contraception?

[brydee]

Hi everyone,

Since everyone on here tries to stay as natural as possible, i just wondered what all the ladies do for contraception, especially the younger girls on here who cant afford the outcome if the obvious happened. Most the people i know take 'the pill' but i've never taken it and never want to because of the chemicals and what it does to your body etc.
Or do we just have to be extra careful? :)

[mama2girls]

We do "natural family planning" and it works. We have 3 children and they are all planned. There are plenty of books out there to help educate you and in some communities there may even be classes ( I personally have never been to one of these though).
HTH, Marie:)

[Shoney]

particular young lady uses abstinence as contraception. Not only do I not have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, I also don't have to worry about STD's and other nasty things. It seems to cut down on unwanted drama as well. ;)

[Eva]

I have a friend who is not "dangerous" in her sexual habits who just tested positive for HIV. She had sex for the first time a couple years after finishing at the university, was in a couple committed relationships, etc. Just throwing that out there. STDs are no joke these days.

Easier said than done -- but another thing I feel compelled to say (take or leave it) is that my recommendation would be to properly use condoms 100% of the time AND to track fertility. If this person is too young to do something like that responsibly, then her decisions may force her to afford the unaffordable! Buuut -- she has some great and free options if she's cool with a small amount of education and follows through with what she learns.

I tried a variety of birth control methods (Depo shot, different pills -- always with condoms), but I said to heck with hormonal birth control after I went raw last February. My husband and I do not yet want to make any babies. We always use condoms (the "right" way). Years ago, I had read that they were something like 70-80% effective, and I started to get paranoid. I almost got an IUD that does NOT have hormones etc.

But I decided an IUD was unnecessary, and here is the reason: When I was meeting with the reproductive care nurse, I found out that the low efficacy rate I had read years ago for condom use was an average that included people who do not use them properly. If used properly and all the time, condoms are more than 99% effective. Edited to clarify -- 99% effective against preventing pregnancy, NOT STDs!

Condoms can almost always be found free at places like a local health department or Family Planning. They frequently also provide free counseling and even free birth control if she were to go that route and is low income.

Additionally, tracking fertility can be very helpful. Here is a web site a friend told me about that has software to tell you when you are fertile and has a ton of other information too: http://www.menstruation.com.au/periodpages/freechartingsoftware.html It's pretty funny. You plug in some personal information, and every day when you boot up your computer, you get a pop-up message that says something like "You are not fertile today." or "You are fertile today. Do not engage in unprotected sex." I haven't used it because I am so in tune with my body and my cycle these days that I can tell you off the top of my head on any day if I am or may be fertile based on the day and my body's various patterns. But it seems great, and my friend's mom who recommended the site to her is a researcher in the reproductive field.

I hope that helps. Adding artificial hormones to the body causes many, many women problems they may or may not be aware of. Obviously taking them is a personal choice, of course. We can all make the choice to be in control.

[PeachyLove]

Hello,
I hope this help. I purchase this book from amazon.com, but have not had a chance to read it. I have skim through it and I think its great and a must have for every women.

Robin


Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health (Paperback)

by Toni Weschler

"How often have you heard that a menstrual cycle should be 28 days and that ovulation usually occurs on Day 14?..."

This comprehensive book explains in lucid, assured terms how to practice the fertility awareness method (FAM), a natural, scientifically proven but little-known form of birth control (which is not to be confused with the woefully ineffective "rhythm" method). Author Toni Weschler has been teaching fertility awareness for almost 20 years, and it's only just now gaining in popularity. As the book explains, by using simple fertility signs including peaks in morning body temperature and changes in cervical position and cervical mucus, it's possible to determine when ovulation is taking place. Fertility awareness is therefore useful for not only couples who are trying to conceive, but for those who are aiming to avoid pregnancy without the use of chemical contraceptives. It will be of special interest to those women who have suffered from infertility; many FAM practitioners have told the author that by filling in the detailed charts in the book, they've realized that they were chronically miscarrying, even when their doctors told them they weren't conceiving at all. As the book explains, by charting body temperature, it's simple to tell when pregnancy has occurred--and when there's danger of miscarriage. Taking Charge of Your Fertility also explains how to choose the sex of your baby by timing intercourse according to certain fertility signs. It also features thorough, easy-to-understand explanations of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, along with fertility tests and treatments and their long- and short-term side effects, plus a topnotch resource section. Recommended for any woman who wants to better understand her body.

