Raw and Birth control?

[lycheenut]

For all you women out there, how are you dealing with birth control?

Are you regular BCP's going to mess things up? :confused: They're not technically raw, and I think most are not technically vegan!

What's a gal to do?

[Coriander74]

Good question.

Personally, I was on the Pill and I ended up with a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis aka blood clot) in my leg, so I had to scratch that.

When my sweetheart was in town we used Today Sponges. As long as you don't keep them in the entire 30 allowed hours, they work fine but if you leave them in for a really long time ... well, I ended up with problems.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with... Maybe a holistic practicioner would know better??? :)

[lalakis]

I was on birth control pills for almost 4 years and they completely messed up my system....I use a diaphram now. I think they are perfect because unlike male condoms, it doesnt feel like you are actually wearing anything but you are still protected. Birth control pills are NOT the way to go, raw vegan or not it doesnt matter!

[aililiu]

im on bc and dearly want to go off. im supposed to be on it long term and anything that makes my body think its preggers for years at a time canNOT be healthy. but its difficult for me since i was told to go on because i have pcos. im on another med for that too which i want to go off of. im looking into finding a naturopathic clinic that works with pcos and can help guide me off them onto natural methods.

i would say, if its for use as a contraceptive... there are other ways [lalakis: how effective are diaphragms??]

if its for use for skin problems.... let raw help you :D

if its for hormonal imbalances like what i have, i know it makes it more difficult, but im convinced there has to be a better way.

[juliebove]

I could be wrong, but I believe all birth control pills contain lactose, therefore they would not be vegan. I got this from a food allergy board.

I would never take them, but not for that reason. I don't want anything messing with my hormones.

[barose]

I cannot use synthetic hormones of any kind. Actually, I cant use most forms of birth control for one reason or another either. Right now, we use FAM (Fertility Awareness Method) as I'm fresh out of other choices.

[moonstar]

...I am glad that this topic has come up again...

BCPs -- never have heard good things about them. Also, my sister-in-law was on them and started to get blood clots behind her eyes! Anything that has potential to cause a blood clot (i.e. possibility for stoke) is not a good thing!

[rawsurfer]

i know im a guy and all, but seeing as you pee out a good majority of the drug in the bc pill, think of what that could possibly do to the animals, especially the fish...

plus from what i hear it wreaks havoc on your system.

none of these drugs really get tested. its like one huge experiment, and we are the lab rats.

[barose]

i know im a guy and all, but seeing as you pee out a good majority of the drug in the bc pill, think of what that could possibly do to the animals, especially the fish...

plus from what i hear it wreaks havoc on your system.

none of these drugs really get tested. its like one huge experiment, and we are the lab rats.

There has already been articles and reports on fish and other sea animals having hormonal and reproductive issues because of our use of hormones and xenoestrogens in pesticides and other chemical's. I wish I had links to them...

[lalakis]

I was told that diaphrams are just as effective as male condoms :)

Thank goodness!

You should always apply a spermicide to the diaphram though before putting it in...just to be sure! But lord...who knows what the negative effects of chemical spermicide are...it's like nothing is safe!

[codajess]

Tubal ligation. :D

[codajess]

BCPs -- never have heard good things about them.

Really? The fact that they prevent pregnancies is a pretty good thing to me & everyone who uses them. ;) :p

[aililiu]

You should always apply a spermicide to the diaphram though before putting it in...just to be sure! But lord...who knows what the negative effects of chemical spermicide are...it's like nothing is safe!

yuh, its like were MEANT to procreate or something. sheesh. :rolleyes:


:D

[bodaflower]

The few weeks before I decided to go 100% Raw I went back on the birth control patch, it always made my periods worse (worse cramps. more bleeding)..but I decided to do it just for that month to enjoy condom-freedom :rolleyes:

I could tell it was affecting my system both physically and mentally/emotionally so I took off the patch and got my period twice in one month...sometimes I get short pains in what feels like my ovaries and I believe it's from the birth control, which I'll never take again ! :)

[aililiu]

a few weeks ago i missed two days, and then had to double dose for two days, felt soooo sick, and now have had a period for three weeks. i cannot wait to be free of this!!!

