Choosing the "Right" Birth Control....

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Permalink Reply by divyasarathy on June 18, 2009 at 10:47am

I did some research online before heading to my doctor to finalize what birthcontrol I wanted to go with.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on June 18, 2009 at 1:19pm

divyasarathy-
Are there any particular sites you found most helpful?

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Permalink Reply by Princess-Spock on June 18, 2009 at 1:43pm

Whatever the doctor prescribes is what's best, assuming you've been honest about, for example, how likely you REALLY are to be able to use the different forms correctly... if you're the disorganized type, for example, having to take a Pill at the exact same time each day won't work for you.

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Permalink Reply by amanda on June 19, 2009 at 3:44pm

Initially I, very timidly, asked my gyno "I'm wondering about birth control? What are the types?" She replied simply about the different options (pill, patch, shot - this was a few years ago) and mentioned that some women prefer the patch/shot because they don't like the daily regimen of the pill. Being terrified of shots - I eagerly accepted a pill prescription and the free first month pack. Upon another appointment (for my ears actually) I asked about switching pills because I was worried that I was having side effects from the first brand. She said - that's possible - and handed me a new prescription. (Pretty sure that wasn't exactly true though - but needless to say I switched to the lower dose pill).

Other than that, I've really only been made aware about the other bc options via television and magazine ads. Unfortunately, though they are great at getting their name out there, they aren't so great at talking logistics about what is actually, literally different about their particular product.

I've also talked to a few friends about their particular brand of pills and a few friends about their experience with Nuva ring. Honestly until physically seeing the Nuva ring in person I didn't really get it. (I had mentioned out loud that the stirrups were covered with Nuva ring socks and my doctor pulled out a sample Nuva ring and showed me what it looked like and how someone would go about using it.) Then it made complete sense to me.

But I have a feeling it's often something YOU have to bring up to a doctor. And I'm not sure they ever recommend an actual type - that's something you'd have to learn either a) through trial and error or b) conversation with your friends (how I'd guess most women learn/come to understand the various birth control types).

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Permalink Reply by ninapucci on June 21, 2009 at 11:09pm

I agree with the comments that a doctor is the person to go to when selecting birth control. I researched some options available beforehand and was ready to ask questions at my doctor's appointment. Based on the information I gave, my doctor explained which options best suited my needs and gave me the pros and cons of each.

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Permalink Reply by suz9601 on June 22, 2009 at 10:07am

I get the recommendations from my doctor then I do some research and yes it involves asking some friends what they are doing. I just like to be as informed as I can. I also do some research online to see what the side effects are of the medications.etc.

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Permalink Reply by smg1978 on June 22, 2009 at 11:42am

I spoke with my obgyn about it as well as my friends. Among all the people I know everyone seemed to be using a different method so talking to them helped me. I also looked on the internet.

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Permalink Reply by Kate T., M.S. on June 22, 2009 at 5:30pm

Many times, doctors are more likely to prescribe certain birth controls based on the interactions they have with the pharmaceutical sales reps that they talk to. The pharma reps come in to educate the doctors on the newest birth controls that are only available in brand name. This is done to keep the doctor informed of the new advances in birth control, but also to increase utilization of the medication.

Because of this fact, I tend to talk to friends and relatives, as well as doing online research on the medications they recommend. I also have made sure to talk to my doctor and try a few different prescriptions and see which ones give me the best effect or the lowest side effects. Obviously, your doctor should be the best at deciding the best course of treatment for each person, but it is important you do your own research and get opinion from other women before making a decision.

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Permalink Reply by Dawn - About.com Contraception on July 1, 2009 at 6:52pm

Hi -
Here are some articles that may help you with your decision:

Important Questions To Consider When Choosing Birth Control Methods

and

Before You Choose A Birth Control Method

Let me know if I canhelp in any other way!
Dawn Stacey
Guide to Contraception
http://contraception.about.com
About.com | Guidance. Not Guesswork.

About.com is part of The New York Times Company
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Permalink Reply by dindin on August 2, 2009 at 12:33pm

Hi Dawn!

I liked your article, but I was disappointed that you made condom use solely a man's activity. Women should know how to put on and use a condom just as well as their partners, and being able to put a condom on their partner during play time can make condom use less of a chore, and more a natural part of sexual activity. :)

Regards

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Permalink Reply by Dawn - About.com Contraception on August 6, 2009 at 1:54am

I am actually planning to write something along the lines of women and condom responsibility. In the mean time, I do have an article titled: Tips for Safely Storing Birth Control that contains some cute cases and carriers for women to discreetly carry condoms in.

I also have a fun piece on How To Put a Condom on with Your Mouth - so that women can help make condom use fun!

I will be adding more soon.

Oh - I also have this poll: The Keeper of the Condom - Who Should it Be?

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Permalink Reply by dindin on August 2, 2009 at 12:39pm

In my Birth Control community that's one of the things we're always happy to help with. One of the biggest birth control myths is that there are "good" or "bad" birth control pills. There are so many "review" sites out there and they're so deceiving. Even birth control ads are deceiving.

I also like Planned Parenthood's "My Method", and Teenwire's page, which is part of Planned Parenthood.

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