Fed up of being on the pill...

sashafierce

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retro:electro

I got the implant about two years ago but had it removed as it caused me to have the worst breast pain ever. Like even hugging someone would hurt. My boyfriend is usually away for two weeks at a time so I just got fed up of it and thought it was pointless having it in when I barely get the ride :pac:
Apart from the boob pain I didn't have any other issues. My friend got it too and she has never experienced any pain and she had her doubts before getting it but now she says she forgets it's even there.
I think every form of contraception has its downsides and it's just about figuring out what works for you.

njs030

Some people do still get periods and they can be completely erratic!
The best thing is to talk to your doctor about what suits you, all contraception has downsides.

rainbow kirby

Progesterone only contraception tends to have nasty side effects for me so the implant is one to avoid for me. If you've ever been on the mini pill that might give you some idea of how you might get on with it. It's totally different for everyone though, my sister has been very happy using either Cerazette or the implant for years - she can't use oestrogen based contraception because of the fact that she has had high blood pressure since she was about 18.

sashafierce

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rainbow kirby

If you're really worried, tests are very cheap online - I had a bag of 60 and it cost around 8 quid on Amazon.

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sashafierce

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rainbow kirby

That's absolute rubbish regarding Mirena/too young in your 30s! Very much outdated thinking. There are smaller IUD/IUSs (Jaydess/Kyleena) now as well that last 3 years and are specifically aimed at women who have not had children.

sillymoo

Probably best to have a consultation with your GP/family planning clinic regarding your options and choices. If it's any consolation, the progesterone implant is the most reliable form of contraception and is even more relieble than tubal ligation. Once the implant is in and within the licenced period, it provides reliable contraception. If you're the sort of person who likes a period every month for reassurance, it may not be the method for you. But your GP will be able to advise. There are plenty of options out there as we are all very different and there is not one size that fits all.

sashafierce

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sillymoo

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Are there though?

Ive been round the houses on this with my GP several times and there seem to be so few options.

Theres the pill/mini pill - Id like to get away from the hormones.

Theres the implant - thats hormones.

Theres the mirena or other internal devices - theres hormones with most AND Im squeamish about them, and the copper coil makes periods pretty bad. But most of all - the outlay is so expensive that I simply do not want to try it out in case it doesnt work, I havent got 500 euro to throw at contraception all at once (I costed it out based on my last chat with doc about it and it comes to about 500 all in, I posted details here before - will see if I can find).

Then theres barrier methods - Ive a latex allergy so Im limited on these, plus Id like something I can just forget about and be taken care of.

Then theres tubal ligation - but thats pretty invasive. Expensive too.

What else is there?

Basically I want something that I can forget about for years at a time, no hormones, very high effectiveness, no side effects and doesnt cost loads up front!

To be honest you have listed out loads of different options right there.

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fmpisces

I was on the pill for years on and off and in-between my two pregnancies. I tried the Depo Provera for a time too. Both types of pill and the injection suited me up until my mid-thirties when I came off contraception. I wasn't in a relationship anymore so didn't want to be pumping hormones into myself when preventing pregnancy was my sole reason for being on contraception. However, my monthlies went haywire and I felt like I was on more than I was off. I stuck it out for about 18 months and then went to my doctor, just felt worn out so he put me on the 21-day pill but I still had heavy/painful periods and spotting or bleeding in between so asked for another option. He suggested the Mirena and I've had that in nearly 2.5 years now. I'm 40 and while my periods haven't stopped, they're a lot lighter with only slight discomfort for a couple of days most months.
What suits one woman may not suit another, I found it was trial and error but your best port of call is your GP since he/she knows your history, what you've tried already etc.

sillymoo

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5 different options and 3 of them unsuitable due to being hormonal or me having an allergy and the other 2 unsuitable due to cost and/or being too invasive.

Leaving......no other options.

5 options is hardly any! I dunno how you could see it as loads.

As I said above, everybody is different and there is no one size fits all. Your case is the exception rather than the norm so for most people there are lots of options. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with your contraception. There are latex free condoms available as another method but unfortunately it seems your options are quite limited. Either way the OPs GP or well woman clinic would be the first point of call to discuss their contraception needs.

Lia_lia

anna080 wrote: »

I think every form of contraception has its downsides and it's just about figuring out what works for you.

This, basically.

I went on Yasmin when I was about 18, had continuous bleeding (tmi!) until I went off it. Went on Microlite after that which I was convinced made me moody and irritable.

The doctor then put me on Logynon which is triphasic and low dose and that has suited me perfectly. No side effects at all. I went off it for about 3 months after myself and the ex broke up but I had forgotten how crippling the cramps I get are with a real period so went back on it pretty rapido!... Been on it now since for about 8 years and it's brilliant. Still get periods but they only last 3 days instead of 7 and only hurt a bit.

Wouldn't dream of trying the implant etc as I know Logynon suits me so well. I'd be worried the implant or any other hormonal contraceptives will cause side effects. Plus I don't mind taking a tablet everyday as I'm very strict about taking it (3 alarms) and know I'll not get pregnant. I can see why some people don't like taking a pill every day though.