[rawzeit]

Isn't there some device that ladies can pee on in the morning and it will analyze your hormonal balance and gives the red or green light as to whether it's safe? I forget what it's called. I'm not a woman but I'd definitely prefer something like that over chemicals.

[april092776]

I would recommend a form of natural family planning that really works if followed consistently. You can read "Taking Chage of Your Fertility" by Toni Wechsler. I used it after I got married and we never got pregnant until we tried. But then things got a little messy after I had my 1st baby because my fertility signs were off with breastfeeding, etc, and we ended up pregnant again just 4 months after our 1st baby was born! A blessing, yes, but I would just caution anyone to be more watchful of fertility signs during those times, like when you are just starting the method OR right after you give birth--this method only works if you are very consistent with it, but I love it.

[NYbutterfly]

What about the Nuva Ring, which is what I am on? It isn't a pill, its a device that looks like a plastic bracelet... you insert it once a month, take it out after 3 weeks when its time for your "period" and then put a new one in a week later. This is not a pill so it can't have lactose, I believe... would that make it vegan? Still though it is not natural and I hate the thought of these artificial hormones messing me up. I've been on it for over a year and its been great... no side effects. But I wish there was another option out there.

Is a diaphram effective without spermicide?

[Day Kaz]

I've been on and off BCP's for the past 6 years... they've messed me up pretty bad, especially when I first started them - I had to have a mammogram and a biopsy when I was 20 yrs. old b/c the pills caused a cyst-like growth in my breast - what a scare! Needless to say, I'm on a low-dose version right now, but am dying to get off them - looked into the sponge, but it's preserved with sodium bisulfites, which I'm horribly allergic to. It's frustrating!

[Glow Worm]

I started BCP's 6 years ago. Never "noticed" any problems. I follow a raw vegan diet and have not noticed any problems with being on the pills. I know multiple couples that have tried to track their cycle, but end up with blessings. For me, pills are the best option right now. And since I do not have any side effects, I will continue to take these. I realize that some women do not agree with me, but I feel I am in tune with my body and this is what works for me.

It would be nice to know if there were any BCPs that were actually vegan, anyone know?

I spoke to my doctor about the hormone levels in BCPs and she said they are all low dosages, and I do not need to be concerned about having a raw diet and being on the pill. Granted, this is a vague statement by her, but the truth is, she's a doctor and has done more medical research than I would ever be able to do on this topic, so I trust her (even if she's not raw). I think people can get mislead by doing research on the internet (where ANYONE can post something) and drawing their own, non-scientific, conclusions. It's great for individuals to try to get to the bottom of things, but when it comes down to it, please take the time to check your sources and make sure they are reputable.
-Just my two cents-

[irishserra]

I stopped the BCP because it screwed my hormones up so bad, I became rageful. Not to mention, I've known people who have had to deal with blood clots, etc.

My husband and I have used the natural planning method, but because I've been off the pill for so long, my cycle is so perfect right now that I know exactly what days I am fertile and what days I am not.

My holistic doctor told me months ago that he can help me using Melatonin as a method of birth control if I wanted. I told him I'd get back to him on it. Since then, I've looked for into on the net regarding Melatonin and birth control, and all I've managed to find is that Melatonin may serve as a method of birth control, but no conclusive statements on the matter.

[Nurse in the Raw]

Hysterectomy.......ahhhh freedom at last. :D

Sorry, don't mean to rub it in.

[rawzeit]

I meant these things (http://contracept.info/computers.php) in my reply above.

[violetsareblack]

I would recommend a form of natural family planning that really works if followed consistently. You can read "Taking Chage of Your Fertility" by Toni Wechsler. I used it after I got married and we never got pregnant until we tried. But then things got a little messy after I had my 1st baby because my fertility signs were off with breastfeeding, etc, and we ended up pregnant again just 4 months after our 1st baby was born! A blessing, yes, but I would just caution anyone to be more watchful of fertility signs during those times, like when you are just starting the method OR right after you give birth--this method only works if you are very consistent with it, but I love it.