[tigerbee01]

hello:-) that book sounds wonderful. i too am struggeling with the ominous concept of "healthy contraceptive" i was on the pill for a year and decided to go off. just because i want to be as natural as can be- boyfriend is not so pleased, and ofcourse being 20- im not quite ready for kids...

are there better, more natural birth control pills? this sounds silly even to ask...hmm i better read that book!
xoxo anna

[mama2girls]

That is the same book I have gotten my info from, good info. My sister who has very odd/ irregular cycles swears by it as well. :)

[RawPaw]

As a guy, I would like to interject something and I hope I'm not being rude. As a christian, I would say abstinence is an absolute thing, but if you can't do that, I would suggest not buying into the notion of casual sex and one night stands. I'm not trying to judge, but it's not worth it, and most guys that are into that are, IMHO, scum. Now don't I sound like a pathetic loser? :D

[Eva]

RawPaw -- Not at all like a loser.

tigerbee -- Condoms and fertility tracking, when done correctly, may be more effective than any birth control. None of the BC pills are natural. They are all adding things to your body that affect your hormones. Some are less unnatural, but it's the same difference when you're doing so many other things for your body to keep it happy.

peachylove -- The book sounds great! I'd love to hear more input after you've finished it, if you don't mind.

[Shoney]

Eva - so very sorry to hear about your friend. I can only imagine how devastating it must feel to hear that diagnosis, not only for her but for all those who genuinely love her.

RawPaw - a hearty amen!

[beckx]

i use FAM + condoms too.

[domestic goddess]

I second natural family planning. It takes a bit of getting used to but once you understand how it works and learn to *know* your body, its really the best. BUT it is really only ideal for people in a committed relationship who have been tested for STD's. It is the method my dh and I have always used once we both were tested. We both knew we did not have any STD's but were tested for the other person's peace of mind. We have 3 children, all planned. We didn't use condoms, so NFP does work without condoms if you are following it exactly. Now, dh has had the big V so we do not have to worry about anything.

I HIGHLY recommend Taking Charge of your Fertility! Fantastic book and you will learn more than you ever wanted to know about your body/cycle! :D

[MrsJohnnyG]

Taking Charge of your Fertility
Big fat huge DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Every girl and woman should read this book! Doctors should read it too, because even OB/GYN's are not taught this in medical school!

This particular young lady uses abstinence as contraception. Not only do I not have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, I also don't have to worry about STD's and other nasty things. It seems to cut down on unwanted drama as well. ;)
I did the same when I was single! Worked beautifully for me... yeah, it had its frustrating moments (I didn't get married until I was 30!), but overall I'm really glad I wasn't on birth control pills from age 18 to 28 or whatever seems to be typical nowadays. I know many women my age (mid to late 30's) who are infertile because their hormones are hopelessly out of whack thanks to the pill.

[PeachyLove]

I personally practice abstinence, but that does not stop me from wanting to understand by body. The information in this book is so much more than learning how to not get pregnant. It empowers women with knowledge about how our cycle function. Like is that discharge a yeast infection or is that normal healthy cervical fluid. What about the couple that is experience infertility because the doctor informs, the women she is on a 28 day cycle, when her cycle could be 24 to 36 days or what about the couple that continue to experience miscarriages because of a short luteal phase (progesterone), instead of going through the whole infertility testing, the couple can discuss and show the doctor the chart and resolve the short luteal phase. What about the women who suffer from estrogen dominance challenges, this information is valuable for their healing protocol .

