Me and my partner aim for the “perfect use” attitude with condoms (we ALWAYS use them) - never have sex when both are drunk, check expiration date, check compatibility with lube, check condom before and after sex with glasses on and a bright light (looks funny but whatever), always ensure it’s proprely on when switching positions and if anything is weird with the condom - put on a new one straight away. I used to write posts and research-based articles for a sexed project in Russia, so I do know loads about other options but choose this one. Thank god my bf undersatnds all the risks I’d be facing if he was against condoms, but almost all of my friends have at least once been in a relationship with a guy who wouldn’t wear a condom… Please educate your men on all the risks that come with plan b pills, hormonal/invasive non-hormonal contraception and ofc abortions and pregnancy. My opinion - if a guy is properly educated on the topic and still refuses to use condoms (and doesn’t take antidepressants e. g. that lower sensitivity) - please think twice. It’s not worth the risk…

I've never felt more myself than when my cycle was ended by my contraceptives. I felt like a hostage of my body for five days a month. Being able to stop it was the best medical advice I got from any medical professional, ever. Everyone is different, do what feels best for you. It's good that people are empowered by taking it and other people are empowered by coming off the pill.

I'm a med student currently, aspiring to become an ob/gyn and very passionate about this subject. I wish the people who prescribe birth control would in general be more open about how it's more or less impossible to predict which people are going to get what positive and negative effect from which type of hormonal birth control. One of my teachers, a gynecologist since about 20 years, said in her experience 1/3 of all women who get on hormonal contraceptives, feel MUCH better than when having their own cycle and LOVE it, 1/3 gets a neutral experience of some positive and some negative aspects, and 1/3 gets negative side effects that are bad enough they go off again. That's something I wish everyone knew going in. That and the fact that side effects can vary wildly between different methods (and even just slightly different pills), and at different stages of life, so if one has a negative experience of the first kind one tries, it can be very worth it to try at least one or two more. Because there are so many positives to be gained for a lot of people who either just wish to have an effective contraceptive option, and/or who may also really struggle with excessive bleeding, pain and other conditions liked to the menstrual cycle year in and year out without treatment for that. With all that said - I am acutely aware how some providers downplay side effects (have experienced that myself...) and I'm very passionate about informed decisions and that people should get information about ALL aspects of hormonal contraception. My own personal contraceptive story has been that I, as a very anxiety prone teenager, developed basically a phobia of both getting pregnant, and of side effects of birth control as well. I ended up using the diaphragm (Femcap) in combination with meticulously getting to know my cycle through tracking temperature, ovulation tests, cervical mucus and cervical position. 10-ish days a month around ovulation time my partner and I would do things other than penetrative sex or use the pullout method. I used this method effectivly for years and years until I a few months ago realized my phobias have actually resolved themselves years ago, and I'm pretty sick and tired of hassle of the diaphragm and always, always, always tracking stuff. I'm also pretty sick and tired of bleeding so much I have a chronic iron deficiency and being in really bad pain 1-2 days a month. So I got on the contraceptive ring a few months ago. The first two months had pretty wild side effects but now everything has stabilized and I love it. Sex feels much freer and I don't have to bleed and be in pain regularly. Just goes to show how different methods can be right at different stages of life and for different people...

I'm so scared to trust natural cycles as I got pregnant using it and at the time I wasn't planning a pregnancy but I always wanted children. I take the pill, I wish I could stop tomorrow but I don't want to be pregnant again and have another child. It really scares me.

I take the pill and I've never had any negative side effects ( I know I'm sorry!!). I went off it for a year to see how I would feel, and I actually felt worse, got hormonal acne again, and to top it all off I got pregnant. I decided to have an abortion which was very traumatic for me, and you bet I went back on the pill straight away and won't be coming off it again.

My husband offered to get a vasectomy because we aren't planning to get pregnant but I've been using the hormonal IUD (coil) and I LOVE it because my periods are so mild. I'm so glad that I found an option that works for me this well and I hope everyone else finds their unicorn contraceptive too!

Hormones CAN help in some cases. I have to take a synthetic version of cortisol for the rest of my life because my body does not make it. Giving me a hormone IV saved my life last year at the hospital. I just wanted to add that to the convo because sometimes people see taking hormones as always bad all the time and it depends on so many factors. For most women hormonal birthcontrol is a disaster but it CAN help some women whose hormones "need help". 😊 Hope I'm making sense!

I’ve just come off the pill after 4.5 years and honestly I’ve never felt better! I also had lots of different side effects, each one different. I feel like “me” again and am now looking into my non-hormonal options for the future. Great video as always Melanie xx

I quit hormonal contraception and went to the Copper IUD and it was the BEST decision I've made. Not having to think about it while also knowing that I'm not being affected by hormones (I weight gain, feeling robotic/not myself, mood swings, it was awful). If I have a daughter, I will do my best to talk to her about using non-hormonal options because I do really think it affects women more than we understand.

