Thoughts on hormonal birth control...
Hi all! I know birth control is a very personal, important decision for people, but I am wanting to get some perspectives from you guys--since I know you're like me in being interested in natural, organic, healthy (etc.) things.
Besides that fact that it's decidedly un-vegan (as I'm sure the medical industry tests the stuff on animals--or did at some point)... What do you think about hormonal birth control? I have been on it for 4 years, and it hasn't been until recently that it started to make me wonder just what is going into my body... I avoid all hormones, pesticides, and other yucky unnatural things in my food, body products, make-up, etc. But at the same time, I am putting hormones into my body via birth control. (I know it's not the same kind, but they're hormones that my body isn't naturally making, nonetheless.) I have never had any problems with my birth control, and have actually experienced positive effects from it (about a 10 lb. weight loss, clearer skin, lighter & shorter periods, MUCH less cramping, and more even moods at that "time of the month"--I think; it's been awhile since I started it). But now that I am more into natural foods than ever before, I am feeling a little nervous about the long-term effects of putting this stuff into my body...
What are your thoughts on this? Please share! :) Also, if you're not a fan of hormonal birth control, what do you use instead? Thanks in advance for delving into such a personal topic with me!
I seem to be the only person here who's actually had a problem with it, so it could just be me.. :-\
Actually... When I first went on the Pill, I was on Ortho-Tricyclin. I LOVED that! Actually, for the first week or so, I had symptoms that I can only describe as "morning sickness"--or what I imagine morning sickness to be like. (Afterall, you are kind of tricking your body into thinking you're pregnant 3/4 of the month...) But after that, I really liked it.
After a year or so, my dumb insurance stopped covering "name-brand" pills, so they put me on the generic Ortho-Tricyclin--called "Trinessa." Eff that stuff. >:( It took me about a year to trace my headaches, moodiness, cramps, general unhappiness back to this pill--after researching it on the internet. My doctor & pharmacist had assured me that the ingredients were the exact same, only it didn't carry the "prestige" of the name-brand--thus, the expense. Well, I had to find out on my own that this is simply untrue. A lot of generic pills offer the same effects as their name-brand counterpart, but the ingredients (or just the amounts of the ingredients) can be slightly different. I'll never know what it was, but something in the Trinessa pill reacted horribly with my body chemistry. I took myself off of it, and went on Yasmin.
I have been on Yasmin for about a year, and I love it. I think different pills work differently for everyone! But, I was asking for other opinions just because the synthetic hormones make me a little nervous--I haven't made up my mind that they're bad, but I wanted to ask around!
I seem to be the only person here who's actually had a problem with it, so it could just be me.. :-\
Actually... When I first went on the Pill, I was on Ortho-Tricyclin. I LOVED that! Actually, for the first week or so, I had symptoms that I can only describe as "morning sickness"--or what I imagine morning sickness to be like. (Afterall, you are kind of tricking your body into thinking you're pregnant 3/4 of the month...) But after that, I really liked it.
After a year or so, my dumb insurance stopped covering "name-brand" pills, so they put me on the generic Ortho-Tricyclin--called "Trinessa." Eff that stuff. >:( It took me about a year to trace my headaches, moodiness, cramps, general unhappiness back to this pill--after researching it on the internet. My doctor & pharmacist had assured me that the ingredients were the exact same, only it didn't carry the "prestige" of the name-brand--thus, the expense. Well, I had to find out on my own that this is simply untrue. A lot of generic pills offer the same effects as their name-brand counterpart, but the ingredients (or just the amounts of the ingredients) can be slightly different. I'll never know what it was, but something in the Trinessa pill reacted horribly with my body chemistry. I took myself off of it, and went on Yasmin.
I have been on Yasmin for about a year, and I love it. I think different pills work different for everyone!
Where did you hear/ read that??? Generic drugs are supposed to be the exact same formula...no changes at all. Chemically speaking they SHOULD be the exact same thing. ???? :o
Hi! I'm new to posting here, but this is something that I have recently been researching. I just went off hormonal birth control about a month ago, I had been on Ortho tri cylen Lo and then NuvaRing for about 10 years. I liked NuvaRing, it made cramping less painful and my mood was more even, but it made my sex drive even lower than the Ortho tri cyclen! I decided to go off hormonal bc, and it has made a real difference. I read that over time, the synthetic estrogens/progestins cause an increase in proteins that bind testosterone, basically making your body have less free testosterone. Less testosterone = less sex drive. However, all women don't have the same effects from hormonal contraceptives, so you just have to see what works for you. For now I'm fine with condoms!
The main ingredients in generic are the same (active ingredients) but the inactive ones don't have to be.
I am a firm believer in non-generic, I don't care what anyone says.
OK - I found this... My issue is that I really like the generic I was prescribed, but the pharamacist has been switching it out with another generic drug which I'm not as keen on. It works the same, but I don't like the way it's packaged at all..hmm...I'll have to talk to my pharmacist.
laurabs - Thanks! Can't wait to read it. Congrats also on getting published!
