Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

Thinspired wrote: »

So I figure I could go for the pill/IUD option or I could try the patch as it also has combined hormone dosage. Does anyone have any experience of either of these methods? (I haven't heard much about the patch at all)

I tried the Evra patch for almost 2 months. I also suffer with IBS quite badly and that was why my gp suggested it. One thing to note is that is has a much higher level of oestrogen than the average pill - about 50 - 60% more I think.

Initially I was fine, but suddenly my hair started to fall out. By the middle of the second month my hair was coming out in clumps. I didn't think it was related to the patch at all until I went to my gp who told me it was a common side effect. It stopped as soon as I stopped wearing it, but I lost about half of my hair. It might work for some but I wouldn't use it again tbh. I'm on yasminelle at the minute and it suits me much better

Hi

There used to be a thread like this on here with accounts of people getting breast lumps checked, maybe this thread is the appropriate one now?

Anyways I just thought I'd post a quick account of my experience, for the benefit of anybody who is worried / nervous of going to the doctor.

Found a small lump , quite distinct and hard. Obviously Iwas immediately worried, but not too much - it was red and a bit sore on the surface so I thought it might just be a wierd pimple or something. Left it a few days - redness went down but the lump stayed so I thought I should do something about it.

Made an appointment with the doctor, saw her about a week later. I'd never met her before (I don't tend to be going to the doctor often so don'tt have a regular GP) - she was professional but kind and got to the point - had a look and she wasn't too worried (thought it was a sebaceous cyst) but referred me to the breast clinic anyway to be sure. There's a specific referral form for the breast clinics around the country, and the GP can choose what level of urgency the referral is (depending on sympotoms / history / age). I'm young (27) so she put me in the medium term referral category (6 weeks to wait for an appointment).

Got an appointment letter two days later for 4 weeks after that - I was impressed how quick that was. Went down to Vincent's (in Dublin) on the day - wasn't waiting long to be seen at all, and another kind and friendly but straightforward consultant. Luckily, she wasn't at all worried by it and sent me on my way with advice to keep checking etc, but she didn't dismiss me at all and listened carefully to anything I said.

Obviously I was lucky in that it was nothing sinister, but my point in writing this post was more to assure people that the system was very accessible and straightforward - the GP / referral / appointment letter / consultant chain was efficient and quick, and nothing scary / embarrasing / intimidating etc.

So if you / your mother / sister / aunt / friend etc etc are putting off getting a lump checked - don't - it's an awful lot easier to get it checked than avoid it and keep worrying.

Sarannewrap wrote: »

oh thats great, cheers for getting back to me, id rather be on either than the pill, just cant hack it anymore!

Both the implanon and injection are progestogen only, whereas Yasmin is combined (both estrogen and progestogen). So another option if the combined pill doesn't agree with you is that you could try a progestogen only pill (this is what I'm trying next!).

Going unregistered for obvious reasons. But i would like to know colour is normal for the normal discharge which women get when turned on?
Its been awhile since i played with myself and noticed today it was white. Almost like semen. It used to be clear.
Sorry it sounds gross but its been awhile.

Hiya,

I was just wondering if anyone here has experienced anything similar to me. I started on cezarette there two weeks ago(for the first time), I was told to take two daily (due to weight issue).

Anyway over the last week or so, I have been experiencing really bad headaches, nosebleeds and my face looks awful, I am literally covered in spots!!

I am a 22 year old female. I have been on other contraceptives over the past few years: Dianette, Microlite and the Nuvaring. I never really experienced anything quite like this. Like I would actually have to lie down when I would have a headache, it would be that bad.

Anyway, I the last few days I was thinking: (I know its a dangerous thing! ) I am seriously considering going on the mirena coil. I was told that it practically my only option except for the mini pill.

My Doctor was quite reluctant to suggest this to me, I know due to my age that some Doctors may not want to do it, but I am in a steady relationship and I feel as if it may be the best course of action for me!

Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms while using this pill and has anyone any advice on the Mirena Coil or previous experience with it?

Thanks

unregistered wrote: »

Don't know if this is the right place for this so please move if not...

Just curious to see if there is a cheaper way to get the pill prescription. I don't mean illegally! It's just that my doctor clinic costs 65euro a go. I know there are lots of place for 55 but it's still a lot for what it is. Everytime I go the doctor is like "how's the pill working out? lets check your blood pressure...there you go"- it's literally 2 minutes max. Someone mentioned to me family planning clinics are cheper but I looked up one or two and they were the same?