I was put on the pill at 15 due to extremely heavy periods to the point where I would have to leave school because I couldn’t get through a 40 minute class without bleeding through my uniform. First year was fine but during the second year I didn’t feel myself at all and was having really bad side effects so decided to come off of it for 2 years- now I’ve had the hormonal IUD for nearly 3 years and I love it. Barely any side effects and don’t have to worry about a baby! Really just goes to show how every woman’s body is different as a lot of my friends have had a great experience with the pill but it just stopped suiting me. Best thing to do is figure it out for yourself and for your own body

I've only ever used condoms (love the latex-free ones too) and I'm 33, it has been awesome. Hormonal changes fuck me up so I didn't want to risk it, besides I'm shite at doing something at the same time everyday for a long time (like taking a pill for more than a week). The IUD freaks me out. I did track temperature and cervical mucus when I was trying to get pregnant for a bit because I have looooong cycles, but in the end I gave tracking up and got pregnant anyway (though I learned a lot, and cervical mucus is where it's at!! It really shows the lead up to ovulation, while temps just confirm ovulation happened). I love educating myself on this topic

I’ve been on the pill and I’m currently using a hormonal iud. I was on the pill to help with acne. It unfortunately did nothing but I also didn’t experience any side effects (not even the good ones). Accutane was the only thing that worked. Now I’m on the iud for contraceptive purposes and I love it. The insertion process was easy and not painful tho I know some people have a ROUGH time with it. I feel like I’m just someone’s that takes to hormones well. When I’m off, I tend to have long, heavy, painful periods and like my natural hormones hijack my emotions. We’re all different and having options is what’s empowering.

Hi Melanie thank you for sharing your experiences ❤❤ I was on and off the pill from 17-23 but suffered with side effects , I’m 24 now soon to be 25 & I have been using natural cycles now for just over a year thanks to the awareness spread by you & AOKnutritions podcast & I love it I am so connected to my body & feel so empowered , in her podcast Aisling explained how young women taking the contraceptive pill produce the same level of hormones as women in their 80/90’s & it devastated me, to think no wonder so many of us are lost/ struggling with low self-esteem/ confidence/ stuck in poor relationships/ friendships - because we are not allowing our bodies to function as biology/ nature intended. The contraceptive pill and other forms of hormonal contraception were and still are a miracle drug however as you said it is important that women/ people with female reproductive systems should be empowered & have access to knowledge 💚

I’ve been on the same pill since I was 16 (now 32) and I’ve never had an ‘accident’. My periods have been like clockwork since and I can’t say I’ve really had a negative experience. The only thing I do keep in mind is the risk of blood clots and breast cancer. It was called Microgynon years ago, now Rigevidon. Like you Melanie, I’m pretty squeamish ‘down there’, but to a point where it’s one of many reasons why I don’t want kids! Intrigued by natural cycles, but don’t trust it enough to completely come off the pill.

Your videos at the moment are *chefs kiss*!! This is also the most amazing ad integration, it felt genuine, passionate and extremely well integrated. P.s. your skin look sooooo glowy 😍

I’ll never take the pill personally

I use the Justisse fertility awareness method that combines basal body temperatures with cervical fluid. Just note, cervical fluid plays a vital role in our fertility (sperm can’t survive in the vagina without it) so combining this with your basal body temperatures adds hugely to your effectiveness. Temperatures anlone, only tells you retrospectively that you’ve ovulated (for 2 or 3 days after the day you ovulated, your temperature increases), but cervical fluid tells you that you are ABOUT to ovulate. Natural cycles talks about cervical fluid like it’s rocket science (probably so we rely more on the app’s algorithm), but it’s not. And if you do a fertility awareness course, for example the Justisse method or the Marquette method, that makes it clear how to know what your doing, it’s easy once someone teaches you what’s what😊

I chose to have my contraceptive bar removed this time last year after almost a decade. I wanted to know how it felt to be me and i had been feeling really disconnected. Younger me needed the bar and present day me does not. I prefer to be without but it's all about choice. Also, please be aware of the huge hormonal shift that happens when you change something like that, I had some very scary mental health 6 weeks after i had the bar out. I asked professionals if i would have any mental health side effects and they said no. Unfortunately, i did. Just wanted to mention in case it helps someone feel more prepared.

Melanie this truly could not have come at a better time. I got the implant removed from my arm last October and have just had a miscarriage after using condoms only. I can’t go through that heartbreak again right now but also HATE hormonal contraception. I am going to give the 3 methods a try. Could not be more grateful for this video.

Birth control really screwed me up all my life. I thought it wasn't an issue until later in my life. In my 30s I started dating a women. That is now my birth control method of choice.

I had a copper coil for almost 4 years, far too long considering the intense pain and heavy heavy periods but I was determined not to use hormones, and didn’t trust myself with temperature tracking or the pull out method after 2 unwanted pregnancies I now have a hormonal coil and it’s changed my life, I am no longer anemic, have little to no pain, and have a light enough flow to use menstrual panties (the ones for a heavy flow used to last me 3-4 hours with the copper coil) I really wish i had de-demonised hormones in my mind sooner

I'm 30 and I've never been sexually active (didnt really plan that, just want to be in a monogamous relationship where I really love and trust my partner), and due risk of blood clots have always been wary of hormonal birth control (particularly the pill). Unlike other women in my family who have terrible cramps, I've been blessed to have few period symptoms (heavy periods, headaches due to some dehydration, and high sensitivity to smells at the beginning of my cycle - I seriously become a bloodhound, but absolutely no pain or PMS). My mum tells me that she got pregnant with me and my sister very easily each time, but as I've developed irregular periods (longer time between) in recent years, fertility has been something on my mind. You've mentioned natural cycles for years, and I'm glad to hear that period irregularity is something that the algorithm takes into account. Im reading through the comments after watching your video and it's very interesting to see which methods people use and their experiences with them. If and when I do wanna "get busy", I'll be well informed and have lots of options 😊

This video is so helpful, thank you. I went off hormonal bc at the end of 2022, and I've felt like myself for the first time since I was a teenager! Now I've got a gyno pressuring me to get back onto some sort of hormonal contraceptive, and I sometimes feel my resolve waver. I know my body and what's best for it, and it does not agree with adding more hormones to it. But doctors can really make it seem like you absolutely need it, even when the risks far outweigh the benefits. I use a combination of tracking my cycle, using condoms, and pulling out, and I've been successfully avoiding pregnancy since coming off bc. May we continue to do what is best for our bodies!!