I second this method and this book! We got pregnant from this and have avoided pregnancy almost 2 years now with it.

[PixieLed]

I was on the pill for a few years, I had originally started it because of acne. (You would think acne would be a sign to change your diet, or get hormones checked out, not to be suppressed by hormone pills... what has the medical industry come to?!)

Anyways, fast forward to the day I stopped. I didn't have a period for over one whole year afterwards. You may say "wooohooo", but honestly it was scary thinking I might have lost my ability to give birth. So I went to see a Chinese doctor and he is giving me these chinese herbs. Within 3 weeks I got my period again, and have been having them every 5 weeks since then. I am so grateful to this doctor. He told me that no woman as young as 15-16 should ever take birth control pills and especially not for that long (from age 16 to 20).

My mom couldn't believe the BCPs were that bad for me, because she used them and had no problems. She kept blaming it on the raw diet, but I know it was the pills and possibly pre-existing hormone issues.

Anyways... so for actual birth control methods, my boyfriend & I use condoms. And we're very busy, so we don't have a chance to get down with it too often. ;)

I also bought the "Taking charge of your fertility" book, but when I bought it I was not having a period at all. I know I will start using it again once my periods are regular again. Woohoo! Thank god for alternative medicine and for avoiding "real doctors" like the plague. :)

[moonstar]

...BCP do prevent pregnancy, but the "not good things" that I have heard about them have been illustrated by this thread...
...because of family history with other blood-clot related issues, I don't think that I would be a good candidate for them. I speak for myself...

[aililiu]

pixieled... thats awesome that chinese medicine helped you so much. im hoping alt. methods work for me too... although have pcos makes it more difficult, i know itll be such a rough ride when i go off my meds because my hormones will be so out of wack plus my body will finally be able to detox from them. i know ill probably get horrendous acne and who knows what else, ill probably put on loads of weight or something. (things pcos is associated with) because even though the meds are not good for me they sure did a good job of suppressing the unwanted symptoms. BUT thatll never solve anything, &i have incredible faith in raw and natural methods, i just know itll be a hard process. :(

a little off topic, just wanted to say thanks pixieled, i like hearing positive stories from people who try the natural methods. boosts my hope.

:)

[PixieLed]

aililiu, I'm sure a good alternative medicine practitioner can help you! What's interesting is that my chinese doctor does not talk about hormones, or anything "scientific", he only talk about blood circulation, and energy/chi type of circulation (which I imagined was lymph circulation.. but not sure). He never said anything about having a disease or a hormone problem, but just that my body needed to get back into balance. The herbs he gave me were to help with my liver/spleen/kidneys area, since he said those needed to be stronger to have my period.

So basically, it will be a change to go off the medicine for you. But know that alternative medicines work, they may take more time, but on top of raw food, your body knows how to heal itself! I'm glad my story helped you out. I know I was freaking out before and this board really helped me to weigh the pros and cons of what types of treatments to have. I could have gone to an expensive hormone doctor in the USA that would have cost about $2000 just for the first visit, with no guarantees they could figure out what was wrong. This doctor cost $20 for the first visit, and $100 per week for the herbs. Quite acceptable to me. :)

Anyways sorry to hijack the thread.

[Vegan Princess]

I went off mine 6 mos ago. I'm really happy to be letting my body do it's thang. Unfortunately, going off has made my skin break out worse than ever. I almost caved and went back on them, but I'm determined to tough it out...and it has improved. I just have to treat myself to a facial once a month now. ;)

Cindy

[soulshine78]

I was on BCP's for 5 years, came to the point where I was on one pill it stoped working tried so many, the nuva ring, etc, then I stopped all pills, it's been 3 months now, even being raw I gained 10 lbs in one month from the side effects of no more pills. But I use a cervical cap and a ladycomp (www.ladycomp.com) now, and it's great being free of hormones!

