Hi Cha-Chi,

That seems like a question for your family doc, gynae, or family planning clinic. However, be sure that you research your choice thoroughly before taking any form of birth control, no matter what you doc says.

I don't want to scare you, but here's a snippet of a campaign against Lupron, the drug you refer to:

"'My knees tremble a lot and get very weak, and I have to use a cane now to go up and down the stairs,' said Kimberly Savino, 17, of Easton, who was prescribed Lupron last year for a gynecological problem.

Before taking the drug, Savino said she often rode horses and jogged. Today, three months after stopping Lupron, the teenager has trouble even walking and has been diagnosed with a degenerative arthritis, which usually develops over many years.

Her mother is worried - and suspects Kimberly's strange bone problems were triggered by Lupron.

'It's very hard to see her, all of a sudden, moving around like an old lady with a cane,' said Susan Savino. 'Now we don't know if she is going to end up in a wheelchair. This shouldn't be happening to someone who is 17.'" (You can read more at http://www.lupronexposed.com/lpexp/articles6.htm)

Cha-Chi, why do you need birth control? What I mean is, do you need birth control to avoid falling pregnant, or is it for some other reason, such as endometriosis? If it's the former, remember that Lupron may prevent pregnancy but cannot prevent stds, especially AIDS. I'd suggest using condoms, which would protect you on both fronts (pregnancy and stds). Of course, abstinence is the ideal, but realistically, I know that most teens don't want to hear that.

Here's a great website that will explain the various types of birth control available:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception.html

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