“I had hoped to spark a grassroots movement among women frustrated with the lack of information they are given about their bodies and cycles.”

Love not judge

Robin

[oai]

definitely abstinence which is what i'm doing with no qualms. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thsmile.gif

if it's a sexual urge thing (not trying to be graphic or go adult in this forum, there are sex toys as well. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/blush.gif to take place of one night stands, ONS, and casual sex. It's not worth it given STDs and dangerous people.

if you're in a relationship, then it's family planning and condoms. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thnod-1.gif

[Vaclare79]

Yeah, sex toys are better than having a one night stand or casual sex. At least you don't have to worry about contracting a disease.
I am wondering about all the effects that the Ortho Evra patch has had on my body now that I quit using it after several years since 2002 or so... I think it has a higher concentration of birth control than regular birth control and probably has really polluted my body.

[brydee]

Thanks for all the replies!!!

Im going to look for the book on amazon.
I guess i just carry on the way i am doing then:D



abstinence it is!!

..for now!

I love this website, everyone is so friendly and kind when replying.

Thanks again:D

[California Mom]

i use natural family planning too. i used to chart diligently but i find i just don't need to anymore. i always know when i'm fertile and when i'm not. it's almost like i have this internal calendar now. i pay attention to my fertile signs without even realizing it.

[fruitandveggies]

I've been thinking about this, too. I've been on the pill since I was 15 (now 23) and since being raw, I havn't really liked the idea of having a chemical in my body.
However, I really don't like the idea of the alternative, either. I'm married and I love my very attractive hubby and I can't fathom the idea of not having sex when I want to just because its not a certain day on the calendar. It might never happen if I have to plan it! We don't want kids and the natural method + diaphragm is how me and my two brothers were born. Condoms pretty much dull everything out for him and chafe me, plus, I find it wasteful.
I saw someone posted something about an IUD with no hormones? What is that all about?
Maybe I'm just spoiled and maybe its because I'm a Scorpio Rat, but I love my sex and its spontinatiy--that's why I'm on the pill until I find a better solution!

[JennaBoBenna]

I saw someone posted something about an IUD with no hormones? What is that all about?
Maybe I'm just spoiled and maybe its because I'm a Scorpio Rat, but I love my sex and its spontinatiy--that's why I'm on the pill until I find a better solution!

I use a copper IUD with no hormones. It's amazing! I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day or condoms or anything! I went in, they inserted it, and I don't even have to think about it anymore.
The only downside is that it hurt. A lot. :o And my period turned really ugly for about 6 months afterwards...but I feel it's totally worth it. I got the IUD in Dec of 2007. My period this month is the only one where I haven't been in severe pain. But now that all of the pain is pretty much gone, I don't have to worry about this thing until I decide to have children! They last about 10 years, so I think it's a perfect solution if you don't want hormones.
Before I got my copper IUD, I did a lot of research as I was at the end of my rope. I'm so glad this option was available for me, the dr. was afraid I wouldn't be able to to use it because I'm so young (21), but it's worked out great! Since you're someone who likes spontaneous sex this would be a nice solution as that is how I am, and I find this works perfectly since there is nothing to worry about.

[fruitandveggies]

Oh, wow, that is so cool! Did your insurance cover that at all or did you pay for it out of pocket? Do you have any links to where you did research on it? This is an exciting discovery for me! :D I think the pain would be worth it too, especially since it lasts so long!

[JennaBoBenna]

Oh, wow, that is so cool! Did your insurance cover that at all or did you pay for it out of pocket? Do you have any links to where you did research on it? This is an exciting discovery for me! :D I think the pain would be worth it too, especially since it lasts so long!

