contraception question - wwyd?

[moulesfrites]

I have been told by my GP that I have to come off the pill as I have started to get aura migraines.

My options are to go onto the mini pill (progesterone only) or to use some non-hormonal method eg condoms.

We are thinking of TTC in about a year or so, so that is why the GP has not recommended longer term methods eg implant etc.

I am leaning towards condoms as I realise it might take a while for fertility to return anyway, but feel a little wierd about having normal periods again- haven't had them since I was 17, now 26 and they used to be heavy and painful - much lighter when I went on pill. WWYD?

DH is not adverse to the idea of condoms, he says I have taken the pill for 9 years so he can put up with condoms for a while. I also think he wouldn't mind a "happy accident" IFKWIM...

Speaking of which, if I am going to TTC in a year, when would be the best time to start taking Folic Acid?

TIA

[moulesfrites]

anyone?

[Seona1973]

I use the cerazette mini-pill which has worked well for me (have had no periods for at least 18 months). I dont like condoms so they wouldnt be an option for me.

I think the best time to start folic acid is at least 3 months before you start to TTC.

[purplepeony]

Why not think about the copper coil or the daiphram?

[moulesfrites]

The coil I think the gp was against as it is a longer term method?

I don't mind the idea of a diaphragm but have heard that they are difficult to get hold of and are being phased out by the NHS?

[arionater]

How about a natural method (fertility awareness method) - there's a good book called 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility'. You'd get to know your cycle well which is helpful when you do start ttc; and dh will like it as it means you don't have to use condoms every time (once you're confident with the interpretation, you can ditch them after ovulation - and indeed at other times if you're aiming for a 'happy accident'!). It's actually very reliable if you do it properly; but for the first few cycles you'd need to use a barrier method in any case.

[purplepeony]

I can't see why you can't have a coil for a year. None of their business really as to how long you want it in! A couple of months would be daft, but I'd say a year is reasonable.

Not sure about the availability of diaphrams- had mine 20+ years back and had it fitted at FPC. I used it in between DCs when pregnancy was not ideal but would not be a disaster.

[CarGirl]

I would use condoms, coils can cause fertility problems, the copper one can make heavy periods worse.

It will give you a chance to get used to your body without hormones, fond out about your cycle etc.

Start taking folic acid just in case...