Comments on: Hooray for Choice! 10 Birth Control Options Besides “the Pill”

By: amynluv

amynluv — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:06:12 +0000

I like that you gave more choices than just “the pill.” I’m always amazed at the women who only know about birth control pills and condoms. As a side note, both condoms and the pill often aren’t used correctly, which cuts down on their efficacy.

As for #10, Natural Family Planning and the Rhythm Method are two very different things. I have the unfortunate experience of being a former Catholic, and have attended many lectures on NFP.

There are many problems with NFP, though. First of all, if a woman takes medication that could effect her hormone levels or has an illness that effects them, NFP doesn’t work. For instance, I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and take an androgen-binding medication. It is not birth control, but it affects my hormone levels, with are already skewed from having PCOS. If I used NFP, not only would I have an increased failure rate because of the medication I’m on, but also because of having PCOS. My medication would also cause severe birth defects if I got pregnant when I didn’t intend to, because I was depending on NFP with an increased failure rate. It is important to remember, that no matter how committed a couple is to it, NFP WILL NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE.

If a couple isn’t 100% committed and know what they are doing, then the failure rate of NFP is also increased. While biased Catholic sources give NFP a 1-2% failure rate, non-biased sources give average use of NFP a 25% failure rate.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/preventingpregnancy/fertilityawarenessNFP.html

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:43:21 +0000

Ugh, the hormonal methods were awful for me. The pill made me sick and the patch left horrible marks. Depo provera seemed great at first but then I sunk into a raging depression that destroyed my life for nearly a year. No-thank-you. Condoms for me all the way. They’re right there when I need them and I stay STD free.

By: MsGoody2Shoes

MsGoody2Shoes — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:38:22 +0000

Women need to know about other methods of birth control INSTEAD of using abortion as a method of birth control. I believe all humans in the womb have a right to life. So, if women use birth control maybe we can reduce the number of murdered babies.

By: SheKali

SheKali — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:52:10 +0000

I know this post is old, and a few people have already stepped up to defend NFP and FAM but no one has addressed what I find to be the (and sorry if this comes off as offensive) most ignorant part of your description of it.
"As a former Catholic, I and know of many babies conceived rather than prevented as a result of NFP, but it remains the preferred method for some people."
Natural Family Planning and the Fertility Awareness Method are not strictly methods of birth control. They are also VERY useful for trying to conceive. Being aware of your fertility goes both ways, and that statement would be fine, except that you say "but" as if conceiving a child on NFP or FAM is always an unintended consequence.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:15:58 +0000

I’ve chosen to use the Depo Provera shot for over 3 years and I love it. It also stops my period, which I really like.

By: kristen

kristen — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:46:49 +0000

My favorite – in my 20+ years of using birth control – was Norplant. Insertion and removal were both easy peasy. I had it removed when I wanted to get pregnant and had no problems getting pregnant. I used Toni Weschler’s book and website to chart my cycles and temps and all that went with it. From that I used the copper IUD with no problems for 2 1/2 years before wanting to try getting pregnant again. I had another copper IUD inserted after my 2nd child was born. Aside from heavier periods, I was still happy with the IUD until getting pregnant after having it in for 3 years. Yep. I was the 1%. I miscarried and for the past 4 years, my husband and I have used condoms along with my IUD. Overkill? Perhaps. But worth it to me.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:51:52 +0000

I’m surprised to see nfp, but not withdrawal listed. Per the below overview, withdrawal is about as effective as condoms: http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2009/05/15/index.html

By: RMJ

RMJ — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:35:03 +0000

The pill was terrible for me, and made me sick, but doctors still pushed it on me. Finally I got a diaphragm, and it was a GODSEND. Still happily using it with condoms and withdrawl (which is quite effective)! Hooray for choice indeed!

By: Megan Lalonde

Megan Lalonde — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:59:24 +0000

This is in response to Option #10. Natural Family Planning is NOT the Rhythm Method. The Rhythm Method uses past cycle length to try to predict future fertility. Because it is normal for cycles to vary in length and time of fertility, it is not a particularly effective way to avoid pregnancy.

Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness are scientifically-validated systems for observing and interpreting signs of fertility, primarily changes in cervical mucus, along with basal body temperature and cervical position. NFP and FA are practiced from different philosophical standpoints. When properly taught and practiced, they are highly effective – upwards of 98-99% effective.

It’s disappointing that an article purporting to inform women of birth control options is perpetuating the continued confusion between NFP and FA and the Rhythm Method. Conflating these methods doesn’t provide women with accurate information about their options and their effectiveness.

By: artsynomad

artsynomad — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:14:38 +0000

I tried Paragard and Mirena IUDs. Both fell out in under two months. My gynecologist said something like 15% of women have their IUDs fall out, especially if they haven’t given birth (cervix changes shape). Just an FYI for anyone considering an IUD! I’m on Implanon now and couldn’t be happier. No way the implant can fall out of my arm!