LilyElle

I'm truly sorry, I didn't realize that the way I phrased it made it sound like everyone who got pregnant of BC had done something wrong. I only meant to point out that, statistically, the majority of cases where pregnancy occurs while BC is being used are due to misuse. I never meant to imply in any way that it was foolproof. I'm very sorry if it came out that way; the only explanation I can give is that I am perhaps not the best at phrasing things. Thank you for so gently pointing that out instead of flaming me. In regards to the inactive pills containing iron, and to the loss of menses, my gyno told me that it was because Loestrin was designed, at least in part, for women who need to slow or stop their periods because of iron deficiencies caused or exacerbated by heavy menses. This may or may not be a misstatement, but that's the way she explained it to me. That's actually why I tried that particular BCP, because I was anemic from heavy monthly blood loss. In that sense, it has worked incredibly well for me. Yes, I only rarely get occasional spotting, and yes, it creeps me out a bit to not get periods, even after a few years. However, in my case the benefits outweigh the issues. If you want to keep getting normal periods, then this is probably not the right pill for you. Have you mentioned to your gyno that you don't want to eliminate your periods? Some BCPs are less likely to do it than others, and your gyno may be able to help you find the best one for you. I will warn you, though, you may have to "test drive" a few different pills before you find one you like.

Unfortunately almost exclusively in the shower. It's almost always the only time and place I can guarantee not being interrupted, at home or at school.

I've been taking Loestrin 24 Fe for 3 years now, and I love it. I've gotten none of the adverse side effects people talk about except for vaginal dryness, which a little lube takes care of. I almost never get a period, even on the no-hormone days when you're supposed to. That's great for me, because I have an iron deficiency from bleeding so heavily during my periods for years. Honestly, almost all of the people who get pregnant while using ANY BC get pregnant because they did something wrong. With pills, it's usually something like forgetting pills, taking them at erratic times, or not knowing that antibiotics means that you're less protected by your pills. However, as with ANY form of BC, even if you do everything right, there's always a slim chance that you could get pregnant. It's no more likely with Loestrin than it is with any other pill. Loestrin's got one huge thing going for it: it's one of the only BC pills on the market that uses real human estrogen. Almost every other pill uses either non-human estrogen or a close artificial analog. They work, but because they're not chemically identical to the estrogen your body makes, you're going to have issues with side effects. There are still side effects possible with Loestrin, but there aren't as many, and they aren't as common. Good luck! I hope your experience with it is as good as mine!

Good call, Ladylove. I'm sure he would never intentionally cause an "oops!" with birth control to force you to have another child, but when one partner wants a child and the other doesn't, Freudian slips can happen. Again, it wouldn't be intentional, but the subconscious is a powerful thing. By the way, Tyger, I just noticed that your "#of sex toys you own" is "THEY'RE TAKING OVER!!!" I died laughing!

I haven't personally tried it, but on another site I review toys for it's gotten mixed reviews, and most people either loved it or said it wasn't worth the effort. The general consensus was that the vibes are pretty weak, and it doesn't work for all body shapes, but if it works, it works GREAT. Yes, you can have sex while wearing it. This is in fact what it was designed for, though a few reviewers on the other site wore it around the house. I've been intrigued by this one for a while, and if it wasn't for that price tag I'd be sorely tempted...

Hm.... anywhere from literally 30 seconds to a few hours. Usually, though, it's more like 5 minutes, 15 tops. I've got quick multiples down to an art, because I'm never satisfied with just ONE anymore. My record is 3 hours. I wish I had time for those more often, but usually I'm so busy I need to just get off quickly to let off some steam. Also, with my bad back, arching my back for extended periods of time isn't the best idea...

This is a great poll. It was a real eye-opener for me, especially the first question. A few years ago, I would have had a hard time choosing just one thing I disliked most. Now? I had a hard time choosing one thing I actually disliked. No, none of it's perfect, but 3 years of my BF telling me how beautiful he thinks I am, treating me as such, and not letting me say otherwise, has made changes that border on the miraculous. I was really shocked at how much my self-esteem level has changed. (I used to think I had only 1 attractive feature: my hair. I'm a natural blond, with naturally straight hair that reaches past my waist.) This was definitely humbling: it reminded me how much I have to be grateful for in our relationship. He really is a treasure. For the record, I throw my vote with the "ripe and curvy is beautiful!" crowd! This curvy girl needs her steak.

Thanks Tyger! I'd wondered what that meant, thanks for educating us!

Welcome! These people are awesome, you're going to love it here!

Come on, give us another hint! What state is the 2nd person from? Pretty please?

spice

I'm a total pack rat. Anything that I might ever possibly need again gets saved. And once in a while, I actually need something I've saved, so it's like I've justified all the rest. My school stuff stays relatively decluttered, because I have to move in and out of the dorm every year, but home? Yikes. Every summer since I started college I've done big sort-and-pitch sessions, and there's still more to go... I keep all of my old school stuff, boxes and boxes of notes, any paperwork that passes through my hands, packaging from purchases in case I have to return them... I save a lot of sentimental stuff, then when it resurfaces I have no idea what it is, or why I kept it. I've thrown away so many "mementos" over the years. Some things will never go, though. Things from my great grandmothers... the roses my boyfriend had shipped from his grandmother's garden in Ecuador for our anniversary (nicely dried and sitting beside my computer where I always see them), that scrap of paper he scribbled his number on for me when we first started dating... the list goes on and on and on... Can I join the yard sale?

pie

TRUE! TPBM is making romantic plans.

I'll be honest, it grossed me out a bit at first to kiss him after he'd gone down on me. Don't get me wrong, I always passionately kissed him anyway (with tongue), but I had to suppress a shudder at the taste. I never asked him to clean his mouth out or anything. I figure if he's willing to kiss me immediately after I swallow (or spit, depending on how my gag reflex is kicking), the least I can do is kiss him after he performs oral on me. It took me about a year and a half to finally start getting over it. Now, I don't even think about it. It's not a taste I particularly like, but it doesn't gross me out like it used to, and the thought turns me on. Heck, a few more years and I may even develop a taste for myself! I don't know whether I'd lick off his fingers or not. He's never asked.