[KombuchaCHIC]

I was on the pill for about 6 years and then stopped taking them because they gave me high blood pressure. Shortly afterwards, I went raw and never felt better. Last year, I had a Mirena (IUD) inserted and I had problems with it the whole time. It caused me pain, and even though the hormone levels were low, they still messed with my system. I think my raw body is much more sensitive to things like this. I finally got it removed and my fiance got a vasectomy, so all is well now. :) BC sucks, I wish there were more male options.

[barose]

I also wish there were more non permanent options.

[Raw Mom]

Can you say "vasectomy"? I know, some of you haven't had kids yet. I was on the pill a long time ago. I did the diaphragm and condoms.....So bored with it all. Presently I am not "with" anyone, but one of my first questions to a new prospect, once we start talking about that, will be....have you been snipped? I love when the ob/gyn asks what am I using for birth control? Cause they assume everyone is having sex.....and I say abstinence. Sometimes it's purposely and others? Not so much....Good luck. Maybe by the time my daughter is active, they will have come up with something better that doesn't alter your body in any way and is still 100% effective.

[moonstar]

...That is a good point...

I am not putting this post out there to stir up any arguments for or against the use of BC. However, I have met (not necessarily dated) a number of men who are firm about not having children at all or any more...I am surprised that not more are "snipped".

[moonstar]

...and I also agree on the ob/gyn questions. Sometimes I think they are trying to push pills / other hormonal methods.

[lalakis]

...and I also agree on the ob/gyn questions. Sometimes I think they are trying to push pills / other hormonal methods.

They did that to me. After being on the pill for 4 years and stopping, I still havent had a normal period. Spotted here and there, but no period. Its been over a year. My OBGYN wanted to put me BACK on the pill, just to give me regular periods every month again. However it was THE PILL THAT PUT ME IN THIS POSITION IN THE FIRST PLACE. Before the pill, I was fairly regular. I couldnt believe she would suggest the pill again. It was at that point I decided to listen to my body and not what a doctor says. I trust that my body will find a way to work itself out naturally without the use of chemicals.

[sharilynn8962]

Well, I was on birth control for about 4years with no problems, no misses, or pregnancy scares, and then I started to go, about 75%-80% raw (LOTS of green juices and salads). After about 3 months, I got pregnant. I am not sure if raw had anything to do with it, but I have a hard time believing that it was a coincidence.

[barose]

Well, I was on birth control for about 4years with no problems, no misses, or pregnancy scares, and then I started to go, about 75%-80% raw (LOTS of green juices and salads). After about 3 months, I got pregnant. I am not sure if raw had anything to do with it, but I have a hard time believing that it was a coincidence.

You could have had an unknown fertility issue that was corrected with raw. Or maybe...your new "raw body" overpowered the synthetic hormones (if that makes any sense!). Either way, I find it fascinating.

[PixieLed]

lalakis, you might want to see a naturopath or chinese doctor about your lack of a period. I agree, doctors are too quick to give prescriptions and just get you out of their office. I had the same problem: no period for over 1 year after taking the pill for 4 years and then stopping.

But I'm taking these chinese herbs to strengthen my "chi" and circulation and I got my 3rd period today. :)

[sharilynn8962]

barose-that is what I thought too. I thought it was such a strange coincidence, and I think a true testament to the power of raw. I was feeling better than ever and had the EASIEST birth and it was my first (which from what I hear was strange). The pharmacist said that people NEVER get pregnant on birth control unless they are taking antibiotics or skip a pill or two. I did neither. Just goes to show you how much he knew :)

[MelonManiac]

sharilynn8962- That scares me! I have just gone on BC and started raw about the same time ... I will be using another form of protection but if raw makes BC ineffective that's pretty scary lol

[moonstar]

Unfortunately, if you you don't opt one of the more permament options that usually requires surgery, nothing is 100% effective.

[tinystrawberry]

barose-that is what I thought too. I thought it was such a strange coincidence, and I think a true testament to the power of raw. I was feeling better than ever and had the EASIEST birth and it was my first (which from what I hear was strange). The pharmacist said that people NEVER get pregnant on birth control unless they are taking antibiotics or skip a pill or two. I did neither. Just goes to show you how much he knew :)

that IS scary!

