T O P I C R E V I E W
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-09-2006 12:51 AM
Hi guys I'm coming off the pill this month. I won't be seeing my boyfriend for about three months (long vacation!) and I really dont feel like starting NuvaRing when I'm not even going to be having sex for 3 months. Its just a waste of like, 60 bucks. I don't want to hassle it all...transferring the perscription to pharmacies Im unfamiliar with and such. I thought that since I'm switching methods anyways, to just hold off until I actually need to start using. I'd start it a cycle before I have sex to ensure the protection factor. What are the pros/cons of waiting in between changing methods?
dailicious
Member # 22471
posted 05-09-2006 02:20 AM
The only cons you might face are that you may experiences some wonkiness from going off a hormonal method, and then some wonkiness again when you go back on, switching methods. Also, you should give your new method a full month before considering it to be fully effective against pregnancy since you'll have time off before then. The only other cons would be if you have any other benefits from taking the hormonal method aside from protection against pregnancy. I don't think it's a bad idea to take some time off for your body and your wallet, there really aren't any health consequences just from not being on a hormal method for awhile and then starting again, as long as you stop after you last pill and start your first ring properly.
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-09-2006 12:15 PM
Thanks! Perfect, that's what I'll do. All the benefit I get from being on it is water retention. [ 05-09-2006, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: StarHallie ]
LilBlueSmurf
Member # 1207
posted 05-09-2006 03:28 PM
Personally, knowing how my own body reacts to going on and off the hormones, i would stay on it (provided you have the $60 TO stay on it). My period has a really hard time regulating itself for the first few months after i come off the pill. I tend to have cramps and breast tenderness for the whole cycle instead of just a few days before and during my period. I just know i'd feel like poo. And i personally like knowing when my period is going to come ... I've become kind of spoiled from being on birth control for so long! The only benefit i, personally, would get from doing this would be the extra money from not being on it. My body just does not react well to changes like that Have you talked to your nurse/doctor about this?
Miss Lauren
Member # 25983
posted 05-09-2006 04:04 PM
Ditto to what Smurf said. My body goes bananas if I try to take breaks. Do you qualify for FamilyPACT, Hallie? If you earn under 1200 a month by yourself and say you need confidentiality, you can get your pills/ring/any method you want at no cost. That's what I do, and it's really a godsend. Here's the thread to find out more: Birth Control- Washington State and California [ 05-09-2006, 04:05 PM: Message edited by: Miss Lauren ]
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-10-2006 01:36 AM
Hey, cool. Thanks you guys for the input, and thanks Lauren for that tip-off! About that...what's a nice easy way to sign up for this? The site...kind of confused me. I make very little dough per month and REALLY like the idea of confidentiality. Thanks so much!
Miss Lauren
Member # 25983
posted 05-10-2006 02:00 AM
I don't know where you are in California, Hallie, but most city clinics or large hospitals should be FamilyPACT providers. Do a websearch to find them, and most clinic website listings will say whether or not they're a F.P. provider. Just make an appointment with them, and tell the receptionist that you would like to apply for FamilyPACT during your visit. The receptionist will use the following chart to determine your eligibility (PDF) : Receptionist Decision Tree . If you qualify, you simply go to your appointment and apply for your card. If a chain pharmacy tries to get you to pay for your presciption using your card, either have the clinic doctor send a letter explaining the program, or have the pharmacy call the clinic. Ask if you need anything else, dear. I know it was hell figuring this out on my own. [ 05-10-2006, 02:06 AM: Message edited by: Miss Lauren ]
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-10-2006 06:52 PM
Yah, problem: im a non-minor dependant on my parent's health insurance. So this won't work.
Miss Lauren
Member # 25983
posted 05-10-2006 06:55 PM
Yes it will. I'm covered by my parent's insurance, too. All you have to have is your social security number. They'll be able to see that you have insurance; if they ask about it, tell them that you don't want to use it because you don't want your parents to know. Need for confidentiality qualifies you just the same as no coverage .
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-11-2006 02:18 AM
Oh! Okay got it. That will definately be worth the time...I estimate that would be almost 200 dollars a year I won't have to scrap for. (I can barely afford gas at $3.50 a gallon now). Thanks, Lauren.
Miz Scarlet
Member # 3
posted 05-11-2006 10:41 AM
(You know, it might be time for a piece on sexuality and finances -- on how to find things like cheap or free birth control, sexual healthcare services, on how using washable pads or a Divacup saves you loads of money. etc. One of the inequities women often forget about gender-wise is that not only financially are women as a class poorer, but we have more expenses in certain departments, and sexuality is absolutely one of them. There are some ways, though, to even the scales there just by, for instance, not throwing dollars into the male-owned and profit-based women's menstrual products capitalist corps, by using the services (usually) women-based orgs HAVE set up to make things like sexual healthcare less expensive.)
Miss Lauren
Member # 25983
posted 05-11-2006 05:15 PM
You're welcome, Hallie. I know how it can be to try to scrape up for a reliable method when you make little money; without the help of your parents, it's almost impossible. It's really too bad not many young women know about this program and similar ones in other states, so spread the word. If you run into any trouble, don't be afraid to ask me. And I totally agree with you, Heather. That would be a great addition to the main site. It's amazing how few people actually know these programs exist, and this site could do a great service by providing that information. The same can be said for alternative menstrual products and the evilness of large companies producing mainstream ones; Scarleteen was the first place I learned about alternative methods!
StarHallie
Member # 27531
posted 05-12-2006 08:48 PM
Me too! I hadn't even heard of a menstrual cup until now! I'm ordering the Diva as we speak! I <3 Scarleteen!
logic_grrl
Member # 8067
posted 05-13-2006 03:44 PM
Yay! They're so cool. They can be a bit fiddly for a day or so until you get the hang of them, so do check out the past threads (if you haven't already) - lots of tips and tricks and people sharing their experiences.