Non-hormonal contraception- what are the options?

[BiteOfFun]

Am getting my mirena coil out soon, as I am not reacting well to the hormones. Do I go for a copper coil at the same time and get the discomfort done in a one-r, or is there something else marvellous that I haven't thought of I could use instead?

Never tried a diaphragm- what are they like? Don't get on with condoms very well (don't ask me why, it will make me sound insufferably smug )...

So, any ideas?

[haventsleptforayear]

Can you still get diaphragms?

Would be quite interested to know too - we are currently (3+ yrs!) using condoms because I haven't found any alternative.

[indiewitch]

Diaphagms are great, have been using them successfully for five years. Only problem is that they are considered old fashioned and lots of GP's, family planning services don't support their use. In my area, there is only one nurse who was trained to fit them and she just retired. I'm now facing going privately to have it fitted every year or buying off the internet. But I would really recommend them.

[BiteOfFun]

Ooh, glad you've looked at this then- do you put them in for a full evening etc? Do they last a few, erm, "goes", so to speak? How long afterwards do you remove it? Is it a bit icky?

[morningpaper]

Same story here with diaphragms: been phased out now by the PCT. Crap innit?

What's your insufferably smug reason for not using condoms? They come in large sizes now if it's to do with your husband's enormousness.

Natural Family Planning is worth looking into if you are really regular and know your cycle well.

[BiteOfFun]

Enormousness, and prohibitive expense at sheer quantities need, MP, unless they hand out freebies? But then I might look like a hooker if I have to turn up for a big batch weekly

I don't know where my cycle is really, as the mirena has obliterated my periods, and I only get an indication from times of the month I may weep at baby names threads...

[inveteratenamechanger]

I am very happy with my copper coil. They are very reliable, and last for about 10 years. My periods are heavier, but it is worth it in order never to have to think about contraception.

[BiteOfFun]

I'm leaning in favour of the copper coil for convenience, I think...I will finally have a chance to use the mooncup I ordered in a fit of MN-ly zeal before I remembered I didn't actually have periods

[morningpaper]

www.freedoms-shop.nhs.uk/ sells branded condoms at NHS prices, so around £10 for 100

[BiteOfFun]

Will check it out, thanks.

[purplepeony]

cap is okay- you can use it nightly if you want even if nothing happens.
I found it a bit fiddly TBH but did use it for about 2 years. It can stay in for more than one session and you need to leave it in for a few hours anyway after sex- not sure how long.

You will need re-fitting after having another DC orif your weight goes up or down by more than 7lbs- never understood that -- does it mean fanjos shrink/grow along with the rest of us?

[BiteOfFun]

I will do a bit more research on them- I'm just worried as to the reliability really. Interesting that they seem to be phasing them out though- I wonder why?

[morningpaper]

Phasing out because they've never been popular enough in this country and there now are not enough people trained to 'fit' them

a great shame

[indiewitch]

They're supposidly very popular in the US though. Use with spermicide and they're v. protective.
How much sex are you having, lucky girl!

[BiteOfFun]

Enough not to want to entertain the idea of any method that involves abstinence of any kind, hee

[MayorNaze]

according to my scales my weight fluctuates by up to 7lbs between morning and evening

perhaps i should get 2...one for day and one for evening wear...

[BiteOfFun]

...

[MayorNaze]

BOF - as an obv mirena veteran - how long before the spotting and cramps stop? had one put in nearly 3 wks ago and still going on

not bad just irritating

[BiteOfFun]

I don't remember it lasting past the first few weeks, maybe less. They reckon your periods get 70% lighter within three months, and steadily lighter with every month. I haven't had one for about a year, and just light one dayers before that, so it's brilliant from that point of view.

[MayorNaze]

ooh i hope so. good luck with the copper coil/various sizes of diaphraigm thing

[Chocol8isLikeaBeautifulEngine]

I've had a copper coil fitted a year ago and now use a cup to deal with heavier periods. Once you're used to both, it's no hastle. I'm very happy with them.

[sausagesupper]

BiteofFun, can second the use of copper coil. I had one for 3 years and although my periods were heavy to begin with (probably not helped by having it fitted 6 weeks after giving birth), once it settled down, the peace of mind was worth the slight agro of heaavy periods.
HTH

[DemonBradleySlaysPippi]

Didn't like copper coil. Period pains, cramps and very heavy periods for a year. Took it out after that to have dd2. Don't know what to do atm except for condoms.

[tabouleh]

I had my mirena coil [evil thing] swapped for a copper coil recently. It was all done in the same appointment.

My depression and anxiety and strange PG type symptoms have all gone and I'm enjoying having periods again and using my mooncup!

I did use a diaphragm after coming off the pill for a couple of years before TTC DS and I found them to be ok if a bit of a faff - however after DS was born I was fitted for a new one and it was so much larger [sob] and I hated it.

I think that for non-hormonal contraception prior to a PG diaphragms are brill and post PG copper coils.

Perhaps some sort of Mumsnet campaign to "BRING BACK THE DIAPHRAGM!" is in order?!

Seriously I do worry about the proliferation of hormonal contraception. There must be 1000's of women who are feeling depressed and visit the doctors and not advised to drop the hormonal contraception - surely that is an obvious first step?

[mumof2000]

im about to have the marina fitted next week , i must say im not to sure if im doing the right thing , i suffer with anxiety and worry and PMT culd i be opening another bag of trouble ....

have heavy periods so was advised this one ...

[STAFFA]

DON'T DO IT! It may reduce your periods but it sends you into a tail spin of depression!

Ive just had mine removed!!