Ladida

[summer_sparrow]

I have read lots of websites, but they are less than helpful. Do/have any of you use/used FAM for birth control? I can't do hormonal stuff anymore. It's unpleasant and uncomfortable and I hate the person it turns me into. STDs are not an issue and condoms are extremely uncomfortable for me, so I'm looking for alternatives.

Thanks you guys!

Now I scurry back to work (from whence I am not actually supposed to be posting to "blogs" but oh well.)

Comments

[holyschist.livejournal.com]

FAM methods vary. The straight-up rhythm method is basically worthless. The systems where you take your temperature every day are better (my mom used one successfully for years), but really require you to have a regular cycle, which a lot of women, especially younger women, don't. I would NOT use it alone unless you are willing to risk pregnancy, although it's a decent backup.

I have some of the same issues with condoms, although not as badly--the brand we settled on after extensive testing was Skinless Skin. However, condoms really shouldn't wrinkle--it's probable he needs a smaller size. It's also not a bad idea for both comfort and pregnancy-prevention for him to pull out and change condoms if it becomes loose and after orgasm if you keep going. If your condoms have spermicide on them, that may be part of the issue--it can be really irritating and is bad bad bad. I personally violently hate textured condoms (her pleasure, my ass) and use a LOT of lube (glycerin-free, unflavored, and fragrance free--all of those can cause problems). I use Slippery Stuff, but I've known several women who swear by lubes intended for anal sex.

Copper IUDs are fine if you haven't had kids and if you plan to have kids in the future (my mom used one of those, also, and still managed to have me just fine). However, if you have severe menstrual cramps, they can make cramping worse.

If you're okay with inserting things, a cervical cap (like a diaphragm, but more effective, must be custom-fitted) is an option, although it does require a spermicide and there's still some pregnancy risk.

Re: hormonal birth control--there can be other issues besides dosage. When I took Alesse I had yeast infections all the damn time; now I'm taking Mircette and I'm more or less fine. Plus if the issue is estrogen, there's the possibility of progesterone-only pills (although they are less foolproof). I'm leery of the longer-term ones. Your doctor might be able to suggest something else, although I understand not wanting to try again.