Question:
Has anyone had success with just Birth Control Pills alone?

I am so afraid to get pregnant until after 24 months per my surgeon's request that we have been using condoms along with the birth control pills that I have been taking since I was a teenager. The problem is I am starting to have an allergic reaction to the condoms where my skin in that area becomes red, irritated and itchy. We keep experimenting with different condoms because the doctor told me it could be the latex or the spermicide that is causing the reaction. The main problem is that it is causing anxiety for my husband. He is almost afraid to touch me because he feels like he is "hurting" me.<p> I know we only absorb about 85% of medications, so I was wondering if anyone has had luck with just the birth control pill. I can't go on the patch until I lose 40 more pounds and my doctor doesn't like to prescribe the shot due to the extreme side effects. My mom thinks that I have been on the pill for so long that I shouldn't have a problem, but I am still scared. I would appreciate any input. Thank you.    — ckreh (posted on October 30, 2003)

October 29, 2003
This is a huge controversy, however let me share what just happened to me. I was on the pill to regulate these crazy periods since surgery. I went back to my doctor because the bleeding got so crazy (bleeding 2-3 weeks out of the month) on the pill. He suspected I was not absorbing the pill. He did and ultrasound and discovered a very large cyst on my overy. He then told me that my pills were not being absorbed because the pill actually help to keep cyst from occurring because we don't ovulate on the pill. He had me stop them, and put me on the nuva ring. This is a flexable plastic ring that has hormones just like the pill, only you insert it, leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out, have your period, and put in a new one. He said this should shrink my cyst too. Now... all that being said, I was one of those that thought the pill would be fine for me, so did my surgeon... until this happened. Good luck. I would not trust the pill.
   — Happy I.

October 29, 2003
I know there are quite a few people on this board that swear by their birth control pills. For me personally I will not play russian roulette with a baby's life or mine. Yes most pregnancies and babies come out fine, but some don't and some abort. I personally do not agree with your doctor as far as Depo shots, as they have been a godsend since 1995 for me and right through my post-op life. Hasn't affect my weight loss one iota. Others will disagree. Since you are looking to wait 24 months to start a family, Depo shots really might be a good choice. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

October 29, 2003
I am almost 6 months post op and on the 15th of this month I had an IUD put in. It is not the old IUD you used to hear horror stories about, but it is new and so far I love it. It is called Mirena (they have a website if you want to check into it) and it will greatly reduce or even stop my periods and I do not have to worry about pregnancy for 5 years. The no pregnancy was my main concern but have very light to no periods is an added benefit as I have always had very heavy periods. Anyway, this is another suggestion for you to use for birth control.
   — Dawn P.

October 29, 2003
Another vote here for Mirena IUD. I have had it a year and I could NOT be any happier with it. It is FANTASTIC. Look into it!
   — SarahC

October 30, 2003
Have you thought of trying non-latex condoms? They now have condoms made with Polyurethane which is thinner and transmits more body heat. Just thought I would mention it. 320/250
   — Dawn J.

October 30, 2003
Birth control pills are 99% effective, you should not need anything else to prevent pregnancy.
   — catleth