Post # 1
Member
102 posts
Blushing bee
First off: I’m STD-free, he’s STD-free, and we’re currently using condoms.
I’m frustrated with the condoms, and so is he, because it’s been, um, problematic due to sensation. I can’t use the diaphragm because my pelvis is ridiculously small, and I can’t remove it (as discovered at my doctor’s office). I’ve had one miscarriage, but no full-term pregnancies, so my gynecologist won’t do a IUD. Due to pre-existing medical problems, I can’t go on the pill.
How is the sponge? We can keep using the condoms if we need to, and I’m aware that it’s got a 13 percent failure rate (which is OK in the current situation), but I’d really like to come up with another reasonable option.
Post # 3
Member
3600 posts
Sugar bee
I use two forms of birthcontrol, since my mother was one of the women who wasn’t fully protected by horomonal methods. I take a pill, and we use condom or spermicide. I like the film kind because it’s less messy and doesn’t irritate me.
ETA: Link to VCF’s website
Post # 4
Member
14492 posts
Honey Beekeeper
We used to use something similar to the sponge, the only issue that I had with it was that if I wanted to use it more than once a day or two days in a row, sometimes I would have sensitivity or irritation due to the spermacide.
@helenberry – the film is what we used.
Post # 5
Member
102 posts
Blushing bee
I’m intrigued by the film — is it difficult to use, and can you buy it at a regular pharmacy (like Target or Rite-Aid)?
Post # 6
Member
3600 posts
Sugar bee
I’ve used the film three time in one day with no issues, but the insert (Encare brand) does irritate if I use it more than once a day. They are the same ingredient, but they are released differently.
Post # 7
Member
131 posts
Blushing bee
I used the sponge a few times with my now-hubby before we were married. I never had any problem with it, it never bothered me (or him)…worth trying I guess. 🙂
Post # 7
Member
131 posts
Blushing bee
I used the sponge a few times with my now-hubby before we were married. I never had any problem with it, it never bothered me (or him)…worth trying I guess. 🙂
Post # 8
Hostess
3571 posts
Sugar bee
You could always also consider the ring. I’ve used it in the past, and after the first month it was great. (The first month it goes in your period and you have be very careful to make sure it isn’t “pulled out”). I quit using it because I moved internationally and it wasn’t an option.
Even though I haven’t had children, the doctor and I agreed that in my position it was best to have the Mirena put in. I’ve had it for 2 years now and love it.
Post # 9
Member
53 posts
Worker bee
@Mrs.LemonDrop: I hae the Marina too…I love it too! I don’t think I can go back to taking any other form of birth control now.
@bluesgirl: Other than the things that you listed, have you tried the Depo shot? I tried it for a couple of years & it worked. The only side effect was I gained a little weight. I wasn’t active though and had gotten comfortable in my relationship so I wasn’t exactly eatting to prevent weight gain.
It may be worth a try!
Hope this helps.
Post # 10
Member
188 posts
Blushing bee
I cant take hormonal bc anymore so i feel like ive tried everything..lol
why wont they try an iud? my babysitter is early 20s no kids she has one…
a sponge is same principle as diaphragm? roughly sams size just has alot more give..may make it easier to remove..i got one stuck once..and spent 45 mins panicking trying to get it out..lol with the spermicides of it it gets slick..and when you remove it..sorry if tmi the smell was nauseating…old sprem and spermicides..not a great mix…
i found the film very very drying..just me though i guess..
Fi and arent in same city/state/country even..lol so we use charting and if im in any sort of danger then we use stuff..
good luck whatever you choose…
Post # 11
Member
773 posts
Busy bee
Wow… VCF sounds like a GREAT option. Does anyone else have input on it?
Post # 12
Member
102 posts
Blushing bee
@tootie664: I can’t be on any hormonal birth control — depo, the pill, Mirena, etc. I’m a diabetic, and when I’ve tried hormones in the past, the effects on my blood sugars were horrible.
IUD is out because my gynecologist won’t do them on women who haven’t had a full-term pregnancy.
Post # 13
Member
53 posts
Worker bee
@bluesgirl: Oh, I see…Maybe another Gyno would do an IUD for you. My friend doesn’t have any kids and she has one. She said she had some cramps when it was first inserted, but now she’s fine.
Post # 14
Hostess
3571 posts
Sugar bee
@tootie664: Yeah, I know! I mean, I had cramps for a few weeks off and on. I’m so glad I stuck it out. At this point, I can’t imagine ever using another kind of birth control in my life.
Post # 15
Member
2161 posts
Buzzing bee
I was in the same boat as you. I ended up doing FAM back in 2005 and haven’t looked back. It may be worth finding a copy of the book “Taking Charge of your Fertility” and reading through it.
I would look at the sponge’s typical use stats, I don’t think they are nearly as reliable as the condom.