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Other Birth Control Options?
Dear Anai,
I have been on birth control pills for 4 years, after having my daughter. I
started on Lo-Ovral, and switched to Alesse recently.
I switched to Alesse, (an even lower dose), because I have been having
occasional high blood pressure, anxiety, mild depression, fatigue, and
headaches. I am also a smoker, and have been for the 4 years of taking birth
control pills. So I can't blame it all solely on the pill.
Since switching to Alesse, I have had severe irritability, moodiness, and
depression has worsened a bit. I still have the headaches, but not as bad. As
far as blood pressure, I think it's not much lower than before, and most of all,
the anxiety has worsened, more than ever.
I missed one pill of Alesse in my second week of the pack, and I have been
bleeding for 11 days. I am to start a regular cycle tomorrow and start a new
pack on Sunday. I am thinking of going back on Lo-Ovral, since I can't handle
the irritability and anxiety, which I suppose is hormones due to lower dose
pills. Changing didn't help much anyway.
I know the smoking affects the headaches and high blood pressure, but also
know fatigue and depression are from the pills. Is there any alternative to the
pill?? I have been tired the 4 years of taking them, and blood tests for cancer
was ruled out. No diseases. So I just think the pill is not for me, though I
don't need to get pregnant now.
What is the best method besides the pill, the safest, and most reliable
besides condoms? I'm married and we're both monogamous. We both do not want to
use condoms. What other choices do I have?
Thanks for any answers. I'll probably start the Lo-Ovral again until I can
figure out what to do!
Thank you,
Linda
Dear Linda,
Changing to a new
birth control pill has an effect on the person (positive or negative), so my
suggestion would be for you to try this pill for another month and see how it
works for you.
If you cannot cope with this one, there are many others
on the market that you may try out. There will be one that can help you with
PMS, bloating, your period, and anxiety.
Other birth control methods can
be found in the Birth Control section of the ParentsNest.com web site. I would
suggest that you and your partner visit these pages together and come to a
mutual decision, so that you are both fully involved in this process.
As for the anxiety, being one who experiences it too - I would
highly suggest you quit smoking. Nicotine, caffeine, lack of exercise, and
certain foods/medications have a great impact on our anxiety and stress levels.
Please consider quitting smoking - you will be glad you did.
Also,
consider Prozac. Antidepressants are very helpful for anxiety, panic, and
depression. If you take Prozac before conceiving, you will be able to take it
throughout your pregnancy.
Discuss these options with your doctor so
that you get further detailed information as well as samples to try out.
Thank you for writing,
Anai Rhoads
© Copyright 2004
Anai Rhoads.
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