To suggest condoms as opposed to me having a Coil...

[Writerwannabe83]

I have previously had a Mirena Coil which worked brilliantly, no side effects and improved my periods IMMENSELY. Anyway, I had it removed for TTC purposes and DS is now 9 weeks old.

I had my post natal check today and the GP asked about contraception and I mentioned I might have another Mirena at some point. Within 15 minutes of me leaving the surgery the practice nurse phoned me to arrange an appointment to have another coil put in

The thing is, me and DH have never had the most active sex life (think going months at a time without DTD)and now DS is here it's even further from my mind! It's the last thing I'm thinking about. However, ironically, he has actually asked when we can have sex again. His question took me quite by surprise actually.

I just don't know if I can be bothered to have another Coil inserted (not pleasant going in and even more unpleasant coming out) because me and DH aren't in the need for regular contraception. I'm tempted to just not have one and tell DH that when sex does occur we should just use condoms.

The best thing in my mind about the Mirena was how it made my horrendous periods practically disappear and that would probably be the only reason I'd want another one. However, I'm breast feeding so not having periods anyway. If/when my periods recommence then I'd definitely get a Coil but until then I just don't see the point.

I know condoms can be fiddly, spoil the moment, affect sensation etc etc and so are not the most favoured/practical form of contraception in long term relationships/marriages but there's just nothing in me that's eager to have a Coil put back in.

So as not to drip feed, due to medication I'm on I can't take any hormonal contraception where the hormones are released into the systemic blood stream, I.e the Pill or the Implant etc

AIBU to feel like this?

I am going to broach it with DH later and have no idea what his reaction will be.

Another one who only uses condoms. Unless you're the type to have wild sex all over the house, using condoms shouldn't be an issue - we've been together for nine years, have two children (no, not contraceptive failures!) and they work well for us.

And yy to the lack of wet patches. Definitely a bonus. Although once DS (then 3yo) came into the bathroom swinging a used one round like a helicopter propellor .

I'm now much more careful to put it in the bin first thing the next morning.

I had the same contraception spiel at the doctor's at my postnatal check and had the pill forced upon me. I went back a couple of months later about postnatal depression and this time left with a load of leaflets about the implant or coil. I think they have some kind of targets to be reached!

DD is now 4mo, the pills are unopened in their boxes. We're too tired for sex at the moment .. in a couple of months I will start them and in the meantime if we do have sex we'll be using a condom. We used them for the first year or two going out and I don't mind them.

Interesting thread. I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant and discussed this with DH the other day. Prior to ttc I had a mirena. DH suggested using condoms for the next couple of years until we ttc again to save the hassle of having another coil put in and getting it taken out again, but I don't like condoms really. I don't know if I have a latex allergy as such but they certainly make me a bit itchy and often thrushy. I also do think they're passion killers in the extreme if I'm honest.

Midwife says coil is really simple to fit postpartum so I think I'm going to go for a copper one this time around. It's just easier too, in my opinion. I like not having to think about anything or have to use accessories in the bedroom! It's probably just laziness on my part but I enjoy the "forget about it" element of the coil and the copper one is chemical free so everyone's a winner.

When my GP mentioned it to me earlier she said if I was planning on having another child in the next 2-3 years then there's probably not much point in having the Mirena! I was quite shocked at this. Since when can they only be inserted if a woman agrees not to get pregnant within 'x' amount of years?! I'm guessing her comment was in some way related to the cost of them and they don't like inserting them in women who are only going to want them out in a few years anyway...

I was advised against the Copper Coil as was told it can make periods heavier. I know this probably isn't the case for everyone but I didn't want to risk it as mine were pretty horrendous in the first place.

We've use condoms as the only contraception for a couple of years with no issues. If they are used correctly they are pretty good compared with other contraceptives. I can't remember the stats but have a google and just make sure dh is also informed about proper usage as well.

Also if you do have a slip up with condoms you can easily get map as a back up.

Why can scientist come up for male contraception such as the pill, why is more the 3/4 of contraception hormonal based for women.

Yes you can get the MAP, at £25 a pop and it made me feel pretty dreadful. As for the used correctly comments, I'm not stupid, I'm well aware how to put a condom on. But it doesn't mean they always stay on and it's pretty annoying having to stop and check every so often. And it doesn't matter which type we use, they feel bloody horrible. I can't wait to be done with them!

The reason why hormonal contraception doesn't "work" for men is that instead of aiming for a level of control which suppresses one event, it has to suppress continuous production, and the level of interference produces a much higher level of side effects. Also, an interruption from malabsorption leading to some production will repopulate the ampullae leading to potential fertility for some months. (A bit like after vasectomy, when you know new sperm transit should be utterly blocked, it still can take months to get an all clear).

Plus, would we actually trust them with the responsibility when ultimately it would be us who'd end up pregnant if they forgot to take their pill??

I certainly wouldn't!

Yanbu at all! Why would you be? There is nothing wrong with condoms. People bad mouth them because some men don't like them but they are excellent little things.
There's no point you going through discomfort for this. Condoms are easy, only ruin sex if you want them to and you can get fun ones that feel great.