Yasmin, Seasonale, or...????

[Crimson]

Ok, here's the deal.

After relying on condoms for years (quite successfully), I'm finally thinking about the pill. I've been in a monogamous, wonderful relationship for the past 3.5 years and he and I have both been tested, so STDs aren't a factor.

My questions is, how do I choose a pill? And how much choice do I actually have in the matter? As a graduate student, I still use the university's health services. I'm assuming they would give me a presciption for whatever I wanted, but I have no experience in this matter.

After doing some research, I'm now looking at Yasmin or Seasonale. I've heard, however, that many women experience break-through bleeding with Seasonale and weight gain. So, maybe having your period only 4 times a year isn't really worth it?

I think my biggest concerns are mood swings and weight gain (btw - I'm 25 and in fairly good health). If anyone knows of a good pill for these, I'd love to hear from you. I know everyone's bodies are different, but I'd especially like to hear from anyone on Yasmin or Seasonale or someone who's gone through a university health service to get the pill.

Thanks a million!

crimson

 

[SweetErika]

The doctor usually recommends one based on your periods and health. However, I would ask to start with one of the lowest dose pills to minimize any side effects. You may hear weight gain is a myth, but tell them you want to put as few hormones in as possible. You might have to switch several times...it all depends on your body. You can still skip periods with regular pills if you have something planned that week...you just start the next pack as soon as you finish the last active pill.

 

[Lynxie]

If you do a few searches on Lit, there are literally dozens of threads about birth control choices. A lot of people have shared their personal experiences with the Pill and other products (the shot, ring, patch, etc.). A good preliminary source of information might be to search here. After that, make an appointment to talk with the people at Health Services. They should have a wealth of information about all different types of pills, and might be able to help you find one that's right for you. If you're not comfortable with what they have to say, or they try to restrict your options, I'd suggest finding a family planning clinic around school (like a Planned Parenthood). You should definitely be able to choose your own pill, especially if you've done your research. Though, check with your insurance company - more often then not, they stick you with the generic version...and not all generics are created equal.

 

[My Own Way]

I've been on the pill for over 6 years now and while it was originally to clear up my skin, it's seriously become the best decision I ever made. It regulates my period really well, and I guess I'm just one of those fortunate people who hasn't really experianced any major problems with it....Now honestly, I wasn't given much of a choice about the pill I went on...but at the same time...I didn't really care...I just let my doctor take care of it. Anyway...that's just my two cents about the pill in general...just in case you're still feeling skeptical about it because I know it's a big decision for a lot of women.

As for seasonale, I have heard that there can be some breakthrough bleeding....but I'm not overly certain about that. I think for a lot of women, the pill is a trial and error kind of thing. The first pill you try might not always be the answer. There was a girl I knew in college who went on Yasmin and did experiance weight gain, about ten pounds, but my roomate was on it and didn't gain any weight....so I guess that all depends on the woman.

Finally....and I'm sorry this isn't REALLY helpful...I was never on a university health care system, but I do know that the few times I went to health services in college they were more than able to fill the perscription I needed...it did take them a little longer than say CVS or Walgreens..but they got it done. I think your best bet would be to call up health services and see how much your co-pay would be on the two pills you're looking at and what their availibility is on a regular basis.

Hope this helps just a little bit....

 

[SweetErika]

I don't know about other colleges, but mine sold BC pills just about at-cost...like $8-15 a pack depending on the brand, so check it out before going to another pharmacy or using your insurance (copays can be more than what the school charges).

Also, Planned Parenthood has a great program called Take Charge. If you meet the income guidelines, they'll give you free birth control for a year.

 

[marge_w]

I don't know about other colleges, but mine sold BC pills just about at-cost...like $8-15 a pack depending on the brand, so check it out before going to another pharmacy or using your insurance (copays can be more than what the school charges).

ouchie ouchie ouchie, i'm glad that just about the only benefit of living in the UK is free contraception



sorry hijack over

 

[cryptictravler]

The Planned Parenthood program is really good. Also check with local government health offices. They often can give out birth control for free.

 

[SweetErika]

ouchie ouchie ouchie, i'm glad that just about the only benefit of living in the UK is free contraception



sorry hijack over

Oh, $8-15 is rediculously cheap. It's not unusual to pay $30-$50 for name brand ones (which the government has no problem letting the drug companies charge). A few years ago it was a big deal when state governments started forcing insurance companies to cover birth control pills, but drug deductibles and co-pays are still outrageous.

And we wonder why there are so many unwanted pregnancies...

 

[Willing and Unsure]

Oh, $8-15 is rediculously cheap. It's not unusual to pay $30-$50 for name brand ones (which the government has no problem letting the drug companies charge). A few years ago it was a big deal when state governments started forcing insurance companies to cover birth control pills, but drug deductibles and co-pays are still outrageous.

And we wonder why there are so many unwanted pregnancies...

I know exactly how this one goes right now. I've tried two other kinds of pills and they really dont work too well for me in comparison to Ortho Cyclen. And of course, that one costs me about $40 a month. I live of course, but I actually use it for more than just birth control reasons. It really irritates me though that the insurance is a bastard sometimes when it comes to covering it. It's one of those things that I work into my budget just because I cant deal with what was going on before I was put on the pill.

 

[Willing and Unsure]

I forgot to answer the question posted here too, and I was intending to.


As for university health services, it all depends a lot on which school you go to for what you get. My school, I love talking to the people in the women's clinic when I have questions or concerns. There's actually someone here that if I could, she'd be my regular gynecologist. It's just too bad she's a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor. Usually though, they will be more than happy to discuss with you any questions or concerns you have, including other options outside of the pill that dont include condoms. And of course, they dont normally give you some form of attitude like some regular doctors will (the most recent gynecologist visit was a little uncomfy for me since they were rather conservative).

