Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

squeakyduck · 19-10-2010 6:54pm

shoes34 wrote: »

I finished my pill pack and decided that I didn't want to get my period then so I started another pack immediately (i've never done this before) the first few days were fine then at the weekend I got some bleeding, I have continued to take the pill and just experiencing slight bleeding. I have a smear test on Wednesday should I cancel the appointment for the test?

I honestly don't know about whether you should cancel the smear but, it's normal to get slight breakthrough bleeding if you continue on with your pill

shoes34 · 19-10-2010 7:20pm

squeakyduck wrote: »

I honestly don't know about whether you should cancel the smear but, it's normal to get slight breakthrough bleeding if you continue on with your pill

It has only been slight and I haven't had any spotting today. Don't really want to cancel as had to cancel it already. Going to go along and hope for the best.

squeakyduck · 19-10-2010 7:44pm

Do, It's very important that you get this done!

LegacyUser · 19-10-2010 8:01pm

Ii guys

Has anyone ever had any problems with the Mirena IUD. I've had mine in since 2007 and never had any problems at all until recently. During sex I started to get pain and now I have a dull achey pain and feel like something has gone wrong. I'm extremely nervous of vaginal checks and terrified of getting hurt! I've made an appointment in the Family Planning Clinic where I got it inserted. Does anyone have any idea what I could expect. Am here freaking out about it at this stage.

Would appreciate any advice or if anyone has ever come across this kind of thing before.

squeakyduck · 20-10-2010 9:04pm

Hey shoes how did you get on today? All good?

shoes34 · 21-10-2010 11:50am

Hi squeakyduck,

Got on fine, all was great and over in a few minutes - great not to have had to cancel it.

LegacyUser · 22-10-2010 12:36pm

Hi,

Had unprotected sex with my boyfriend this month. I got my period the other day, or so I thought. Bled heavily for about 40 minutes and then it stopped and hasn't came back. I was wondering is this normal or could I be pregnant? Thinking of taking a pregnancy test but don't know if there's any point as I bled.

Thanks

Wibbs · 22-10-2010 1:59pm

unreg2010 the best course for you if this is a concern or anything out of the ordinary is to visit your GP. Now with times they way they are maybe that would put you out of pocket, so the pregnancy test kit should be your first port of call, to put your mind at ease either way.

LegacyUser · 22-10-2010 2:28pm

Hi ladies.

I am on cerazette at the moment(The mini pill i think its called). I forgot to take Wdnesday but took 2 on thursday at 6(my normal time). It says on the packet to use protection for 7 days Now i am going away the weekend for a well deserved break with the hubby and tbh i dont like condoms so I am going to take my chances. TBH if i got pregnant i dont think we would be too bothered. Having said that i am not planning to..

Just wondered. Has anyone missed one like this and still carried on having sex etc. Is there a percentage of failure rates etc for missing one. You know 24 hours late is 60% reliable

Why am i unregistered for this. Well to be honest although i am being frank I am quite shy and embarressed.

Thanks for your opinions in advance

LegacyUser · 23-10-2010 12:37pm

Shylady2210 wrote: »

Hi ladies.

I am on cerazette at the moment(The mini pill i think its called). I forgot to take Wdnesday but took 2 on thursday at 6(my normal time). It says on the packet to use protection for 7 days Now i am going away the weekend for a well deserved break with the hubby and tbh i dont like condoms so I am going to take my chances. TBH if i got pregnant i dont think we would be too bothered. Having said that i am not planning to..

Just wondered. Has anyone missed one like this and still carried on having sex etc. Is there a percentage of failure rates etc for missing one. You know 24 hours late is 60% reliable

Why am i unregistered for this. Well to be honest although i am being frank I am quite shy and embarressed.

Thanks for your opinions in advance

Nobody on this one ladies...? Thank you for reading anyway.

jokettle · 23-10-2010 8:43pm

Shylady, I've always been too terrified of having kids to risk sex without a condom, whether or not I've missed my pill! My own opinion is that since the pill isn't 100% safe by itself even when taken regularly, if I were in your situation I'd definitely use condoms.

I know you say you don't like them; have you tried different types? Durex have a heat one that I don't like, but there are other versions by the same brand that are great! It could be worth experimenting with

Laoire · 23-10-2010 9:11pm

smeartestworry wrote: »

Hi, I just turned 20 and I got a letter about a smear test. I'm a virgin - do I need one?