I have Kaiser Permanente...I'm pretty sure they took care of it. I don't remember paying for anything...soo..(my parents are the ones that take care of my health care stuff)

I did research all over...here are a couple of links:

http://community.livejournal.com/iud_divas

http://community.livejournal.com/iud_divas/tag/choosing+an+iud

I use Paragard--the hormone free one. There is another IUD--Mirena--but that one uses hormones.

http://www.paragard.com/


I was super excited when I found this was an option for me! The only other complaint, really, was from my boyfriend who was getting poked by the little string that hangs down (Doctors need this to remove it) but, after a while it should "stick" to your cervix and your partner shouldn't be able to feel it anymore. When you go in for your insertion, I would advise you to take some pain killers. I am ALL about being drug-free...but trust me...you will need it! Unless your pain tolerance is pretty high. This HURTS! I stopped taking pain killers for years and just tolerated small aches and pains etc. But since my IUD I've been taking Motrin. But finally, I'm able to cut that out since my period wasn't so bad this past time.
Best of luck to you!!

[fruitandveggies]

Awesome, I have Kaiser, too! So I know that at least some of it is covered by them.
Thank you for the links!
So there's a little pokey thing on it? Do you know if that always happens or if its circumstantial (like they put it in too low)? How long did it take yours to "stick"?
I will certainly take some pain killers if I do it, my normal gyno appointments still hurt sometimes! Were you saying that it hurt all the time up until now or just during your periods?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just very eager about this! Haha.

[JennaBoBenna]

Awesome, I have Kaiser, too! So I know that at least some of it is covered by them.
Thank you for the links!
So there's a little pokey thing on it? Do you know if that always happens or if its circumstantial (like they put it in too low)? How long did it take yours to "stick"?
I will certainly take some pain killers if I do it, my normal gyno appointments still hurt sometimes! Were you saying that it hurt all the time up until now or just during your periods?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just very eager about this! Haha.

So, attached to the bottom of the IUD Is a little string, like a fishing line, that hangs down so that the Dr. can see if it's in the correct spot and also to grab onto it to get the IUD out. It really varies as to when it starts to stick or curl up toward the cervix. For me, it took a couple months for it to not poke my bf. The Dr. can even cut it a little shorter, which is what he did with me. It still poked my bf, though. It just takes a little while for it to curl up
As for the pain, when it was first inserted it hurt for a few days(and I did bleed a little bit). I was in bed most of the time getting loves from my very appreciative boyfriend. After that it was fine. The only other times it really hurt was during my period. My uterus was NOT HAPPY lol! I would get really bad, rolling-around-in-bed-cramps. My period was irregular the first couple of months, too. Like, my period lasted almost 3 weeks the first month. I also wasn't eating a super-clean diet which probably didn't help. My period is finally back to normal--thank goodness! No problem about the questions, I can understand how excited you are! I had so many questions at first too :D

[Raw Yogini]

I know this isn't "natural" but I had my tubes tied a couple of years ago. It's an option if you are definitely not going to have anymore kids because it's a permanent option. It works for people in long term committed relationships that are certain they are done having children.

[fruitandveggies]

Haha, oh boy, I can just imagine my hubby after I tell him about the possiblity of a three-week period. I get rather moody and irritable as it is during that time, I think he might just not want to be around me the whole time, haha.
Did you excersize at all when you got it put in--or should I say how long did you wait? I'm getting mixed messages on this livejournal about excersize and sex after the insertion.

Raw Yogini: I've thought of that. I've heard that doctor's won't do it under a certain age--is that true?

[JennaBoBenna]

Haha, oh boy, I can just imagine my hubby after I tell him about the possiblity of a three-week period. I get rather moody and irritable as it is during that time, I think he might just not want to be around me the whole time, haha.
Did you excersize at all when you got it put in--or should I say how long did you wait? I'm getting mixed messages on this livejournal about excersize and sex after the insertion.


To be honest, I'm the laziest person I know...so, no--I didn't exercise :o :p
I'm pretty sure I had relations :rolleyes: maybe 2 or 3 days after insertion. I was super excited and ready to go as soon as the pain stopped. I think you're good to go when the pain goes away. Or just generally see how your body feels when you exercise. Also: when you get it inserted, you need to be on your period. So that's something to take into factor with exercise and sex.

