How to pick contraception...

[EnterFunnyNameHere]

Hi all,

I've been on the combined pill for 20yrs and I'm probably getting towards the age where they prefer you to be on something else...

I will obvs talk to the nurse at my next review, but I'm just wondering if anyone has been in the same boat and what they ended up on? I really don't fancy a coil (my cervix sits relatively low and it puts me off for some reason!) but not too picky aside from that!

If the pill has suited you I'd probably try the implant or injection if you don't want a coil.

I’ve tried pretty much everything. Three different types of combined pill, all of which made me sick as a dog. I liked the mini pill but I have ADHD and was shit at remembering to take it.

The implant made me bleed every day for months until I begged them to take it out. The ring was fine but really weird - it’s the size of a jelly bracelet I had the copper coil inserted but the process was awful; I passed out, vomited and was in so much pain they wouldn’t let me leave the clinic. The doctor was concerned he’d perforated something and removed it after an hour.

I’m now on sayana press and it’s great. I inject myself every three months, no side effects and no periods.

In theory, if you’re a slim non smoking woman with no other risk factors you can stay on the combined pill into your forties, regardless of how long you’ve been on it.

However we tend to shift women onto the progesterone only pill as they get older because it’s potentially safer.

Other options are the implant, injection or coil.

I have the mirena (it’s not the copper coil) and I know you feel a bit wary about it but it’s great for me - I’m on my second one, no periods for the last 8 years and no side effects. Was on the pill for years.

I think that logically the implant or mirena make sense, it's just that mental hurdle of something bring permanently in my body and I can't control it...

@Sidge that's interesting, I'm fractionally overweight (by a couple of kilos) but don't smoke and never have - maybe I can stick with the combined!!

@amusedbush I've never even heard of sayana press! Will have to Google! Is that an NHS option?

@EnterFunnyNameHere

I think that logically the implant or mirena make sense, it's just that mental hurdle of something bring permanently in my body and I can't control it...

@Sidge that's interesting, I'm fractionally overweight (by a couple of kilos) but don't smoke and never have - maybe I can stick with the combined!!

@amusedbush I've never even heard of sayana press! Will have to Google! Is that an NHS option?

It is! I used to get the depo injection but the family planning clinic said they were offering sayana press if people were interested. I went to the clinic for the first couple of injections and once I was comfortable with it, I started getting a repeat prescription from my GP. The pharmacy always has to order it in, but that’s no problem.

It is a tiny needle attached to a little pouch of liquid. You just shake it up for 30 seconds, inject your thigh/stomach and squeeze the pouch until it’s empty.

Sayana Press is a self-injected version of the depo-provera injection. If you’re ok with self injecting it’s a great option.

Obviously your nurse or GP will need to review your personal situation, but age alone isn’t a contraindication to the combined pill.

Huh, thanks both! Certainly something to think about! I think I'll see what they say on my next review... I've always avoided asking really, don't want to draw attention to the fact I might have to change haha