Unfortunately, birth control is a very trial and error science. Some women find the form that is best suited for them the first time. Some of us may try many forms before we find one that fits us.

What birth controls have you tried? You shouldn't need to see a diferent dr every time you change birth controls. One should be able to help you. Are they not wanting to try different ones?

YOu cannot be wishy washy about birth control, either you want to be on birth control, or you do not.

It cannot be both ways. AN IUD is just as effective as sterilization, and has no hormones, so there are not side effects like the pill.

Doctors will treat you differently if you act like you do not know what you want.

You take BC, you do not have babies. If you take the pill everyday, not missing pills, or "Well I would not mind if I got pregnant so I'll miss 4 or 5 pills..".

You do not take BC, and you have babies.

Actually, I understand where you are coming from. My boyfriend and I live together, have been together for over 5 years and plan on getting married. I am still in college unfortunately but find that univeristy medical centers are often the most available to me. It often seems that ob/gyns at university hospitals don't seem to take us serisously in looking for birth control. From being in a medical profession, I can see where they are coming from. However, I do find it annoying when I have to explain that I have only ever have 1 partner and we both have an active interest in the types of birthcontrol that we use. I do not blame the doctors because I know they see many different types of cases but I do become insulted when they begin assuming the only reason I am on birthcontrol is that I am sexually premiscious or desire any way possible NOT to have a baby. If we were to become pregnant we would be very happy however, this is just not the most ideal time concerning our finances etc. We by all means are taking every precaution using birthcontrol however we still realize that things can happen. We have found that becoming very medically aware and educated on the issue helps change the perspectives of the ob/gyns that I have seen. I even keep a copy of my medical file. When you walk into the office and it is obvious that you know what you are doing and you are well educated, people begin treating you a bit differently.

The only reason I've changed doctors is because I've moved a couple of times. And I'm on the mirena IUD- it does use side effects.

I'm not wishy washy. I want to be on birth control. I am just not at the point in my life where I am going to sacrifice my happiness and comfort for the sake of having the most effective birth control, and most doctors seem to not really care about my happiness and comfort.

Just my experience.

I totally agree Gobucks, you described my situation exactly. Keeping a copy of your file is a good idea- maybe I'll try it!

ALL combined pills are equally effective.

The only 'more effective option' would be an IUD, or even implanon.

An IUD is hormone free, so you would not have the same side effects.

Not all IUDs are hormone free. There are two kinds, the copper kind (hormone free) and a kind containing progesterone. It's called the Mirena IUD.

I have the kind containing progesterone, and it definately has side effects. I hate it. I am thinking of going on the copper one because it doesn't have the hormonal side effects, but I've heard that it makes your periods heavier/worse cramping at least in the beginning. Plus, I am having almost daily cramps with the Mirena now. I don't know what to do. I feel like the doctor put me on the IUD just because it was super-effective without thinking about the side effects I might have, and therefore she didn't tell me about all of the possible side effects.

I work in womens healthcare, and I know what the IUD'S are.

Most women do well with an IUD, i cannot use hormones, and I obviously did poorly, similarly to you.

I wanted to try the mirena IUD because the physician I worked for had an extra one, and she inserted it for free. You cannot go wrong with free, I just took it out when I had problems.

I did have the copper IUD and LOVED it, it was a lifesaver.

Did you get really heavy periods or bad cramping??

I am kind've afraid to try the copper one because I am having so much cramping right now, like a couple times a week. And especially after I exercise. But I love the idea of a hormone-free birth control.

And when I got the Mirena put it, the whole thing cost me about $650, so I don't want to give up on it too easily...

I naturally have cramps, and they did not get worse for me.

The bleeding was heavier for 3 months, then it went back to normal.

I had the IUD for 1 year, until the doctor I worked for gave me a tubal ligation.

I decided at an early age that I never wanted babies, but I liked the idea of an IUD.

I finally got my tubal.