NEED HELP Finding Good Birth Control!!!

Updated on March 28, 2007
E.M. asks from Exton, PA
8 answers

I need to find a birth control that WILL NOT cause me to gain a bunch of weight. I just stopped taking Ortho Tri Cyclen a few days ago. I started taking it (again) in November and since that point I gained 15-20 lbs. I was on Ortho for years and when I stopped taking it the first time, I dropped 10 pounds in 2 weeks.
I need to be on birth control, not ready to have another one yet, and would like to find something more reliable and easier than condoms or spermacides. I just can't handle gaining that much weight!
If anyone can help my out, I an open for advice!!
Thanks!

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E.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I also have the Mirena IUD and highly recommend it. I had it inserted in December 2005, when my son was about 2 months old. I was a little crampy for a day or so when it was first put in, but haven't had any side effects at all since then. I stopped having my period also. It's so nice to have such an effective form of birth control that you never have to think about. And it's good for up to 5 years!

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

they have low dose hormone birthcontrol i was on mirette and i didn't gain any weight but now i am on none my husband had a vasectomy so i don't have to worry any more but you will have to experiment because every woman is different definetly don't go on the depo i gain more on that then i did with my pregnancies....

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B.S.

answers from Washington DC on

They put me on Loestrin FE, i havent gained any weight. Its controls the period, so it is down to like 3-4 days max. I would recommend it.

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K.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

what about Mirena? Its an IUD. Its 99% effective. Lasts for 5 years. a PLus is you dont have monthly period (well its a plus for me. LOL) If you do want to become pregnant just have it removed. I have friends who had thiers removed and was pregnant with in 2 months.They were surprised how soon they concieved. Even with the pill or what not it could take a couple of months for the hormones to get out of your system. Its worth talking to your doctor about. Another plus but might not seem like it right away. The IUD costs around $150. most insurrances cover it. But if you add the fact that it lasts 5 years and add up all those condoms or even birth control pills you spend more on those other things in one year than it costs to have the IUD for 5 years. So its effective and cost effeiecent. Another PLUS you dont have to remember to take a pill or buy condoms. Its a get it and forget it method. I know with two small children I couldnt rememeber to eat let alone take my medicine. Good Luck!

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C.W.

answers from Harrisburg on

I went on Depo Provera after my son's birth 12 yrs ago. I thought it was fantastic that I had NO PERIOD at all and didn't have to think about it at all. BUT, after all that time, it was discovered that it was causing a increase in my blood pressure and I had gained 20 lbs and couldn't lose it. I just went to the Nuvaring and I LOVE IT. All the weight fell off no dieting, and even though I have my monthly back, it is light and only lasts 3 days tops. My blood pressure went back down to normal and I am keeping the weight off.

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K.P.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi Elzabeth,
I used Nuva Ring for years and really liked it. It didnt cause me to gain weight and I didnt have to remember to take it every day, which was my probmem with pills. Your doctor may not want to give you Mirena, they dont like to give it to women who arent either married or in committed relationships. I wanst sure what your situation was. Mirena (IUD) is what I have now, I had it put in on Nov 1, and am still not sure how I feel about it. I do still have periods and they are even longer and more frequent, which stinks. I am hoping that my system will straighten out soon! If your insurance doesnt cover it, like mine (grr) then it will cost you $500, but they do offer a payment plan. Good luck!

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K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Here's some advice from my experiences working in a reproductive clinic:

The birth control pills themselves do not cause weight gain. Changing your eating habits/lifestyle does cause it. Being on the birth control pills may have curved your appetite or caused you to crave foods that led to the weight gain, but the birth control pills themselves did not. That was an old myth and is no longer listed as a side effect of birth control.

The only exception to the weight gain issue is the Depo Provera shots. They do not cause you to gain weight, but they can make it very difficult to lose it.

I personally was on depo for three years and put on weight after having my gall bladder removed. I had a hard time losing the weight, until I went off depo. I switched to Ortho Tri Cyclen and the pounds began melting off my body.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I got Mirena IUD after the birth of my daughter 10 months ago. I have not had any weight gain (I am 5lbs lighter then pre-pregnacy) and no bad side effects. Honestly I don't even know it is there. Plus NO PERIOD! And as the person said earlier it is good for up to 5 years!

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