I used to do that as well. Now I just ring up and ask the receptionist for a repeat script. I get a 6 month prescription, so then I just have my blood pressure checked and that's it. No way would I be paying a doctor 60 odd euro to sign his/her name on my Pill prescription, no way. They might still charge you to see the nurse, but that's only 20-25 euro.

ceraz12 wrote: »

Hi all,

I posted here the other week re: cezarette issue and how it wasn't agreeing with me. Anyways I was back at the Doctor and was told to give it a three month trial. I said I would but by that time if I was still feeling the way I was then I would come off it. Thats all grand!

Anyway, I went into the chemist this evening and it turns out that cerazette is in short supply and I have only enough to do me five more days...Is this a regular occurance? I'm kind of wondering what I'm going to do now. I am going to ring the Docs on the morning, but as the Doc said to me, my options are limited for various reasons.

I'm just wondering now where i'm going to get it??

only option is to try lots of pharmacies some would keep a larger stock then others, we would only ever keep 2-3 packs on the shelf at a time because we dont have many people taking it. dont know when it will be back again, afaik its a supply issue between the company and the wholesalers. dont think they expected it to be so popular so quickly

ClareBear90 wrote: »

Hey guys i have been on the pill for the last year and a half and have always used condoms as an extra protection do ye tink the pill is sufficient enough as a contriceptive if u are taking it consistently??

If it's with the one person and used as it's meant to then I would be comfortable with just the pill but it's up to you...

Afaik, it is prescription only.

I'd like to comment on two posts. First of all I had a laparoscopy last March to diagnose endometriosis, on the same day I had a d&c and cysts punctured (I have PCOS) and some of my cervix lasered away for erosion of the cervix. My coil was also replaced after two and a half years in during this procedure. I didn't have to shave, I have a scar on around my bellybutton (very small) and a small scar above my pubic bone, I had to look for it, its not obvious. I was unfortunate with my laparoscopy, my stitches became infected and my stomach area around the bellybutton became bruised. It was extremely painful, my own fault for not going to the doctor earlier. Antibiotics cured it but it took some time because I had the infection for ages but didn't realise it.

Regarding my coil, I've now had a coil for over 3 years and I am going mental to have it taken out. I have been having various problem over the past few years but only recently discovered that they could be linked to the coil. I have no sex drive at all which as you can imagine puts a strain on my relationship with my fiance but he is very understanding and knows im not happy about it. I permanently have thrush and can be quite sore and itchy at various times. I'm also very dry most of the time and have to carry canestan or lube in my handbag to put on myself when it becomes unbearable:( I have lower back pain which has improved but after I got the coil in when it should have been my time of the month, it was excruciating painful. I used to be curled up in a ball on the bed crying trying to get comfortable. The main reason I am getting it out is that I seem to get infections very easily eg the laparoscopy, ingrown toenail was removed and got infected to name a few. The doctor did all the blood tests which came back normal and had to give me vitamin injections to boost me up.

Don't get me wrong, there are positives to the coil. The main one is not having to worry about the contraception. I work shift work and was told the pill wasn't really suitable for me. I very rarely get a period, just some light bleeding for a day or two and no cramps:) I was knocked out under a general anasthetic both times for my coil insertions, I hoping to be knocked out having it removed too. I'm just advising anyone to research the side effects of the coil before having it inserted, I didn't. Type in coil +loss of sex drive or any other side effects and read people experiences. It suits some people but not others, for me, I just want my body back to normal and I'll have to find a new contraceptive. I had a smear test lately and the nurse told me to get a female gynae who will understand my symptoms better than a man, im currently on a few waiting lists for various gynaes.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your laparoscopy, I was diagnosed with endometriosis but its in the early stages so it is has to be monitored

Twinkle29 wrote: »

I am considering coming off the pill and changing to the Mirena IUS. I don't know anyone who has used this and was hoping to get some feedback from others who have not had children and have used this form of contraception. My main concerns are the procedure for getting it inserted, any possible discomfort afterwards and other side effects people have experienced. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Twinkle, I've had this (see my previous post in this thread from a couple of weeks ago) done and I've not had children.

There was a bit of a pinch when it was being inserted (as the cervix was tight due to never having had children) but it really was over in seconds.

As for discomfort afterwards, I had a bit of pain similar to period pain but it wasn't too bad at all.

If you do decide to go for it, just make sure to go to a doctor that has loads of experience, it'll make all the difference. Also have a friend or your partner bring you home afterwards, that is very important.