Better Birth Control? [Archive]

blas

04-28-2010, 04:24 PM

I am starting to question whether or not I should continue getting the Depo Provera injections.

I have been on Depo since I was 17, and have been enjoying 6 glorious years of no menstrual period (only light spotting if anything, the week before the next shot is due and very mild cramps and some bloating occasionally).

However, the #1 side effect of Depo is weight gain. At first I didn't think that's why I put on so much weight, because I was getting lazy and putting sleep and work before exercise, but as time has gone on, I'm starting to think it may be at least a slight reason I am unable to lose this extra weight, and am getting paranoid it may get worse and my body may not be able to metabolize or burn fat as well if I stay on it.

As much as I'd hate to have a period again (as Depo is the only birth control I know of that eliminates the period), I think it may be time to switch to birth control. I understand ALL birth controls have risks of weight gain, but none nearly as much as Depo.

Firstly on this, The Pill is out of the question. That is how I got here. It didn't work in the spring of 86, and it doesn't work now. Not to mention that I really don't care much for pills, let alone having to remember to take it at the same time every day. My schedule and life is so weird that I can't even pick a good time to take it if I was on it. There is also having to go to the pharmacy....I've only been presribed meds a handfull of times, and am not excited over going to get refills every month.

I also am not interested in the ring or the patch. My skin does not react well to any kind of adhesives, and I am quite grossed out at the thought of a ring that could fall out at any given time, along with having to go to the pharmacy every month for more.

I want something semi-permanent, like Depo. I understand that not having any kids and being young, it may be a stretch to get an IUD (that kind of creeps me out a little too) or Implanon, but I'd probably ask anyway. Something that would give me a regular to non existent (if possible) period.

Any ideas?

Exaspera

04-28-2010, 04:32 PM

Is Norplant still around? I don't remember.

SengaKitty

04-28-2010, 04:35 PM

Well, I just recently found out that you're not supposed to be on the Depo shot for more than 2 years at a time (My sister was on it for 9 and it's caused her some problems now). I hear the ring works great, but you said you don't want that.

I'm personally not on birth control right now because my last form of birth control caused me heart problems. And that's the one I want to warn you AGAINST. Whatever you choose do NOT for your own health and safety go on the Implanon implant! It's a 3 year implant, but it caused me SERIOUS issues.

(GROSS OUT WARNING STOP READING HERE IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH)

For one thing, obviously the heart problems. That's the biggest concern. Other issues were: Serious acne that just wouldn't go away, and more than six months after removal I'm still dealing with. Extremely irregular periods (three months without and then three months of nothing but save for a couple days here and there). Constant dryness during sex, to the point of either having to have lots of lube, or being unable to have sex because it would rub him raw. Weight gain, migraines that were 30x worse than any I'd ever had before..

You see where I'm going with this. I had the thing removed after a year and a half, and was warned against going on any other birth control until my heart was regular again because of it.

I wish you luck in finding something you're comfortable with, but please stay away from Implanon. There are better implants etc out there. Make sure you do your research, and talk to your doctor as well. Ask what all the major side effects of any BC you go on may have before you decide.

SengaKitty

04-28-2010, 04:37 PM

Is Norplant still around? .

No, they took Norplant off the market several years ago and replaced it with Implanon which is just as bad if not worse.

Magpie

04-28-2010, 05:18 PM

What, exactly, are your preferences for birth control? You mentioned regular or no periods, unfortunately there's nothing that does that without causing major problems in certain percentages of the population (such as apparently you and me). You've specifically vetoed all the ones that I know of.

If you're looking largely for control of your menses, have you considered dietary control? I know that you work nights, so that's a lot for you to have to overcome, but I've been using diet, and I'm finding that it's working well enough that I only need to watch what I eat after I ovulate.

I just went back off the pill about three months ago. I'm loving the lack of mood problems, my husband has noticed the improvement, and I'm also really enjoying getting my longer cycles back.

shankyknitter

04-28-2010, 05:25 PM

Putting in my 2 cents:

I loved the ring when I was on it. It doesn't fall out, you don't feel it and you only have to think about it once ever 3 weeks. However you said you didn't want that so moving right along.

