Expert: Diane Cheryl - 2/15/2007

Question
Hi Cheryl my name is Kyleigh i'm 18 years old and i'm sexually active with only one guy, my boyfriend since last September I've been intensely looking for a birth control thats right for me.  First i tried the ortha-evra patch i had it on for about a week and found out that i was allergic to something in it... my skin was all red and itchy, then i tried the pill and it caused me to burn? and have bad mood changes.  Recently i tried the NUVA-RING and all was going good until one day i notice a horrible smell one of the chemicals from the ring was causing bad smells from my vagina now i'm not on any birth  control and i need some advice. I dot want to use the shot because of blood clots in my family and gaining weight. So what are my choices and what should i do for right now considering me or my boyfriend don't like condoms?

Answer
Hello Kyleigh,
Thanks for your email. I'm not a medical doctor so please consult your physician about all your health matters. First of all, the only birth control methods I recommend are condoms, Natural Family Planning and of course, abstinence.
I'm not surprised about all the side effects from the various methods you are using. If you don't like condoms, can you consider the other two things I suggested. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and we can discuss more if you like.
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com