Found the following information on CervicalCheck website:

CervicalCheck invites all women between the ages of 25 and 60 for cervical screening. But if you have never been sexually active with a man or woman, then the research evidence shows that your chance of developing cervical cancer is low. We do not say there is no risk, only a very low risk. In these circumstances, you might choose to decline the invitation for cervical screening on this occasion. If you are not currently sexually active but have had partners in the past, then we would recommend that you continue screening.

Hope that helps

Audie · 24-10-2010 4:06am

Hey, anyone tried rhythm/calendar method of contraception? I've had a hell of a couple of years with the pill/implant/nuva ring and have had enough! Is the rhythm method a silly idea??

squeakyduck · 25-10-2010 5:50pm

No method of contraception is silly as long as YOU know how to stick to it and make it work!!

With the pill you take it at certain times for 21 days, use condoms otherwise.
A girl I used to work with used the rhythm method herself with her boyfriend and she was lucky, she has since married and we have lost touch.

As long as you know your own body enough to work out what days you are most fertile go for it!

I myself only know when I'm due to come on as my body is like clockwork due to taking the pill! If I was off it I would be taking mega huge precautions because I'd be sick with myself if I got pregnant, I'm barely able to look after myself!

LegacyUser · 25-10-2010 6:07pm

I was with a guy over the weekend and we got caught up in the heat of the moment and had sex for about a minute without a condom. We stopped and put one on then, but I'm wondering should I go for an STI test? I'm probably due one anyway just to be safe, but I'm wondering if I have cause for concern because of the slip up this weekend?

Audie · 25-10-2010 6:33pm

Hmm, yeah I think it would take a lot of time to learn about fertile times etc. Have looked into it ever so briefly, and the failure rates (5-25%) are putting me off! Getting pregnant wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for me, but far from ideal at the moment! I'm thinking condoms, but the other half obviously isn't keen on the idea!

Is there anything else non-hormonal that works?

squeakyduck · 25-10-2010 9:39pm

sillygirl! wrote: »

I was with a guy over the weekend and we got caught up in the heat of the moment and had sex for about a minute without a condom. We stopped and put one on then, but I'm wondering should I go for an STI test? I'm probably due one anyway just to be safe, but I'm wondering if I have cause for concern because of the slip up this weekend?

DEAR GOD YES! You don't even have to have sex to catch an STI. Definately get yourself to the nearest STI clinic asap for your own piece of mind.

LegacyUser · 28-10-2010 4:18pm

I took the morning after pill on Monday, I get bouts of nauesa since, is that normal?? Thanks

Morgase · 31-10-2010 10:49am

Can I ask those of you who use the Mirena Coil - how difficult is it to check that the strings are still correctly in place? Is it something that needs to be done very often?

It sounds like a fantastic form of contraception but the idea of having to check these strings is putting me off a little.

Audie · 31-10-2010 12:29pm

UnregQ wrote: »

I took the morning after pill on Monday, I get bouts of nauesa since, is that normal?? Thanks

I took it once before and felt horribly sick all day, I think it is normal. But its enough to stop a person from using it again! Hope you feel better!

LilyP · 01-11-2010 12:56pm

Hi,
I am 35 and have tried so many different contraceptive options. About 4 pills, 2 minipills, the nuva ring and copper coil ( for over a year). All were used for atleast 6 months and with every single one except the copper coil i get the worst case of breasts that practically double in size and are so tender that I find it uncomfortable to cycle or get out of bed without it being painful ( so you can imagine it stalls the sex life) and I get terrible acne on my back and chest.

Unfortunately with the copper coil I was becoming anaemic and was bleeding practically throughout the month.

I am an upbeat happy person but this is the one area that gets me so down. I feel horrible and cant fit any of my tops because of my breasts getting swollen with everythign I take.

I am in a very loving relationship of 5 years and he would happily take a male pill if it existed. We both have wonderful nieces but we don't wish to have a family of our own. We have talked about a vasectomy for him but as we are just about to move into our first home we want to put this off for a couple of years just incase the new little homemakers in us start to get broody. Neither of us think this will happen but best leave it a couple of years to be 100%.

So after all that longwinded rambling. I went to the doctor again ( well woman centre always) and I think a diaphragm is my only option. We have always used a condom combined with whatever i have been on but what I want to know is do you think a diaphragm and condom combined is a good option?

Many thanks for any feedback.

Xiney · 02-11-2010 10:59am

We were taught in sex ed (Canada) that use of a diaphram + condom at the same time could lead to the two sticking to each other and thus neither of them being effective.