I went on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo when I was 17. I really had no complaints about it whatsoever as far as side effects and all that for most of the time that i was on it. I went off it last September for a variety of reasons. First, like lots of people here, I don't like to put man-made crap in my body whether it be food, body care stuff, over the counter medicine, etc so I began looking at it from that aspect. That led to thinking about pumping my money into a big pharmaceutical company, didn't want to do that either. I had also began to notice (as did my boyfriend) that i was getting more emotional around the time of my period than i had ever been in the past. My boyfriend and I had just moved in together and here I was really wanting to go off the pill, just when i really needed it ;D I asked him for his input and he gave me his opinion which was similar to mine, wary of the synthetic hormones, saying if the situation were reversed he probably would opt not to take the pill. I eventually decided i was done with it. as far as what i did for an alternative- I don't want to have children and neither does my bf, condoms weren't enough to put my mind at ease (i was using them in addition to the pill before). Together we decided to be abstinent. It's been almost a year now. The bf wants to get a vasectomy, but i don't know when that will happen, until them we're sticking with abstinence. Obviously this isn't practical for everyone, my mom just found about this last week and she looked at me like i was crazy! Like you said it is a very personal decision. do what you feel is right for your body while keeping yourself safe (or childless). For me the abstinence option was the only choice that met those two criteria. Sorry for the novel!
I think of hormonal birth control as medicine. When a woman has a problem with her cycle - it stops, it's completely irregular, it causes serious problems, etc., ... hormones is a way to deal with that.
For a healthy person, I think it's bizarre to put hormones into one's body. There are so many side effects to the pill. I just don't see how messing with one's healthy cycle can possibly be good. Not to mention, women who survive breast cancer are advised against taking hormonal birth control. To me, this is like saying, "oh, by the way, now that you've had cancer, you should know that the pill may increase your risk for it." I mean, this kind of stuff should be told BEFORE any cancer happens. It's just like with my S/O whose doctor told him, afer he had survived lymphoma "oh, by the way, don't use anti-perspirants. They're bad for you and may cause cancer." Boggles my mind.
I used to chart, but decided it was too nerve wracking. I have a copper IUD now. No hormones, good for 10 years, second only to sterilization ... and fairly "natural." It's also a pretty ancient, proven technique. Way back when, arabs used to put stones in the uterus of a camel so that she wouldn't fall pregnant while crossing the desert. The IUD is basically the same concept, but with a better design, lol.
Well, while I am on the board.....
I went on the pill at about 19. Used it for birth control. I had to be on a stronger pill because I had huge break through bleeding on a lower dose. Was on and off it for about 25 years. Mostly on it. When I was diagnosed with endometriosis (wasn't on it at that time), it was hugely helpful because I was having two heavy periods a month. Both lasting about 7 days. No fun when half of the month you are bleeding...a lot! It was truly helpful for me. For a couple of years I took it non stop so I wouldn't have any periods. Recommended to me from my Gynecologist. When I switched family doctors, she didn't want me to do that so I took it normally. Had one period a month and not so heavy.
Now that I am in a relationship, we are using condoms. I don't mind them although I would prefer not using them. They are not my BF's favourite thing either but at my age, hearing a baby cry in the middle of the night would not be good.
As well, we were using spermicidal ones but they were sort of irritating me. Physically, not emotionally. Another interesting thing, the ones with spermicide say not to use them more than once a day. They don't mean the same condom, they mean the spermicide. As I don't think I am at a high risk for pregnancy in this stage of my life, we now use ones without spermicide.
I am peri-menopausal so being on the pill is something I don't want to do. I only get a period about every 6 to 9 months. Needless to say, now in not the time for me to get pregnant.
As well, if you smoke and I think it is over the age of 30, the pill is not a good option because of health risks.
I truly had no problems on the pill once I found the right one for me. Of course, the pill does not protect you against STD's so you have to make sure you are safe against disease as well.
I personally see absolutely no harm in taking medication that you NEED for your body. Sometimes alternative methods don't work and you need something manmade that does. I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) when I was 15, and I have been on the birth control pill and hormone pills ever since. I've tried alternative forms of medication (ie, special diet, herbs, etc.), and none of them worked. I'd much rather be on a medication that does actually work and get the job done rather than suffer the embarrassing side effects of PCOS. My mom is huge into alternative medicine, and it took her 6 years to finally be convinced by her doctor that she NEEDED to take meds for her underactive thyroid. Sometimes you just have to, and there's nothing wrong with that.
I definitely agree! I was just looking to get more opinions on the long-term effects of hormonal birth control & possible alternatives, should I decide that it's not the best thing for me personally. I have investigated so many other aspects of my health & body, and I thought this was a hugely important aspect, as well, and too big to not ask any questions. :)
I totally agree!!!! When there is a need a person should take a medicine man made, or otherwise that works for them. I just don't have a NEED for them. Would they make my life right now a bit simpler? Probably, but I'm worried about the long term affects. I hope I didn't sound like I was downing anyone that does, just giving another opinion.
BC Pills made me miserable. Nasty mood swings and no sex drive whatsoever (and what's the point of being on BC Pills if you don't want to have sex).
