So....I'm thinking about going on birth control because it's just not enough for me to have my boyfriend use a condom, we've had a scare twice...right now I'm late on my period, and I'm probably going to get a pregnancy test this week....I just don't like being scared...we always use protection...

Anyway, I heard that if you are depressed/bipolar, birth control can worsen it, make you more depressed, and doesn't always mix with other pills...I'm on Lamictal...do you think it might make me more depressed....

also, what birth control would you reccomend...I've researched shit and A LOT of people get blood clots... I read a lot about people getting blood clots in their lungs....I'm afraid of this on top of everything else....

are you a smoker? I think a high percentage of the people who get clots are the ones who smoke or who have high blood pressure.

I don't really know what would be best for you but I can only suggest making a trip to the doctor and asking them.

I'm fairly sure a low dose pill or even nuvaring wouldn't be a problem. Here's a list of low dose and ultra low dose pills

Low Dose Birth Control Pills - DrDonnica.com - The First Name in Women's Health

ask your doctor?

__________________
you'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking

I only smoke when I'm stressed out (seriously something like 4 packs A YEAR) and I recreationally smoke pot.

thanks for the link...

I'll make an appointment if I'm convinced enough that this is a good idea....payment at the desk is $15

yeah basically.
if yr not smoking yr most likely not at risk for clots.

they say that if yr smoking 15+ ciggs a day theres a problem.
i guess if youd sneak one every now and then it wouldnt kill you.
but from experience, id say avoid smoking.
cause i had some wacky shit happen to me (losing feeling in my extremities and shit) so its not fun.

idk about marijuana though?...

ANYWAY.
as far as moods go, ive heard that birth control helps yr moods even out?
especially helps at yr time of the month and all that.

__________________
"Careful writing is deathly writing" - Charles Bukowski

Also, remember the risk of blood clots when you're on the pill is still WAY less than the risk of getting a blood clot when you're pregnant.

going on the pill made me nuts?

__________________
buy me some shoes any maybe take me for cola?

Some people get very pre-menstrual on HBC. If you're prone to depression and mood swings anyway it can make it worse. Condoms are your FRIEND.

__________________

seriously?

Well, that actually helps me a lot, because that was on of my biggest concerns....

and though condoms are my friend, I just like being extra safe....my period has still not come, I mean it could very well be other reasons but mrah...now I have to spend a good $15 on a pregnancy test.

Get a mirena coil or if you don't even want the tiny bit of hormones in that, a regular one. You can take it out if you hate it, you don't have to remember to take it, its a hassle free solution.

Taking the pill was the best thing that ever happened to me. But it's best you see a doctor.

Topamax is well-known for lowering the efficacy of the pill. There is some evidence to suggest Lamictal may do so as well.

My psychiatrist took me off my Topamax when I needed to get back on the pill. Also she advised to at least use a backup - like spermicidal jelly-if I was going to still be on my Lamictal.

Most of the bipolar medications are unsafe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. I just had this discussion with my doctor after an unplanned pregnancy resulted in miscarriage.

But.... I've been on the pill since I was 12 (with the exception of last year), and the side effects are minimal, some are even positive.

Thank you! Lamictal has done wonders for me so I don't think I'd want to get off it. I'm going to make an appointment sometime this month with my doctor and try to find a pill that's affectiveness will not be lowered by my medication....and if it is I'll really have to make the decision whether it's worth it or not with him.

Good if it's unsafe during pregnancy because my period still hasn't come...I really need to get that test. Either today or tomorrow I hope. I have a lot of shit to do today.

I have used the NuvaRing for a couple of years and VERY LUCKILY I have not become pregnant, BUT.....errrrgh! I have told all of my doctors which meds I am on(Trileptal right now) and it wasn't until about a month ago that my psych told me that my medication decreases the effectiveness of my BC by about 50 %!!!! I'm kind of stuck and confused. It's so important to be on BC, especially when in a committed relationship. I'm not sure what to do.

You mentioned Lamictal? I tried it, but it didn't seem to work as well. Is it more BC friendly? Maybe I could try a higher dosage or something...

I don't know yet. The gyno couldn't fit me in till November! (Especially since I found out I'm not pregnant and my body is obviously just fucked up, hah) Lamictal probably still lessens the effectiveness, but I don't know if it's any less than what you're on.

I'm a social smoker and also using birth control so far I don't have a problem.. but I did change my birth control. I don't remember what's the first brand I used but that pills drove me crazy and made me want to kill my bf every time I saw him lol. then I went to see my doctor and she gave me another birth control (can't mention) and I fell great. I only have few days period in a month, no fatigue but I do suggest that it's better when you're not smoke and watch your diet. you'll be fine!

Well, guess what I found out today! I was pregnant and had a miscarrige about 3 weeks in....I am traumatized from the heavy tissue coming out. My "period" is so heavy....I really just thought my period had come but...it makes a lot of sense now why it was 2 weeks late and why I had symptoms...I don't think I would have been traumatized if I had to have an abortion as much as I am right now.

I can't wait to talk to my gyno in november about birth control.

JORDINA? Is that you?

__________________

People who don't have to deal with this issue can make witty comments...and that is fine. But the reality is, is that this is sooo crushing. I have poly-ovarian cysts, along with my Graves Disease....so my chances of being able to have a child someday is...like negative zero. People can make fun, but it is so devastating...especially when the fucking doctors are sooo contradictory and don't always do thorough exams and tell you the entire truth!

I've dealt with it, and I think that is precisely why I feel free to wit.

__________________