I think, however, (ie, this is my opinion and it is not a qualified one) that combined use of diaphram, condom, and knowledge of one's own cycle (ie, the rythm method) is a good alternative to hormonal contraceptive. I'm NOT saying use a diaphram and a condom at the same time. I'm saying, get a diaphram, use it when that is most appropriate (ie, when you know you're going to have sex later) and use condoms when they are most appropriate (ie, when you see him doing the dishes and simply can't control yourself) and bear in mind your own natural cycle (ie, maybe do less of either of those when you're quite sure you're ovulating)

Obviously discussion with a doctor or someone from the well woman centre is better than any advice you'd get off the 'net.

LegacyUser · 02-11-2010 10:12pm

i bought the canesten cream and pessary.
i only put the cream on and feel a bit better already.
there are 6 pessarys in the packet, is it neccessary to use ALL of them if you feel better and symptoms are gone?
any help would be greatly appreciated!
x

Maple · 02-11-2010 10:44pm

Yes, I believe you should to finish the course. That's what I've done in the past anyway. Better off getting it all over in one go rather than it coming back in two weeks.

Das Kitty · 02-11-2010 11:25pm

You should finish the course alright if it's the antifungal route you're going.

I had a hard time with thrush when I was pregnant and couldn't use them so my doctor advised live yogurt. I was quite skeptical but I had to do something. I'll never use antifungals again, it worked way quicker and better. You only need to use the amount the size of your fingernail twice daily for 3 days, no messing. Cheaper too.

magneticimpulse · 02-11-2010 11:29pm

and if you have an OH, it might be worth his while to use the cream too. from past experience i would clear everything up, but he had gotten the thrush from me and then gave it back to me!!

Xiney · 03-11-2010 8:05pm

magneticimpulse wrote: »

and if you have an OH, it might be worth his while to use the cream too. from past experience i would clear everything up, but he had gotten the thrush from me and then gave it back to me!!

ah, fun times. :rolleyes:

LegacyUser · 03-11-2010 8:30pm

Hi all,

I am kind of wondering about people's experiences of the two products above.

I am a 21 year old female and I have been given the option of getting either the mirena or the implanon inserted. I am unable to take the pill due to a high risk of a clot occuring and the same is to be said about the patch and nuvaring.

I have previously use the nuvaring for the last 18 months but became very dissatisified with it when my periods diappeared and as a result I stopped using it!

I was also told by my doctor that I wasn't suited to it because of my risk factors and he suggested I change method as soon as possible.

So now I am in a bit of a dilemma...I have no intention of having children for another 5/6 years, have suffered with my mood in the past, as well as nausea...

Xiney · 03-11-2010 8:45pm

Personal experiences only ladies, no medical advice.

I had Mirena in place for 3 years, I didn't have my period while I was on it. However, this didn't bother me in the slightest, not a big fan of my period :P

Nevyn · 03-11-2010 8:55pm

I am on my second Mirena, so far 8 years free of periods as well as the highest protection rate agains contraception bar getting my tubes tied. I am extremely happy with it.

LegacyUser · 03-11-2010 9:25pm

Hi Ladies.

I wonder if you could please advise me. I have been on cerazette for 6 months now. I went on them about 6 months after the birth of my last child. Due to family complications with blood clots and strokes I am only allowed to take the mini pill.

I have to confess. I was excited at the thoughts of going on the pill. I thought it would be a bit of liberation to me and my partners sex life, however i find the opposite is the case. I find that i am hardly in the mood. I also find i bleed a lot.

Has anyone experienced these problelms. Has another pill worked out better. I must add i am 34 and a non smoker.However i have a history of blood clotting in the family. This is something my doctor asked me when considering what pill to give me.

Thanks for listening.

Xiney · 03-11-2010 9:43pm

meathgirl1234 - this is indeed something that seems to crop up when taking the birth control pill.

Since you have medical reasons to be on the type of pill you are on you really must make all decisions about which pill to take with the guidance of your GP. Perhaps ask your GP if there is another "mini" pill you could try, or something like mirena which is also a low dose contraceptive.

Edgedinblue · 03-11-2010 11:55pm

So if youve got a mirena fitted you dont get any periods for the duration you have it fitted in? That could be a few years without one, is that a good thing (i know it is!:D) but i mean medically?

Nevyn · 04-11-2010 12:08am

Edgedinblue wrote: »

So if youve got a mirena fitted you dont get any periods for the duration you have it fitted in? That could be a few years without one, is that a good thing (i know it is!:D) but i mean medically?

Not everyone who has the Mirena fitted will have their periods stop.
Medically them stopping can have positive side effects in terms of the lack of blood and iron loss every month. All it means is that the lining of the womb never builds up so there is no need for it to come away.