I struggled with mental health side effects from the pill so I swapped to the copper coil aged about 21. 9 years later and I absolutely love it! The strings aren't noticeable and I love not having to worry about it (it's also the most effective form of contraception out there!). I would caveat it by saying that i had light, relatively pain free periods before and it did make them more painful and heavier when it was first inserted. It has settled back to about where it was before though.

Two more things: vacectomies are not guaranteed to be reverisble. I've heard from doctors that you should treat it like it's not, cos it doesn't always work! Secondly, the men not being able to handle the side effects thing was slightly skewed in the media; as far as I understand, it was decided not to continue with the studies based on the relative risk benefit analysis. Because men can't get pregnant (and therefore incur the associated health risks), the side effects were considered too severe. Because women can get pregnant (which comes with a whole host of health risks such as DVT etc.), the side effects were considered justified. I'd be interested to hear more on whether they considered the potential mental health risk associated with getting a partner pregnant when it's not wanted, though, as it was unclear how much that was covered.

I'm someone who doesn't like to take anything unless I really need to, so I never used the pill. I by chance have only been with one man (now hubby) and we just used condoms throughout our relationship until we were ready for a family. There were a couple of occasions where I did take the morning after pill because we got carried away and we didn't want to take any chances. After we decided to have a family and it was taking a while to get pregnant, that's when I learnt so much about my cycle. This stuff should be taught in school!! To everyone, not just girls. I could have skipped some of those morning after pills if I knew my cycle. I'd recommend everyone who has a period to use some sort of tracking (I use ovulation sticks) to learn your cycle. As for him getting the snip, it's something we have discussed and when we are finished growing our family, it will be sorted. My thinking is that if I'm going through pregnancy and childbirth (and a c-section), then he can have the snip :) The other option is to go back to condoms, which neither of us are as keen on, so that kind of made the decision.

Really loving the latest style of videos you posted ❤ Éducation is key !

"Turd ting" im dead 😂

As a man (I know, a terrible start to a sentence for this), I've noticed a difference in the girls I've been with only when having the implant. But the difference is subtle and gradual and it's almost like they care slightly less over time. Deeper aspects of the relationship they're not so bothered about and it creates a disconnect. But when then implant eventually comes out they go right back to normal immediately. I only noticed this exact same pattern afterwards in the two girls I was with that had had the implant and thought it was too much of a coincidence. I never try to have a say with contraception, I like it to be her choice as to what form so she's happiest, but I'm convinced the implant does something to a person. I've never known a girl with any side-effects from the pill, though drugs always seems questionable. And My last girl had a coil at the end which seems awfully invasive but was actually the best option for her being her and happy, even if being able to feel it was always weird!

Being on the pill absolutely destroyed my mucous membranes, I joke that it was 100% effective because I could not have penetrative s3x but it was genuinely one the worst times in my life. It was so bad that I could not wear trousers for a year, only skirts with loose cotton undies. I then had the copper coil, which was fine but made my normally really light and not painful periods so much more heavier and painful (which I knew would happen so I was okay with it). The worse side effect was that it made me have these sudden flashes of stabbing pain during s3x. After being without any kind of contraception when trying to conceive and being pregnant I really don’t want to get back on any of it. I would love to try natural cycles but I absolutely do not want to get pregnant so I’m scared to try it.

I went off the pill a few months ago and I've felt soooo much better in myself! I didn't realize this at the time (because no doctors were putting 2 and 2 together haha) but they were really worsening my reoccuring tension headaches. I got them 2-3x a week minimum on the pill, now only 1-2x a month!!! Sitting down with a cuppa tea really looking forward to your story and point of view :) 💚💚💚

Really interesting video Mel, thanks for covering it 💚. I'm in my mid-twenties and have had loads of conversations with friends and colleagues of a similar age who are starting to come off the pill/ considering other options because at 16 we were given the pill for contraception/ cramping/ acne etc. and then sent on our way, not realising how it would impact us.

Dude, people really hate condoms.

5:41 I had a copper IUD for years and loved it. The procedure was invasive and hurt (ask for local anaesthetic then it's no problem at all) but it only took like 5 minutes and then I was sore for the rest of the day. You can have the threads cut very short but it will be harder to remove down the line. I'd say it's worth it if you're in a relationship or in your 20s and want to avoid the pregnancy scare over your head

Re: male contraceptive as far as I understood MDJ it is bc the risk of the meds/treatment are waged against the neutral risk (not being on them), so for women it's the side affects of hormonal contraception vs. the side effects of pregnancy, which can be very severe and dangerous. Whereas men don't have a risk they need to be protected from, it is putting them needlessly in risk. That's sadly just the way it is. I am currently on the ring, which has been better for me than the pill, but it's still not ideal. I'm pretty sure I'm still experiencing some side effects, but I'll only know when I'll go off it. I've actually been pretty good at tracking my cycle before going on hormonal contraception, but I really don't know if I could put the majority of my trust in it. We'll have to see. Thanks so much for your insight as well as the comments, I relate to so many of you. Much love ❤

Natural Cycles is the rhythm method and is not as effective as Fertility Awareness. It's really important for people to know and understand that it is less effective.

