Frugal Birth Control Method - Page 2

Maxie1101 · 10-22-2009, 12:10:05 AM

Go to Planned Parenthood. They have a sliding scale on charges for birth control depending on your income. If you are in college, the school health clinic usually gives out condoms for free and BCP at a reduced cost.

carisal · 10-22-2009, 12:14:48 AM

I was also going to say planned parenthood ... in my area it is the health department(DHEC). I'm not sure about with higher incomes but I know any time I habe liked I could go in and get my choice of BC for free (bag of condoms... and I do mean a bag of like.. 30 or so) depo provera shot, pills, spermicide film(VCF?). don't know if other methods are offered(implant, etc) , but those are the ones I have been offered.

Maxie1101 · 10-22-2009, 12:29:38 AM

Originally Posted by carisal

I was also going to say planned parenthood ... in my area it is the health department(DHEC). I'm not sure about with higher incomes but I know any time I habe liked I could go in and get my choice of BC for free (bag of condoms... and I do mean a bag of like.. 30 or so) depo provera shot, pills, spermicide film(VCF?). don't know if other methods are offered(implant, etc) , but those are the ones I have been offered.

Thanks for adding Carisal! It's been about 15 years since I went to PP, but after reading your post it all comes back now. The sliding scale is for gynocological exams/treatment. I remember now I always left with a bag full of free condoms, pills, spermicide, etc. It really is a great resource for women.

shelleyf · 10-22-2009, 03:56:12 AM

I was allergic to condoms, bcp, and everything else especially the depo shot. That was the worst. I don't recommend it to anyone. I had gained 40 lbs. in 2 months and my body acted like it was pregnant. No period for 9 months but I looked pregnant from all the fluid swelling. I was depressed and everyone I know that took it had the same effects. So after that we just prayed and had fun whenever we wanted to.

nurseannette · 10-22-2009, 05:35:40 AM

Originally Posted by shelleyf

I was allergic to condoms, bcp, and everything else especially the depo shot. That was the worst. I don't recommend it to anyone. I had gained 40 lbs. in 2 months and my body acted like it was pregnant. No period for 9 months but I looked pregnant from all the fluid swelling. I was depressed and everyone I know that took it had the same effects. So after that we just prayed and had fun whenever we wanted to.

I have to totally agree with you and the depo shot. I took it once after the birth of my son and was never the same, Wgt gain, periods were messed up to where I actually became pregnant a yr later and didn't know it for quite awhile(never had a period between my sons) oh the mood swings I had were hellish.

leqet · 10-22-2009, 05:59:44 AM

This is somewhat contraversial, but check at your library for a book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." By Toni Weschler. She teaches you how to chart your ovulation period. If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, then during the time of month when you are most likely to get pregnant you either abstain or use a condom. It does require you to be very diligent and organized and observant of what your body is doing, but it's free, except for buying a good thermometer (you have to take your temp every morning). We've been using it for three years without incident. I can't use hormonal birth control and have a bad allergy to most condoms. I know many other families that use this method due to religious beliefs, but the book is not religious based at all.

PirateQueen · 10-22-2009, 06:19:27 AM

Years ago, I got my BC pills from the county health clinic. Not free, but 20 dollars for a 6 month supply plus the 20 dollar office visit once a year which included a GYN exam (so a grand total of 60 a year).

MRidinger · 10-22-2009, 08:32:57 AM

My BCPs were costing me around $15 a month with my copay and then a couple of months ago, they came out with a generic for it. Now it's only $9 a month. I was really excited. They're exactly the same just cheaper. We would use condoms but my periods were chaotic after my second child and my doctor suggested the pill. It's been okay so far.

MoneySavinDiva · 10-22-2009, 08:56:02 AM

When I was still taking the pill, I went to Planned Parenthood. My local pp just asked for a donation. Before I went to pp, I got my pills at WalMart, they have one on their $9 prescription list and it worked just fine!

There is a company out there who has a free sample of their condom...otherwise google free condoms and see if something comes up :shrug7:I think there are some organizations out there who do send them out for free or significantly cheaper. Never tried that route though...