When 'we' put hubby in charge of birth control, I was pregnant within two weeks.
I won't take the pill anymore, so hubby is still in charge of birth control, but he's learned his leason!
'We' are considering a vasectomy, but hubby keeps procrastinating. If I get pregnant again, I'm doing the vasectomy myself!
K^2
'We' are considering a vasectomy, but hubby keeps procrastinating. If I get pregnant again, I'm doing the vasectomy myself!
K^2
;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D
I just wanted to give my opinion here. I don't have any medical problems at all. I've been on the pill for 8-9 years without any problems. When I first started I rememeber it made me really moody & sick to my stomach, but that was only temporary. I take it every morning when I wake up right before i put my contacts in. It's helpful to keep the pill packet in the medicine cabinent next to something else you do every day to remind you. Now there have been days that I forgot & I just take it as soon as i remember, even if that means two the next day.
While I feel slightly guilty for using it, buy putting fake hormones into my body & the environment, I have a hard time thinking of an alternative. Kindof like if its not broke, dont fix it. The idea of an IUD really scares me. Just thought I'd share
The idea of an IUD really scares me.
They have always freaked me out, too, but I don't know why! I have a list of things to talk to my doctor about when I go in for my annual check-up this upcoming Wednesday, and I just added "IUD" & "Nuvaring" to this list... I still really like the Pill, but I'm curious to look at other options with less hormones. I thought it'd be a good idea to ask around with other like-minded people (in terms of health, etc.) to see what you women prefer. :) But I'm kind of with you, lisaanddini--If it's not broke, don't fix it. And I do like the Pill. We'll see...
Please, let me know what you decide
The IUD used to freak me out too! And it's because of the whole Dalcon Shield thing - the company decided to "improve" the design of the IUD back in the 1970's. Unfortunately, their design was flawed, and a lot of women wound up with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). Some of them, as a result of PID, became infertile. Obviously, it was recalled.
Since the Dalcon Shield incident, there has been zero problems with the IUD. There is still a risk of PID, but only during insertion - which is why it's SO important to see a doctor who is experienced in placing them. Once it is in - you're good to go. And the only risk is, of course, expulsion or imbeding. But, those are VERY low.
I weighed the side effects and risks of the pill with the risks of the IUD (not to mention cost) ... and the IUD won out for me. Now, I'm reaked out over taking hormones into my body, lol.
I've had mine for a while, and minus the initial insertion cramping ... I've had no problems.
So, definitely talk to your doctor. As I, too, was freaked out over the IUD concept. But, once I got used to it and once I got it ... it became quite normal for me.
That's good to know, Ecstatic! It just kind of weirds me out to have something actually implanted up there... I know it's not permanent, but it makes me a little nervous.
So, how exactly does it work?? If it's not hormonal, how does it "block" conception? You still get your period, right? I'm really curious now--and IUD is pretty much the only thing none of my friends use! ::) So I need some more input! :)
I feel the same way actually, I am 32 and I have been on BC since I was 18 ::). As I become older I've come to the realization of all of the things we put into our bodies and I too are trying to find a better method of BC as well as being more natural. I can't stand all of the fake hormones and I'm sure it was or has been tested on animals. I'm thinking about getting off of the pill soon. I have no bad side effects from being on the pill so far but the fact that I have been on it for so long bothers me. Besides it's not like I'm getting any action anyway, lol......I would like my body to recover from the years of BC pills. Any info would be helpful :)
So, how exactly does it work?? If it's not hormonal, how does it "block" conception? You still get your period, right? I'm really curious now--and IUD is pretty much the only thing none of my friends use! ::) So I need some more input! :)
It works much like the pill, except via a different technique. It doesn't stop ovulation or mess with your natural hormonal cycle. It interferes with the sperm reaching the egg, and it prevents implantation.
I still get my period. The two side effects women experience with the copper IUD, Paragard, (there is a hormonal one too - Mirena) is increased bleeding during their period and increased cramping. These side effects eventually go away as well. I have always had a VERY light, short period. So, I barely even noticed it increase. I haven't noticed any cramping either. I had cramps for about 48 hours after insertion, but that was it. My mom has a heavy period, and she has the copper IUD as well. She said that after a few months, her periods went back to the same heaviness as before. Obviously, it varies for every woman though.
They put it in in the middle of your period - your cervical opening is slightly larger then. I took 2 Advil before the procedure, and 2 afterwards. The actual insertion took a hanful of minutes. The cramps hit a peak right as the IUD is being inserted. But, after that, they lessen.
OK - This is NOT really what this thread is about, but I figured I'd ask, since vegweb ladies are so knowledgable, and I because don't want to devote a whole thread to this. :o
As someone mentioned before, condoms with added spermicide have a warning on the box that says they are not intended for anal sex or for more than one daily vaginal use. Why? Is it somehow dangerous to not follow those intructions??? Also - if (for SOME reason) some of the spermicide enters the mouth....is that a big deal? :-\
(Hope this isn't too graphic or anything...I just figured even if I do a search online, I wouldn't get the insight and range of opinions...make sense?) ::)
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