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Original poster

to use a persona as contraception?

80 replies

hiphophippity · 21/05/2016 13:11

For health reasons I want to avoid all hormones, and the coil. I really don't want a third baby... And we are fed up of condoms. Can anyone talk to me about using a Persona as contraception, the website says it is 94% fool proof. But it still seems a bit risky to me... Thoughts please Star

OP posts:
WhereYouLeftIt · 21/05/2016 15:04

"I really don't want a third baby... "
"But sterilisation seems extreme."

Sorry, but it's 'make your mind up time'.

WorriedOrStressed · 21/05/2016 15:04

I used persona pre DC with very regular cycle but it wouldn't have been disaster if I'd conceived. NFP is cheaper option than persona if you are regular but similar conception risks.

Only non hormonal (reversible) options are barrier methods, IUD (copper) or abstinence until post menopause Hmm

Can't you talk DH into vasectomy if he doesn't want to use condoms and your family is complete? Some men need a bit of a push to take responsibility for long term contraception it seems.

GarlicShake · 21/05/2016 15:16

I used a diaphragm for decades. Limited's already said everything there is to say about it, though users can spend hours exchanging "pinging round the bathroom stories"! Putting it in pre-emptively (while sober) is definitely wise.

That said, my fertility was low. I think there are some stats available on combining diaphragm with 'safe' period, which should be fairly effective.

Nowhere near as effective as DP getting the snip, though. Or you? Would you be devastated if you couldn't have more DC?

BertieBotts · 21/05/2016 15:26

Condoms stuck on at the end of sex or withdrawal have worked for us for 5 years too. Then when TTC we got pregnant the first month so it's not like we just weren't very fertile.

With perfect use it's not a terrible combo (I'd never ever recommend it to teenagers) but you do need to be OK with the small chance of failure. It's mostly that it's very frustrating to have to stop just as it's getting good. That's what causes it to fail for most people. And if the man had ejaculated already that day there can be a few sperm present in precum.

CountessOfStrathearn · 21/05/2016 15:36

"Withdrawal isn't a contraceptive method Wink"

I post this study loads because this is a much repeated myth, but the withdrawal method is actually as good (or as bad) as condoms.

www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/pubs/journals/reprints/Contraception79-407-410.pdf

Method - Perfect use - Typical use
Condoms - 2% - 17%
Withdrawal - 4% - 18%

Neither condoms nor the withdrawal method are incredibly reliable if you definitely don't want another child though.

BlueberrySky · 21/05/2016 15:37

I used Persona for about 13 years. We used condoms when I had a red day. I then used it to show when I was ovulating for getting pg with DS and DD.

I stopped using it properly when I married DH 2 and he does not like condoms, so after getting PG twice again, I got a coil.

Still use Persona, without the tests, to tell me when my period is due.

You have to be very strict about alternative contraception when you are on red days, or abstain.

Nairsmellsbad · 21/05/2016 15:39

As some have already said, if you have a very regular cycle and if getting pregnant wouldn't be the end of the world then it's fine. It's a computerized rhythm method really. I used it between DCs and liked it.

wallywobbles · 21/05/2016 15:40

I used persona. I have 2 surprise kids.

wallywobbles · 21/05/2016 15:42

Honestly crossing your fingers is as effective!

GrimDamnFanjo · 21/05/2016 15:46

I used Persona. Worked great for about 18 months. The one time it didn't work is a 17 year old now. No idea what happened apart from the month I conceived my grandma died so I think the upset affected my cycle. I remember saying to DH that I expected it to be a red light not green and he said " you have tot rustic or what's the point?"

Lweji · 21/05/2016 15:47

Neither condoms nor the withdrawal method are incredibly reliable if you definitely don't want another child though.

Yes, there's quite a few people with children after condom failure.

Conversely, if you manage to pinpoint ovulation, on the 4th day you should be perfectly safe.
It's the before that's a bitch.

takeaturn · 21/05/2016 15:48

I haven't rtft but I posted this morning about the fact I have a redundant one. You're welcome to it if you want it?

NicknameUsed · 21/05/2016 16:07

Why are some posters so anti hormonal contraception?

I get that it doesn't suit some people, but it can't be the case for everyone.

elspethmcgillicuddy · 21/05/2016 16:13

I used a diaphragm for my non safe days. Didn't use persona but used charting with BBT and cervical position/mucous etc

Lweji · 21/05/2016 16:15

Why are some posters so anti hormonal contraception?
I get that it doesn't suit some people, but it can't be the case for everyone.

Didn't you answer your own question?
"some" posters don't want hormonal contraception for them, doesn't translate to "everyone" and for them to be against it.

And which posters exactly are against hormonal contraception for everyone?

limitedperiodonly · 21/05/2016 16:17

I agree NicknameUsed. I loved the combined pill. I took a variety of them and with one exception, they all suited me. I didn't gain weight and didn't go off sex. When I was prescribed drugs that would interfere with it I made the best of things with a diapraghm and it was okay. It was better than the mini pill - if I forgot to take it within the shorter window than the combined pill, which I often did, I'd end up having to use a barrier method anyway.

When I was taken off my medication I went back to the combined pill with gratitude.

TomHaverford · 21/05/2016 16:18

Try a ladycomp (quite pricey) or the app natural cycles. They both have over 99.9% reliability. Ive been using natural cycles and find it very easy to use. Its been gaining a fair amount of mainstream attention:

www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/04/13/this-app-can-replace-the-pill---with-no-side-effects/

HeartsofOak · 21/05/2016 16:22

Sorry, the Persona/drinking thing is if you have a lot to drink the alcohol content in your urine can interfere with the testing for hormones. It's in the instructions.

Hassled · 21/05/2016 16:22

DC3 is a Persona Baby. There are a lot of them around, apparently. The concept is great but 94% reliability just isn't enough if you're absolutely sure you don't want another.

What about a diaphragm? It does take away any spontaneity, but is pretty easy to use.

Lweji · 21/05/2016 16:29

It's funny when people claim 94% is a bad rate and then suggest methods like a diaphragm, with... wait for it, a safety rate of less than 94%. Grin

www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/diaphragm
"If women always use the diaphragm as directed, 6 out of 100 will become pregnant each year. If women don't always use the diaphragm as directed, 12 out of 100 will become pregnant each year."

GarlicShake · 21/05/2016 16:36

I did recommend it in conjunction with a timing method, Lweji. And reiterated that a snip (either partner or both) is most reliable.

If OP has a serious problem with hormonal methods, she might not be able to use the MAP. But if it's more of a concern about taking hormonal meds for a long time, then it's an easy fallback.

NicknameUsed · 21/05/2016 16:50

Lweji Some posters have stated that they hate hormonal contraception, not that it doesn't suit them.

specialsubject · 21/05/2016 17:28

If you don't want another baby for sure, one of you needs to get the tubes cut.

Withdrawal just ruins the fun for no purpose

MumsKnitter · 21/05/2016 18:22

I used Persona. But then I wanted another baby, when my partner didn't. I got my baby!

Lweji · 21/05/2016 18:28

Lweji Some posters have stated that they hate hormonal contraception,
They didn't say why, and it still doesn't mean that they hate that other people use it.
I imagine they hate using it for some reason they don't have to explain.