The best contraceptive for you?

Kimia

Hi ladies,

I've been on the pill now for approx 14 years (I sound so old!) and I'm thinking I'd like to come off it. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I got pregnant but I'd prefer not to for a few more years so what kind of contraceptives do you use that don't have an effect on your hormones?

Neyite

Would you consider getting a Persona or Clearblue Ovulation kit?

You could use condoms on your high fertility days. That way your body gets to settle down as well after the pill.

mystique150

I use condoms. Obviously not fail safe, but can be very reliable as long as they don't break. I also use ladytimer an online fertility tracker that emails me during my fertile period so I know if an accident does happen I can then get emergency contraception (only had to do this once). I have looked into every possible option and this really seems like the only non-hormonal option apart from an IUD and didn't want to go down that route either!

Kimia

Good ideas ladies. It's funny but I would feel so unsafe without using anything, even if the fertile tester thingy said that there was no chance - years of the 'fear' I suppose! Although I know it's probably a lot harder to get pregnant than I think it is.

Anyone else have any suggestions on what worked for them?

Kimia

On the suggestions of above I've looked into Natural Family Planning and it looks very interesting! Again though I would have my reservations on how successful it would be as a method. Does anyone do this and how does it work for you?

Acoshla

Is there a reason why condoms aren't a possibility, as in to use all the time instead of just during fertile time?

Kimia

No reason really, just that I'm not really a fan of them comfort wise and neither is he.

LenaClaire

Have you thought about getting a diaphragm or something like that?

Emoi

Natural family planning
Condoms
Cap
Non-hormonal coil

The non-hormonal coil would be the most reliable and least amount of hassle. Just get it inserted and forget about it!!

Lucyfur

I had the mirena coil in for 3 years. At the time I thought it was brilliant. Slight bit of break through bleeding for a few months in the beginning but nothing too severe.

I got it removed to try for a baby and since having it removed I have had a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy. I'm not blaming the mirena at all but at times I do wonder if my contraceptive choices have hindered my chances. I know I'm probably thinking out my backside and tens of thousands of women have gone on to have healthy babies and pregnancies but for me, it's food for thought. I wouldn't have one fitted again unless I was definite I didn't want any more children.

I, personally, wouldn't trust the natural method. Sperm can happily live inside you for 5 days. Definitely wouldn't be an option unless you're both happy about the possibility of getting pregnant.

At the moment, we're back to using condoms for the next few months.

squeakyduck

I use the pill, I went on it when I was 16 and came off it for a while when I was 21. Myself and my doctor felt that it would be good to give my body a break for a little while.

I'm back on the pill again, we do use condoms if something goes wrong. It works for me!

The Princess Bride

Am constantly surprised at the number of women who go on contraceptive pill without questioning what exactly it does to their bodies.
Seriously,if the option was available to men,I really don't think they'd take it as readily.
I've seen so many colleagues/friends either have significant health problems while taking it, or come off it and have fertility issues-
barrier contraception is best option if used correctly.
As for Billings method, depends completely on regular cycles,so spontaneity goes out the window
- old joke:
What do you call people who use Billings method ?
Parents.

Ickle Magoo

I currently have the Mirena - but I had to have it inserted in the hospital and it was bloody painful - so not going to do that again. Prior to kids I had the Depo-provera injections and loved it - no periods and actually lost weight, so I'm going to go back on that in a couple of months...I hated the pill, could never remember to take it, worrying when I was ill, just found it too much hassle and given I was in a long-term relationship, the injection was so much handier.

Skuxx

msthe80s wrote: »

Am constantly surprised at the number of women who go on contraceptive pill without questioning what exactly it does to their bodies.
Seriously,if the option was available to men,I really don't think they'd take it as readily.
I've seen so many colleagues/friends either have significant health problems while taking it, or come off it and have fertility issues-
barrier contraception is best option if used correctly.
As for Billings method, depends completely on regular cycles,so spontaneity goes out the window
- old joke:
What do you call people who use Billings method ?
Parents.

Don't quite agree with this, I know I'd happily take a male contraceptive pill if one was available!

Ickle Magoo

Folks, the assumptions/discussion on males wish and interest in taking a male contraceptive pill belong in another thread - possibly another forum.

Many thanks...

serenacat

Like you OP i'm going off the hormones as well, i'm been on something for 5 years and am going to use the natural method (temperatures) along with condoms to be doubly sure

Malari

OP, I've given this some thought too, but I've only been on the pill about half the time you have. Post-contraceptive fertility is not an issue for me, as I'm not having kids, but all the other methods I've investigated I just don't like the sound of. I find it easy to take the pill. I think I've forgotten to take it twice in about 7 years. I've considered Mirena but it sounds horrible to have it fitted, and I'm not comfortable with the idea. Also they are very reluctant to fit it for women who haven't had kids.