[sharilynn8962]

it wasn't meant to be scary (sorry) I just think that maybe it was because my body was extremely fertile and "ready" to have a baby, if that makes any sense. I am 26, and I think maybe it just made me that much healthier and that much easier to get pregs.

[SmilingRawDancer]

I plan on getting stuff "snipped" or "tied" when someone special comes around. On my part, or his.
I REFUSE to take the pill, and most other methods are....inconvenient.

I don't want kids, so the snipping and tying isn't a problem with me.

[Freesia]

Unfortunately, if you you don't opt one of the more permament options that usually requires surgery, nothing is 100% effective.


that is not even 100% . I am having a tubal next month because the pill caused me to have high blood pressure spikes. After four years it became high enough to be dangerous. I believe I was developing a clotting problem. I just quit and decided on the tubal. If I were younger and there was a possibility that I wanted more children I would get a Paraguard Iud. No hormones. Or at least try a diaphram. My daughter is on the pill and when she gets a bit older I am going to urge her to try another method. It becomes more of a problem as y ou age. But I have also heard and read about younger women having trouble with bp and clotting.

I read about the new generation of bc pills being worse as far as clotting. The new generation of pills is lower dose in estrogen but the type of hormones used is now found to be worse and causing problems in some women. I have read this from several different sources. I just was n ot doing well on them. Felt unhealthy and didn't want to risk a stroke.

I am eating more raw for my health and well being as well as to get my body healthy again. My bp still spikes up at time but is coming down to the normal level I was before I started the pill four years ago. 120/70 or so.

I would urge anyone over 30 to try non hormonal methods. If the Iud doesn't work out you could alway go back to another method. Paraguard.

[codajess]

I plan on getting stuff "snipped" or "tied" when someone special comes around. On my part, or his.
I REFUSE to take the pill, and most other methods are....inconvenient.

I don't want kids, so the snipping and tying isn't a problem with me.
Why are you waiting for someone special to come around? It's about YOU.

[goyethere4raw]

Why are you waiting for someone special to come around? It's about YOU.

Why would she need to even think about it if there is no one special in her life that she is active with?

Birth control is not needed unless you are sexually active.

[yasi]

I have used NFP (book recommended above) for 5.5 yrs. I planned 2 children and knew exact date o conception and have "prevented" during the time when I wasn't pg.
Marisa

[Eva]

If I were younger and there was a possibility that I wanted more children I would get a Paraguard Iud. No hormones.

I would urge anyone over 30 to try non hormonal methods. If the Iud doesn't work out you could alway go back to another method. Paraguard.

I'm curious about this. I actually stopped getting the Depo shot after I went raw, and we use condoms but I'd be curious about this... Anyone know more specifics?

[Rawmommie]

Sorry, not much advise. I was put on the pill at age 13 (I was NOT sexually active) to regulate painful periods and all it did was make me mental. Now that I think of it, that is when many of my issues started. I was on it for 3 years, but the damage was done. When I went off, my periods were all messed up. They still are, to some extent, and I'm 34 years old.

After I had my daughter (3rd and last child), I had a tubal and the freedom of not wondering all the time (and occasionally I still do!) if I'm pregnant is nice. I was SO irregular, there was no way to use the natural rhythm method at all. I could go 3 or 4 months and think I was pregnant (at the time I was trying) and then my period would arrive.

I won't allow any doctor to put my daughter on BC when she gets older. We'll have to have long talks about condoms, diaphrams, etc. b/c I think the risks are just too high with BC.

[Freesia]

My daughter is 24 and I don't like the fact that she is taking hormones.

Well I did not get the tubal because of the cost. Even though I only have to pay twenty percent of it. That comes to 1340.

I am going to get the Para Guard IUD and see how that goes.

