BC suggestions welcome for a new user in the wake of Roe V. Wade

[wonkydonkey]

Hi all,

I’m new to the group as I have never been on hormonal birth control. I (21F) am semi-sexually active because I have debilitating pregnancy paranoia. I live in a state where abortion is now illegal, which panics me to the core. I am about to make an appointment to start birth control because I cannot fathom not being able to get an abortion if I need one and I’m looking for suggestions I can throw out to my doctor when I have my appointment.

Some info:

• I would like to avoid Nexaplon or the depo shot, if possible.
• I have past struggles with ED, so I am somewhat concerned about weight gain, even though I know this might happen regardless.
• My partner and I use condoms consistently and I never let him get even close to finishing due to my anxiety.

Obviously I will make the decision with my doctor’s advice, but I am completely naive to all of the options, which is why I’m looking for advice. Thank you in advance

 

[nimrod2006]

@wonkydonkey You could look into hormonal or non hormonal IUD, mini pill, combination pill, vaginal ring, the patch, or combine barrier methods like a diaphragm/spermicide. I think good things to think about are whether yo I want to use hormones or not, how much maintenance you can tolerate (e.g. can you reliably take a pill every day).

Really if you combine any second with condoms you’re going to be very well protected!

 

[cappylr]

@wonkydonkey Checkout Planned Parenthood’s info on the options: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control

Try their quiz to help narrow it down: https://tools.plannedparenthood.org/bc/birth_control_quiz

Also checkout the effectiveness rates of using multiple methods. If one method doesn’t sound like enough protection for your comfort, you can always pair it with a compatible method: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexualhealth/the_buddy_system_effectiveness_rates_for_backing_up_your_birth_control_with_a

 

[wonkydonkey]

@cappylr Thank you SO MUCH for adding the last link. The part about sexual readiness really resonated with me, especially as an anxious twenty-something. I appreciate this!

 

[grscali66]

@wonkydonkey I take Yasmin and have the Paragard - it's okay with my doctor and I haven't had any negative side effects.

 

[aussiealways]

@wonkydonkey if I were you I'd go for a birth control method that will keep you covered for years at a time because with the way things are going it looks like they're going to restrict/make it harder to access to many (if not all) forms of birth control. therefore I'd recommend a bc method like the arm implant thing (Nexaplon I think) or an IUD.
good luck and stay safe

 

[iessuman]

@wonkydonkey IUD

Hormonal: Mirena, Skyla, LILETTA, and Kyleena

Or copper IUD

 

[rio2589]

@wonkydonkey I would say IUD is a probably the safest bet. The hormonal ones have lower dosage of hormones. The non-hormonal one can increase your period symptoms I heard for like the first year you’re on it. I have the Kyleena IUD and it helped lighten my period a lot and so far no bad side effects. Talk to your doctor. It should be free if you have insurance

 

[wonkydonkey]

@rio2589 Thanks for responding! What would you say the insertion pain was like? I’m a wuss but willing to endure it as to not be pregnant lol.

 

[rio2589]

@wonkydonkey Honestly for me it was really not bad. My gynecologist was super nice and calmed me a lot. She told me to try to cough and then it was one quick sharp cramp to measure the uterus and one more to insert. It was very quick that I immediately forgot about it. I did take 800mg ibuprofen in advance so I think it helped.