[smoothiegirl]

As a guy, I would like to interject something and I hope I'm not being rude. As a christian, I would say abstinence is an absolute thing, but if you can't do that, I would suggest not buying into the notion of casual sex and one night stands. I'm not trying to judge, but it's not worth it, and most guys that are into that are, IMHO, scum. Now don't I sound like a pathetic loser? :D

Naaah! Stay away from the casual sex. Too many diseases out there. Too much heartbeak. All of those relationships carry over into a marriage anyway.
It's just best to wait on marriage.:)

[fruitandveggies]

To be honest, I'm the laziest person I know...so, no--I didn't exercise :o :p
I'm pretty sure I had relations :rolleyes: maybe 2 or 3 days after insertion. I was super excited and ready to go as soon as the pain stopped. I think you're good to go when the pain goes away. Or just generally see how your body feels when you exercise. Also: when you get it inserted, you need to be on your period. So that's something to take into factor with exercise and sex.


Okay, cool. Thanks so much for all the info! :D

[oai]

I know this isn't "natural" but I had my tubes tied a couple of years ago. It's an option if you are definitely not going to have anymore kids because it's a permanent option. It works for people in long term committed relationships that are certain they are done having children.

hi raw yogini. i have no idea about having one's tubes tied. are there any long-term side effects to that at all? :confused:

[RawHeaven]

I personally don't think there is such a thing as "casual" sex. To me it's a very powerful lifeforce energy either way you look at it, although I get the gist of the discussion and respect where everyone is coming from. To me it's a perfectly healthy way to connect with someone and yourself...you just need to be mindful of where you are in your life and listen to your instincts. I've been celibate for long stretches, sexually active in long term committed relationships etc. Abstinence is a good way to get in touch with yourself and stay safe. But as long as you think there are dangerous people out there ready to pass on an STD or HIV to you, you're in prime position to attract it into your life. Sex is a gift as I see it and depending on your drive, abstinence may not be an option. Just my opinion.

Dear Eva...no way am I implying that your friend brought HIV into her life. I'm sorry that she's experiencing this and send her good thoughts. I have a close family member who has lived with HIV for 25 years and it is possible to live a good life and thrive. This person in my life inspires me with their strength and will daily - I am generally stopped cold in my tracks when I even think about complaining in their presence - this person is the most positive person I know.

Okie doke back to the original birth control question...I ditto the book recommendation. I used the pill from age 20-22 with disastrous results that scared the bajeezus out of me. I haven't used any chemical hormones in my body for 20+ years. Once you get in tune with your cycles, it becomes pretty easy to know when you're ovulating. Um, when I'm particularly the word begins with the letter H, I know to check my temperature and steer clear of the boyfriend. You just know...just like you get really in tune with food and your body being Raw. Same idea. :)

A little Reproductive Trivia: Did you know that sperm can successfully thrive and hang out in the higher reaches of the vagina & cervix for 3 days after sex? The rhythm method is really not a good idea also for this reason. One little man in the army could be holding down the fort so to speak for 3 days waiting to get to the egg!

[fruitandveggies]

I think anything that goes along with major surgery would go with getting your tubes tied, too. I have also heard of very slim chances of etopic pregnancies. But nearly every older woman I know has had it done and they seem perfectly normal to me!

[Eva]

hi raw yogini. i have no idea about having one's tubes tied. are there any long-term side effects to that at all? :confused:

My mom wanted exactly one kid (that was me!), so after I was born, she had her tubes tied eventually. I think I was 6 or 7 at the time. I remember her being tired and in pain after for some amount of time. Probably nothing extreme -- I'd remember that. No problems.

It's surgery -- but there are no hormones involved. To me, that would be more natural than taking pills.

