Non-hormonal contraceptives

[Marsis]

I’ve recently gone back on the pill, DS is 3 and had been using condoms and avoiding certain times of the month. I went back on the pill as I wanted something more certain and my cycle wasn’t as reliable in the few months before starting. I have never done well with pills (mood and weight gain) or the implant and I can feel my mood seeping away it’s like a an apathy to everything rather than feeling sad tbh. My only alternative I can think of is the copper coil but worry about heavy bleeding. I’m only 30 and while fairly sure we’re done I don’t want anything permanent yet. Any experiences of the coil?

other people's experiences are of no value as everyone is different. There are lots of different types of contraceptive pill, after lockdown ask to try some more. meantime if it is really bothering you, stop taking it and keep up with the condoms.

Bunk beds!!

I’ve tried enough pills thanks that’s why I’m asking for alternatives. ‘Trying others’ requires committing 3 months each time as that is what is considered giving it a try. I know people have different experiences Hence why I asked on a discussion forum, where people share them ...

I’m happy with my copper coil. I had heavy periods before but they haven’t got worse. Sometimes they’re lighter. No extra pain either. I think they sometimes last longer but not every period.

😊thanks tbh avoidance is my first choice but probably unreasonable. Thanks for your experience @cannaethink most online reviews seem negative but I think people are more likely to write about a negative experiences

We’ve used condoms since DS was born 17 years ago. I didn’t want to use anything hormonal and although we both tried for sterilisation we couldn’t get our (crap) GP to refer either of us as we were “too young” (I was 34!) and then we just got used to condoms....

Love my copper coil! Pill made me bonkers, would never take hormonal contraception again. Periods were heavy and long before the coil, might be slightly longer now and possibly a margin heavier but a million times better than being utterly miserable on the pill. It’s been fab for me

Long term condom users here. I've told DH to go for the snip, but I can't force him - his body his choice. Works for us and if we did conceive, we'd deal with it (as a happy surprise)

Hmm thanks food for thought but a couple of days late ‘scare’ (No realistic possibility) made me realise how much I wasn’t prepared for a third was what prompted me to go back to the pill.

I was worried about heavier/longer periods with the copper coil but they are the same length and maybe 5-10% heavier.

The Merina coil was really bad for me so i nearly didn’t bother trying the copper one but I’m so glad I did. Zero problems with it so far,

I adore my copper coil. I was on the pill from age 17 to 27. I was a fat, miserable, headachey nightmare and now I regret losing those years to the pill. I got a coil at 27, am now 38 (I’m on my third one now as I had it out twice to have babies!). I’ve always been lucky not to have very heavy periods and I have heard it can cause heavy periods but I haven’t noticed much difference. I use a moon cup as well so I can see how much volume I’m producing each month (sounds gross but is fascinating to see!!!😳)
Try it and see? The local family planning clinics are usually fab at putting them in no problem, they do loads of coils. Each GP practice usually has a GP who has received coil training too.