I think if my doc ever advises me to come off the pill maybe I will just use condoms. To be honest, the reason I went on it in the first place was not related to contraception exactly, so I would dread not having full control over my periods again!

booboo88

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

I currently have the Mirena - but I had to have it inserted in the hospital and it was bloody painful - so not going to do that again. Prior to kids I had the Depo-provera injections and loved it - no periods and actually lost weight, so I'm going to go back on that in a couple of months...I hated the pill, could never remember to take it, worrying when I was ill, just found it too much hassle and given I was in a long-term relationship, the injection was so much handier.

I'm on depo provera aswell, love it. no period, and only an injection every 12 weeks. as my memory is very bad aswell

cowhands

I have the merina...have it about 2 years now...found it very hard to settle down, and seriously think it makes my periods heavier rather than lighter..also am finding myself very emtional on it ....but its very reliable thats the only reason Ive kept it. After our wedding in Aug Im going to see if himself is happy for it to be taken out and maybe try something else...Not keen on the pill never have been so Im also very interested in this thread to see what gets recommended

Stheno

Ladies just a note that if you are on depo provera long term and are in your thirties, you should have a DEXA scan to check your bone density

Ickle Magoo

What constitutes "long-term"? I was on them for a couple of years around 7yrs ago and I want to go back on them....

Lucyfur

Stheno wrote: »

Ladies just a note that if you are on depo provera long term and are in your thirties, you should have a DEXA scan to check your bone density

Younger if there's a family history of osteoporosis. My mum has osteo pina and I was taken off depo because of the family history. I was only about 23 at the time.

Stheno

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

What constitutes "long-term"? I was on them for a couple of years around 7yrs ago and I want to go back on them....

Dunno to be honest I've been using it on and off for over ten years, had a scan about 18 months ago and it was fine.

Neyite

The Billings method used alone - where you avoid intercourse during your fertile time is fraught with potential pitfalls, My mother used it after me and I have 2 younger siblings. :rolleyes:

Taking your temperature and charting can be annoying as you have to do it at the same time every morning, in bed, before you get up. If you are irregular in your cycles and find it hard to track I could imagine you could get caught out quickly.

I have been off the pill for over 2 years now, and tracking my cycle to try to get pregnant. Temping (Billings) lasted about 4 days until I got fed up and now just pee on sticks from day 9 onwards until I get a positive ovulation predictor stick. But I note this in my diary, and it can vary any time between days 9 and 13. Add on another 5-7 days prior to that where sperm can survive, and that could be up to 10 days in every 28 as a possible fertile window.

In some ways, I have learned a lot about my body -when I am prone to different moods, what side I ovulate on, and I can tell when my period is due, but I do vary by a day or three here or there so I dont know if I could rely fully on tracking a cycle to not get pregnant. But i am glad that I am giving my body a break to have natural hormones for a change.

I'm happy enough with the pill plus condoms. I'm on and off the pill over the years and never had any side effects from it, so it's fine with me.
I'm a bit useless with actually remembering the correct times but I think the one I use isn't quite so to-the-minute as some of the others. I think the injections might be a better plan

Truley

I was on the pill as soon as I started having sex, from age 16 - 22. At first I was on Dianette and changed to Yasmin for the last year. Giving up the pill was the best decision I ever made. Now I just use condoms and this has worked fine.

Truley

Truley wrote: »

I was on the pill as soon as I started having sex, from age 16 - 22. At first I was on Dianette and changed to Yasmin for the last year. Giving up the pill was the best decision I ever made. Now I just use condoms and this has worked fine.

How come?

Stheno

Truley wrote: »

I was on the pill as soon as I started having sex, from age 16 - 22. At first I was on Dianette and changed to Yasmin for the last year. Giving up the pill was the best decision I ever made. Now I just use condoms and this has worked fine.

See I'd be your opposite there, as a young teen (14/15) I used faint during periods and was put on the pill for that. Even on the pill periods knocked me sideways, so depo suits me down to the ground, no periods, no agonising pains for two weeks out of four, nothing.

liliq

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

I currently have the Mirena - but I had to have it inserted in the hospital and it was bloody painful - so not going to do that again. Prior to kids I had the Depo-provera injections and loved it - no periods and actually lost weight, so I'm going to go back on that in a couple of months...I hated the pill, could never remember to take it, worrying when I was ill, just found it too much hassle and given I was in a long-term relationship, the injection was so much handier.

I loved the Depo Provera shot as well... was advised to come off it for a while cos I was on it for about 4 years with no break. No periods etc. was great for me! I did put on a bit of weight on it, but nothing major or that I couldn't have shifted had I made a bit of an effort!!

Stheno wrote: »

Ladies just a note that if you are on depo provera long term and are in your thirties, you should have a DEXA scan to check your bone density

No matter what age, you should get a DEXA scan once a year apparently! I was on it for about 2.5 years before I got a scan though, with no problems or reduced bone density. It isn't that it will definitely reduce bone density, just that there is an increased risk!

