Birth Control...Other than the pill?

[indysteel]

Not to get argumentative with you or with an OB/GYN I don't know but did your doctor qualify her statement that BCPs increase a woman's risk for cancer? The research on that issue--at least with respect to breast cancer--is conflicting at best. Some studies suggest that there is no known risk with the lower-dose pills that are available today. Age may play a factor, too. And the research further suggests that BCP use may reduce the risk of other types of cancer. I would gather more information about this issue before going off the Pill if that's your biggest concern.

As for skipping periods, I read recently that the whole 21-day pill pack (so that women would get their regular period) was not created because it was medically necessary or beneficial. Instead, it was a marketing ploy because they thought the pill would be more appealing to women if it didn't disrupt their period. The research I've read shows that it is actually better that women have a break from their periods. Pregnancy naturally provides such a break, and there's never been a suggestion that pregnancy is "dangerous" in this regard. The biggest problem with 28-day pills is that a lot women have breakthrough bleeding problems. In any case, here are a couple of articles from WebMD about period suppression. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/97/104171.htm; http://www.webmd.com/content/article/71/81215.htm.

I, for one, use a 24-day low-dose pill that I love. My sex drive is back (now I just need to find a man), my migraines are gone, and my period is minimal.

As for other types of birth control, remember that any of the patches/shots, rings on the market work the essentially the same as the pill, e.g., by using hormones to prevent ovulation. I would assume, then, that if Pill increases the risk of cancer, then those methods may as well. That leaves you essentially with "barrier" methods, e.g., the IUD, the diaphram, and condoms. I think the IUD, from what I've read, has gotten much better recently so maybe that's an option.

There's a wealth of information on WebMD about the Pill and other forms of birth control. You might want to look there for more information.

Kate