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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed that my GP doesn't want to give me the pill?

210 replies

AVirginLitTheCandle · 15/11/2016 15:41

I realise he's just doing his job and I probably am BU but I just need to vent and hopefully get some advice.

I have taken the pill on and off over the past 11 years with no problems however my dad has suffered two blood clots over the past couple of years. Because of this the GP is now reluctant to prescribe me the pill as he feels it's too risky.

I'm annoyed but now I have no clue what my options are. I have just recently entered a new relationship and I don't want to rely on condoms alone. I had the implant a few years ago and hated it - mood swings, depression, heavy and painful periods, etc. So that's out.

So what does that leave? Mini pill, coil (no thanks!) or injection (which is what GP is pushing me to have). I've read up on the injection previously and it just sounds horrible.

Arrggh, I want my pill, damn it! Angry Sad

OP posts:
YelloDraw · 15/11/2016 15:57

Implant and injection have exactly the same hormones so if the implant didn't suit then the injection wont.

Also, after the injection it can take TWO YEARS, yes TWO YEARS to return to normal and have a period. So that is shit if you are a 32 year old woman hoping to TTC straight waay when you stop having it.

Original poster
AVirginLitTheCandle · 15/11/2016 15:59

It wasn't the smear test itself that hurt. It was the speculum that was painful to the point where I was crying out in pain. It took the nurse six attempts just to get the speculum in Blush.

If it was painful after literally a couple of seconds for a smear test then it will be even more painful in a coil fitting where I'm assuming it will need to be kept in for even longer.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 15/11/2016 15:59

I would steer clear of the Mirena coil and the injection and progestin-only pill if you reacted badly to the implant. I'd go for the Nuva ring/vaginal ring.

Piehunter · 15/11/2016 16:00

You're unlikely to be allowed anything with combined hormones in, that includes the ring. I have a clotting disorder and can't take the combined pill. It's annoying but better than a stroke or other potentially life changing clot, surely?! You have an increased risk of clots and the pill increases that further. It'd be the same if you had migraines (higher risk of stroke so no combined hormones!) It's prescribing advice designed to save lives, not to inconvenience you

Pontoufle · 15/11/2016 16:00

Definitely do not go back and insist on getting the combined pill. It won't do you any favours and a reasonable GP won't give it to you due to your increased risk of blood clots. How about the mini pill?

FeckinCrutches · 15/11/2016 16:00

What's wrong with the mini pill?

claraschu · 15/11/2016 16:01

Why do people not use cervical caps and diaphragms any more? These are barrier methods which work brilliantly and don't involve taking any hormones. If used consistently and properly the cervical cap is very effective. I really hate that the medical profession just push hormones on everyone when they have all kinds of side effects, presumably because pills and injections don't depend on people behaving responsibly and remembering to put their birth control device in...

Graphista · 15/11/2016 16:05

The cap is notorious for failing due to client being unable to insert properly which is why it's fallen out of favour.

Personally that coils are fitted without anaesthesia disgusts me.

Re smear - you can ask for a smaller speculum (I have to) and a gentler nurse! Not all are gentle.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 15/11/2016 16:06

They shouldn't prescribe you the pill now that your dad has had two clots - one would be enough, but two means your risk factor is quite high. It's not an option anymore for your own safety. Going back to demand it won't do any good, it'd be against all prescribing guidelines to give it to you now that you have adverse family history (close family, too).

Mini pill might be your only pill related option, or it's the other options mentioned. Or condoms, I suppose.

Chippednailvarnishing · 15/11/2016 16:06

Why don't you just google family planning?
There's specialised websites dedicated to the entire subject.

Blueskyrain · 15/11/2016 16:07

Seriously, there's no need for injections, or coils, just go on Cerazette. I had a fabulous 7 years on that pill, for similar reasons, about 6 1/2 of that, I didn't even have a period. It took a little while for my system to get used to it, but then it was brilliant.

Original poster
AVirginLitTheCandle · 15/11/2016 16:09

Well right now I'm leaning towards mini pill and condoms.

