A simple birth control suggestion for Board Question #54401

Yarjka · Post by **Yarjka** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:00 am

I'm just putting this out there since I think a number of people don't consider this option. I realize the question specifically asked about hormonal birth control, but a really simple method is just to use condoms. I think a number of people are just too embarrassed to go buy them that they never try them, thinking birth control pills are the only way to keep from having children too soon. Really, though, condoms remove any of the hormonal problems associated with pills, you won't have the problem of forgetting to take the pill everyday (just remember to always have a good supply of condoms available in an easily accessible place), and sex can still be very fun and spontaneous. If you combine the use of condoms with the use of a spermicidal lubricant, the effectiveness is pretty close to 100%.

krebscout · Post by **krebscout** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:19 am

It has a good success rate when used properly. But talking to my OBGYN about birth control after our baby was born, he told me about lots of user error that I'd never considered before. He said he thinks they're used improperly most of the time.

I don't think that any of us forgot they exist, though, don't you worry. As you pointed out, the reader specifically asked for a hormonal solution. I'm sure she has her reasons.

Imogen · Post by **Imogen** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:53 pm

i just got the Mirena IUD, and i loooooooooove it. it's probably the single best decision i've made regarding birth control. and when i decide to take it out, i'll be able to have kids right away, there's no lag time like with the pill. i would suggest that. and if your insurance covers it, it's only the price of a copay to have it put in.

Yarjka · Post by **Yarjka** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:04 pm

Imogen wrote:i just got the Mirena IUD, and i loooooooooove it. it's probably the single best decision i've made regarding birth control. and when i decide to take it out, i'll be able to have kids right away, there's no lag time like with the pill. i would suggest that. and if your insurance covers it, it's only the price of a copay to have it put in.

That sounds even better than condoms!

TheAnswerIs42 · Post by **TheAnswerIs42** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:35 pm

My first kid came while were faithfully using condoms.

I'm just saying.

Also, IUDs are fabulous, but last I heard they were only available to women who had already had a child.

Imogen · Post by **Imogen** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:27 pm

TheAnswerIs42 wrote:My first kid came while were faithfully using condoms.

I'm just saying.

Also, IUDs are fabulous, but last I heard they were only available to women who had already had a child.

that's not true, since i've never had a child and still got one. and no one else i know with one has had a child expect for one person. they like for women to have had one because their cervix is open, but all they have to do is give you some medicine to help you relax and it goes in just fine.

TheAnswerIs42 · Post by **TheAnswerIs42** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:09 pm

Ahh. So either it changed since I read the pamphlet, or the pamphet is over-careful. Good to know. I just knew the pamphlet mine came with said it was only for after a child.

Darth Fedora · Post by **Darth Fedora** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:07 pm

Some docs won't give it to women who want more children because of increased risk of PID, which can result in sterility. There's some evidence that the link between IUDs and PID is not as strong as was once thought, so the official warning's still there, but many docs are comfortable giving IUDs to patients who want more children.

I did an internship at an OB/GYN clinic this summer, and the topic came up a lot with patients.