come and talk to me about contraception

[OnlyWantsOne]

I have two DDs, 5 years and baby of 10 months.

Still BF DD2, my periods still havent returned (is that normal)

Saw GP yesterday - discussed having an implant, he said he was "happy" for me to have it - but I have no idea what to do / take


Im quite forgetful - which worries me about MINI pill etc, had DEPRO in the past, was horrific, I bled for 16 weeks, had acne on my back for the first time ever (sexy!) so wont be having that again!!

I dont feel brave enough to go and have a coil fitted,

any of you wise ladies tell me what was good for you?

We've been using condoms, but as far as im concerned, there is far too much scope for user error (i.e DP!!)

[cardamomginger]

Hi. I had implanon a few years back and didn't like it at all. I didn't have any problems with mood swings or anything (felt murderous/suicidal on the mini pill!). But I bled very heavily for 3 weeks out of 4. I stuck it out for about 4 months hoping it would ease, but it didn't and I had it out. I know someone else who has used it very successfully without the problem I had and she is very happy with it. So you never know. It is a bit of a faff having it put in and taken out - it's done under a local anaesthetic and you will have a wound to look after for a few days. But if that sort of thing doesn't bother you, then you could try it and see how you go. Maybe ask how long it usually takes for things to resolve if you have unwanted side effects and have it removed - once I had mine out, I settled down again very quickly. Have never managed to find a method of contraception DH and I have been entirely happy with. Never got on with the pill, couldn't get a coil in pre-pregnancy and don;t fancy one now, am the "wrong shape" for the diaphragm, and the implant was horrid. Best option is condoms. Not brilliant, but at least I don;t go off my head and/or bleed copiously all the time.

[ameliagrey]

why have you ruled out the combined pill- it it because you are still feeding?

I am too old to conceive now but over the years had the diaphram- nice if you can be bothered but not 100%- coil, condoms, pill.

I wish I had gone back on the pill after my 2 DCs but then ( 20 years back) the feeling was that you stopped at around 35 and over. Now they say the pill is okay up to menopause if you are healthy.

[OnlyWantsOne]

I have taken combined pill before (an took it properly and religiously and conceived DD1 and a subsequent pregnancy which resulted in MC) although GP s and nurses always very quick to tell me that it must have been user error etc etc

Plus I put on weight v easily with pill

[Northernlurker]

Yes perfectly normal for periods not to have returned yet. I have three dds ad periods came back at 9 months, 9 months and 13 months respectively.

Do you want any more dcs? Because if not then send dh off for the snip asap. Personally I used the mini pill without issue for the best part of a decade but you need to remember it always so not great for you.

[OnlyWantsOne]

Yes we want more DC. DP is only 31 and I'm 24...

[OnlyWantsOne]

What are the Side effects of minipill?

[CrystalQueen]

I had a coil fitted recently and it wasn't that bad, about the same as a smear. I have had some cramping since it was fitted but nothing terrible.

[ameliagrey]

If you conceived on the combined pill and took it carefully- no D&V or antibiotics etc to mess it up, then the coil may not suit- it's not 100% effective.

I had a friend who used it but doubled up with condoms mid cycle.

Mini pill is even less reliable than the combined pill- you have to take it exactly on time and even weight gain can affect it.It doesn't stop ovulation- just makes mucus thicker nad prevents implantation.

[Northernlurker]

I had no discernible side effects but I agree you have to be very careful when you take it. If anything happens - like abs or missing a pill you have to take extra precautions for two weeks not one like with the combined pill.

[Purplebuns]

Implanon and mini pill can effect BF in some people so you may need to consider that. I had to stop taking the mini pill as my milk supply dropped even though Dr swore it wouldn't, might not be a problem for you now DD is older but worth considering.

How about using cap and condom? I know some of the spermicide can affect condoms though. Also a persona monitor and condoms so you know when to avoid intercourse?

[OnlyWantsOne]

A monitor? Thought people only used them when you wanted to conceive!!

I'd quite like to be in charge of my fertility and my body - not rely on DP and condoms. Tbh they can be a bit of a moment killer.

I'd also like a non hormone based idea. I seen to react badly to things hormone based.

[Purplebuns]

Link here they are about £50 instead of the £100 for the clear blue monitor as well. You may be able to use it when planning for DC3 also.

[ameliagrey]

if you want non hormonal then the Mirena coil is your best bet.

Failing that, the copper coil and back up with condoms.

depends on how much you are worried about getting PG again quickly- at your young age you are super fertile, so TBH if the pill failed, the likelihood of non hormonal being 100% reliable for you is not good.

I'd say you might need to choose 1 method and be willing to double up with something else mid cycle if you are ovulation-aware.