A friend of mine just got an IUD and she loves it. She's young and has no children and they gave to her when she demonstrated that she'd researched it before deciding to get it. I'm also considering an IUD as it lasts for 5 (ish) years and they're considering extending how long it's safe to have. If at any time you decide you want children you'd have to get it removed and it'd take a month or two (depending on several personal health factors) for your fertility to return. I'm not saying it wouldn't be harder to get pregnant if you decide you want children later but honestly? That's a benifit, you won't have children until you are positive you're ready for them.

Shangri-laschild

04-28-2010, 05:29 PM

I am looking at doing the IUD. It actually sounds a lot like what you're looking for. It's been a while since I got the information about it since I didn't get around to going in and getting anything, but definitely look into it. It's a quick procedure, no cutting or anything and it's easily removable if you change your mind.

Red_Dazes

04-28-2010, 05:40 PM

I would recommend the The Mirena IUD, it is effective for 5 years and gives out a very low dose of hormones. From what I have read up on it vs the shot, it is WAY better, no weight gain. There is also the Copper IUD, but my doctor told me that those don't always stop the Period and sometimes make it worse... no thanks.
Best bet, go to your doctor, or a local Planned Parenthood and talk to one of them about it, they will know better.

Aut

04-28-2010, 07:49 PM

I'm on the Mirena. Love it. I haven't had a period in about 5 years (my cycles got all screwy before I got pregnant with my last, then I had the Mirena put in right after she was born.) I don't think I ever want to go back to seeing Aunt Flo again.

Amethyst Hunter

04-29-2010, 06:28 AM

Two words: Endometrial ablation.

They put a probe-thingie into you (similar to what they'd do if they gave you an IUD) and zap the inside of the uterus. It only lasts for maybe 2 minutes, tops, and you'd get cramps something like what you have with a regular period, and it's an outpatient appointment so you can go home the same day. But it accomplishes two very important things. 1) ends the monthly curse (or at least makes it a lot lighter), and 2) keeps anything unwanted from taking up vacancy in said organ (i.e., no kids) since there is no longer a habitat for it.

It does of course have the requisite risks (mainly, the possibility of the inside regenerating itself, which is rare but can happen, in which case lather, rinse and repeat treatment. Most women who have one don't need to do this however.). All the women I know of who've had one though, are very happy with the results (or shall we say, lack thereof, heh).

It's also meant to be on the permanent end of things, so be VERY sure that you absolutely don't want any kids, ever, before committing to it.

And if you're still concerned about the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, you could go for a tubal - nowadays they can do them through the navel - and have them ablate as long as they're down there. Double score!

(Mind you I don't know what your financial situation or your personal comfort level is, so best of luck in considering your options and finding one that works for you!)

Rapscallion

04-29-2010, 06:47 AM

Plenty of advice from people who know their own preferences, Blas. Me? I'd say see a doctor.

Rapscallion

Pagan

04-29-2010, 08:02 AM

As much as I'd hate to have a period again (as Depo is the only birth control I know of that eliminates the period),

Oh, no it's not! I'm taking Lybrel. But, it's a pill. Honestly, though, remembering to take it when I'm in the bathroom already taking out my contacts, washing my face, and brushing my teeth in the evening? No problem. Especially when the alternative is a migraine every month with another pill. Or migraine, horrific cramps, nausea, feeling like I'm bleeding out, anemia, and nothing close to a regular cycle on nothing?

What, exactly, are your preferences for birth control? You mentioned regular or no periods, unfortunately there's nothing that does that without causing major problems in certain percentages of the population (such as apparently you and me). You've specifically vetoed all the ones that I know of.

But that's going to happen with any method, be it a pill, shot, IUD, etc.

purple

04-29-2010, 08:39 AM

I would think your best bet would be an IUD, the only issue I have heard of if you haven't had kids is the pain of insertion due to the cervix not having been strectched before.

Is the depo causing you to gain weight, or is it causing your appite to increase?

Me I have been on Depo for a year and a half but have devolped hypertension so if that doesn't reduce before my next one I need to find a new BC.

fireheart

04-29-2010, 09:23 AM

I've used implanon, I'm on it and I haven't had any problems. There was NOTHING mentioned in the brochures provided by the company about heart problems. If you're referring to DVT, the risk is actually LOWER than going on the combined pill, due to the fact that there's only one hormone present.

the side effects of implanon are all listed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implanon

most of the side effects aren't too much different from the pill. In fact, the only reason why i went on the implanon was that if i had to go back on any form of medication, the pill screws up my antidepressants.

