Lowest-risk combination method of [condom + (insert preferred non-IUD, non-hormonal contraceptive here)]
January 20, 2011 10:55 AM Subscribe
Currently I live the starving graduating college student life and had to leave my previous job for an unpaid internship this semester. In addition to having no steady income, my family's new insurance policy covers zero of my prescriptions costs. This is making me consider alternative contraceptions that are:
- Affordable to a rather strict budget, and
- Non-IUD or hormonal-based
What are your nominations for the lowest-risk contraceptive alternatives I could use in tandem with condoms, that are most affordable?
Have you tried planned parenthood?
Just to give you a heads' up, I tried to get a diaphragm or a cervical cap about two years ago, visited two or three doctors, all of whom said they no longer do fittings for either, and gave up. You might have better luck. Hope so!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 11:12 AM on January 20, 2011 [1 favorite]
Just to give you a heads' up, I tried to get a diaphragm or a cervical cap about two years ago, visited two or three doctors, all of whom said they no longer do fittings for either, and gave up. You might have better luck. Hope so!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 11:12 AM on January 20, 2011 [1 favorite]
OK, this may be TMI. Sorry, but it is relevant.
I'm a guy. My ex-wife and I used a cervical cap for years. It was completely great, and worked flawlessly. The only problem was that I'm a little too long and it would rub a bit sometimes during horizontal fun-time, not super noticeable but it made a few positions a bit uncomfortable for me. For a standard 6" or less guy, it would be almost the perfect solution, and I'd highly recommend it.
It was well under $100 for the fitting and device, as I recall.
posted by Invoke at 11:15 AM on January 20, 2011
I'm a guy. My ex-wife and I used a cervical cap for years. It was completely great, and worked flawlessly. The only problem was that I'm a little too long and it would rub a bit sometimes during horizontal fun-time, not super noticeable but it made a few positions a bit uncomfortable for me. For a standard 6" or less guy, it would be almost the perfect solution, and I'd highly recommend it.
It was well under $100 for the fitting and device, as I recall.
posted by Invoke at 11:15 AM on January 20, 2011
Wait, are you opposed to IUD's because of cost or other reasons? If it's the former, some if not all Planned Parenthood sites provide IUD's on a sliding scale based on income, which may be far more affordable than expected. You really should head to a PP to discuss all of your options vis-a-vis expense and insurance.
posted by drpynchon at 11:17 AM on January 20, 2011
posted by drpynchon at 11:17 AM on January 20, 2011
Depending on where you live, you might be able to get birth control from a state program. (When I was unemployed in California, for example, I got free birth control.) If there are no state programs, definitely check out Planned Parenthood, this is what they're there for.
posted by Kimberly at 11:34 AM on January 20, 2011
posted by Kimberly at 11:34 AM on January 20, 2011
Cheapest and low risk when used in tandem with condoms ALWAYS - the rhythm method (google it to find a reputable sit. I can't look for sexy things at work right now=(
posted by WeekendJen at 11:53 AM on January 20, 2011
posted by WeekendJen at 11:53 AM on January 20, 2011
Not the rhythm method --fertility awareness method....more personalized.
posted by vitabellosi at 12:24 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by vitabellosi at 12:24 PM on January 20, 2011
Go for diaphragms over cervical caps: 94% effective v. 86% effective. For a diaphragm, you'll need a fitting, then the device will probably need to be ordered and you can pick it up at the clinic. I'd also like to second the idea of getting in touch with your local Planned Parenthood to see if they have any funding programs that you could use; there are often state-based programs or Title X funding you can access for birth control, regardless of what type you use.
posted by verbyournouns at 12:28 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by verbyournouns at 12:28 PM on January 20, 2011
We don't have planned parenthood in my neck of the woods, but the local health departments offer very affordable birth control pills. Tiny fractions of the costs of the pharmacies. And there are always generic versions of pills. Telling your doctor that you NEED to save on cost is a good first step.
posted by Kronur at 12:35 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by Kronur at 12:35 PM on January 20, 2011
My local Planned Parenthood provides sliding scale services. I can't remember if they start at free, or just really cheap, but cost is not a significant barrier to their services.
posted by Forktine at 12:44 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by Forktine at 12:44 PM on January 20, 2011
drpynchon: "Wait, are you opposed to IUD's because of cost or other reasons? "
If the IUD problem is indeed the cost, my friend's experience may be of interest. She wanted an IUD, but thought $900 was too expensive. However, she found out that if she let a resident witness the procedure, it would only cost her $100.
posted by Cogito at 1:08 PM on January 20, 2011
If the IUD problem is indeed the cost, my friend's experience may be of interest. She wanted an IUD, but thought $900 was too expensive. However, she found out that if she let a resident witness the procedure, it would only cost her $100.
posted by Cogito at 1:08 PM on January 20, 2011
Response by poster: Any experiences using the contraceptive sponge? I've read several MeFi users praise it in other threads, but I'd like to be aware of its advantages/shortcomings from those who've used it themselves.
posted by monichacha at 5:31 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by monichacha at 5:31 PM on January 20, 2011
Something to remember about the sponge is that it's not cost-effective if you have sex more than perhaps a few times a month. For reference, Drugstore.com sells 3-packs for $14.99, which is likely one of the better prices out there. As a comparison, some varieties of generic HBC are available through Walmart/Target/Kroeger's $9 or $10 drug deals.
posted by thisjax at 6:18 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by thisjax at 6:18 PM on January 20, 2011
I would also mention your situation to your gynecologist. When I was unemployed mine gave me about 9 months worth of sample pill packs and told me to just call him if I was still unemployed when I finished them. I know you said you aren't looking for pills but they may have other ideas that could work for you.
posted by sepviva at 6:46 PM on January 20, 2011
posted by sepviva at 6:46 PM on January 20, 2011
If your cycle is somewhat regular and you're comfortable with your ladyparts, you might find the Fertility Awareness Method to be useful. The book Taking Charge of Your Fertility is the classic, and they have a handy website. It's mostly used by people who want to *get* pregnant ("pregnancy achievement"), but it's also good for what they call "pregnancy avoidance." You can probably get the book at the library, and thermometers are cheap.
It does have the usual problem broke/unemployed people run into, where you're trading time for money, but once you get into the routine, it's not a big deal. Plus, if you're at all nerdy, it's really neat to be able to know exactly where you are in your menstrual cycle. And, unlike the rhythm method, it actually works -- as long as, you know, you don't have unprotected sex while you're fertile. (Actually, it works great for that, too, if that's what you want.)
posted by linettasky at 9:44 PM on January 20, 2011
It does have the usual problem broke/unemployed people run into, where you're trading time for money, but once you get into the routine, it's not a big deal. Plus, if you're at all nerdy, it's really neat to be able to know exactly where you are in your menstrual cycle. And, unlike the rhythm method, it actually works -- as long as, you know, you don't have unprotected sex while you're fertile. (Actually, it works great for that, too, if that's what you want.)
posted by linettasky at 9:44 PM on January 20, 2011
I can also recommend Taking Charge of Your Fertility and the Fertility Awareness Method. I have successfully used that method for three plus years, in conjunction with condoms during fertile times. I'm very regular though, with very clear fertility signs.
The book is worth checking out even if you decide on another method. It gives you such a great understanding of what is going on with your body.
posted by apricot at 12:07 PM on January 22, 2011
The book is worth checking out even if you decide on another method. It gives you such a great understanding of what is going on with your body.
posted by apricot at 12:07 PM on January 22, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by sarastro at 11:10 AM on January 20, 2011