Hi everyone! I've got an appointment with my doc next week to talk about birth control, but since my doc isn't a runner I was wondering if any females have had good or bad experiences with certain types of birth control. I've heard good things about a new BC pill called Yasmin. I'm also looking into the patch, Nuvaring, and an IUD. I'm concerned about BC having a negative effect on my running. If anyone has any personal experiences and/or advice for me, please share!
Thanks
Yasmin is on the banned drug list because it contains a diuretic, I'm not sure if it's on the NCAA list but if you have any likelihood of being tested then you should probably avoid it.
I tried the Nuvaring. It is great in theory, but for some reason I got my period every two weeks and it lasted for two weeks. This was not only really annoying, but I ended up being totally anemic. I kept thinking I would adjust, but I tried it for 9 months and never got back on a normal schedule. I switched back to LoEstrin and it's great.
Yasmin is no longer a banned drug:
Nonhormonal IUDs, sponges, condoms, and similar barrier methods...
Ginger W?
Pulling out has always worked for me (as far as I know).
Birth control pills are abortifacients. Why not not use them and not kill a baby.
CUM again 800 guy? And maybe in your hand with an attitude like that...
sorry, not Ginger W...
I've done the pulling out thing and it's worked (so far) but the thing is I'm always super paranoid about it. I just wanna get on something so that I'm more comfortable knowing I'm not pregnant.
I would advise staying off of any birth control if possible. I have tried the pill, (and I know it is different for everyone), but it did not suit me at all. It just felt very unnatural. Since then, my partner, who is also my coach, and I decided that the best thing to use is condoms.
i use the patch now...it works good so far.. i was on ortho-lo but that one seemed to give my period every two weeks and i got the worse cramps when i ran..even though i run swim and bike everyday the patch seems to stay on..and its contiounus hormones that doesnt change like some pills..hope this helps...
Unfortunately I don't think there is a "best" method for runners, but only a "best" method for your body. I went on the pill in college just so I could get a period. I was so worried about becoming anemic. Now 6 years later I am still on it. The bad thing for me is that it really cleared up any unbalanced hormone acne that I had at the time, and if I want to go off of it, I have found out that I break out really bad. But, at the time when I was running the most in my life, I didn't notice any bad side effects.
It's not about "birth control".... it's about normal female health and protecting your bones. Although I had fairly regular periods without oral contraceptives (average 35 days apart), with oral contraceptives I know exactly when my period is coming-- 28 days. My period is lighter, shorter, and predictable. There is definitely less stress as a result. I've had no side effects whatsoever and have improved my race performances tremendously the past two years. I take a low dose oral contraceptive, Lo-Ovral. If you're going to take oral contraceptives, I highly recommend a low-dose type as it appears there's less side effects involved. Just make sure you take it regularly at around the same time every day (I set the alarm on my Timex).
It is interesting that this thread came up, because this morning I was on a dieting message board and this subject came up there too. I have been trying to lose ten pounds, but it has been really difficult. Several women mentioned that it is harder for them to lose when they are on the pill. A few of them praised nuva ring, saying it was more natural, and therefore easier to lose weight. If the pill can cause weight retention, I would imagine it affects the body in other ways too.
Anyway, I have seriously considered switching from ortho-lo to nuva ring. It would be great to have more input on this from runners before I make my decision.
If you still have to use a condom for fear of aids why bother with any type or oral birth control? Aren't condoms + spermacide 99%?
15 wrote:
If you still have to use a condom for fear of aids why bother with any type or oral birth control? Aren't condoms + spermacide 99%?
You must be 15? Not even close to 99%.
Yes I am. Is that a problem for you? Since your an OBGYN please correct my numbers. Regardless of the numbers you still need to wear a condom.
Depending on your situation. Getting the Husband,Partner,Boyfriend Nicked is by far The best method.