Seshat

04-29-2010, 09:30 AM

I have a copper T IUD, and love it.

My best friend just had her tubes tied (actually clamped), and healed in about two weeks. As in, the laproscopic entry points are completely healed and the scars are already starting the fade. The one in her navel is almost invisible, the other two are tiny and are placed where a bikini hides them anyway.

She didn't go for ablation, so she still has a period, but she has normal periods anyway and doesn't see a need for an ablation - at least not yet. Maybe some day.

Cazzi

04-29-2010, 09:48 AM

I would recommend the The Mirena IUD, it is effective for 5 years and gives out a very low dose of hormones. From what I have read up on it vs the shot, it is WAY better, no weight gain.

Seconded.. I'm on my second one five year one, and for what I lose every month is just taken care of with a couple of panty liners. :)

morgana

04-29-2010, 01:37 PM

I've had both a tubal, and endometrial ablation. Either will provide very effective birth control, but the only one that will end your periods is the ablation.

That said, either will absolutely end your fertility. I can't recommend either unless you're SURE you will NEVER want kids.

Raps is right, blas. Go talk to a doctor.

blas

04-29-2010, 05:27 PM

I'm planning on going to the doctor again anyway sometime in mid May for my next Depo shot and follow up Pap (have to have the damn things every 6 months cuz of abnormal ones). I think when I make the appointment I will ask them to put in a note that I want to talk about switching birth controls.

Pardon my lack of clarity, I did not mean that I wanted permanent birth control as in, to get myself fixed or nix any future possibility of kids, I just meant that I needed a reliable more long term form of birth control (as in something as effective as Depo, but longer lasting, like a few years or more).

As for right now, well Hell no I don't want kids, but you just never know. I definetly don't want any accidents because I am one myself, but if I could have something very reliable and long term enough to get me through the next few years, that'd be ideal. Something that would not bring my fertility back immediately, is really what I mean, if I forgot to take it or replace it.

04-29-2010, 07:30 PM

This book (http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Anniversary/dp/0060881909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272568885&sr=8-1) was the best thing to happen to me as far as birth control goes. Women in my family have very bad reactions to the Pill and the other medical methods frankly scared me. With my medical history, the side effects are too risky for me. This is basically the Fertility Awareness Method which basically helps you chart all of your cycle through the fertile and infertile phases so you know when you can conceive or when your body's conditions will keep sperm alive so that you will conceive later. This allows you to enjoy sex freely while infertile and know when to use a barrier such as a condom when you are fertile (although I consider it best to abstain when I'm at my most fertile point as condoms do fail sometimes).

Even if you decide to use a prescribed method of birth control, it's really eye opening. I learned a lot about my body that I never knew that helps me detect any irregularity or problem. Now that I know, I've actually been able to watch the signs as my ovulation is delayed due to stress or extra strenuous physical activity and know when something unusual is something to worry about or not. Great information to have when you go to a gynecologist! :)

MaggieTheCat

04-29-2010, 10:41 PM

I don't really have any other birth control suggestions that someone else hasn't mentioned already, but I wanted to mention this: NO form of birth control is 100%, including a hysterectomy, so long as you still have one working fallopian tube. I know, I know, if you get your tubes tied, they take your uterus out...but, I have heard cases of women who get tubal pregnancies (where the egg gets fertilized in one of the fallopian tubes -- extremely dangerous and life-threatening.) If this happens, a woman will not carry to term, but it is still a pregnancy and she will have to undergo surgery to have the fertilized egg removed. And I know first-hand a case of a friend of mine's father who had a vasectomy and 13 years later got his wife pregnant.

Regarding birth control pills, they may not have worked for your mom, but they do work for thousands of other women. The worked great for my mom. She had my two brothers when she was in her early 20s, then her and my dad decided they didn't want any more kids, so she went on the pill for about 16 years. When she was 39, she went off the pill and BAM, here I am. I am an accident but not because of the pill. The pill worked great for her the whole 16 years she was on it and obviously she was easily able to conceive both before and after going on it! Also, a good friend of mine went on the pill when she was 21-ish and she is now in her mid-50s and has never been pregnant (but has been married for over 30 years.)