I can't speak to the Oura-Natural cycles Collab because that's more recently become available, but I had an Oura ring alone for several years and it's so convenient. The insights into my cycle were brilliant and I found out I was pregnant that way!

Don't spread misinformation. Vasectomies are not invasive. They super quick and guys get to go home in like less than hour. I've had friends who've had them. I'd recommend for all women out there in the US until we have equal rights again that you get sterilized. We have enough people in this country already that need homes. I had a bilateral salpingectomy in October 2022. The recovery was super easy. Can't recommend it enough!

I developed a cyclic vulvovaginosis on the pill. I have only been on it for a year but everytime id get a period it would flare up. I switched to hormonal iud, which has much lower dose of hormones and they dont go tothe bloodstream nesrly as much and the pain has almost resolved itself. Also… the lack of libido on the pill was real for me. It was awful. After like 8 months on the iud, i feel like a 15 yo boy as far as libido goes - and its amazing Edit - you can get the iud inserted under anasthesia (i got it under CA). The European one stays in for3-5 years and it prolongs the pauses between periods. Its wonderful. I hate periods

I took the pill Cilest for about 15 years & had no issues at all, I decided to come off it about 5 years ago just to have a break from it & didn’t have any issues there either (just shorter periods which is nice) everyone is different but just wanted to share my positive experience on both sides of the coin :)

Highly recommend the Caya diaphragm- a diaphragm designed by women and Contragel-a natural spermicidal jelly. You can get them both online without visiting a medical office and don't need a fitting. I used natural planning until I went through peri-menopause and everything got too uncertain. Then I switched to the Caya and contragel-they were both super easy to use and caused no irritation at all! Also, they are both pretty affordable. Never had an unplanned pregnancy ever using these methods!

I’ve used natural cycles for years as a contraceptive and planning it’s been the best option for me, I had absolute horrors with hormonal contraceptives unfortunately they were horrific for mental health deterioration. My first pregnancy was unplanned but not due to the app failing that was definitely down to two very irresponsible in love intoxicated adults who should of been abstaining/condom 😂 was the biggest blessing we’d all ready discussed kids so it was good for us. My second was planned fell pregnant on the first try. Used it successfully while working shift work would just have to not input data on poor sleep days. Will be using natural cycles until me and my partner are done having children and then he wants to get a vasectomy and I will still probably use natural cycles I like knowing where I’m at in terms of mood tracking/pms

Chosing contraception was something I took quite seriously when I started. I read up on the possibilities and how they varied in use and effectivess and I had a chat with my mom about her view and experiences as a GP which I found really helpful bc of course GP's are there to have these conversations with you, but it feels so much less relaxed than when you can just casually chat with your mom who has the knowledge but it is not so formal haha. So eventually, when I was 18 I chose to get the mirena coil after using condoms for a while. I still have that mirena coil 5 years later so that is the only type of hormonal contraception I've used. I chose it because it had better numbers with regular use compared to the pill and I didn't want to have to worry about having to take the pill and whether I had a regular enough life to ensure that it was effective (bc I knew I would worry about this). I've been very satisfied with it, I rarely think about it (which was one of the things I wanted when I chose which contraception I wanted!), I am not pregnant, and I've not noticed any bad side effects after the initial pain after insertion had gone. As a bonus I have had less issues with my migraines

As a shift worker, NC works beautifully with the Oura ring. Only downside is that Oura has a separate subscription.

If you live in a place where abortion is illegal- like i do- please don't rely on any app or algorithms for prevention. Temp tracking can only tell you after you've ovulated- cervical mucus is much more reliable for knowing when ovulation is coming. The second you have stringy egg white mucus, ovulation is coming and you need backup or abstinence. Sperm survive for several days and you need to know ahead of time and apps can't always predict correctly, especially if you're only taking temperature.

I was on and off from 16-29 and I’m 40 now with two small kids. I stopped taking it when the pill I was on had my hair falling out in clumps. Looked up side effects of my birth control and hair loss was at the top🤦🏻‍♀️

I just want to add my two cents regarding the final points of this videos conversation. (About there not being more contraceptions available for men, and it all being on the woman) I think it’s a privilege and a blessing to have control over contraception. It’s another wonderful and amazing parts of being a woman and I don’t for one moment consider it a burden. The woman has full control while the man can only express his wishes, or remain abstinent in the first place. It’s a part of being female that gives immense power and privilege, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I find it a blessing and I wouldn’t want the man to hold those cards. Who we have sex with should be taken more seriously and be more sacred because at the end of the day, it is an exchange and coming together, that comes with the most sacred anatomical goal- to create life. It’s a special thing. Love this video and love the info your sharing as always. I just wanted to share my feelings about birth control. I find it to be a privilege, not a burden.

Another great video on one of the most important topics of womanhood. I haven't been on hormonal contraception for years now, but I have also been abstinent cause dating has been space due to personal issues. I have been heavily thinking about getting back out there but I have weird hang-ups. I do however fully plan to keep my contraception non-hormonal if I can, so I do love to get more information, just in a weird place again, per usual XD

Great video, Mel! Very thorough and clear. ❤

My dad got a vasectomy because birth control was messing up my mom’s system. So to prevent that he got a vasectomy, which I found pretty cool.

