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Reader's Stories and Tips

Sometimes, all the birth control information in the world doesn’t help you to make a contraception decision as you may wish to hear actual user experiences. Come here to learn from the experiences of others. You can also share your own ideas, stories and birth control tips.

Would You Feel Comfortable Skipping Your Period?

Hormonal contraception offers the ability to control when and if you have a monthly period. What’s your opinion of using extended cycle pills to skip periods or shorten how many times your period comes? Is it unnatural or harmful to skip periods? Do you need the security that a monthly period brings? Would you feel comfortable skipping your period?

Book Review: The Smart Mother's Guide to a Better Pregnancy

This is a book that empowers pregnant women by emphasizing the importance of knowledge during a pregnancy. This pregnancy guide provides information about how to seek the best prenatal care. Topics range from healthcare issues to pregnancy statistics and there is a helpful section on teen pregnancy. This is a comprehensive book that yields valuable information for pregnant women to consider.

Share Your Tip: How Do You Remember When to Take Birth Control Pills?

You may have chosen to use birth control pills as your main method of contraception. When using the pill, it’s important to take your birth control pill at the same time each day. Many women who use birth control pills report having a hard time sticking to their pill schedule. Do you easily remember when its time to take your pill? If so, what is your secret?

Do Tell: What Are Your Favorite Condom Types?

Not all condoms are created equally! Some are made from latex or polyurethane. Some condom types are thicker or thinner. They can be studded, fruity, glow in the dark, and come in a rainbow of colors. There are flavored condoms, female condoms, and pleasure shaped condoms. What condom types do you like and why?

What Led You to Choose an IUD?

During an IUD insertion, an IUD (a small, flexible device) is inserted in the uterus. Many women prefer an IUD because it's hassle-free, safe, long-lasting and extremely effective. Some like how the Paragard IUD doesn’t contain hormones and lasts for 10 years, or that Mirena is an easy progestin-only method lasting 5 years. Why did you choose this method?

Where Do You Store Your Condoms?

A condom stored properly can usually last 4 years if kept in its original, sealed package in a cool, dry and dark place (away from humidity, heat, and sunlight). Where do you store your favorite condom type? Are you discreet? Do you have a special hiding spot like a condom cube, case or compact? Before condom use, where do you keep your condoms? Please share!

What Birth Control Myths or Stories Have You Heard?

There is so much information about contraception that you may be finding it hard to separate out birth control facts from all of the myths about contraception. Do you know if you can get pregnant while on your period? Please share your birth control stories as common birth control myths are explored.

Please Share: Why Did You Choose the Depo Shot?

Many women prefer using the Depo Shot because it is a more hassle-free hormonal birth control method and doesn’t require having to take a pill everyday (you just need to think about birth control every few months). Other women may have chosen Depo Provera because of its FDA-approval for the treatment of endometriosis pain or because it is a progestin-only method. Why did you choose Depo Provera?

Have You Spoken to Your Teen About Birth Control?

Research about teen birth control decisions reveals how teen relationship characteristics are linked to higher contraceptive use. Results confirm patterns of teen birth control use - specifically, studies indicate that consistent birth control use occurs in relationships where partners have discussed birth control prior to first having sex. So, have you spoken to your teen about birth control?

Please Share: What is Your IUD Experience?

Are you wondering what to expect during your IUD removal or insertion? Be prepared for your IUD removal or know what to expect during your IUD insertion. Find out about possible complications. See what other women have experienced during their IUD removals. Read fellow readers' IUD stories or share your own.

What Are Your Thoughts on the Fc Female Condom?

The fc Female Condom is a loose-fitting, soft pouch that lines the vagina with a ring at each end. Formerly the Reality Female Condom, the fc condom is the only FDA-approved device for women providing both pregnancy and STD/HIV protection. A great alternative to the male condom, it warms to the touch, can be used for water sex, and doesn’t interfere with sexual spontaneity. Write your own review!

Write a Review: Wet Naturals Beautifully Bare Body Glide

Wet Naturals Beautifully Bare is an enriched body glide personal lubricant for women. It is a water lubricant that is both paraben free and glycerin free. This water-based lubricant is safe to use with condoms and is formulated especially for women by women. Have you used this product - if so, what did you think of it?

Would You Recommend the Book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility?

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, by Toni Weschler. This book is an excellent resource and illustrated guide to the empowering Fertility Awareness Method of birth control. It includes information on Natural Family Planning and offers solutions and instructions on managing one’s fertility. Would you recommend this book?

Have You Tried: Astroglide Personal Lubricant ?

Astroglide continues to be one of the best selling personal lubricants on the market. It is a water based lubricant that also acts as a moisturizer for vaginal dryness. This long-lasting lubricant has a slippery thin consistency. Astroglide also offers a glycerin and paraben-free formula, an all-natural formula, Astroglide Warming and flavored ASensual Strawberry. Your thoughts on Astroglide?
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