Q.
I've been on the Pill for years, but there seems to be so many options out there now that I'm thinking I should switch. How can I decide which method is best?
A.
You're smart to at least consider switching things up to find the perfect fit for you. Too many women stick to the same contraception they've been using since they became sexually active when there might be a more effective approach that works better for their bodies. You can't beat a face-to-face consultation with your health care provider, who can look at your lifestyle and needs and give you a more thorough evaluation of what would work for you, whether it's the Patch, the ring, or another pill combo. Depending on how many years you’re talking about, your doc may want you to give the Pill a rest. If you do switch, just be sure to take extra precautions (hello, condoms) during that in-between phase when your body is adjusting from one contraceptive to another.
Nestpert Dr. Pam Spurr, author of Make Love All Night & Talk to Him in the Morning and Naughty Tricks and Sexy Tips: A Couple's Guide to Uninhibited Sexual Pleasure
-- The Nest Editors
See More: Sex Q&A , Love & Sex
62458643 
Katieg777
I'm a newlywed as of January 2009. My husband and I have as well been using the Sympto-Thermal Method with much success! We use condoms on days where I'm most fertile. I feel confident not having to put additional chemicals in my body and emotionally I feel confident concerning some of the pill's unpublicized side effects like its method of at times preventing implantation of a fertilized egg (a baby in my opinion). A few of the many medical sites this is noted: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a
601050.html; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control/BI0
0014; http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_contraceptives_bir
th_control_pills/article.htm. Some helpful sites/resources I've found for learning about the Natural Family Planning Method: http://www.ccli.org/. We used the book "The Art of Natural Family Planning® Student Guide" to learn the techniques. The down sides include a bit of work taking my temperature in the morning and having to use condoms or abstain during portions of my cycle.
62447820 
ladyfair01
I spent several years trying different versions of the pill, with side effects ranging from the mild (low libido) to the severe (vomiting and passing out). A couple of years ago I came across a book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility," by Toni Weschler, MPH. It looks like a textbook, but explains clearly and understandably how my cycle works, and how to achieve birth control through the Fertility Awareness Method. [This is NOT the horrible "rhythm method"!] Through observation of certain physical signs every month, I know exactly when I am ovulating and therefore at risk of pregnancy, so it is easy to abstain or use a condom when I don't want to conceive. When the day comes that I am ready to get pregnant, I will know exactly when to try, without taking ovulation tests or waiting on residual hormones to clear out of my system. I have recommended this book to many women, several of my friends have made the switch, and truly it has changed my life! I love I'm not dependent on chemicals and hormones anymore, and that my body is no longer a mystery to me!
61513320 
whisafaye
Natural Family Planning is the best! It is 99.9% effective! My husband and I are NFP practicing...it does wonders for the sex life too! :) Check out the Couple to Couple League...plus all those birth controls are dangerous for you...there are things that your doctor might not be telling you...do your research...its your life don't let others decide it for you! Good luck...remember bring a life is a blessing....something only you and your husband can truly, fully, honestly, enjoy! :)