Alternative methods of contraception

[SPARKLER1]

I have been on the contraceptive pill now for about 17 years, apart from the breaks when I had my two dds. Dh was always willing to have a vasectomy when our family was complete. He went for a consultation months ago but has gone very quiet on the subject - I think the doctor made him a bit nervous. I don't want to push him into anything he doesn't want to do.
If he doesn't want the op I don't want to have to continue taking the pill much longer as I feel like I have been on it long enough.
Just wondered what methods you all used and if they were highly recommended.
TIA

[Toothache]

Parkler1 - I've had the Mirena Coil since January and its fab! I don't get any cramps or PMT. I still bleed, but apparently that could stop completely soon too. It is progesterone only, like the minipill.... it's as reliable as sterilisation!
It was uncomfortable having it fitted, but its in there for 5 yrs so it's worth it!

[Toothache]

Ooops... I mean Sparkler!!

[weesaidie]

I went to go back on the pill after having dd and after describing a bad headache I had about 7 years ago (oops!) they said it was a focal migraine and I couldn't go back on the pill!

Very annoyed at first but then got the implant and is fantastic. Last for three years (but if you want to get pregnant u can get it taken out and are immediately fertile again). Also now I don't get periods but that doesn't happen with everyone!

Also, so far it has 100% success rate!

[bunny2]

how uncomfortable Toothy? My gp has recommended I have one fitted

[Toothache]

Bunny2 - Its not nice! Much the same as a smear. You cramp for 24hrs afterwards too, but it soon stops. I used to get terrible period pains and very bad PMT. Haven't suffered from either since it was fitted! It's definitely working for me. And on my recommendation a friend had it fitted too. As she had had 2 C-sections she had to have a local anaesthetic to her cervix as it was still tight shut, it had never dilated. Not like me.... squeezed out 2 little monsters so I assume mine is like a gaping hole now!

[starlover]

what's the implant?

[Toothache]

Starlover - Its a hormone implant like a small rod that gets placed under the skin on your upper arm (I think?!). I didn't like the sound of it.

[starlover]

hmm, interesting. what are the side effects?
i have been reading the contraception threads rather too eagerly as am deciding what to do myself after birth of ds.
don't really want to go back on the pill. can't have anything that will make periods worse as they are already heavy!
would like to avoid weight gain!!!

not really sure... there are so many options!

[Toothache]

Mirena Coil sounds like a good option then. It is used not only as a contraception, but also to help people with heavy periods. After the 1st 3 mths the GP has told me I probably won't bleed at all.... or just spot. It's definitely made my periods lighter at the moment.

[mishmash]

Starlover I have an implant. Only side effect I have had is a bit of weight gain. I am due to have it removed next week so don't know what to do next. The implant suits some people and not others - put it this way I have not had a period for the 3 years I have had it in but my Gynae said that this was not harmful. Others bleed profusely.

[yoyo]

Aren't you still getting the hormone with the Mirena though? I assumed that was why you would want to stop taking the Pill.

How is the hormone released and how does it work?

[Toothache]

Yoyo - the mirena is progesterone only, like the Minipill.... not the combined pill, which is the one most people are given.

[Toothache]

...meant to add too that its smaller doses as it's situated rrrright in the battle zone !
And it also works by creating an unfavourable environment for conception(acidic... and the mere fact that there is a big foreign object in the womb!).

[yoyo]

Toothache - yes, I'd realised that. I just thought that most people choose IUDs to get away from having any hormones so wondered why the Mirena is so popular. How does it differ from IUDs that don't release progesterone?

Am facing this decision now so am very interested.

[yoyo]

Crossed posts! Acidic? Is that progesterone or something else?

[Gillian76]

I have a copper IUD which was a litle uncomfortable getting fitted. Nothing to make a fuss over, really. I did have VERY heavy periods for the first 3 or 4 months, but they have settled down.

I'm happy with it now. Effective, no hormones and if I ever lose my marbles and decide to have another one, I can have it removed and my cycle should be unaffected.

[chipmonkey]

hey, starlover, whatever contraception you decide on, just don't get it mixed up with your breastpump, OK?

[SPARKLER1]

I'm cringing at the thought of having a coil fitted but it sounds like something I would probably prefer to do than have the implant.
I have so many questions about it.
Do they insert it like, say, a tampon How far? And how do you deal with monthly periods - would you have to use sanitary towels rather than tampon?
Sorry if this sounds a bit in depth with questions but I'm really interested.
Guess I could look it all up via internet but it seems to put my mind more at rest speaking to people who have been through it rather than reading from extracts from text books. IYKWHIM.

[SPARKLER1]

[stitch]

the coil sits in your actual uterus, or womb. whereas a tampon sits in the vagina under the cervix. so their is no reason why you cant use a tampon once you have a coil fitted. it is uncomfortable to have it fitted, but no major deal.
as someone who has had a baby with a coil, a condom and on the pill, im afraid the only contraceptive method i advise is abstinence! works like a miracle!

[SPARKLER1]

OMG you poor thing. What a nightmare.
My eyes are watering at the thought of a coil insertion now. Oooooh!

[starlover]

Lol chipmonkey. at least I won't have to worry about de-oranging my condoms!