[Eva]

Once you get in tune with your cycles, it becomes pretty easy to know when you're ovulating. Um, when I'm particularly the word begins with the letter H, I know to check my temperature and steer clear of the boyfriend. You just know...just like you get really in tune with food and your body being Raw. Same idea. :)

A little Reproductive Trivia: Did you know that sperm can successfully thrive and hang out in the higher reaches of the vagina & cervix for 3 days after sex? The rhythm method is really not a good idea also for this reason. One little man in the army could be holding down the fort so to speak for 3 days waiting to get to the egg!

You're too funny.... The interesting thing (I think) is that we were designed to be more interested in sex (LOL -- you can say it Crystal! Horny! hahahaha) when we're more likely to get pregnant. That's actually perfectly sensible when it comes to survival of a species. So sad to be unable to make love when you feel the most urge... Good for me, I seem to be more interested in the hanky panky after a pleasant conversation or feeling connected spiritually. Which doesn't seem to be related to any surges of excitement or ovulation. LOL!

Anyways... Just my thoughts.

[oai]

My mom wanted exactly one kid (that was me!), so after I was born, she had her tubes tied eventually. I think I was 6 or 7 at the time. I remember her being tired and in pain after for some amount of time. Probably nothing extreme -- I'd remember that. No problems.

It's surgery -- but there are no hormones involved. To me, that would be more natural than taking pills.

i'm still abstaining, and don't think i ever want to have kids. if i do, i'll just adopt. :)

should the urge occur to the point that it can't be contained for whatever reason, i'm glad i can get my tubes tied. :D my mom would freak, haha.

[RawHeaven]

You're too funny.... The interesting thing (I think) is that we were designed to be more interested in sex (LOL -- you can say it Crystal! Horny! hahahaha) when we're more likely to get pregnant. That's actually perfectly sensible when it comes to survival of a species. So sad to be unable to make love when you feel the most urge... Good for me, I seem to be more interested in the hanky panky after a pleasant conversation or feeling connected spiritually. Which doesn't seem to be related to any surges of excitement or ovulation. LOL!

Anyways... Just my thoughts.

hahaha...oh I know I can say it. I'm actually pretty uninhibited and direct when it comes to the topic, I'm just being cognizant of this website and sharing too much info. hahaha! I agree with you and appreciate your thoughts. I'm always interested...I am unfortunately always in overdrive. Just wait for the 40's!!! - good grief. LOL.

[Eva]

Well sheesh! Now you quoted me! I can't take it back! And hey, I'm not saying that I don't frequently have those urges, I'm just not much of an animal about it. A little lovey dovey and connecting on the day-to-day stuff -- and I'm thrilled. Seduced. Ready. Any day. Although -- for now while the Man is in the US, I'm just missing him but fine enough being without. Now THAT is effective contraception -- moving to another country!!! ;) :eek: :(

[Raw Yogini]

Oai, getting your tubes tied is PERMANENT. It is absolutely not recommended unless someone is 100% sure about no more/no kids.

I slept the rest of the day after surgery and felt a little sore and tired easily the next two days. I had the surgery on a Wed., took my kids to a hockey game Fri. night (probably not the best idea because I was so sore). I was back at work Sat. or Sun. night (not sure which) and felt fine. I work as a nurse and do 12 hour shifts so it isn't usually mellow work. So, I guess I'm saying the recovery time is relatively short.

I did notice more intense cramps during my periods after a few months but now that I'm totally sugar and caffeine free and mostly raw if I even get cramps they are very mild.

I absolutely didn't want to take synthetic hormones, went for an appt. to get a hormone-free IUD but because of the tilt of my cervix they couldn't get it in. This seemed the next best solution. I was comfortable w/ paying attention to my cycle, etc. and it had worked for a year but my bf was always SO worried about an accidental pregnancy and since I had the insurance to cover the surgery, I went and got it done. No regrets!