The nurse used the smallest speculum they had (I think it was a virginal one Blush) but it still hurt.

I really don't want any babies right now...

OP posts:
Nzou1050 · 15/11/2016 16:10

I've been on cerelle since having DD (can't remember what they call that type of pill but it's not a combined one) and it's been great - no periods whatsoever.

Obsidian77 · 15/11/2016 16:13

I think GPs have some targets to hit re prescriptions of long-acting contraception, (I'm sure there'll be some GPs along later to tell me if I'm wrong) because I've been offered the injection at every single healthcare appointment I've had in the last 6 months or so.
However it doesn't sound suitable for you. I second the recommendation to contact FPA and discuss your options. GPs are under so much pressure themselves it can often feel like they are pushing you into something.

Sadik · 15/11/2016 16:14

The thing with a copper coil is that if it suits, it's just a miracle solution. Fitting can be a bit unpleasant, but less so than a smear, and then you have contraception sorted for at least 5 years.

I never considered it until I was living in Spain, where it seemed to be the default option offered (at least where I was) - they were like "why would you not try it . . . " and after I did I wondered why I'd put up with so many years of pill side effects!

ginauk84 · 15/11/2016 16:15

Copper coil for me, they tried to insert it and couldn't so I had to go back a second time and eventually they were able to do it. I think half an hour of pain is a small price to pay for 10 years of contraceptive.

I had the implant and it gave me such severe depression it was horrendous. I was on the pill for years and until I had the coil (no hormones at all) I hadn't realised that actually the pill did make me feel down and I feel like myself with the copper coil. I had tried all sorts of pills too.

For me the copper coil doesn't give me any side effects and I am not putting any hormones into my body that naturally shouldn't be there.

Original poster
AVirginLitTheCandle · 15/11/2016 16:15

It's weird because the same GP was happy to prescribe me the pill up until I stopped taking it six months ago. Yet now it's too big of a risk? Confused

OP posts:
AgathaMystery · 15/11/2016 16:15

Def not Nuva Ring if family history of clots Shock

Sadik · 15/11/2016 16:15

I'd second going to a family planning clinic, not because they'll give you the pill, but because they can go through all the options with you.

Bogeyface · 15/11/2016 16:16

I had the inject, first three were fine, fourth one turned me into a bitch queen from hell. It was horrible, it was like someone else had taken over my brain. I knew I was being nasty, I knew I was being unreasonable and I had the shortest temper, but I just couldnt control myself. It was quite frightening to not be in control. For that reason I wouldnt recommend it at all because you just dont know how (or when) it will affect you and you are stuck with it for 3 months.

I am not good with smears at all but having a coil fitted was a lot less painful.

FeckinCrutches · 15/11/2016 16:18

Well he probably went through your family history again before he re issued them?

arbrighton · 15/11/2016 16:21

It is just not true that hormones stay local - they have to go to your brain and pituitary to control your cycle and are carried round in the blood not just moving randomly through cells!

BeccaAnn · 15/11/2016 16:24

Mini Pill is a good option. I had similar as I was getting migranes and I opted for the copper coil.

initially procedure was uncomfortable at worst, 1st period was horrific! Off work, major cramps massive PMT. Subsequent periods have been heavier than when on the pill but manageable and not much in the way of cramps.
Until you decide though stick to condoms and spermicidal lube!

sarahnova69 · 15/11/2016 16:29

It's weird because the same GP was happy to prescribe me the pill up until I stopped taking it six months ago. Yet now it's too big of a risk?

Well, now you have information you didn't have then, which is that you are at high risk of having a blood clotting disorder. It would be completely irresponsible for the GP to continue prescribing you the combined pill and YABVU if you genuinely expect him to.

If you had had a DVT or thromboembolism before it appeared your dad had a clotting disorder, it would be awful but not something which could necessarily have been predicted/avoided. If the GP prescribed you the combined pill now with this knowledge s/he would be grossly negligent.

OverScentedFanjo · 15/11/2016 16:30

Why isn't there a better option these days. Hormones aren't good for everyone.

Other options aren't as reliable. It's pretty pants really.