Maybe TMI but I have to ask. Birth Control!

Missy - I think they recalled the patch because of the clots and strokes?

This may be stupid but I thought they only suggested IUD's to women who have had kids..? Is that not correct? I use the Nuva Ring and also love it except it's affected my sex drive negatively which of course I hate. Anyways, to be safe FH and I decided for me to stay on it until after the wedding and then switching because I want my sex drive back!

@mauibride - the IUD got a lot of negative press when it came out (back in the 70's) because of risks and safety concerns, one of which was infection which would lead to infertility. (Hence recommending them to people who had kids already).They are WAY safer now, and while there is a low chance of some risks and side effects (as with most things) most women decide the benefits outweigh the risks.

@ Jenn, that's good info to know.

I plan to try Seasonal ... 4 periods a year, I'll take that ... I too was on YAZ and I have never in my life gained so much damn weight! I seriously in the matter of 4 months went from a sz 10 all the way up to a sz 16 and when I went off of it and decided to just rely on condoms I gained even more weight to put me at a near sz 20 ... my body has dropped some of the weight off (thankfully, but I'm still not 100%) ... my mom wanted me to try the shot and I was like no thank you I don't need to gain any weight ... LOL

I am on the depo shot, it doesn't make me moody (the pill turned me into a B****) I only get it every three months, and it is easy.

@Lauren K. - probably lol. I haven't used the patch since 2005 or some such...anyway, it was a long time ago. And @Maui Bride, I'd heard that about the IUD and only have kids thing, too. @Jenn, good to know

@ Jenn, thanks for the info! Very good to know.

To elaborate on Jenn's post:

That related to the old COPPER IUD's, which barely even exist now. There is also a risk of perforation with ANY IUD (puncturing the uterus wall) which can also lead to infertility. There are risks with everything though. EX: the pill has been linked to cervical and breast cancer because of the hormones associated with it (along with other cancers). Since my family has a history of those cancers, the benefits of the IUD outweigh the risks, to me. Also: it's safe for people with migraines, most pills/ shot are not.

Definitely try the Nuva Ring! I've never had any side effects.

I was on the Nuva ring for about 4 years. I loved it. No side affects =]

I tried many birth controls and Nuva ring was the best one

Have you considered that you may have sleep apnea? Just the two symptoms you mentioned sound like me 100%. It's just a thought but it's always something to look into.

Lots of side effects. That's why FH and I decided to not use protection once we get married. Will be my first time so... not doing anything now. We thought we will leave it in God's hands and if we get pregnant sooner than planned we will be happy. After the first baby we might give birth control a try but first we want to make sure we are able to conceive. I guess I don't want to risk it since one of my best friends is trying to get pregnant and they can't and they waited for more than 3 years so...

@ J.J. I doubt very much that it's sleep apnea. I'm the type of person that fully functions on 5 hours of sleep, not a healthy choice I admite, but I can do it. However, about a month into being on the pills bam! I started sleeping 12 hours straight and still woke up groggy (sp?) On the Ortho it's still hard to wake up but it's much more do-able compared to the Gianvi.

I gained SO MUCH WEIGHT on Depo, and right away. I had a non-hormonal IUD after that, and it made my periods so intolerable that I took it out myself (don't try that at home, kids). Rotten Catholic that I am, I'm using Ortho Cyclen at the moment, but I swear it must work by shutting down the libido completely. No thanks.

FH and I went to an introductory class on the Creighton method of natural family planning. It's required by the diocese for everyone getting married. I have to say, it's a lot less complicated and more effective than I thought. Combined with my usual "natural is better than not" philosophy on just about everything, we may very well get on board with NFP. They're also running studies on its long-term effectiveness, so we may decide to participate.

I still don't trust the NFP method ... FS and I desperately DO NOT want children till we've been married at least 2 years ... of course if a little accident was to happen, we'd deal, I'd definitly not get rid of the baby ...

I have implanon. its a flexible little rod sort of thing probably the size of a match that is inserted into your upper arm. its painless and like all birth control it messed with your period. but no serious side effects at all. i can go months and months with no period and that for me is greaaat!

I have the IUD, Mirena, and I LOVE it. It was incredibly painful to get it inserted (even with the medicine given to me the night before and aspirin) but once inserted I have had absolutely no problems. I can't even tell it is in and my periods are almost non-existent. I would highly recommend it!

I've been on three kinds of Ortho: Tri-Cylcen Lo, Tri Cyclen and Cyclen. All but the last one were fine, but I was spotting. Now I'm on Kariva and I like it a lot better. I'm only my second or third packet and it seems to have helped with the spotting and I also think I have less problems with dryness during sex.

I've never noticed any problems with drowsiness or mood swings on either, but it could just be me.

Have you looked at progestrin only pills? You have to be a little more careful to take them at the same time each day, but maybe it's the estrogen that's the problem for you.

@ Shana, I'm pretty sure it is the estrogen. I have an appointment with my doctor at the end of the month. I'm pretty religious about taking it at the same time everyday. I even have my alarm on my phone go off.