[RawHeaven]

Now THAT is effective contraception -- moving to another country!!! ;) :eek: :(

^^^^ No doubt! Again I agree with the spirituality of sex. Honey, it's always spiritual for me...can't be any other way. My bf and I are into tantra. It gets better the older you get. Trust me. :D

[Eva]

LOL! We've gotta stop. All this talk about the deed instead of trying to plan pregnancy (or lack thereof!). ;)

[RawHeaven]

LOL! We've gotta stop. All this talk about the deed instead of trying to plan pregnancy (or lack thereof!). ;)

Yes, we should stop - it was a slight detour. Back to the original subject.

---------------------------------------------------->

http://z.hubpages.com/u/179496_f260.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51680X6KSWL._SL500_.jpg

[RawHeaven]

Okay I'm going to eat my words from yesterday regarding casual sex & abstinence. There is a difference between casual sex...don't partake in it if you want to be in a committed relationship is the gist of this book. As serendipity would have it, I discovered it at the library yesterday and read it last night. On the tails of this thread conversation, I couldn't resist.

It's called "Not Tonight, Mr Right" by Kate Taylor.

She has a dry sense of humor and you will laugh recognizing yourself in this book believe me. Oh and it's not a relationship book! It's something new.


Okay, back to the BC topic. Sorry...had to share about this great book. :)

[Raw Yogini]

Fruitsandveggies, every doc is different about tying tubes. From dealing w/ so many OBs, I know that if you don't have any kids, most won't do it until your older. I've seen tubals done on women as young as 23 that have a few kids. I'm not saying I agreed w/ doing a tubal on someone so young, but I've seen it done.

[fruitandveggies]

Thanks for the info. I'm 23, but with no kids, don't want any either, never have. It makes me upset to think that someone else can decide what I can do with my own body. It reminds me of a new bill being signed on by dear George W. that legally protects any doc or pharm that won't give a woman contraceptives (of any kind! The pill, condoms, etc) if their "religion" says not to.
Grr, I'm quietly steaming over here. :mad:

[firefaery]

Thanks for the info. I'm 23, but with no kids, don't want any either, never have. It makes me upset to think that someone else can decide what I can do with my own body. It reminds me of a new bill being signed on by dear George W. that legally protects any doc or pharm that won't give a woman contraceptives (of any kind! The pill, condoms, etc) if their "religion" says not to.
Grr, I'm quietly steaming over here. :mad:

Really? How did I miss that? Huh.

That doesn't bother me in the slightest, actually. And, no...I'm not religious. I think that is really interesting. Reminds me of a great doc we have where I live that won't take patients if they don't breastfeed. It's actually kinda neat (in a way-and I know I'll be the oddball here) to see people standing up for what they believe in.

I'll put another plug-not that it's needed-for FAM and Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Only, the way I was taught you can't use condoms with it? They were shown to disrupt fertile mucus and make things rather...uncertain. I always did it anyway because I was unwilling to have another child, but I often do wonder about it. I abstain during what would in theory be my fertile period anyway-condoms or no. I was blessed with number 3 using one. My husband was thrilled...me not so much. So there are two solid weeks that we avoid, protection or no.

In terms of an IUD, every single person I know who had one ended up pregnant. Several miscarried, several had babies. I remember a good friend being in utter shock when she go pregnant with it.....within a year of giving birth. That is a risk *I* will NOT take.

[fruitandveggies]

Here's the link to the article about the birth control, firefairy (http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2008/07/30/a_new_attack_on_birth_control/).
Yeah, it is cool when someone stands up for their rights! The thing is, at least I've always thought this, when you go into a PUBLIC health or wellness field, you really shouldn't be putting your own bias into other people's decisions. Sure, use your knowledge of health, etc. to help the person, but in no way is not giving a woman birth control going to help her situation. What would we prefer, a self-empowered woman that is educated in her choices of family planning or an impoverished mother that can't take care of children and spawns more ignorant, unfortunate, unloved children into the world? Doctors and pharmacists are there to help you with your physical health, not to decide whether some guy in the clouds says a person he or she doesn't know should use the pill or not.
What happened to separation of church and state? You make a commitment to serve the PATIENT when you get into those professions, not to serve yourself. If you haven't made that commitment, then go you for standing up in what you believe in, crazy or not!