Periods stopping can be a negative thing if it's due to illness or diet or stress,
but this isn't any of those things.

LegacyUser · 04-11-2010 12:08am

Xiney wrote: »

meathgirl1234 - this is indeed something that seems to crop up when taking the birth control pill.

Since you have medical reasons to be on the type of pill you are on you really must make all decisions about which pill to take with the guidance of your GP. Perhaps ask your GP if there is another "mini" pill you could try, or something like mirena which is also a low dose contraceptive.

yes i had mirena. Unfor for me it punctured my vigina wall and ended up in some cavity where it had to be removed by surgery. They then offered to insert it the next day surgically. Needless to say i offered to insert something else surgically... ;-)

Anyway. I appreciate it might look like i am looking for advice medically i am not sorry. I just wondered if anyone has encountered simular problems and what pill or solution they got.

Just so i can read up a little before i go to the doctor...

Thanks again

confusticated · 04-11-2010 10:55am

meathgirl1423 wrote: »

yes i had mirena. Unfor for me it punctured my vigina wall and ended up in some cavity where it had to be removed by surgery. They then offered to insert it the next day surgically. Needless to say i offered to insert something else surgically... ;-)

Anyway. I appreciate it might look like i am looking for advice medically i am not sorry. I just wondered if anyone has encountered simular problems and what pill or solution they got.

Just so i can read up a little before i go to the doctor...

Thanks again

Would you consider the implant? I can't take the ordinary pill either for similar reasons, but my dr recommended the implant and I've had no problems with it. Lasts 3 years too which is handy.

LegacyUser · 04-11-2010 11:41am

I have had a chat to a nurse their yesterday and she talked highly about the impanon(sp?). Tbh, I think something in my arm would kind of freak me out...as well as that I have read some stuff on the net, that really concerned me about getting it.

They are kind of putting me in the direction of the impanon, however I think after talking to a few mates that the mirena is the way to go...

Does anyone know if they give u painkillers etc for the procedure of numb you or anything? The pain is the only thing that is going to get me as I havn't had children before!

Also, Is it covered by the medical card? I was told that if i went down the road of the mirena that I would have to get it fitted elsewhere and money is an issue....??

LegacyUser · 04-11-2010 2:47pm

confusticated wrote: »

Would you consider the implant? I can't take the ordinary pill either for similar reasons, but my dr recommended the implant and I've had no problems with it. Lasts 3 years too which is handy.

I would. If it works. However my understanding is the implant is long term. I am hopeing to go again in Jan Feb although listening to himself it will prob be sept/Oct or Jan Feb of 2012

Is the implant given in these short periods of time....

Morgase · 04-11-2010 8:18pm

confusedlol! wrote: »

Does anyone know if they give u painkillers etc for the procedure of numb you or anything? The pain is the only thing that is going to get me as I havn't had children before!

Also, Is it covered by the medical card? I was told that if i went down the road of the mirena that I would have to get it fitted elsewhere and money is an issue....??

I believe you take painkillers as well as a separate drug which softens / loosens up the cervix. This is only my understanding of what I've read on the net so hopefully other people can chime in on this.

I'm not sure if it's covered by the medical card. But - if you have a drugs payment scheme card (which everyone is entitled to afaik) then the coil itself plus whatever drugs you need to buy should not cost more than €120. Of course the doctor's fees will be on top of that again.

LegacyUser · 04-11-2010 8:38pm

meathgirl1234 wrote: »

Hi Ladies.

I wonder if you could please advise me. I have been on cerazette for 6 months now. I went on them about 6 months after the birth of my last child. Due to family complications with blood clots and strokes I am only allowed to take the mini pill.

I have to confess. I was excited at the thoughts of going on the pill. I thought it would be a bit of liberation to me and my partners sex life, however i find the opposite is the case. I find that i am hardly in the mood. I also find i bleed a lot.

Has anyone experienced these problelms. Has another pill worked out better. I must add i am 34 and a non smoker.However i have a history of blood clotting in the family. This is something my doctor asked me when considering what pill to give me.

Thanks for listening.

I also have to take the mini pill due to a clotting disorder and the first one I tried was Cerazette, I had the same problems, my sex drive totally disappeared and I was bleeding a lot. I talked to my doctor and changed to Noriday, another mini pill. I don't have these problems anymore, the only thing is it doesn't have the long window that Cerazette does, it has to be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day. But apart from that I found it suited me better than Cerazette. This might be an option if you talk to your doctor.

