which birth control is better?

[bellababy]

I was recently on birth control and i stopped taking it for about a month.. I got my period early is that healthy? but now im looking at starting again but i dont know what kind to do. i was thinking maybe Depo(shot) but also maybe the patch. which is better? i know that with Depo u dont get your period for a few months but i would rather know that im getting it so that i know everything is ok. so would the patch be better or is there something else that might be better for me to take? ring? NO PILLS.. anything else? if you can help that would be very helpful. thank u for those who help.

[AndiJ78]

I loved depo, had a wonderful experience with it. It really does depend on each individual's chemistry. I would recommend that if you are contempltaing depo, you try the mini-pill first. Same exact meds but in a pill form. That way if you start having an unfavorable side effect, you can stop taking it without worrying about the lingering effects of the injection.

The ring does seem to be gaining in popularity, but I have never used any BC with estrogen. I have only used depo, the Mirena IUD, and condoms.

Make sure you research all your options so you can make an informed decision.

Andi

[Learner1]

Depo Ive heard scary things about... Also the patch they are finding more & more blood clots in young women.  I use the ring which I was suggest to anyone.  Id def do the research b4 deciding on depo or the patch!

[cugirl]

I would suggest researching each form of BC.  The pills you were on might not have been the right strenght if you were having early periods.  But I was on Depo and my last shot was 8/04 and stopped because I bleed for 3 months almost all the time.  I switched to a low hormone BCP and it was great never a problem with early or late periods.  In Aug 05 I stopped the BCP's because my husband and I are ttc and still no AF except twice and that was with the help of Provera.  Ive never tried the patch but it depends on your weight if you can use it..talk to your Dr.  Also I would suggest using condoms with the patch, Ive heard alot of people (personal friends and customers in the pharmacy I work in) complain about it because they became pregnant.  Also there is a big risk with blood clots with the patch.  I know several on the ring and they love it.  But everyone is different and the same form of birth control is not right for everyone.  Best of Luck in your decision! Jen

[INFORMANT]

I was on the Depo Shot for about 6 years and I had no side effects at all.  I think it just depends on you.  The patch you have a greater chance of developing blood clots because of the estrogen.  Bad things happen when you take extra estrogen.  I ended up going off the Depo shot because it causes bone density problems.  They only reccomend now that you can get the shot for 2 years.  When I stopped getting the shot I got my period back in about a month.  I have heard good things about the ring thing.  I think you do whatever works best for you.

[xrayu2]

I did pills for a little while.  The shot has, like she said, horrible side effects.  It takes so long for your period to come back with the shot.  This is not recommended as birth control,but my husband and I used withdrawal method.. My periods have always been like clockwork, though, so it was easy to chart my days that I would have been ovulating.  It worked like a charm for us and we can tell you the day each child was conceived.  Good luck in whatever you decide.

[luv_babies]

I would really research the shot and the patch before deciding. I know the shot has some wicked side affects and now they say the patch isn't that safe, too much estrogen. I would go with the ring, but that's just me. I was on the patch for 3 years and about 3-4 months before all that info about the patch came out I stopped to ttc. Really do some research before deciding. Even talk to your dr about your own risk factors. Good Luck!