Loved this so much!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

the CABBAGE LEAF 🤣🤣🤣

Thank you for openly sharing your experience! I've come off of my IUD after 4 years and had a terrible time with hormonal regulation, to the point where I am seeing a naturopath. My GP's solution was to go back on birth control, ha! If I had been properly informed about the side effects on and off of the IUD I never would have done it. But I was so afraid of getting pregnant and fear mongered by those around me. So I appreciate you sharing❤

I tried the pill and it dulled my emotions and gave me pain during sex and no libido. I tried implanon and I still had constant spotting/bleeding after 3 months so decided to just get it out. Been using condoms ever since, and morning after pill on the very very rare occasion it comes off. No side effects from that pill in my experience!

When I first started dating my ex boyfriend (and started having sex) I refused to go on hormonal contraceptive so I got a copper iud and it worked fine for a few years but often used condoms too. Then we broke up and I started dating my current boyfriend and I got pregnant almost immediately with the iud the one time we didn't use a condom. We decided to terminate and the ob/gyns said it was extremely rare to get pregnant on the iud. Anyways they took the iud out and I never booked an appointment to get another because I'm so traumatized by the pain of putting it in and just for it to not work. It sucks to only use condoms still but it seems to be the only contraceptive that works for us. I do not trust only keeping track of my cycle so there aren't many alternatives.

I've been off hormonal contraception since I was 19 (I'm now 23). Like yourself Mel, I was initially on different versions of the pill for my acne so I was on it from 14-19 and wanted to come off it to experience my body's natural cycle. It's been so enlightening. I'd mainly use cycle tracking too if I was sexually active with a partner to be more safe. I actually enjoy my body's natural state a lot, and I can tell exactly where I am in my cycle just based on my energy levels/mood when I wake up. I just feel the side effects for me personally when using hormonal methods are not beneficial for me; I used to experience severe mood swings and depressions while on the pill.

-Trigger warning, mention of depression & suicidal thoughts - I was on the pill for four years straight from 17-20, then I tried the vaginal ring for a couple months which seemed easier just because of not having to take the pill every day, but eventually I just wanted to rid myself of the hormones completely. I never wanted to take them in the first place but instead of showing me more options, my gyn prescribed me the pill at 17 and told me that’s just how it is. But even though my cycle was physically a bit easier, I just knew it felt wrong to artificially change my hormones like that - especially because the side effects I felt mentally were huge. I’ve already been struggling with chronic depression since I was 14 but it seemed that the pill made it so so much worse. Instead of other pms symptoms, I could almost pinpoint the exact moment 4-5 days before my period where I would get so incredible depressed in a matter of minutes that it even made me suicidal. I contemplated going off for so long and when the ring didn’t make it better either I finally said enough. Magically, at the same time you mentioned natural cycles in one of your videos after I’ve already been watching you for a good couple of years and never heard you talk about it prior. I was immediately so intrigued and after a bit of research my decision was easy. I got off the hormones in April 2023 and since then I’ve only had episodes of depression and never again the constant mental state I was in for YEARS. I couldn’t be more grateful. My cycle is still re adjusting a year later but in my opinion that’s due to a lot of stress. I have PTSD and am not sure if the stress from that affects my cycle so much that it’s unwise for me to use BBT as an indicator but I will definetely use it for another year and see where that takes me. I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for four months now and haven’t had problems with anything so far also combining natural cycles as well as the pull out method as I really don’t like condoms, latex free or no, they’re just uncomfortable. Yes it’s risky maybe, I hear this all the time, sure it’s not 100% efficient, but like you said nothing is and I feel like I’ve already gotten to know my body so well that I feel really safe using it this way. I really hope my cycle continues to adjust to something even more regular (as I’ve had cycles of no ovulation and almost 70 days in length in the past year) but until then I know I will never ever go back to the pill or something similar with hormones. Thank you for discussing something as important as this as openly!💚

I'm migrane prone so I've been told I'm not allowed certain hormonal contraception methods because they can make migranes much worse. But the mini pill is supposedly fine, except it was the only hormonal contraception I ever tried and it not only triggered the worst migrane of my life (visual auras + vomiting! Fun!) But also caused me to spot constantly until I stopped taking it. I went to a SH clinic for a completely unrelated topic, but for some reason he honed in on my contraception, and when I explained why I wasn't on any (I did also say I wasn't sexually active but...whatever) he insisted that the only option was the copper coil because if that one pill caused that affect then ALL hormonal contraception would do the same?! And then could not fathom why I kept saying I did not want the copper coil, not to mention the fact, I was not sexual active!! Still to this day one of the most baffling experiences of my life, I ended up complaining and speaking on the phone to his boss, and I pointed out how I'm not a r*pe survivor but if I were, not recognising and respecting how invasive getting the coil is could have been incredibly triggering and even more upsetting than it was. I am now sexually active and living with my monogamous partner, but we just use condoms because after that while experience I've been putting off the mind fuck that apparently is my body and contraception and even though I think that arsehole was completely wrong, I'm still so scared of him being right and me having horrible migranes. So I have been considering natural cycles, this video could not have come at a better time!