Anyway, I know you said you don't want to go on the pill, and I respect that. But accidents happen with EVERY form of BC, no matter how careful you are.

fireheart

04-30-2010, 12:02 AM

If you want to go ahead with the Implanon, the procedure is somewhat simple: first, pick up the prescription from the chemist. you'll need to schedule a day to have it implanted according to what your doctor says.
You then get injected with a local anaesethic at the insertion site. Then they end up injecting in the actual implant itself with the huge needle provided (the prescription comes with the injector). AFterwards, they'll get you to feel it so that you know where it is and to make sure that there aren't any problems. Then you have a compression bandage to wear for the next 72 hours or so.
It's normal to feel some itchiness and for there to be some bruising around the Implant for a couple of weeks. So I didn't get any dumb questions, I just wound up wrapping it up where it was, explaining it away as a tattoo.

jedimaster91

04-30-2010, 01:48 AM

Personally I'm quite happy with the Pill. I'm on Loestrin, and while I have gained a bit of weight, it's cut my periods down to either nothing or a light period lasting 3 or 4 days. It's also helped tremendously with my cramps and mood swings. I'm actually a little worried what might happen when Mr Jedi and I decide to have kids and I stop taking it. I'm afraid I'll turn into a raging psycho. :p

blas

04-30-2010, 02:28 AM

It's not just me that was an accident, I know of several girls who have gotten pregnant on it. Sure, I'd suspect one or two or three of them may have forgotten their Pill......I would bet my own life and all my belongings that my mother didn't. She is the most organized person I know and I know for a fact she and dad were trying to make sure they didn't get pregnant.

I understand it's been 24 years since I was conceived and the Pill has came a long way, but I still don't trust it. I need something a little better than bringing my fertility right back if I don't take it at the exact moment I need to.

After reading some of this, I'm a little nervous about Implanon now....sounds a little scarier than I originally thought. I can't afford anymore acne or crazy weight gain.

Anyone who has Mirena or other IUDs....how comfortable are they? Do the little thingies hang out very often?

Cazzi

04-30-2010, 05:42 AM

Anyone who has Mirena or other IUDs....how comfortable are they? Do the little thingies hang out very often?

I honestly don't know mines there at all & I can't remember ever feeling the "strings" and my play partner hasn't commented either. :D I stopped taking the pill after I had my son, who ironically was conceived when I tried the Depo, as I had pretty bad post natal depression & was scared I'd just keep forgetting to take it. I was going to opt for sterilisation, but glad I didn't when I finally worked out it wasn't that i didn't want more kids, it was I didn't want them with my ex ;) (not that I've had the chance since)!

I have it checked yearly, as I said this is my 2nd merina, before that I had a non hormonal copper one.

As for discomfort, I've had kids, but each time one was due to be fitted, was advised to take ibuprofen before hand & schedule an appointment towards the end of a menstrual cycle.

But as Raps said further up, we can recommend but the best people to ask are healthcare professionals :)

Shangri-laschild

04-30-2010, 01:05 PM

After reading some of this, I'm a little nervous about Implanon now....sounds a little scarier than I originally thought. I can't afford anymore acne or crazy weight gain.

I think the process is different based on what kind? I believe there were two different ones presented to me when I was getting info and one sounded a lot nicer than the other. I think Mirena might be the one that I was looking into. It's in a needle like thing but not injected like a shot. More like inserted. From what I understand the strings hang out a little but they're supposed to and it barely hangs out. I had the nuva ring a while back and while you'd think it'd get noticed, it didn't. The strings would be less noticable. I was told that I would go in and after the procedure, I'd be there for a short bit so they could make sure I was ok (less than half an hour maybe?) and then could go home. There'd be a little discomfort for a day or two but that was it. As others have said, definitely speak to the doctor, but just wanted to let you know that it's not quite as scary as it might sound. If you're looking for something like Depo but longer term, this would probably be it.

Magpie

04-30-2010, 06:23 PM

A friend of mine, whose mother was on the pill when both of her two pregnancies started, recently got pregnant while on the pill (miscarried :( ). Now, this friend is probably in the 92% effectiveness group, as I know that she's not in the least bit organized. However, it also makes me suspect that there might be a genetic component to if the pill works for you or not.

