Can you advise me what mini pill is best please?

LouiseTopp

I'm sorry if this post is a bit long winded, but I wasn't sure who else to ask. Many thanks for being patient.


Just seen my Dr and I am very stressed. I have been on Femodene contraceptive pill since I was sixteen because of my periods were a nightmare, Femodene was a godsend. My periods used to be quite heavy and made me ill and depressed for days on end, also I used to get bad mood swings causing me to shout at everyone. I once booked a party (my own) but couldn’t go in the end because my periods ruined it all and made me very ill. I used to get bad headaches that made me throw up, and severe stomach cramps that I could hardly walk.

I had my son eight years ago and tried to stay off the pill to see if that would make a difference. I had been told it wasn’t so bad after having children. There was no difference at all, in fact it went back to what it was, I couldn’t even track it on a calendar as it is so unpredictable and irregular. So I went back onto Femodene again and things got better for a while.

Now my Dr wants me to come off and go onto something else because of my age, I’m 39. I would like to go on the mini pill as I have checked all my options. She is abdement that I must have a coil inserted. I don’t want this, but she is insistent I must have it. Apparently it’s inserted for five years like having a smear. I am scared to death as I hate smears, the last one I had hurt me very much and was a real ordeal. :eek:

I want to go on the mini pill but I feel I am not being listened to. I said I would try this before I considered the coil. There are two types of mini and I am worried that if one doesn’t suite me, then she will force me to have the coil, and this is something I am desperate to avoid. Can you advise me on what I should do please? I am scared sick and don’t want to return to the hell of being ill and all over the place. :eek:

What I would like to know is which mini pill is better?

Norgeston or Cerazette?

Many thanks.

Callie22

What suits one person might not suit another, and we're not supposed to give medical advice here. Your best bet is to book an appointment at your local family planning or well-woman clinic - the nurses there are generally lovely and they know a LOT more about contraception than your average GP. They'll be able to tell you about other options (like the implant) and I've always found them much more willing to listen than my doctor.

Astrocat2012

No one can force you to have it, if you're not happy with your GP go to your local FP clinic. The coil seems to be pushed by a lot of doctors just now but I found it to be a nightmare and so had it removed after two years. As the above poster says though there are plenty of women who swear by it so speak to your local FP who will at least give you options to help you make an informed choice.

mynameistallulah

They do seem to be pushing the coil nowadays - I was told to have it, despite the doctor knowing I want to have children in the near future!

I would agree with the others, visit a specialised service, they will have far more experience in the area and far more time to discuss it with you.

elsien

Might also be worth trying to leave the pill off again temporarily to see what happens. I was on an older pill for similar reasons to you, had been since early twenties, and was advised to come off it due to my age (early forties at the time).
I found that the problems had improved quite a lot in the intervening years and the pill wasn't needed to regulate them as much any more.

Having said all that, when I was recommended the coil I just couldn't face the thought as I don't do smears, can't cope with them, and the family planning nurse said if I couldn't cope with a smear I'd find having the coil fitted almost impossible. But they were nice and helpful and explained all my options.
Bottom line is that no doctor can force you to have something you don't want and although one GP may not want to prescribe a pill for medical reasons, you can always get a second opinion elsewhere.
I'd definitely try the family planning clinic if you have one.

belfastgirl23

Yup another fan of family planning - they take the time to listen and talk to you. Have you asked the doc why she is so keen that you move to the coil?

balletshoes

Callie22 wrote: »

What suits one person might not suit another, and we're not supposed to give medical advice here. Your best bet is to book an appointment at your local family planning or well-woman clinic - the nurses there are generally lovely and they know a LOT more about contraception than your average GP. They'll be able to tell you about other options (like the implant) and I've always found them much more willing to listen than my doctor.

I would definitely take this advice if you want to explore your options with someone who will listen to you if you feel your GP isn't doing that.

I am on one of the products you have mentioned, I am older than you and I was changed to the mini pill due to my age and weight. I am not having the coil fitted, and my practice nurse, although that was the first option she mentioned to me, was absolutely fine when I told her I didn't want an implant.

vixarooni

Interesting how some of you had negative experiences with smear tests... I had my first one in october and was surprised at how much of a breeze it was.

p.s you don't know what bribes are being put in place for doctors pushing certain drugs. Your gp might be on some target for a caribbean holiday if she fits x amount of coils in 6 months

JournalGirl

yet another supporter of the local Family planning Clinic, and also confirmation that your GP cannot force you to have any treatment you are unwilling to have.

I'm on Cerazette, and have no periods at all (Lovely) but would not recommend one drug or treatment over another as I don't know your medical status. But make an appointment at the FPC and talk to them about it.

podperson

Sorry don't have any experience with the mini-pill but would second the advice on not getting talked into something you don't want, so if you're not happy with the advice your doctor is giving then you can ask to speak to another one or, as others have mentioned, try a Family Planning Clinic. They do seem to push certain things at certain times - the last few times I have been they have been trying to push the implant on me, despite me saying several times I didn't really fancy it.
For what it's worth I'm currently on the depo injection and find it really good. You have an injection every 3 months so not as long term as something like a coil or implant, but I find it more convenient then having to remember a pill every day. I also used to have really bad periods but I don't get anything on this.

emz100

I was told the same as you, and advised to have coil fitted. I was very apprehensive about this as I am terrible with smears. However the dr was very pushy and I stupidly aggreed. I went to the appointment and it was horrible, in the end I was told I would have to have it put in at the hospital, I drew the line at this and insisted on going on the mini pill.

I am now on cerzette and love it as I don't get periods. Sometimes you need to be very firm with dr's. I wish I had never put myself through the experience and would urge you if you don't want it, don't get it.