What kind of contraception?

fatpiggy

Having been on every pill every produced in the last 25 years, the clinic suddenly realised that my occasional focal migraines meant I should not take oral contraceptives. I opted for the implant and have just had the original one replaced after 3 years. Yes, you get a bit of local anaesthetic in your arm, and yes you get a substantial bruise for a week or two afterwards (which in my case itched like stink as it turned yellow, to the extent I feared I was allergic to the implant) but other than that it isn't an unpleasant procedure. The main pro is that you never have to worry about stomach upsets and taking antibiotics etc, the downside is that you (well me) don't know when your period is due or how long it will last. Luckily I always get the need for chocolate the day before so I take my cue from that I can go three months without bleeding then get a period which last on and off for a fortnight. I have not suffered from mood changes, weight gain or any other side effects personally. I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages though, otherwise I wouldn't have had my second one inserted last month.

ninky_2

imho you can't beat a good old fashioned condom. the pill reduces your sex drive - research backs this up. plus taking synthetic hormones longterm just can't be a good thing.

Buttonmoons

My experiences have been

Implant - Terrible, utterly. Hair fell out, weight gain, acne, constant bleeding (who needs contraceptives if you ain't having sex eh!) Moody and it made me slightly anaemic (probably from the constant period I had)

The doctor refused to take it out as it was a waste of money if I didn't keep it in, yet I was having to take the combined pill WITH the implant in to try and stop the bleeding (It didn't) That's a waste of money surely! Plus probably not good for me.

I'm now on Dianette, because of the acne (which still hasn't went) but I'm only allowed on it for 6months, and I'm on month 5, and no visable improvements.

I've tried Cerazette, made my boobs agony.
Microgyn 30 - Made my eyes intolerant to contact lens.
Ovranette - Same as Micro

The list is endless. I'm dreading what they will put me on afterwards :rotfl:

maggied_2

ninky wrote: »

imho you can't beat a good old fashioned condom. the pill reduces your sex drive - research backs this up. plus taking synthetic hormones longterm just can't be a good thing.

And this is based on......?

The pill can affect your sex drive - but if you find the right one then it won't. The last pill I was on gave me absolutely no side effects whatsoever - no change in weight, breasts, sex drive etc etc.

The Pill actually does confer some health advantages such as dampening the hormonal influence on conditions such as endometriosis and also reducing the chance of certain cancers by reducing the number of times a woman ovulates in her life. The oestrogen in the pill can also help to maintain bone density. There are also some health risks to take into account for some people to take into consideration.

OP - if the main problem you have is remembering to take your pill have you tried taking it just before you go to sleep? I used to blu-tack it to the mirror over my sink or to my bedside table - next to the last thing I did before getting into bed - contact lens case / moisturiser.

elfen

I'm so happy I've found this thread, and seen people's reactions to the Mirena coil. Am on Yasmin at the mo (have been for about 3 years) and am going to have the Mirena fitted next week (GP says she'll try even though I haven't had kids, but I've read up on it extensively and as I have severe period pain, heavy periods and PMT she's willing to give it a shot) Yasmin works (i take the packs back to back, so one period every 10 weeks) but I still get period pain.

ninky_2

maggied wrote: »

And this is based on......?

The pill can affect your sex drive - but if you find the right one then it won't. The last pill I was on gave me absolutely no side effects whatsoever - no change in weight, breasts, sex drive etc etc.

The Pill actually does confer some health advantages such as dampening the hormonal influence on conditions such as endometriosis and also reducing the chance of certain cancers by reducing the number of times a woman ovulates in her life. The oestrogen in the pill can also help to maintain bone density. There are also some health risks to take into account for some people to take into consideration.

OP - if the main problem you have is remembering to take your pill have you tried taking it just before you go to sleep? I used to blu-tack it to the mirror over my sink or to my bedside table - next to the last thing I did before getting into bed - contact lens case / moisturiser.

based on personal experience and research. that said i've only been on one pill (cilest). i stopped taking it when myself and my husband were trying for a baby and realised that what i thought was a natural reduction in sexdrive due to age was actually the pill. that said, it did make my skin better and reduce pmt so i'm sure there are advantages too - and a lot of blokes moan about condoms. i'm just expressing my personal preference. i also think sex that doesn't include full intercouse can be a good contraception and an enjoyable way of increasing intimacy and getting to understand each others bodies.

personally i think leaving your pill to last thing at night is the worst thing you can do if you are forgetful - by taking it first thing in the morning you actually give yourself all day to remember. keep it with something like a travel card or wallet that you use every day and you are likely to remember.

Toothfairy4

I was on Microgynon for a while, it seemed ok at first but then I realised I had ZERO sex drive, no interest in doing anything really day to day, and would snap for no reason, cry for no reason (felt like constant PMT), changed to Marvelon but was the same. Now just using condoms and feel so much better after coming off them!

ninky_2

basically sex drive is chemically dependent on testosterone oestrogen balance. any pill that is oestrogen based will cause reduced sex drive in the majority of people.

hbloomers

Thanks for all the stories guys. There were a few options here that I'd not considered or thought much about, so I've a bit more research to be doing!

I'll obviously have a chat with my GP, but its nice to hear how other people have got on with things... a look at both sides of the coin so to speak!

MrsTinks

I would strongly recommend speaking to your GP or family planning clinic for advice regarding your situation.

for what it's worth though... I'd never recommend the Depo to anyone... weight gain and severe mood swings like dippychick...

Just remember that it's against board rules to ask for medical advice and I tihnk this is sailing pretty close to the wind