And if you're considering the recommendations from incognitocook and me, learn from someone, not from a book. It's really nice to have someone to ask questions of when I don't match what the references say I ought to expect.

While I agree that you want to ask the healthcare professionals, be warned that they tend to push the pharmaceuticals a little more heavily than some people like. Other methods often aren't covered as much in school, so the professionals may not be aware of them. My MIL's doctor didn't know how to read her charts, and so gave her a messed up due date.

Andara Bledin

04-30-2010, 08:24 PM

It's not just me that was an accident, I know of several girls who have gotten pregnant on it. Sure, I'd suspect one or two or three of them may have forgotten their Pill......I would bet my own life and all my belongings that my mother didn't.
These days you can't just say "the pill." There are a lot of different pills at this point. Also, there are times when the pill would be less effective due to other medications or dietary issues that weren't as well-known back then.

I know that one time I was on antibiotics that the pharmacist specifically mentioned that they would reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control measures. For some reason, I particularly remember the "use additional measures or abstain for at least a week after finishing the antibiotics," bit. Here's a link to a general article on the subject:
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sexual-health/birth-control/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100138980
However, it also makes me suspect that there might be a genetic component to if the pill works for you or not.
There's also indication that there's a mental component, as well.

I remember reading about a study some time back that women who are adamant about not wanting children appear to conceive less often than those using identical birth control methods who are not as against the idea of becoming pregnant.

I'm not up to looking for the article, and I don't think they've really studied it much, since it doesn't have any real monetary value.

^-.-^

Pagan

04-30-2010, 11:23 PM

I understand it's been 24 years since I was conceived and the Pill has came a long way, but I still don't trust it. I need something a little better than bringing my fertility right back if I don't take it at the exact moment I need to.

But that doesn't happen. You don't have to take it at exactly the same time everyday.

I screwed up a while ago and managed to not get my new pack when I should have and missed 4 days. All I did was just start the new pack and everything was fine.

These days you can't just say "the pill." There are a lot of different pills at this point. Also, there are times when the pill would be less effective due to other medications or dietary issues that weren't as well-known back then.

Right. Way back when, they only had one level of one hormone. I can think of at least 15 different ones sitting on the shelves at the pharmacy. All with differing hormone types and levels.

AccountingDrone

04-30-2010, 11:57 PM

heh, we joke that if I was an america indian, my kids would have been named Ortho Novum No Work, Ortho Novum No Work, Rubber Broke and But I had a Tubal Ligation 14 years ago...

believe me, I was scrupulous about birth control, some people seem destined to get knocked up :eek:

I found that norethindrone is fantastic, totally suppresses the menses, flushes out of the system in 3 months if one wants to gt pregnant. It was given me for PCOS, which was its own special torment. There is absolutely no medical reason to actually have a period unless you are planning on popping out progeny. Back when they were designing the delivery of the pill, they decided to let women have a period so they can feel 'female' or so I have been told by my gyn.

Magpie

05-01-2010, 11:28 AM

There's also indication that there's a mental component, as well.

I remember reading about a study some time back that women who are adamant about not wanting children appear to conceive less often than those using identical birth control methods who are not as against the idea of becoming pregnant.

I've heard that one too, but I had always heard it with the assumption that it was "women who weren't as serious about not having kids didn't follow the instructions as carefully". I don't suppose you remember if that was in the study you read? Also, the decrease in effectiveness varies with the method.

There is absolutely no medical reason to actually have a period unless you are planning on popping out progeny. Back when they were designing the delivery of the pill, they decided to let women have a period so they can feel 'female' or so I have been told by my gyn.

I've never doubled my packs, partly because I wouldn't want to forgo the week without suffering side effects, and partly because I had such a bad reaction to the pills (and to menstruating naturally) that I didn't want to screw with it further. However, I had heard that with the old pills (not the new ones) the hormone dosage levels were so high that you needed to go off for your health.

blas

05-01-2010, 05:02 PM

I'm so bad at remembering to take pills that I can hardly remember to even take my damn vitamins or my diet pills.

