BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids BC Questions--Non Hormonal Methods

I'd recommend the copper IUD and finding a doctor who would be willing to insert it. I almost got one a few years ago, but didn't because my husband got snipped.

I recall the only big risk factor with an IUD is associated with multiple partners, as an STD is more likely to become a serious problem more quickly. All other non-permanent birth control is either barrier or hormonal, and I personally don't trust barrier methods.

Sissy - I have an idea of what you are going through. I am on a low-dose BC after having problems with a higher dose (can't lose weight) but I'm still seeing little difference. It's not causing me to gain weight, but the weight I gain isn't coming off. (My mom had the same problem with the hormones she was on during menopause. About 2 months after stopping the hormones, she dropped 35 pounds.) My doc told me my only real option is to work out more (I already work out about 7 hours a week) or stop taking the pill.

Luckily, I'm only about 10 pounds over my "normal weight." I lost 12 pounds last year after switching to the lower dose, but then I got stuck at my current weight.

That is not true about the IUD! I never gave birth, but I had an IUD for several years. Also, b/c I wanted off all the hormones. Some doctors say it is more difficult to insert or take out if you haven't had a kid, but it is not impossible. Get a second opinion....and print off the info from the IUD websites to take with you. It may just be that YOUR doctor doesn't like to put it in women who haven't had their cervix stretched by childbirth yet....which is what you are trying to prevent! You may be absolutely too small, but I would get a second opinion first.

IUD is the #1 birth control method in Europe...and I'm sure that not all those women using it have had kids.

Oh, also, some doctors may secretly consider the IUD like a mini-abortion device and try to steer you away from it for their own ethical reasons....another need for the second opinion...in case that is really what is going on.

I also used a diaphram for a while. It is not as effective and kind of a pain to insert...and messy w/ the spermicide...but that is another option.

My recommendation is just to get fixed, or have your partner get fixed. But then, that is for people such as moi who never want kids. :P

Condoms are a pain, but they are very effective when used correctly. The IUD is also great from what I've heard, and among the most cost-effective and hassle-free forms of BC. Many health insurance plans cover the IUD. I also heard it is the most popular form of birth control in many parts of the world.