Im so jealous that you didn’t have a period for 18 months. With both my kids, I got my cycle back around 6 weeks postpartum

You and I are probably worlds apart in some values/opinions, but I adore you. Thank you for sharing info about the natural cycles app. I'm not married yet, and I choose abstinence until then. But I always worried about what I would do when I am married, as I hate the thought of being on any form of medication, especially birth control. Your video just calmed that worry and gave some options, thank you.

I've never been on the pill and when I got in my long term relationship at 18 (7 years going strong) we used exclusively condoms. After a year of 2 I decided I wanted to try the nuva-ring after talking to my GP about the options and benefits/negatives. Use was very easy, but the problem was an huge drop in libido for me in the beginning and it triggered a migrane with aura after 9 months (i thought I was having a stroke), so I quite and went back to using exclusively condoms. Right fitting condoms is key, but after a while you become expert in putting on condoms (even very drunk 😉) and condoms become just a part of the sex. So 7 years of condom use under my belt and never had any problems with them. My partner deems it a small 'sacrifice' so I don't have to use hormonal birthcontrol and does not mind at all

I’ve been extremely lucky with my journey (imo) and I don’t think it was typical. I had horrible cystic acne as a teen but they never pushed me into birth control. The dermatologist recommended it as an option, I said no birth control unless I was having sex, and they prescribed antibiotics instead. (I focused on topicals and I didn’t find the right combo till my late 20s but no more acne now). I had horrible painful mind numbing periods but so did my mom at my age so I thought it was just how it was for my family. I never went on the pill. I didn’t get birth control until I started having regular sex at 30 (I’m gray A). I went to the doctor for the pill and they were pushing a new hormonal IUD that just came out. It was free with insurance and lasted 10 years and seemed easier so I said why not (plus it was 99 percent effective so better then the pill). I was super careful. I didn’t care I was in a long term monogamous relationship. We always used the IUD and condoms and sponge and once or twice plan B if the condom broke. An unplanned pregnancy was to be avoided at all costs. But it turns out I have endometriosis (I wasn’t diagnosed for years and years). And that newly invented iud I coincidentally got is now the 1 recommended treatment for endometriosis in the USA. That boyfriend I got the IUD for is long gone. But that IUD changed my life. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I’m now on my second and I don’t have regular sex but have no plans to get rid of it. I’m pain free and not crazy anymore and I love it to death. And to think it all happened by accident. And no side effects. I’ve been EXTREMELY lucky and when I hear everyone’s crazy stories I’m very aware of it and feel so sorry for anyone who has suffered. ❤️💚🥺

Hormonal contraceptives put us into a medically induced state of menopause👀 When a woman enters that state, whether she notices it or not and whether it happens naturally or due to hormonal contraceptives, hormone deficiencies begin, her bones will soften, and overall health declines. I’m so excited to see Melanie talking about the fact that we have multiple non-hormonal options!! This video was great🥳

Natural cycles I’m sorry simplifies a very complex process for figuring out birth control. A brand should never preach a one size fits majority answer.

I can't believe how messed up the pill made me. Weight gain, suicidal ideations, panic attacks, depression. It was the absolute worst. Coming off birth control saved my mental health. My partner and I used condoms for 8 years. We were very strict about it. Everyone has to do what's best for themselves.

3 months ago I came off a Kyleena IUD that I had for 7 years. In that time I never (!) had a period and was very grateful for the freedom it gave me in other aspects of my life. Time to focus on studies, athletics, being very sexually free with my partner. I’m currently in my 3rd cycle after coming off and am amazed by how predictable my cycle is. My energy and mood fluctuations make sense now. As for pregnancy prevention, we don’t use condoms and have been exclusively finishing in the back. It’s enjoyable for both of us and works for now 😅

There is a contreceptive gel for men coming. Side effects are that they more easily build muscles and have increased libido.

Contraception is not just about avoiding pregnancy. So I never get when people say “I’m on the pill so it’s fine” - oh, so there’s a pill that prevents you or your sexual partner(s) from getting HIV or any other diseases?!

Lol videos like this got me so excited to come off the pill after like 12 years and I got so excited but I didn’t notice a single difference 😂just a huge anxiety about getting my periods coming back and getting pregnant 😂 although everyone else seems to have seen a very noticeable improvement!!

Temp drop is much better than natural cycles

Love most of the contents of this video, except the sponsor! You're very lucky to have not had an unintended pregnancy using natural cycles - they are known for changing green safe days to red days after the fact, plus temperatures alone cannot warn you that ovulation is approaching, cervical mucus does a far better job at that. SO many woman have gotten pregnant using this "method". You're far better off learning an actual method (taking charge of your fertility, sensiplan, there are so many!) and interpreting the data yourself, and never ever using anything that uses any sort of algorithm, our bodies are not robots and one early ovulation is enough to end up with an unintended pregnancy. I always wonder how many there will be every time someone promotes this awful app, because the answer isn't zero. Great for trying to convieve, awful for birth control.

I'm on my second IUD (Kyleena). The years without periods are blissful.