Maybe the Shot has made me lazy, but then again, I've always hated swallowing pills. I have gummy and dissolving vitamins, so I don't have to swallow those whole.

hawkchick11

05-01-2010, 09:24 PM

I was just told by my doctor that its ok to be on depo for longer than 2 years now, as long as you are making sure you get enough calcium.

I gained about 5 pounds when I went on depo... and when I went off of it, I gained about 30.

I'm horrible at taking pills, and I don't know how I feel about NuvaRing, so I'm going to get back on depo. I thought about an IUD, but I'm not sure if I want that.

blas

05-01-2010, 09:28 PM

You are supposed to have a bone density test after 5 years of Depo if you want to continue the Depo Shot. It truly robs calcium right from you.

I take calcium suppliments and vitamin D suppliments to help absorb it, along with 2-3 glasses of Silk a day :)

Andara Bledin

05-02-2010, 09:20 AM

You get more vitamin D out of half an hour in the sunlight than most other sources.

Also, as far as calcium, there are a lot of things that can affect how your body deals with it. There are several things that will inhibit calcium absorption (such as grain bran, coffee, and acidic diets), and you need to keep your magnesium levels up, too, as it's vital in building and maintaining bones. We used to have a 1:1 ratio between calcium and magnesium, but most modern diets have closer to a 12:1 ratio.

Oh, and because of the way calcium is taken into the system, supplements aren't optimal, since you take a large dose at one time, and spreading the intake out over the day is notably more effective.

^-.-^

Magpie

05-02-2010, 06:07 PM

The sun is a much less effective source of vitamin D at Northern latitudes. Also watch out for iron and calcium together - you won't absorb either one quite as well.

taxguykarl

05-03-2010, 06:37 PM

I don't really have any other birth control suggestions that someone else hasn't mentioned already, but I wanted to mention this: NO form of birth control is 100%, including a hysterectomyOvary removal will accomplish that--or as my wife put it when she had that operation (fibromyalgia and ovarian cysts) "Spayed like the cat".

Seriously though, Blas's concerns about the pill are justified. I became an uncle when my sister forgot that most antibiotics reduce its effectiveness.

My wife was on orthotricyclene (to slow the cyst growth) some years back and we found that BC prevents rugrats by killing the sex drive.

r2cagle

05-03-2010, 06:59 PM

"I have a headache",

"Not tonight, the cats are watching",

and the surefire classic winner

"I'm picking a fight with you so you'll leave me alone".

I'm surprised ya'll didn't mention the Dare motto: Just say 'NO'. :D

I'm just kidding! I have no advice on this. I wasn't on any birth control and it still took 10 years to get pregnant. I blame him, he blames me, we're all one happy family. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Seshat

05-04-2010, 09:34 AM

Anyone who has Mirena or other IUDs....how comfortable are they? Do the little thingies hang out very often?

Copper-T here.

I thought I felt it from time to time at first, but after a couple of months it sort of seemed to .. 'settle into place' or something. And when I thought I felt it, I don't mean it hurt, it was just 'oooh, was that a twinge?'

The strings hang out of your cervix, which means that to find them and check them, I have to curl up a bit, and reach inside with my longest fingers. And then I brush against them with the tips of the fingers. It's usually easier just to have my husband check them.

Here's a diagram of the placement of a copper-T (http://www.xahlee.org/Periodic_dosage_dir/t1/_p/iud_cervix/Iud_diagram.jpg)

and

Here's the female reproductive system as a whole (http://www.venusappeal.org/Symptoms/WombCancer/main_content/TSzx/large)

As you can see, there's the whole length of the vagina before the cervix - and the strings are short, once out of the cervix. Mine actually just sort of .. sit on the cervix itself, practically unnoticeable unless you're looking for them.

My husband says that except when he's actively checking for the strings, the IUD may as well not be there - other than for the peace of mind.

Giggle Goose

05-04-2010, 07:43 PM

TMI ALERT, highlight below to read:

My only input is that when I was watching a Mirena commercial with my mom, she told me: "That's how your brother got here."

:lol: I take Tri Sprintec, which is the generic of Ortho Tri Cyclen. NOT becoming a parent is at the top of my priority list right now, since I just got into grad school. I set my alarm every morning with the message TAKE YOUR MEDICINE because I also have to take my vitamins and calcium supplement. The other methods of birth control ick me out and TBH I hate using condoms. It's worked like a charm so far.