Scared of Birth Control Pills

There really isn't. I use FAM and condoms because I'm allergic to everything else including the hormone imbalance caused from a tubal ligation which I reversed. =D

I actually was talking to my OB about this today. I used to be on Yasmin (related to Yaz) for 5 years, and my previous GYN stopped prescribing it to her patients because of the health risks. My new OB/GYN, who I love and is very renowned, told me not to worry, and it's not a big issue. ANY time you take birth control there's a risk--for any kind, not just Yaz or Yasmin or any other type. But there's a risk for everything. Tylenol, Advil, Pepto Bismol, the list goes on. We've had birth control pills for many years now, and they've come a long way. The investigations that come to public knowledge are usually from class action lawsuits that gather people who say they have adverse side effects without really having a medical correlation between the medication and the health problem (most of the time).

So, my OB made me feel better about it. Yasmin was awesome for me. OrthoTriCyclin was terrible for me. But you have to choose what's right for you.

There are no absolutely 100% safe, and effective, methods of birth control other than abstinence. But for many women, BC pills work and are safe and effective. Pregnancy is not safe, either.

Ortho Tri-cyclen and Ortho Cyclen have been proven to reduce acne. My stepdaughter has taken them for years with great success.

I have taken BC pills for a total of 25 years. I've had no side effects. As with any medication, they aren't for everyone (if you smoke, have had blood clots, or a few other conditions your doctor may advise against). BC pills work for many, many women.

I feel the same as you. I totally refuse to take birth control pills. It just goes against how I feel about stuff. I rarely take medication for anything...even birth;-)

Some are commenting that pregnancy is riskier...maybe so, but our bodies are MADE to have babies. It's natural. Taking meds to mess with our cycles isn't normal. I see that as a big difference. I try to leave my body to do what it naturally does and work around it. (In case I sound totally anti-pill, that's only for me. I totally respect others choosing otherwise.)

You don't have to abstain, just learn your cycle and then use condoms when you're fertile (or always). The book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" is an awesome book that explains some really interesting stuff.

Have you looked into Mirena IUDs? I've never used one of those, just have heard people like it. I know very little about it. Maybe it uses hormones or chemicals or something...not sure.

Just know you're not alone. I don't think you should do anything you're not comfortable with. My hubby fully supports my decision to not use any birth control pills. So, we work together to figure other things out:-)

Okay as long as there are lawyers to sue there will be something to sue about. Talk to your doctor about the real side effects and potential dangers.

Yes, do not take Yaz. I took it for 5 days and started having dizzy spells and heart palpitations. People have had serious complications and have died from taking it. I can't believe it's still on the market! I don't want to take anything with hormones. We used condoms for awhile and now just use Natural Family Planning until he finally goes for the snip.

any medication has a chance for side effects - and those side effects are generally very rare, especially in something as commonly used as bc. read the actual statistics on bad reactions vs. no reaction. then do the same for other common medications; aspirin, antihistamines, etc. i guarantee you bc is as safe as any other medication you would take. there's a chance you could get hit by a car walking down the sidewalk, too. there's always "a chance" something bad could happen.

Pregnancy has much more of a risk, than BC.

Vasectomy! (But only if you are 'all done'.)

You have a lot of good responses here and I personally have decided to go with the Paraguard IUD. Birth control I have been on ALL types for years then I got pre-cancerous cells which probably wasn't related and as everyone else has said every thing has a risk involved....but you have to weigh out the good versus the bad. Don't believe everything you read and see either. The best is to talk to your doctor as well as some others because some have different opinions as well.....take what you need from the information and move on. As far as the acne have you tried Tea Tree Oil? Man that stuff is the greatest. I had forgotten about it for awhile and then remembered and it has many many uses. Acne being one of them. They sell it in a small vial but the idea is a little goes a long way and its meant to put as a mixture but you can add it to whatever you are currently using for your face and its supposed to clear it up-just be careful because too much can actually irritate the skin more. Research that online or go to your local herb/natural vitamin store and ask them there if they know how much. I made a spray for my dog which was 1 tsp per 1 cup of water. That might give you some idea on how much??? I used to buy from Melaleuca and want to join again just for the product itself but we are on the Dave Ramsey debt reduction thing so I can't justify doing that right now-but when I can I am going to rejoin. There is a momma on here "mimi" and she is a member of melaleuca. The tea tree oil is like the main ingredient in most of their stuff and even better its all natural! ;()) Anyways just thought that perhaps I would mention the tea tree oil since the birth control seemed appealing for the acne treatment to you. You will have to make that decision though but personally next week I am going in for a Paraguard IUD-no hormones and it prevents pregnancy. Some women say they did worse on it others say they love it so again I think it depends on the person....but I'm willing to try it out since the Birth Control I was on again made me bleed for 6 weeks straight! I am so sick of it and don't even want to bother trying another type out because its ALL hormones! They screw your own hormones all up! I would rather have a heavier period for 5 or 6 days then to blled constantly for 6 weeks straight-ugh!

I started taking Ortho Tri-cyclen at age 14. Except for the 3 years I switched to Depo, I have been on it since and have seen no ill side effects.

I take Low Egestrol now, but was on Ocella. Both are fine, minimal side effects. Both have helped with my acne,period, cramping, etc..It's better then worrying if you will get your period every month..

There are many safe and effective methods of bc, and in general, the pill is safe (as long as you don't smoke). Schedule a consultation with your ob/gyn and have a long conversation about what is best for you.

What about the "Today Sponge?"
They have a website.

Is it just BC or any drug? Everything in life has risks. Do you not take any medications or drugs, ever, even over the counter? Nothing is 100 percent perfectly guaranteed absolutely safe :)

I take b/c pills and they are great! Check out levora---it is a really good pill and doesn't make me feel funny or wacked out. GL with your search.

What have you heard about birth control that's bad? I've been taking the BC pill on and off (on more than off!) since I was 18 and never had a problem. Everyone is different so everyone has a different experience with prescriptions for anything. Talk to your doctor about what you want and what your fears/anxiety are. They can help you make a good decision that works for you.

honey, the only people who have anything to gain from scaring you about birth control pills are the same people who are going to taunt you when you get pregnant. take a moment and think about it. whats cheaper, birth control pills or babies ??
K. h.