I have to say my GP was brilliant with contraception, went through everything with me and was helpful with suggestions when the other pills didn't suit me. Best person to talk to. Might be worth trying some other pills. No periods with the implant sounds good to me though :pac:

eviltwin

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Would your other half consider the snip?

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I got the bar in my arm and let's just say it did not work for me at all. Sorry to post another bad experience though i believe it does work for many

eviltwin

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Totally get it. My husband has spoken about the snip and as great as that is it would still result in me being fertile. I'm 40 and a child at this age would be a disaster for me. I want to know I can't get pregnant not just that he can't make me pregnant. I'd have my tubes done in the morning but I can't afford it and I doubt it's available for free unless there are serious issues. It's so frustrating that people think talking contraception is no big deal, this thread has shown its a massive deal for a lot of women.

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Purple Mountain

What about the coil?

mahamageehad

I came off the pill after 10 or 12 years. For the same reason, wanted to give my body a break. Gave about 6 months off I think, was in a long distance relationship at the time so contraception wasn't really much of an issue. I hated it though. I forgot how badly I used to get cramps for a start. Plus I hated the unpredictability. (Although kudos to whoever recommended the Clue app in the ladygardening thread, that's brill.)

I looked at all the options and went with the coil in the end- Jaydess. I liked that the hormones were localized and it's more fool proof. I'm not like 18 months into it and I'm already kinda regretting that I didn't shell out for the 5 year Mirena instead of the 3 year Jaydess. I thought I'd have my life more sorted in 3 years, that's looking less and less likely! :P Talk it out with your doctor. The first doc I went to told me he wouldn't recommend implant for me because my body tends to reject things like that (and piercings) and the second wanted me to take the injection first to see if I had side-effects so long story short get a second or third opinion if you're not fully happy with the first!

Red Corvette

This is my first post here and would like to ask about opinions on contraception. I had a bit of a dry spell and wasn't using anything. I was on a progesterone only pill a few years ago and it was a dream. I can't have the combined pill. I'm thinking about the implant in my arm but not too sure yet.

fmpisces

Red Corvette wrote: »

This is my first post here and would like to ask about opinions on contraception. I had a bit of a dry spell and wasn't using anything. I was on a progesterone only pill a few years ago and it was a dream. I can't have the combined pill. I'm thinking about the implant in my arm but not too sure yet.

Welcome to Boards!

I think age, the reason for contraception (to prevent pregnancy/help with heavy or painful periods) and medical history are then main factors to consider when choosing a new form of contraception. Your family doctor would probably be the best source for information on what might suit you.

ShazGV

I have the implant in my arm about 18 months now, I find it a bit hit & miss. I love the convenience of it in that I never have to remember to take a pill, but it does cause me to have a couple of months of no period, then about 3 weeks of spotting/regular period (but longer than usual)/back to spotting. I don't have a partner at the moment so it doesn't bother me in the sense of interrupting any intimacy, etc but it would definietly be an issue for some people. Not sure if I'll get it back in again when it comes time to change it, I think I'll look at other options.

I'm also not sure if the hormones affect my mood or not. I've definitely had a very down period at the start of this year but tbh I don't know if I can blame that on the implant or not. I've never used any hormonal contraception before this so can't compare it to any others I'm afraid. Sorry if this is no help whatsoever.

ciaradx

I've had the bar (nexplanon) for four years now, on my second one. I've found it brilliant. Before I had heavy periods like clockwork every 28 days. Now I have very light periods every few months or so. I haven't noticed any other side effects of it.
The initial cost can be a turn off but when you add up how much the pill would cost for three years, it's maybe a third of the cost overall. I paid 150 for the implant itself and 90 to my doctor to insert it. When I got my first one removed and replaced last year, it took my doctor quite a while to get it back out but I was numbed and it didn't bother me. I would definitely recommend trying it, but you need to give it a couple of months to see if it fully agrees with you.

Lux23

I went off it nine years ago because my blood pressure was high. I have been lucky in that condoms when I was single and the oul withdrawal method in my relationship have worked fine. But my periods are very regular, I can easily track my fertile days so it isn't a form of contraception I would recommend for everyone!!

Sunny Dayz

I've seen no one mention the patch - does anyone else use it. I've been using it the past 12 years and it has worked for me. It's not cheap, approx. €20 per month. 3 patches in the box, change your patch once a week and have one week patch free to have your period. I have tried a few times to delay my period by running two boxes back to back but I find it messes up my cycle for a few months after so I only do it if I really have to.
As other posters have said, I like the fact that me getting my monthly period it confirms to me that im not pregnant. I had discussed getting a coil or something similar last year and the gp said that it can sometimes stop your periods and if having a period gives me assurance plus the fact that the patch was working for me, she didn't see the need to change to something that might not agree with me or work for me.