Anyways, what I'm getting at is if you think you want the pill but arent sure, then talk to a doctor there and see. The university services should have some people there that specialize in women's health (a.k.a. gynecology) so that you dont have to go and see a regular doctor about it. I'm assuming you go for an annual visit anyways, but if not, they'll most likely require it before writing you a prescription. And yeah, I agree with what the others have said about the types of pills, it all depends on your body for what you can take. I can take one kind, but not another that's very similar to it. A friend of mine can take the one that's similar but not the kind I take. It all just depends on your body. And keep in mind too that what you think you want based on research may not be what your body is suited for.

 

[Lynxie]

Oh, $8-15 is rediculously cheap. It's not unusual to pay $30-$50 for name brand ones (which the government has no problem letting the drug companies charge). A few years ago it was a big deal when state governments started forcing insurance companies to cover birth control pills, but drug deductibles and co-pays are still outrageous.

And we wonder why there are so many unwanted pregnancies...

I'm paying $25 a month for the generic version of Ortho Tricyclen. And that's just my insurance co-pay...

 

[My Own Way]

I'm paying $25 a month for the generic version of Ortho Tricyclen. And that's just my insurance co-pay...

My insurance company actually started this really great programs recently where you can mail away for your perscriptions...you get a three months supply, but only one co-pay....so I got three months worth of BC for only like 10 bucks....

 

[Lynxie]

My insurance company actually started this really great programs recently where you can mail away for your perscriptions...you get a three months supply, but only one co-pay....so I got three months worth of BC for only like 10 bucks....

I'm starting new insurance next month - I'll have to look and see if they offer something like that. Thanks for the info!

 

[Crimson]

thanks for all the input - i really appreciate it! i hadn't thought of being put on generics, Lynxie - great question for me to ask them...

i did get my annual exam at health services last week with a pretty good NP. when birth control came up and i told him i was thinking of the pill, he seemed to give me the standard line: the pill has really improved over the past 40 years, you can try different kinds if the first doesn't work for you, but it's ultimately your decision.

i've talked to my bf about it, just to let him know i was considering it and ask if he had any thoughts on the subject. he said he knew this decision concerned both of us, but it was mainly my body that'd be affected, so he'd support whatever i chose to do. (sigh, him!)

he also offerend to split the cost with me. like many of you i'd also have to do the $20-25 a month co-pay - my insurance is required to cover birth control under NY law. so, that'd be about $10 a month each, which isn't so bad considering how much we probably spend on condoms.

cost was actually another reason i was considering Seasonale - if they give you 3 months worth at the time instead of 1, i'd have to buy them less often...

crimson

 

[SweetErika]

thanks for all the input - i really appreciate it! i hadn't thought of being put on generics, Lynxie - great question for me to ask them...

i did get my annual exam at health services last week with a pretty good NP. when birth control came up and i told him i was thinking of the pill, he seemed to give me the standard line: the pill has really improved over the past 40 years, you can try different kinds if the first doesn't work for you, but it's ultimately your decision.

i've talked to my bf about it, just to let him know i was considering it and ask if he had any thoughts on the subject. he said he knew this decision concerned both of us, but it was mainly my body that'd be affected, so he'd support whatever i chose to do. (sigh, him!)

he also offerend to split the cost with me. like many of you i'd also have to do the $20-25 a month co-pay - my insurance is required to cover birth control under NY law. so, that'd be about $10 a month each, which isn't so bad considering how much we probably spend on condoms.

cost was actually another reason i was considering Seasonale - if they give you 3 months worth at the time instead of 1, i'd have to buy them less often...

crimson

Sounds like a great guy. I'm guessing Seasonale doesn't cost less than other pills though, especially since it's a brand name drug/system. You can also call Planned Parenthood and see how much they charge for the pill (I've found it's a lot cheaper in the past). If you've just had your annual, you only need to meet briefly with a clinician to get a new prescription. They will also give you free condoms if you ask.

 

[curvacious]

generics

there are lots of generic bc pills now available. some bring the price down to between 20 and 30 dollars a pack. If you're not going through the University (most of the time the least expensive option) call around and get prices from pharmacies. I take Aviane which is generic for Allesse. Many of the Ortho brand BC also have generics.

 

[marge_w]

Oh, $8-15 is rediculously cheap. It's not unusual to pay $30-$50 for name brand ones .

And we wonder why there are so many unwanted pregnancies...

its the same with unwanted pregnancies here even tho contraception is free and whilst i am pro choice i have deep abiding problems with using abortion as a form of contraception (had the op but not out of choice, i lost the baby at 12 weeks and it was the most phsically n emotionally painful thing i have ever been through) which now seems the norm with our school kids here

 

[tigerjen]

I've been on Yasmin since July 2002 and its great, well,
for me anyway. Everyone is different; what may be
good for me may or may not be good for you.

My ob-gyn put me on it because over the course of a
year my periods were coming irregularly due to high
stress, and so far its worked. The first 3-5 months
or so I had some nausea here and there but that was
it. My period arrives on time like clockwork, which is
great.

Definitely talk to your dr. or ob-gyn about it.......and see
what happens.

As for co-pay, I pay only $20 per month thru my
insurance for each pill pack. Without insurance Yasmin
is at least $35 per month! Bananas!

good luck!

 

[bitslinger]

I've been on Yasmin since July 2002 and its great, well,
for me anyway. Everyone is different; what may be
good for me may or may not be good for you.

My wife loved Yasmin because it was easy on her body, but her libido disappeared while she was taking it. We tried all sorts of things to get her sex drive back, but in the end getting her off Yasmin was the only thing that did the trick.