BTW, didn't mean to sound bitchy there---just my opinion!

[firefaery]

You didn't sound bitchy and I understand. I also know as someone in medical school that I am having a really hard time reconciling some of these things. What happens when something is the normal and I am against it with every fiber of my being? Where are the lines? I will NOT perform unnecessary procedures on patients, there are other docs they can go to for that. If I believe something is harmful, then I will not be offering it. I will give information, and if the patient is interested they can go elsewhere. I think that's fair. Remember that you can't have it both ways. You want a doc to step back and go by the rules, but the rules (government) state that what we are doing dietarily is harmful and could be considered by many to be neglect and warrant a referral to CPS if children are involved. The Hippocratic oath is a joke. The key is to find a doc that supports you in your choices, right? Well, it does go both ways. I will never withhold information, but I will not be a part of a corrupt system either.

My personal doctor will not provide vaccines as he believes them to be harmful. I'm sure most on this board would get behind that decision. A physician's job is to support health. If there are practices that don't, wouldn't you be happy to have a doc whose beliefs mesh with your own? My doc will talk about vaccines, and in fact there is one that he's not against, per se...but he will not administer it. His patients that want them are happy to go elsewhere. I hope to maintain that kind of integrity when I am in practice.

I guess I just have a very different outlook on this, as I said. I would never want someone else to compromise their integrity for my benefit. We are consumers. And it this market the people who do what we want will receive our patronage. For as many people that have to go elsewhere to find their condoms, there will be those that go out of their way to patronize that establishment to support their stand. Really THAT'S what's so great about this country.

In my studies of history I think the whole separation of church and state meant something very different when it was written. But again, that's just my opinion.

[firefaery]

Sorry, so my point was noone made contraception or abortion illegal. In this instance, Old George W simply told the owners of these establishments to be true to themselves. You can still get whatever you want, just maybe not from the same pharmacy you always have. IMO this may be the only thing he ever did that I agree with.

[fruitandveggies]

Okay, sure, sure I understand what you mean! I suppose when I hear stories about not being able to get the things I need because of someone's religion (or whatever reason), I get scared of how far it will go and how long it will be until all those freedoms are gone. True, as long as we have a good handful of both for and against doc's around, I'm happy! I hope that most people do have the good fortune to have the choice of doctors or pharmacists (I'm thinking poor, rural or uninsured people). I'm so glad someone like you is going into medicine---we have SO many doctors that are being zombified by the "traditional" sense of healthcare sponsored by corporate America. The sad thing is, they don't know its wrong!
Yes, I am very surpised that W said for someone to be true to themselves! I suppose it helps when they share the same beliefs as him, haha.

[firefaery]

I totally understand! I just look at this and see that it's a positive step. Anything and any system can become corrupt, indeed many already are. This in my opinion was not a step backwards...I hope I'm not wrong. :)

[fruitandveggies]

Thanks for understanding. Its very good for me to have an optimist point out the good side of stuff to me sometimes! I can get rather ranty about things.
I hope you're not wrong either! ;D

[Zella Juice]

Is natural birthcontrol like the rhythm method? I got pregnant twice on that. Apparantly you can get pregnant while on your period. I got pregnant 5 days after my period ended and he even pulled out.

Re: the IUD. My body rejected it and it was hangin halfway out I had to pull it out because it was so painful. My bathtub was dark red. Terrible ordeal. Maybe it's just me...but my body rejected every form of birth control. The last one I was taking was the film. Which worked great except I starting thinking of all the chemicals involved.

My husband got fixed so I wouldn't have to deal with all that. If we want more kids we are going to get PUPPIES!! :D

[firefaery]

FAM is natural birth control, but very different and FAR more effective than the rhythm method. You use basal body temperature, charting, consistency of cervical mucus amongst other things.