LegacyUser · 05-11-2010 12:58pm

me too wrote: »

I also have to take the mini pill due to a clotting disorder and the first one I tried was Cerazette, I had the same problems, my sex drive totally disappeared and I was bleeding a lot. I talked to my doctor and changed to Noriday, another mini pill. I don't have these problems anymore, the only thing is it doesn't have the long window that Cerazette does, it has to be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day. But apart from that I found it suited me better than Cerazette. This might be an option if you talk to your doctor.

I will check that with my doctor. Thank you. I dont like the short window but to be honest I have my pill time set on my phone as a reminder. I ignore it sometimes if i am doing something knowing i have the 12 hour window.

Is there anything about Noriday you like or dislike.... For example. does it put on weight or seem to retain water. Then i suppose you agree with me that Cerazette effects my sex drive. Now that i have easied back so to speak i dont want to go into overdrive. My other half will def think i have gone bonkers.

confusticated · 06-11-2010 7:51pm

meathgirl1234 wrote: »

I would. If it works. However my understanding is the implant is long term. I am hopeing to go again in Jan Feb although listening to himself it will prob be sept/Oct or Jan Feb of 2012

Is the implant given in these short periods of time....

I don't know, it's expensive like so it mightn't be worth it just for the couple of months...it can be removed at any time but best to check with the doctor first, they might not recommend it just for a short period, though I can't really see any reason why not.

LegacyUser · 15-11-2010 8:57pm

I got a letter offering me a free smear test (I turned 25 recently.) Problem is, it says "to have this free smear test, please make an appointment now with a GP or clinic to have your test in the next six weeks." But the letter is dated just over six weeks ago (I only opened it just now because I assumed it was a bank statement

) Does anyone know if I'll still be able to get the free test? Thanks!

16-11-2010 10:44am

lornaboo wrote: »

I got a letter offering me a free smear test (I turned 25 recently.) Problem is, it says "to have this free smear test, please make an appointment now with a GP or clinic to have your test in the next six weeks." But the letter is dated just over six weeks ago (I only opened it just now because I assumed it was a bank statement ) Does anyone know if I'll still be able to get the free test? Thanks!

You can call them and ask, I found them very helpful on the phone (though it takes forever for them to answer!), my first letter of invitation expired too, just never got round to it, so they sent me a second one a few weeks later.

Xiney · 16-11-2010 11:33am

Does anyone know how long after your 25th you get the letter?

'cause I'm turning 25 on the 22nd of November and would like to have my smear done that same week.

Neyite · 17-11-2010 11:03pm

i never got a letter for the smear test. my GP told me to register online: https://www.cervicalcheck.ie/self_register/self_register.459.selfregister.html

and at the end of the online form, i jotted down the reference number given. that was about a month ago, and i finally dragged my lazy ass to the doc for the test the other day. once you give them the registration number it should be free i think. it was for me anyway.

Acoshla · 18-11-2010 12:20am

Yeah you have to register online first, then they send you out the letter, up to a few weeks after you apply.

Neyite · 20-11-2010 1:06am

yeah, i did register, but i never got a letter. i just took down the online reference number and gave it to the doctor.

i did the online thing in september, and only got my smear on monday, so if i had to wait for a letter, i'd be still waiting.

Thinspired · 24-11-2010 1:50pm

Hi all, I'm heading off travelling next summer with my boyfriend for at least a year and wondering about contraception. Have been on the pill (Yasmin then Yasminelle) for the last seven years except for a gap last year where I got two contraceptive injections. First jab worked great but by five months in I had the most awful acne! Doc said I'm better suited to combined pill to control my skin so back I went to Yasminelle. Within a month of being back on the pill my skin was grand again.
Before the Pill I also tried Nuvaring and hated it.

At the moment the pill is grand as I take it late at night and although I have IBS my stomach is always settled by 11pm. However the thoughts of going travelling with it are making me break into a cold sweat - I know for a fact I'll be sick and end up freaking out about pregnancy!

I've spoken to three doctors. My own GP said I could try the IUD (non-hormonal one) with the pill. Out of curiosity I asked two others (including the IFPS) who said they won't recommend it as I haven't had kids and am only 25. Not quite sure why I'm getting conflicting advice but I'm sure my own GP wouldn't recommend something he didn't think would suit me.

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)

How is your skin? Any nasty side effects? Or any other suggestions for contraception while travelling?

I realise I'm planning way ahead but it's only 7 months away and it took me almost 6 months to figure out that the Depo wasn't working!

Cheers for your suggestions.

Nevyn · 24-11-2010 3:36pm

What about the impannon which goes in your arm as an option?

Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

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