Contraception

[Branwells77]

Hi I was wondering what contraception are people on I’ve been on the mini pill for a few years now have people found anything better I used to be on the Depo injection but the weight gain was horrendous

I'm on the mini pill, desogesterol, have been for maybe 2 years. Happy with it, no periods or side effects. Had a mirena coil for 5 years before that and it was brilliant! No periods, no problems! Had it taken out as it had expired and the Dr couldn't get the new one in. Gutted!
I had depo injection in my early 20s but like you I hated the weight gain. Changed to the combined pill for the second half of my 20s until we had kids. Had a copper coil between kids but it didn't suit me. Mirena after #2 DC, now desogesterol.

Just condoms.

I’m on desogesterol I have put weight on with it and I’m having random spotting so not sure if I’m better off staying with it or trying something different I can’t have a coil fitted due to scar tissue I did have the arm implant years ago but it sent my hormones wild

I did do that for about 5 years and to be honest I felt so much better in myself but I felt it was unfair on DH

Just condoms and for a couple of years I used the natural cycles app.

I'd go to a family planning clinic, or ring your local sexual health clinic, who often run contraceptive clinics. I found they always had more up to date advice and options than my GP or practice nurse.

Years ago I did shift work, so taking the pill at the same time wasn't always easy. I used the nuva ring for several years. Its a clear, flexible ring which looks like a bracelet that you insert for 3 weeks. You can have intercourse with it in and its not like a diaphragm that needs fitting perfectly. I vaguely think the hormones were slightly lower because it sits in the pelvis.

If you have completed your family (if relevant) why doesn't DH get the snip?

I think I may need to go back to condoms I did prefer it and felt much better in myself I still have my period app and update it when I’m spotting etc

Ah that's rubbish.
Have you tried other brands/types of mini pill? I can't remember when, but I tried 4 or 5 different mini pills back to back. The Dr said each different one had a different ratio of hormones so might have suited better but none did for different reasons (sorry, not selling it to you). Might be worth discussing with your Dr?

Why is it unfair for your DH?

I have not heard of the Nuva so thank you for that. Definitely finished with our family but DH is totally against the snip I did stop all contraception for about 5 years and relied on condoms but decided to go on the mini pill about 3/4 years ago but I’m thinking I might have to go back to condoms.

Mirena coil.

Hate condoms, and didn’t want to think about contraception / worry about forgetting so the pill was out. I like feeling close to DP (sorry if TMI!) and tricking my 36 year-old body that it’s trying to procreate - seems to do a lot for me psychologically, strangely.

He doesn’t particularly like wearing condoms but I don’t think I can cope much longer with contraception other than condoms myself

Unfortunately I can’t have the coil due to scar tissue they can’t fit it.
I understand the feeling of closeness to your DH

The natural cycles app was instead of condoms, it's a type of natural family planning (an app plus you take your temperature every morning).

Obviously it's not as effective as the pill/coil etc. We did it between DS1 and DS2 where it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I got pregnant earlier than planned.

It’s a nightmare isn’t it trying to find the right contraception I loved the Depo before kids I didn’t gain wait I had no issues but after kids and omg the weight gain was shocking I’m also at the age of potentially menopause too

Oooh sorry I didn’t know that was a thing as I am definitely done with my family I don’t think I would risk it

I’m sure he can cope. Just as you have been.

I have not heard of the Nuva so thank you for that

I only knew because it was mentioned at the family planning, contraceptive clinic. I too had never heard of it before- but that was 15yrs ago now. Another lesser known one is the pill patch. You also leave it on your skin for a week before replacing it. Both the patch and nuva ring aren't affected by vomiting or diarrhoea like the oral pill too.

Thank you all for your replies

Ooh he will have to or he will have to go for the snip

But in the meantime it's perfectly fair for you to be on hormonal contraception for years with all its side effects?

Tell him it's his turn for some responsibility!

Ooh believe me I have made him aware and he does understand and when we were using condoms before he never complained it just annoys me that he won’t go for the snip to be honest I don’t really want to go down the route of sterilisation because again it’s my body and a few of my friends had terrible experiences with it

Copper IUD. I can’t tolerate hormonal contraceptives. Absolutely brilliant. I am lucky though that I have it changed etc under a general anaesthetic.