[soulshine78]

I use what is called a ladycomp (www.ladycomp.com), it's pretty much the NFP method, except this little computer device does all the work for you. It's great, 99.3% effective, I have been using it for 6 months now, it gives you a green light if you aren't fertile, red if you are or yellow if it's still learning. I definite;y recommend it. The up front cost is a lot, but in the long run it's worth it.

[ladypeace82]

No matter how raw I am I'm taking my birthcontrol. :D

I'm married, my husband and I are in college, we're saving for a house. There is no way we are taking any chances. Too many girls are dropping out of school or taking such a long leave of absence that they are too far behind. (court reporting school)

But within 2 or 3 years....we WILL be ready
:D :D ;)

[SharonC]

I encourage anyone taking synthetic hormones to thoroughly research the health consequences before putting them into your body!

[trinity082482]

Raw hasn't affected my birth control at all. I have an IUD. I have been using IUD's for a few years and now that I am raw it hasn't made any difference. :)

[sbaker]

from what ive read.... a lot... the iud that doesnt contain hormones is copper and makes most girls hurt and bleed a lot more..that scares me because raw made my periods so tolerable! and i gave up everything with hormones, because after a few years of not noticing, i got major problems and switched to almost everything before i decided nothing was working for me. I got terrible acne, weight gain and my sex drive went away. nothing worth it for me!

[trinity082482]

from what ive read.... a lot... the iud that doesnt contain hormones is copper and makes most girls hurt and bleed a lot more..that scares me because raw made my periods so tolerable! and i gave up everything with hormones, because after a few years of not noticing, i got major problems and switched to almost everything before i decided nothing was working for me. I got terrible acne, weight gain and my sex drive went away. nothing worth it for me!



The one I have is called Nova-T costs less than $70.00 and that lasts 2 years. Pretty cheep. It's a copper wire. There is no hormones on it. I know the Mirena IUD which lasts up to 5 years is made of plastic.. and is coated in hormones. Some pros to the Nova- T it can decrease your risk of getting endometrial cancer. But you are right that is it supposed to cause heavy periods or spotting.. for me it does not. I love my periods! It's not for everyone but raw might help with the heavy bleeding if one has this issue. :o

[sbaker]

it sounds good if it didn't have that effect! you are lucky!! i am pregnant now, but i'm sure this will be a big issue for me in 4 months or so:) the hubby wants to get snipped but he is only 25 and it makes me skittish because even though he says hes done having kids, i'm not sure if he believes it!

[trinity082482]

it sounds good if it didn't have that effect! you are lucky!! i am pregnant now, but i'm sure this will be a big issue for me in 4 months or so:) the hubby wants to get snipped but he is only 25 and it makes me skittish because even though he says hes done having kids, i'm not sure if he believes it!

:eek: really? Eeep!

[ladypeace82]

it sounds good if it didn't have that effect! you are lucky!! i am pregnant now, but i'm sure this will be a big issue for me in 4 months or so:) the hubby wants to get snipped but he is only 25 and it makes me skittish because even though he says hes done having kids, i'm not sure if he believes it!

for him it's reversable.

[Lizabethian]

Look into Neem oil. Back before I got pregnant (hehehe) I was looking into it. There is a study out there with an army. I can't remember the name of it but I'll go track it down and come back with it. Anyway, BOTH people can use it (yes...that means the MAN can take it as well). You can buy it in a Whole Foods type store and can do either the oil or in capsules. If you do the oil you can multi task it since it's good to apply to cuts and scrapes as welll. I think the sisterzeus has info on it.

[Troyanne]

Whew after reading all this I feel for those leading the heterosexual life! I discovered I'm a lesbian at age 28 (I had suppressed it and was leading a heterosexual life at the time) and left all bc issues behind! Sorry to rub it in!

Hormones are now my issue, as I'm perimenopausal recently. But I hear the raw helps with that. I'm slowly decreasing my herbal perimenopausal supplement since going raw.

[bobati]

Im surprised no one here cares about stds. I wouldnt use anything but condoms, though i hate all the chemicals in them, theyre the only thing that helps prevent the spread of at least SOME stds.