Ainot87

Lux23 wrote: »

I went off it nine years ago because my blood pressure was high. I have been lucky in that condoms when I was single and the oul withdrawal method in my relationship have worked fine. But my periods are very regular, I can easily track my fertile days so it isn't a form of contraception I would recommend for everyone!!

The implant gave you high blood pressure?

sullivlo

Ainot87 wrote: »

The implant gave you high blood pressure?

Hormonal contraceptions can cause blood pressure fluctuations.

Ainot87

sullivlo wrote: »

Hormonal contraceptions can cause blood pressure fluctuations.

I know but the implant called Nexplanon only contains progesterone while "normal" contraception is combination of progesterone and estrogen. I cannot use the normal combination pills/patches etc due to the blood pressure so the doctor recommended the implant or mini pills as they wouldn't cause the blood pressure increase. Of course it's different to every people. Just was wondering as I had completely different information. Anyways no blood pressure problems for me after changes so pretty happy..

chicorytip

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The Billings Method.

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Ainot87

I had the mini pills before I got the implant so I knew how it would effect on me. I have been having the implant for the last 5 years now (second one on the run) and loving it. I get periods like few times a year and never had any problems with it. Of course it's not 100% so you might get the scares of being pregnant sometimes but the solution to this is still to use condom Also getting your periods do not mean that you wouldn't be pregnant as I knew couple people who got their periods throughout their pregnancy...

January

Nuvaring is another option.

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sullivlo

Isn't it just great being female.

Sigh. I've been on Cerazette since April. This week I have period pains but no period. Well there's a bit of spotting. I'm fed up with it.

Mackleton

Speaking of Cerazette, I've been on it since last January and since then my skin has been a disaster zone, but when you can only have the mini pill, choices are limited.

Mackleton

Mackleton wrote: »

Speaking of Cerazette, I've been on it since last January and since then my skin has been a disaster zone, but when you can only have the mini pill, choices are limited.

After doing a bit of research the side effects seem quite different depending on the woman. Apart from a big spot the first few weeks my skin was fine. I have gained about 7-10 lbs but I think that's comfort eating related. It's the spotting and pains that's getting to me.
The doc checked my blood pressure and it was normal so I'm back on regular combined pill.

But. When I was telling her my symptoms she said "oh that's the side effects from the oestrogen" but after I realised sure there isn't any of that hormone in cerazette. I hope she just I dunno got mixed up for a minute.

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dartboardio

I've been on depo provera (injection) for the last 6 months roughly, it's really handy, you get one injection every 12 weeks. I haven't had such bad side effects, was expecting worse..

Side effects for people range from weight gain, mood swings, increased appetite, i've felt the increased appetite a bit but then again i've always had a huge appetite, i've put on half a kilo since i started but bare in mind i recently started a culinary arts course, so it's definitely all the vanilla slices and what not...

other than that i'm pretty happy with it, and in regards fertility it's okay, my mum and other family members were on it and came off it after years and were fine to proceed with conceiving.

I've a medical card and it costs me 15 euro to buy the injection every 12 weeks

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dartboardio

Progesterone only I am pretty sure, why? what's the difference? (I should know?!)

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mylittlepony

'I actually tried to get measured up for a diaphragm and the doctor burst out laughing and said that no one uses them anymore!'
Saw this post above ^

I am interested to try the diaphragm in the new year as I already use the mooncup for periods for over 14 years now.
Time to stop the pill as been on it on/off over 19 years.

I thought there is a one size fit all new brand of diaphragm.
Caya off an american website dont know if have here. Also have own brand gel for it.
Anyone used it.
Also I have read to be aware to avoid spermide that is known irritant as it have something chemica nonoxylel 9.
There a natural version of it but again on a uk website dont know if can get it here - Contragel.

Lia_lia

My Mother has always used the diaghram as her contraception. Never got pregnant except when she wanted to for me and my brother (straight away apparently...). So it does work.

LirW

I'm on the Cerazette for 3 months now because of incredibly strong and vile periods and I'm surprised how well it goes. I have no mood swings, my libido is through the roof and I have less appetite, but that's nothing to worry about.
The only downside and I put that on my very recent start was very long and light periods, with no cramps though. Previously I'd be in so much pain and the flow was so strong that I had to lie down and couldn't do anything. I hope that adjusts soon.
But I can definitely see the benefits of it for me.

Another thing is that the Cerazette seems to be in low supply, I can't get it locally because it hasn't been delivered in months (they told me that happens sometimes because they have to change wordings in the leaflet for example and it puts the whole production on hold), so I got another progesteron only pill which for some reason makes my breasts huge and tender.
Can't win, can't you.

rantyface

I got the copper coil in an emergency for €220 in Blanchardstown/Castleknock. I got it a year ago and am very happy with it and going to keep it until I want children. I got it in my twenties- some old fashioned doctors say you shouldn't get it until you're finished having children but newly trained ones know it's fine. The risk is that it can fall out, but I'm sure I'd notice and just get another one.
I also didn't like the pill, I think it made me depressed. I also wouldn't try any other hormonal implants for the same reason and I heard they worsen acne.