Contraception

*Vikki*

Hi all, wondered if you could give me a bit more advice. I am 24, and would like to start taking some form of contraception. My first thoughts were the pill, I have been given the mini pill. Which i haven't taken yet. I am really put off by all the side effects and so started to look at the coil after an older friend at work recommended it. I am in a stable relationship and do not want to use condoms but want to be as certain as we can be not to start a family just yet! Any thoughts? Recommendations? I have been recommended this certain coil that has very few side effects.

ellay864

When people talk about coils, be sure you know which they mean. The 'traditional' coil or IntraUterine Device (IUD) has no hormones, and can make periods heavier - generally less recommended if you already have heavy periods. There's also the Mirena coil, Intra Uterine System (IUS) which is inserted in the same way but releases hormones. As they're released directly into the womb they're at lower levels than the pill and so less side effects. It's reversible on removal but can stay in for up to 5 years. I'm on my second Mirena now and love it. Periods virtually come to a stop in many cases which is my best thing On the downside several women report weight gain amongst other things.
Fitting in both cases can be uncomfortable with cramps for a day or two but then things usually settle fine.
Why don't you pay a visit to your local clinic and talk to a nurse there about the different options. They can properly explain the differences. One thing I would say is that while a general forum like this will give you probably a good range of opinions, if you try looking at specific 'product related' forums you will probably be put off for life. When it comes to medical things people are often more willing to go on and complain about the negatives than to just say that it worked fine for them. Mirena in particular is getting very popular (you'll find other threads about it on here) but simply because it is hormonal there will be side effects - it is giving you a drug and there is not a drug in the world that doesn have some side effects. That doesn't have to put you off. And on that basis try to also get some proper advice about the pill - if you've read a leaflet about possible side effects and been put off you may be making a rash decision as the chance is that most of them will not apply to you.
I work in the drugs industry and by law companies are obliged to list so many things (including saying that sleeping tablets may cause drowsiness!!) but in reality the majority of people will not experience or be troubled by them

teabythesea

Don't use Depo Provera. I'm 20 and have been with my boyfriend for ages now, and all we have ever used is Condoms. I tried the jab once and it was hellish, I understand this isn't the same for everyone but I was constantly bleeding. I cried on a daily basis, it went on for about 5months. My new Dr also told me increased use of Depo Provera will cause osteoporosis, which is very scary. I have personally never taken the pill as I don't like the idea of messing around with my body. So I can't offer any advice on that.

beachbeth

I wouldn't let the side effects put you off. You will most probably not get any of them. I have read the side effect information on stuff Ive taken over the years and am amazed at the amount listed on some tablets. I rarely get side effects from anything. Plus if you get side effects you can just stop taking them. Personally the idea of using a coil is something I wouldn't contemplate. Just hate the idea. Its personal choice in the end but don't think that you'll automatically get all the side effects because you probably won't. Im sure your doctor or nurse can reassure you.

hot.chick

I'm on the Depo and have never had a problem, periods stopped strsight away and have been all fine for a few years now - was on the implant before that...

You need to find what works for you. Good luck

Karate

Try and not be put off by potential side effects, 'cos that is all they are; potential, they may not necessarily happen to you.

I was on microgynon 30 for about a year and a half and thought it was great, I could control when I got my periods (one every three months if I ran three pill packs back to back) and I didn't experience any side effects. Then I started feeling really low, stressed out, terrible mood swings and being depressed, and after about six months of feeling like this I realised it might have been the pill I was on, so went and changed it.

I'm now on Femodene and everthing is back to normal again.

I think you need to try different methods of contraception and see what works for you, and keep vigilant of any changes, eg with me I'm keeping watch for mood swings etc and will change this pill sooner because I'm more aware of it now.

Hormonal contraception just isn't right for some people though, I know of some friends that have become depressed etc when they have went on hormonal contraception but have never believed the link existed and refuse to change it or try anything else.

Be open minded.

confused76

i'm on the mini pill which is great for me because there is no break in the tablets so the hormones are 'stable' throughout the month. the monthly dip and surge used to affect my migraines so the stability helps me. i don't get a proper period at the moment which is great because they were really bad. i'm also good at remembering to take it

if it wasn't for the migraine issue i would investigate other options though, possibly the coil or the injections

get as much info as possible as what works for some people might not be right for you

Bitsy_Beans

Another mirena coil user here! Had it in since March/April and it's been fine, even having it fitted wasn't painful. Not noticed any weight gain so far and apart from periodic spotting (still waiting for this side to settle down) I've been fine

darkblue_2

Different people will always react differently to medication of any sort. So you may be fine with one thing, while another person is ill with it. The only way to find out is by trying it. Placebo is a huge effect, so try the pill and don't think about it too much or constantly question how you're body's feeling.

My ex was on the pill which gave her migraines. She stuck with it and it went away eventually, but she was worried about forgetting to take it so she got the implant.

My advice would be to try the non-invasive options first. You can stop taking a pill, but if you take side effects after the injection - you're stuck with it. It's trial and error but you only have to do it once and stick with the one that works.

Good luck.

*Vikki*

Still havent sorted this, ghrr. Just dont want anything put in me or to have to take anything!

sofababe

Then your only remaining options are condoms (male or female), abstinence:eek: or worse yet sterilisation for one of you. Clearly thats not an option as you are so young and indicated you would like a family later on. Abstinence (or the more risky methods of withdrawal/calendar watching) are just not going to work.
So either you stick with condoms or you go together to the family planning clinic at your surgery and have a long chat with the lovely people there. I love my FP nurse. They will take the time to explain all your options. Its unlikely that they will advise you use the Depo injection or implant as you are young and haven't started your family yet but please, go along, its the only way you can get this sorted