Expert: DW - 7/8/2010

Question
I have been using Implanon for 18 months, after coming off the pill which I was using for the 2 preceding years. When I was on the pill I had a high sex drive and regular periods, but decided to change because I put on weight. On Implanon I have lost most of the weight, and have no periods at all, but recently my sex drive has decreased. Is there a contraceptive which would make my periods regular, not decrease my sex drive, and would not make it easier to put on weight, or is that just wishful thinking? I have heard good stories about the IUD but I am not sure what it's effects are in terms of periods. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

Every kind of pill or birth control method that is hormonal has some kind of side effects. They are different for every method and every woman. Some do not affect a woman like another. So it's hard to say.  I also don't recommend the IUD. If you do some research online, you will find a lot of women telling stories about their experiences with the IUD. I usually don't recommend any kind of hormonal birth control. That leaves condoms and Natural Family Planning. Would you be interested in either of these. Write back if you want at DWooley97@aol.com

Sincerely,
Diane W.