I went on the pill (Yasmin) after a break from hormone based contraceptives, and was on it for about 2 years. Took it religiously every day at 9:30pm. And it eh... didn't work?! There's 0.001% chance of pill fail even when the pill is taken 100% correctly. As far as I know this is the case with nearly all contraceptive pills :eek:

Will probably be condoms for a while after baby comes, and then back on to Depo for a while!

Truley

bluewolf wrote: »

How come?

For the year I was on it I was like a different person, teary and anxious all the time. I strongly believe being on Yasmin had a massive effect on my moods. Within of weeks of starting it and going off it I could feel a change in my personality. I've never been a very 'hormoney' person and have always had very light/easy periods. I just don't think Yasmin worked for me and I'm not too pushed on trying out another pill; my mate who is head of a college Student Union gave me a free bag of 200 Durex so I think I'm sorted for at least a year anyway :P

liliq

liliq wrote: »

I went on the pill (Yasmin) after a break from hormone based contraceptives, and was on it for about 2 years. Took it religiously every day at 9:30pm. And it eh... didn't work?! There's 0.001% chance of pill fail even when the pill is taken 100% correctly. As far as I know this is the case with nearly all contraceptive pills :eek:

Yes, it is certainly not 100%, which is why I get very annoyed that anyone on the pill becoming pregnant is assumed to be lying or something.
It's also why I prefer to double up, although I am wondering if I am the only one :pac:

Truley wrote: »

For the year I was on it I was like a different person, teary and anxious all the time. I strongly believe being on Yasmin had a massive effect on my moods. Within of weeks of starting it and going off it I could feel a change in my personality. I've never been a very 'hormoney' person and have always had very light/easy periods. I just don't think Yasmin worked for me and I'm not too pushed on trying out another pill; my mate who is head of a college Student Union gave me a free bag of 200 Durex so I think I'm sorted for at least a year anyway :P

Oh that's fair enough, I was just curious !

havana

I've used the Nuvaring for years now and think it's great. It has less hormones than the pill as far as i know. No side effects for me anyway!!

More info on www.Nuvaring.com

iguana

I used to use a diaphragm and I think it's fantastic. I really, really don't understand why it's not more popular. The main problem I found with it was getting a doctor who would work out the fit for me.

Bally8

I've had the merina IUD for 3 years now. I think its brilliant. No big deal getting it in. I dont know why others had a problem, maybe its because I already have a child. It took a few months to settle down but now only I have very light spotting for 1 day once a month. Apart from that I wouldnt even notice it. I feel very confident that I wont get pregnant. I cant recommend it enough.

emer_b

I was on the pill for about 8 years and thought it would be a good idea to let my body get back to normal as I'd like to get pregnant in the next few years, and just not comfortable with artificial hormones anymore.
I've been using Persona for the last 18 months or so and finding it great. However, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I got pregnant so its probably a better solution for someone who's in that frame of mind. Don't know if I would trust it if pregnancy was a definite no no!

Ickle Magoo

Bally8 wrote: »

I've had the merina IUD for 3 years now. I think its brilliant. No big deal getting it in. I dont know why others had a problem, maybe its because I already have a child...

By others, do you mean me?

I've had two kids...but I also have an inverted uterus, hence the precautions by getting it done in hospital, the pain and the reticence to go that route again. Other than the odd painful twinge, loved it while it was in...

Actually, when the Marina's time is up I'm going to ask about getting my tubes tied...

Kimia

Lots of potentials here ladies, thank you for sharing. I'm very interested in these injections you speak of, no periods do you say? Hmmm.. very interested.

Again though, I do want to give my body a break from all the chemicals I've been pumping into it, so maybe not the best option.

I've never used a diaphragm but I don't know if I'd be that into it - I'm not familiar with it but having to get up in the middle and into the bathroom to put it in sounds like a bit of a passion killer.

Lia_lia

I've been on the pill for years now. I go off it every now and then (usually because I can't afford to go to the doctors to get another prescription ). But even if I don't need it for contraceptive reasons I like knowing when I'm getting my period.

I pretty much always use condoms also.

XxMCRxBabyxX

bluewolf wrote: »

I'm happy enough with the pill plus condoms. I'm on and off the pill over the years and never had any side effects from it, so it's fine with me.
I'm a bit useless with actually remembering the correct times but I think the one I use isn't quite so to-the-minute as some of the others. I think the injections might be a better plan

bluewolf wrote: »

Yes, it is certainly not 100%, which is why I get very annoyed that anyone on the pill becoming pregnant is assumed to be lying or something.
It's also why I prefer to double up, although I am wondering if I am the only one :pac:



Oh that's fair enough, I was just curious !

