[TaraB]

I am trying to find the best birth control.

I went to the local health clinic and got several little booklets. The nurse told me they provide teens with free birth control if I can make a choice. They have pills, shots, patches, some sort of ring and God knows what else. That many choices seems pretty overwhelming.

I am leaning towards the Depo-Provera shot mainly because it lasts 3 months and there wouldn't be any evidence for my parents to find. Has anyone had any experience with depo? Side effects?

If you are already on birth control then what did you choose and why? Any problems?

[kywrite]

Depo is good, but you'll almost certainly put on ten pounds (partly in your breasts, so that's not bad); you absolutely MUST keep it up. And if you go on antibiotics for any reason, call your doctor to find out about the interactions; my niece and my nephew are both in this world thanks to antibiotics.

I used a Norplant and LOVED it. They have quit using these now, I think because it leaves an itty-bitty inch-long scar under your arm. But it's five years of birth control with the same side effects as Depo.

I'm sad, though, that you don't feel you can tell your parents. Make sure you educate yourself on all the STDs and use condoms, and read the thread on DD's boyfriend having herpes; it may not apply to you, but you have to protect yourself from more than just pregnancy. And take care of yourself emotionally too. Never do anything you don't want to do.

Jamie

[TaraB]

If gaining weight is depo's worst problem then that is fantastic! I am a little underweight anyhow. The little booklet that I got says depo is not affected by antibiotics or other medications. I got till Thursday to make a decision. Right now depo sounds great. I don't see why they would have so many choices if there wasn't a flaw of some kind.

My parents are very strict. I am pretty sure they would not allow me to be with my boyfriend if I talked to them. We have a special night planned for our one year anniversary. I decided it would probably be best to just try and be careful.

I got a couple of little booklets on STDs too. I don't think any of that applies to me because we're both virgins.

What do you mean by protect myself emotionally?

[kywrite]

You sound like you're okay, but not being able to go to your parents about anything leaves you vulnerable to manipulation by other people. You may scoff at it or think that you're fine, but the truth is, you may not be. Just plan everything very carefully, and don't let anyone rush you ever.

Don't trust the little booklets completely; antibiotics may still affect things, and depo's new enough that they still don't have all the data. I'd still use extra protection if you go on antibiotics -- at least foam or the sponge.

The other side effect you may have with depo is light or nonexistent periods. I know you'll hate that as much as I did! If you get migraines, bring that up too before you get the shot. Migraines may worsen with depo. And realize that you should tell your doctor about the depo if you take anything hormonal or if you start having side effects; he should be barred legally from telling your parents.

Underweight. I wish that were my problem.

Jamie

[writerchick]

Tara,

I don't know how old you are, but your parents are your parents, and they probably love you and want what's best for you. You should listen to what they have to say in all aspects of your life. It makes me very, very sad that you are turning to a public forum of strangers to make a decision your mother should be helping you with. Best wishes and talk to your mom.

[andi3]

Birth control is great1 I just wish that you would talk to your mom and let her HELP you with making the decision! Please think it through before you go and decide without consulting with your parents first. I wish that I had my mother here for that type of stuff and I am OLD

[J920]

I asked a similar question last week, and am on day three of Ortho, at least the generic form, and I feel a little, i dont know, nauseated or have a headache, not extreme but enough.
As for the shots, for me I dont like it bc it seems unnatural.

[TaraB]

I had decided on depo. Now I am not sure. I was bored so I started reading more on depo.

Depo's website http://www.depo-subqprovera104.com/ says Use of depo-subQ provera 104 may cause you to lose calcium stored in your bones. The longer you use depo-subQ provera 104, the more calcium you are likely to lose. The calcium may not return completely once you stop using depo-subQ provera 104. Loss of calcium may cause weak bones that could increase the risk that your bones might break, especially after menopause. It is not known whether your risk of developing osteoporosis may be greater if you are a teenager when you start to use depo-subQ provera 104. You should only use depo-subQ provera 104 long term (for example, more than 2 years) if other methods of birth control are not right for you.

How serious is that? Is it saying that depo is OK long as I don't use it longer than 2 years?

[TaraB]

I considered talking to my parents, but I decided against it. I came up with 5 reasons. 1. I am afraid they would not let me see my boyfriend or they would not allow me to see him unless they were around. 2. I am pretty sure they would be extremely disappointed in me. 3. I worry they might dislike my boyfriend. 4. I don't want them looking at me differently. 5. It is personal. Talking online is easier than talking to mom or dad who might get upset.

Are the people here my age or are the people here parents? The forum topic was Teen Health so I thought it would be people my age talking both health issues. Is that wrong?

[J920]

Well keep on researching, but do it for you, not for your boyfriend,
I think the occasion should be special and but you are taking on all the risks of the pill, I dont see why not use a condom.
Have him go to the store instead of wracking your brain over this, but if u insist be informed.
That is why i didnt like Depo, in my teens I didnt have my period bc I was underweight and got on the pill bc I was concerned with calcium loss.
My logic is a normal period is pretty much monthly give or take a few days,
I wouldnt want to go to the bathroom only three times a year, same with my period. But depo helps for women with other things going on, but if u dont fall into that category and u have regular periods I would say use a condom. Its good for the both of you.
As for your reasons, I'm 28. I dont think it was that long ago probably when i was your age, i considered ppl like me old. lol.
I didnt talk to my parents about sex, and I wish I could have though I probably wouldnt have told them everything.
But I will tell you this, if you dont think your parents will like him, its probably because deep down u know there is good reason for it.
Why havent your parents met him after a year? and how have you built a special relationship?