Mood and The Pill

I'm 34 and just had my first child. I have bipolar II and struggled to find the right med combo. Before the pregnancy I was doing pretty well on Abilify. I just got back on (thank goodness!)

I expect that at my 6 week post pregnancy checkup, the issue of birth control will come up. I was a virgin until I got married (last year) and so I have no experience with birth control of any kind. I'm hesitant to get on the pill because I heard it can mess with mood. My mood is such a delicate balance anyway. Hubby and I also have pretty low libidos and don't have sex all that often (i.e. Mostly just to get me pregnant).

I'm wondering if condoms would be good enough. We'd be consistent. Anyone have experience with The Pill altering their mood? I know some people with bad periods (either physically or mentally) and the pill helps them, but I have very easy periods. I should also add that I got pregnant very easily. First try both times (unfortunately the 1st pregnancy miscarried). I don't think I want other kids (i had a hard pregnancy) but if I ended up with a surprise kid, I'd deal and it wouldn't bother me or hubby that much. I also would want to do something that could be discontinued quickly in case I do change my mind about pregnancy in the next few yrs.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
EJ

I've been on the pill for about 6 years now with a few breaks in there. I started it to prevent ovarian cysts when I was 14. I've been on four different brands, and each one has affected me differently. I'm currently on Seasonique, and it is just right for me and doesn't seem to affect my mood at all. Junel, however, seemed to make me feel horribly depressed and empty. It really is a matter of shopping around and trying to find a pill that works for you. Each pill affects each woman differently. I would just recommend that you stick with a pill for at least three months before switching, because that is usually about how long it takes for your body to adjust to the hormones. The first few months aren't necessarily representative of how the pill is going to affect you in general.

Good luck!!

I wish I could help but it's just kind of different for every woman, if it's a concern your gyno will help you make a plan and discuss options. Also tell your gyno specialist about any other medications you are taking

There's the monthly patch
Depo provera shot for 3 months at a time
the implant that lasts for 3 years
The IUD is more long term lasting for 12 years

If you're curious, I did get more moody when taking the pill and gained weight