You're defo not the only one! I'm the same! Both my OH and I are way too paranoid to not use one or the other! 1% is too much risk for me!

Lucyfur

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

By others, do you mean me?

I've had two kids...but I also have an inverted uterus, hence the precautions by getting it done in hospital, the pain and the reticence to go that route again. Other than the odd painful twinge, loved it while it was in...

Actually, when the Marina's time is up I'm going to ask about getting my tubes tied...

I had had a child when I got the Merina in and it was AGONY. Granted, the pain was gone after a day but still, very sore at the time.


I was told, and I don't know if I fully believe it as the person who told me has a habit of talking out of her @rse, that they are very reluctant to tie tubes nowadays.

Cocolola

I was put on Dianette when I was 17 as it had the added bonus of being good for acne-prone skin. I came off it though after about 4 years though as it was causing some problems down below and I was reading bad things about it on the internet. Stayed off the hormonal birth control for a year or two and then decided to try the pill again, this time Yasminelle I think. Well I came off that after a week. I was a hormonal wreck and I went into depression, at one stage I was telling my boyfriend how I wish I could just go to sleep forever and never have to live through another day :eek: So ya, hormonal BC doesn't work for me! Barrier method it is then!

As an aside, I must admit I don't know exactly how the Depo Provera works, but IMO anything that stops your periods completely can't be good for you. I kind of feel the same way about any hormonal birth control. I think it messes too much with your body. But that's just me, I know everyone is different.

Bally8

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

By others, do you mean me?

Oh no I didnt mean you specifically, it's just every time there is a thread like this there are lots of people saying how sore it was getting the merina in and I just thank my lucky stars it wasn't that bad at all for me:)


A very positive thing to come out of getting the merina in was the fact that I had to have an STI test and a smear first before they would do it. I hadnt had a smear in 8 years and dont know if I would have bothered going for one if I wasnt required to do it. I found out I had abnormal cells and went through 2 years of treatment before I was 'normal' again. If I hadnt got the merina in I would have being going around oblivious. Sorry Im going way off topic:)

montane

Abstinence is my favourite contraception.

montane

montane wrote: »

Abstinence is my favourite contraception.

99.9% effective :pac:

ElleEm

Have been on the pill for ther last eleven years or so, and never had any problems (or babies!!).
I am semi- conscious of the hormone thing, but it's working for me so I'll stay on it til we decide to make a baby.

common sense brigade

Tell him to get off the Bus before the last stop:)

ElleEm

common sense brigade wrote: »

Tell him to get off the Bus before the last stop:)

I know too many stories of people getting pregnant using this method- DON'T DO IT!

Kooli

I was on the pill for years, tried the depo injection (was floored by a black cloud of depression for the three months), then back on the pill and now I'm on the Nuvaring, which is great, but I still want to get off hormones. I just hate not knowing if my moods, sex drive etc. are being affected by hormones or if they're the 'real' me!

So I've been reading up on the Fertility Awareness Method, and am considering trying that with condoms. But like others have said, I won't try it until we're at a stage when a pregnancy wouldn't be the worst thing in the world!

ElleEm

ElleEm wrote: »

I know too many stories of people getting pregnant using this method- DON'T DO IT!

Yeah don't

I went off to wiki to back it up and got a bit of a surprise on reading:

Studies have demonstrated the presence of HIV in most pre-ejaculate samples from infected men.[1][9][10] Infection with HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Popular belief states that pre-ejaculate may contain sperm that can cause pregnancy, which is a common basis of argument against the use of coitus interruptus (withdrawal) as a contraceptive method. However, some studies have found that withdrawal could be almost as effective as condoms in preventing pregnancy.[11] There have been several studies that conclude no sperm is present, and thus, pre-ejaculate is ineffectual at causing pregnancy.[1][2][3][4] However, recently published studies show the presence of high sperm concentration in a pre-ejaculate fluid of a small group of men.[5] It is likely, however, that pre-ejaculate that follows a recent ejaculation will contain sperm,[12] though urinating will flush the urethra of remaining spermatozoa.

That's more ambiguous than I was expecting

Ms. Captain M

I'm on my second Mirena and I love it.

The first time getting it in was so painful (and I've had a baby) and I was really dreading getting it changed, but there was no problems at all getting the second one in, not quite pain free but nothing compared to the first one.

Malari

common sense brigade wrote: »

Tell him to get off the Bus before the last stop:)

ElleEm wrote: »

I know too many stories of people getting pregnant using this method- DON'T DO IT!

bluewolf wrote: »

Yeah don't

I went off to wiki to back it up and got a bit of a surprise on reading:

That's more ambiguous than I was expecting

So with another method it's gotta help! I would use it (I'm also on the pill) unless we are also using condoms. Interesting Wiki, Bluewolf - I was reluctant to google "ejaculate" in work :eek: