has changed, and I've had more discharge during sex. This might be because of the pill, but this didn't happen last year.

I've been thinking about changing my BC for a while now, to something that's not a pill. What would you suggest I look into that relatively low in hormones?

And, if my changes haven't occurred because of the pill, what might it be?

Comments

[sand-woman.livejournal.com]

Low in hormones is tough. The Depo and the Nuvaring can both have a lot of hormonal side effects.

There is a no hormone option: the copper IUD, and a lower hormone option: the Mirena IUD. They last for five to ten years and are as low maintenance as you get.

You could also combine condoms with a diaphragm for a no hormone option - but I always felt the diaphragm sounded a lot of hassle, and you need to use spermicide or condoms with it to get a decent rate of protection.

[frecklestars.livejournal.com]

I'd like to point out that the IUD can cause a _lot_ of other problems for you. I have the same problems with my birth control. It does just happen sometimes, and I just sort of have to get used to it (am on birth control to help with my ovarian cysts so I can't exactly just go off it). Do try switching brands, as that did help me. I've heard good reviews of the nuvaring from a close girlfriend of mine, and she's got a voracious sex drive. :P