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Original poster

The pill- how safe is it long term?

19 replies

Shadowboy · 28/12/2020 20:27

I’ve read contradictory info on a range of web pages... doctor wants me off it but when I ask why he said it’s because the pill isn’t designed to be a long term contraceptive. But he didn’t explain why not- does anyone know?

I’ve been on and off it (off for a 3 year period when I had my children) for 17 years.

Its the mini pill. I’ve never forgotten to take it and have not seen any negative impacts on my body in an obvious way.

OP posts:

dementedpixie · 28/12/2020 20:29

I have no idea why he would want you to stop the mini pill. Whats he trying to flog you as an alternative?

Original poster

Shadowboy · 28/12/2020 20:35

The coil - which I really don’t fancy. I was wondering if it was cheaper for the NHS? Or is the potential risks of the pill long term the issue?

OP posts:

dementedpixie · 28/12/2020 20:37

They are trying to get you to have a longer acting contraceptive. If you don't want it you don't need to accept it.

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Beachhuts90 · 28/12/2020 21:25

In my experience the NHS is obsessed with the coil. I have a mean little theory that it's cheaper for them.

Bluemooninmyeyes1 · 28/12/2020 21:27

I’m glad you asked this question OP as I’ve been on cerelle for several years and I feel like the nurse is always trying to talk me into using different contraceptions too and I’ve always wondered why.

lyinginthegutterstaringatstars · 28/12/2020 21:27

I've heard that the coil Can seriously mess up your moods and that once it's in the nhs is very reluctant to remove it if it does not agree with you. Can you ask for a second opinion on contraception advice?

Allispretty · 28/12/2020 21:29

There are risks of breast/womb cancers with the pill although not sure without reading packaging how much higher this is on the pill than without?

The coil will be cheaper for them in the long run, I'm actually desperate for one and can't get an appointment apparently the wait list in my area is around 12 months!

dementedpixie · 28/12/2020 21:34

There is a risk of perforation or migration with the coil. I needed mine removed under general anaesthetic when the strings went missing

keeperswif · 28/12/2020 21:38

I would say cost to the pill is cheap to manufacture, but incurre greater costs in regards to requirement for you as a patient longer term, the practice nurses to monitor as it's a medication pharmacy to manufacture and distribute etc ..contraceptives like the coil can be copper and therefore you are taking on no hormones copper naturally make you infertile and you are not changing the chemical make up off your body which is why you need to monitor a "patient" on something like the pill, also coils tend to have a 10'year shelf life so you have it fitted off you go and they don't see you again for a decade. But there is a lot out there and a big surgery will have a specialist nurse who knows about different pills and other contraceptive devices I would make an appointment and discuss all your options

mindutopia · 28/12/2020 21:38

There are really no significant long term effects to the mini pill. The combined pill can cause blood clots in older women (not necessarily due to long term use, just age). The coil is more cost effective and more effective in terms of preventing unplanned pregnancy in most women though, so it's sensible to offer.

In my own experience, I've been on the pill since I was 18. I'm 40 now. Except for 2 pregnancies in my 30s. I did try the copper coil for nearly 3 years, but it was absolute hell. Horrible heavy periods that gushed out everywhere, 7 days long, every 3 weeks. A nightmare. I've gone back on the mini pills in my 40s and GP was super happy with that decision.

keeperswif · 28/12/2020 21:38

Also as above risks of cancer greater in long term pill usage

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 28/12/2020 21:40

I'm sure the NHS is sponsored by the coil, they keep pressuring me to have it instead of treating gyne issues I have. Makes me so cross

Original poster

Shadowboy · 28/12/2020 22:21

Interesting- thanks all. I will look further into both. But the thought of the coil is uncomfortable for me.

OP posts:

CatFaceCats · 28/12/2020 22:29

My doctor tried a few times to have the coil fitted but I refused. I’ve head several horrible stories about women being left in pain and with lots of bleeding to just be fobbed off with - leave it for 6 months and it should settle down.
So no, I won’t change from something that works for me. I was on microgynon from 16-38 and now I’m on the mini pill.
I also believe it’s all to do with cost cutting.

CatFaceCats · 28/12/2020 22:30

I mean the doctor tried asking me a few times to have it fitted - I’m pretty sure my male doctor doesn’t have it fitted!

dementedpixie · 28/12/2020 22:30

The nhs is pushing the use of LARC (long acting reversible contraceptives) - maybe its cheaper in the long run and you need less support/appointments. Doesnt mean its the right choice for you though.

iguanadonna · 28/12/2020 22:35

I'm not in the UK, but they're obsessed with the hormonal coil here too. I think it's because they don't have to trust women to remember to take it. This may make sense for 16 year olds who really don't want to be pregnant and aren't good at remembering stuff. But makes bugger all sense when you're 42, probably couldn't get pg if you tried, and take the pill to stabilize mood and reduce period pain.

I just explain every time that I'm happy with the mini pill and I've been taking it for 26 years without getting accidentally pg so I see no need to make changes now.

Heyahun · 28/12/2020 22:52

Gawd I hate this! I quit all birth control 6 years ago and husband and I just use condoms!

Nothing agreed with me - the pills I was on just made me have constant migraines, bloat, constant spotting and horrible anxiety! That’s all gone now since I stopped

Gp tried to push coil and it’s still mentioned every time I go to any appointment (appointments are never Related to contraception but it’s always brought up!)
I ended up being told one time that that I should get the coil - I said I didn’t want long term at the time as hoped to have a baby in the near future - I was told oh really?? why? You are so young (I was 29 and married??)

I ended up leaving that appointment with a prescription for the depo injection and An appointment booked in for the following week!

I just didn’t go in the end and threw the prescription in the bin and continued just using condoms!!

It really annoys me tbh - it’s my body, my bloody choice!!

Vinorosso74 · 28/12/2020 23:03

There's more risks as you get older from the combined pill. I seem to recall it reduces the risk from some cancers and slightly increases the risk of others.
I was on the combined pill for nearly 20 years. Took Brevinor with no issues for ages until a nurse insisted I changed to a lower oestrogen one. Moved and changed GPs and I tried a different one. Came off pill and had DD. Tried one mini pill which didn't get on with, tried twice and both times they were pushing the coil. I declined and like another poster gave up on it all!
I do agree it's down to costs. Typical that it's women's health that takes the hit.

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