Expert: Bob Kambic - 12/30/2006

Question
Hello,
I am 21 years old and have been taking birth control since the age of 16. I became pregnant at the age of 18 after missing 2 pills, and had a son. After returning to the pill for a year, I stopped having periods. A year went on and I lost all interest in sex (this is a big deal to me, I am married), I became very dry and irritated down there, and continued to have no periods. My doc switched me to a birth control with higher amounts of estrogen three months ago. I am on my second period now, but I get my period on the third week of pills, not on the last week like I am supposed too. (Previously, I also had my period this way.)
I have not had much change in my other symptoms (no libido, vaginal irritation. I am beginning to think that birth control may not be good for my body, but I am not sure how else to prevent getting pregnant. My husband and I are not financially ready for another child.
What are your thoughts on birth control? Am I worrying to much, or am I right that my body is not reacting normally to birth control?
P.S. I have taken my birth control perfectly for two and a half years, never missed a pill.
I would appreciate any input, as I have no insurance and get my pills from the state. They don't really do consultations.
Thank you so much,
Brynn

Answer
You may want to consider using other methods such as natural family planning NFP. There is a web site where you can learn about NFP http://www.irh.org/ The first thing you would have to do is stop using the pill and let your body get back to it's normal menstrual cycling.  I suggest you look at the web site and think about it. There are other family planning methods such as the condom, foam, and diaphragm which do not require you to take hormones.