Such perfect timing for this! I have endo and have an IUD but since I git the IUD it seems way worse so I'm planning to remove it and have some lessons in FAM and pretty much do the same as you, hopefully we won't have an oopsie 🙈🙈🙈

Thank you so much for making this video, I'm so glad more and more people are talking about natural methods of contraception. I have been off of the mini pill for nearly a month now and have had weird symptoms such as migraines, anxiety, waking throughout the night, however I am so glad i stopped taking it as im starting to feel again whereas on the pill i always felt flat. Now just working on re balancing my hormones and getting back to me. If anyone has any advice on dealing with the withdrawal from the pill that would be great. Am using Natural Cycles now but no ovulation or period as yet

The best birth control Ive found was the short term (3 years) hormonal IUD. The hormone dose is way lower than with a pill. I don't recommend the copper one. As for condoms, internal condoms are different than a diaphragm. Highly recommend! It solves the sensation issues for both partners. A little bit of a learning curve (for me at least), but well worth it! As for fertility, I used the strips described in the video to get pregnant with my son. It gave me enough understanding of my cycle (mucus actually!) that I knew exactly which Time conceived my daughters haha

Could almost have made this video myself! I couldn't tolerate some brands/formulations of oral contraceptive pills so I ended up on a very expensive one - it was $75 for a 3-month supply! I'm Australian, so I'm used to medications being much cheaper than that. I was only on it for about 3 years, but I did notice that last year or so the side effects really started creeping up. I also had undiagnosed ADHD, and being realistic, I missed taking it probably a day every 3 months, so I was probably lucky. We've been using fertility awareness successfully for almost 5 years now to prevent. It's made me a lot more aware of the small changes that happen throughout my cycle, and I've gotten very good at predicting when I'm about to ovulate or get my period based on how I'm feeling, though I do have endo and the odd irregular period so I don't have a 100% strike rate for predicting based on symptoms. We're going to start trying late this year, and I think it's been really good to have all this time learning my cycle and body? Like I think it'll be much less of a shock or transition, less overwhelming with less to learn all upfront, compared with if I were coming off hormonal contraception immediately before we wanted to try. One thing that rarely gets discussed is that effectiveness rates are calculated as the number of people that get pregnant within 1 year using that method. The flaw with this is that each time you have sex you have a separate/new opportunity to get pregnant. Someone that has sex 3 times a week is more likely to get pregnant within a given year than someone that has sex twice per year, and if you do have sex more or less frequently than the people in the effectiveness studies, your individual, personal chance might be quite different than the reported figure. Just illustrating, if you have sex once per month around the time you get your period, even with no contraception the likelihood of you getting pregnant is quite low. However, if you have sex 3 times a week, if your contraception fails you're way more likely to get pregnant because you'd definitely have sex within your fertile window.

I used natural cycles for just under 2 years when I was 20-21 (along with condoms) and found it very effective! However I would say my anxiety over possible pregnancy was much higher then than now, and in that sense means I'm enjoying my sex life much more now that I'm more relaxed about my chosen contraceptive... but I was also with a partner that I knew internally was not gonna be forever eek I also agree with all your recommendations for ideal person/life situation for NC. The reason I stopped using NC is, I had a condom fail with a FWB and long story short I was on a green day but he didn't believe that it would was reputable so guilt tripped me into using emergency contraception...fair to say that was the last time we met in that capacity. I always had in my mind that it would be the copper coil I'd go to if i needed EC. and that's where I'm at now 😂 Always love hearing your non-judgemental options and feelings on stuff like this :))

I've been on the pill before, but had to stop as it was causing me migraines. Although I did LOVE the ability to skip my periods. I then got the Jadelle arm implant which I still have. I still get periods, they honestly feel more regular now than ever before, but they're still quite painful and I get terrible depression/suicidal thoughts in the couple days leading up to my period (which stop literally the day my bleeding starts). I like the fact that I don't have to remember to take a pill or do anything, it just sits in my arm and does its thing. Oddly, I get phantom pain at the insertion site though, aching/stabbing pain. It's very infrequent and not super painful, more annoying, but literally I mentioned it to the nurse last time and I don't think she even believed me. I tried another pill recently in combination with the Jadelle to attempt to counter the depression and skip periods, but I was getting breakthrough bleeding and cramps at random times and had to keep allowing my body to have a period, plus they were costing me $20 a month and I just couldn't justify it. Hormonal contraception is not a fun ride, that's for sure. I don't think I ever want kids, I have an extremely severe fear of pregnancy and birth (just the thought of my body not being mine anymore, feeling like something else has taken me over and is forcing my body to do things). So the thought of not having reliable birth control is terrifying. I like that the Jadelle feels reliable. There is no "perfect use" because it just sits there. I have not had a pregnancy scare since having it in and it's the only form of birth control I use. But yeah....I do wonder what person I'd be without this. I just think if I didn't have it, I'd probably be too scared to have sex anymore in case of pregnancy. It feels like jumping from a plane without a parachute haha. I don't really trust condoms or the pull-out method at all.

Such a useful video! I wish I’d have had it when I came off the pill. It’s interesting to hear you say you don’t ever want to take hormones again, do you feel you may reconsider during the menopause? It’s something I wonder about after being so content off hormones but knowing it’s not good to live without them completely

Never took the pill and never got pregnant until I wanted to this past year at 30 years old! (First try too, so I'm obviously fertile as heck). Natural planning and 2 long-term relationships (the second being the last and forever) worked for me :)

Im lucky in that I'm a woman married to a woman so we can't have children naturally (accidentally). But I still use the depo provera injection contraceptive because my periods are unbelievably painful. I have hEDS which may have something to do with it but it also means that I have a high pain tolerance so it scares me how painful my periods are. I initially tried pills but my body rejected the extra oestrogen and put it in my eyeballs (yes you read right) so I started going blind and the doctor was like "so let's go for no oestrogen" and I ended up on the depo because no one is coming near me with a coil, I was really bad at taking pills (and now I take so many I swear I rattle when I walk) and the rod stopped working after a year and a half and the periods came back! So depo it is! I've been on it since I was 16 and I'm now 31 and don't think I'd ever come off of it. Bonus, I don't get any periods at all! My health is already awful, I really don't need them to make me miserable every month.

I'm so much like you. I tried A LOT of hormonal contraceptives (different pills, an IUD, the ring...) and I felt like shit on all of them. I would, however, not trust natural cycles BUT INSTEAD look into fertility awareness. There are hundreds of really good professionals who specialize in teaching how to use different fertility awareness methods for avoiding pregnancy and I would always always always choose actual knowledge of my body over an algorithm.

I am 7 months with my second child, and since we're pretty darn sure we want this to be our last child and I know I have to have a c-section birth I am going to get my tubes tied during the surgery. I have been on hormonal bc since I was 16 (35 now) and I just really want to go off of it and see how my body/mood changes. I tried the copper IUD after my first child and it was soooooo painful and I had to have it removed maybe a month later anyway because I could feel it poking through the side of my cervix.

I was lucky to never use birth control or other hormonal contraception when I was in my teens. And when I was ready to use birth control, I got the cooper coil. It’s a tough procedure but worth it. So glad I’ve never had hormonal contraception I found out later that I have a gene mutation that means I can’t have any hormonal treatments so thank goodness!

I obviously think everyone has the right to bodily autonomy and no one should pressure their partner into a procedure they don’t want. BUT i think a vasectomy is not a big ask when compared to pregnancy and childbirth. That’s a sacrifice women and afab people make for their families and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask your partner to undergo a fairly simple procedure also for the benefit of the family.

I was on the pill for many years too and was surprised to learn it affects you gut microbiome as well as other systems.

What are you using until your periods return post birth? I am in a very situation having used NC since 2017 to prevent and then successfully plan a pregnancy. Due any day now and unsure what to do until my period returns. I have also had lots of bad experiences with condoms breaking etc so not sure that is the best option. Would love to hear your or other people's experiences of what they have done! Thanks x

Temperature only rises *after* ovulation, not beforehand. Whereas cervical mucus becomes profuse *before* ovulation. So the traditional symptothermal method used mucus to pinpoint the fertile phase and temps to pinpoint the post ovulation infertile phase. So how on earth can NCs be used as a contraception when it can only confirm O after it happens?

I was on the Depo shot for two years (Didn’t have a single doctor tell me it’s NOT supposed to be used longer than a 8 month period.) and it fucked me UP. I’m on the non-hormonal copper IUD and it’s been a game changer. Although the insertion process was horribly painful.

You're glowing melanie you are always interesting love you're video's

I've been off hormonal contraception for around 10 years... i wasn't sure if it was causing me problems so i went off and not much changed but i just never went back on. I am done having kids now and we have always just used pull out and informal fertility awareness. I'm considering going back on because where i live, I'm terrified to get pregnant because abortion is illegal. Not that we couldn't manage with another kid, but i am getting older and risks during a pregnancyfor me have gone way up for multiple reasons. They force women to carry non viable pregnancies right now so..... yeah i might be going back on hormones unfortunately.

Yeah it's bonkers that we were all just handed the Pill without much info /given alternative options. At 18 I was a Prime candidate for longer term options ie copper coil, Implanon etc

After my cancer treatment, I can’t be without the pill. Otherwise I get a good 20+ days of bleeding a month. Misery! Hoping for a day I can sort that out a bit and come off or down. The year I was on the copper coil was like a SAW film😅🙈 and the implant procedure was so painful. I can’t recommend it.

I was so ready to try Natural Cycles, set everything up and then they demanded I buy their NC branded thermometer, instead of using one of the several ones I have at home. Very disappointed and sad I even watched this video.

using a diaphragm + spemicide should really become more widely known and spoken about (+ sthg like natural cycle as a combined protection thing...) unless ofcourse you are not getting along with spermicide for whatever reason like Melanie is .. thank you Melanie wonderful video

But the temperature can be affected by lifestyle as well? Not to say it doesn’t work but it’s also a bit risky, especially if you don’t have a regular cycle

How practical do u find doing the temperature reading every morning with a (and now 2!) bubbas ? Seems quite challenging to me lol

I know so many woman who have issues taking the pill. Glad I took myself off kinda soon after i was put on. Hormones to your body is not the answer. Pull out or snip snip is my choice 😂 husband getting snip snip since baby #2 is pullout (i wasn't tracking cycle really though and it was perfect timing of month) Could not put anything in me thats foreign, so odd. Makes me gag and get chills. When ive had people tell me they have i have to actively not pass out.

Ah I could chat about this for ageeess , would so love to sit abd have a cuppa with you (bet everyone else here feels the same haha!) I came off the pill after being on it for about 10 years and finally felt like me! I realised I didnt have depression it was the hormones of the pill. Also the geeling of being empowered and knowing your own body is so amazing! I've used natural cycles since then, using condoms around red days. When we decided to get pregnant with our second we used the app to know when the green days were and got pregnant so quickly! I find knowing more about the female body sooo interesting, knowing why I'm feeling the way I'm feeling is so good for you. I hate how we're all expected to put up with these hormones, interested to see where the male pill leads..

My husband did not consider his vasectomy invasive at all. He said it's really no big deal and it bothered him less than going to the dentist. So much less invasive than getting your tubes tied. Also: it's only reversible in 50% of cases. Just fyi🙃