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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider 2 forms of contraception at once?

53 replies

Chattycat78 · 23/04/2017 07:57

Just that really. 2 small children. Am done. Couldn't cope with another- no way. Termination is something I'm not comfortable with, so getting pregnant now would be a disaster as I couldn't get rid of it, but I couldn't go through it all again if that makes sense! We're just at the point now where ds2 is sleeping through (10 months), plus I had hyperemesis in the last pregnancy and I really don't want to do it again!

Am taking the combined pill- and very religious about taking it too. BUT it's only about 95 Percent effective I believeHmm.

Anyone else managed to juggle a combination of contraception?

Please please don't suggest the following:

  • condoms- been married for years. Don't want to Go back to those days.
-the coil- tried it- had one fitted 2 weeks ago and it perforated my uterus and I had to have keyhole surgery to get it removedHmm - --never again.

Any other combinations I could use together- e.g. Can you get the injection or something and still use the pill?

OR AIBU (and paranoid) even considering this?! I used the pill for years before kids and it never crossed my mind it might let me down so I'm not sure why I'm thinking about it now! I'm probably not that fertile either (38) although I wouldn't rely on that fact of course.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
Lweji · 23/04/2017 09:20

Of course you wouldn't. :)
It only works if you're using another form of non-hormonal contraception or your partner is (snip or condoms).

SecretNetter · 23/04/2017 09:43

I'm currently pg with our surprise dc3 who's on the way despite using both condoms and me being on the pill (religiously, no breaks or anti biotics etc).

After this one, I'm going on the pill, Dh will be using condoms and we'll be using withdrawal...until he gets the snip as I think they make you wait a few months after a new baby is born.

Wando1986 · 23/04/2017 09:44

Vasectomy.

RocketPockets · 23/04/2017 09:47

I had the implant and was on the pill for 2 years until I had the implant taken out as I was bleeding every other week. The implant works great for some people and if I remember correctly is the most reliable form of contraception. I took it alongside the mini pill for a bit and then switched to the combined pill. The Drs didn't seem to think this was an issue and kept suggesting different pills to try rather than take the implant out which I kept asking for. If you're having regular check ups I don't see why it would be an issue.

motherofdaemons · 23/04/2017 10:21

Female sterilisation has got a 1 in 200 failure rate! It's actually pretty unreliable. If you're certain you're done then maybe both get sterilised. It's fair and surely foolproof.

BonnieBlueButler · 23/04/2017 10:41

I feel exactly the same. I'm on the mini pill and we use condoms. We've also started using withdrawal too as I'm so terrified of another pregnancy which sounds like it might not be so paranoid based on the two posters up thread who got pregnant using the pill and condoms! Not sure it's worth all the hassle!

ShowOfHands · 23/04/2017 14:03

Barbarian, I'm afraid he was misinformed or he misunderstood. It's on the NHS website if you want to check:

"Long-term testicular pain affects around one in 10 men after vasectomy. The pain is usually the result of a pinched nerve or scarring that occurred during the operation. You may be advised to undergo further surgery to repair the damage and to help minimise further pain."

DH had the above repeated to him several times preop. He is one of the 10% too.

PeaFaceMcgee · 23/04/2017 14:10

Essure female hysteroscopic sterilisation is quoted as 99.8% effective (2 in 1000 failures).

If you've already had two children and can explain to a consultant that you've only ever wanted two and are definitely done, then they'll most likely agree, even if you're under 30. If not, keep asking for another opinion.

anotherpoisonprince · 23/04/2017 14:18

Sounds like a diaphragm or cap would suit you.
I had one for ages.

PacificDogwod · 23/04/2017 14:25

Vasectomy.

Caps/diaphragms are still in use but it can be a struggle to find a person trained in fitting them as they are less popular.

Read up about Billings/Natural Family Planning - this is NOT the rhythm 'method' (which IMO is akin to TTC Hmm). Billings does have evidence behind it, works to avoid pregnancy or to TTC. I am not sure if it would still work while you are also taking a COC.

Female sterilisation - bigger procedure, can absolutely be considered if you are sure you will never, ever want another pregnancy. Speak to your GP and get referred.

Go and arrange a counselling appointment with a Family Planning Clinic - they are very good at looking at ALL the options.

Otoh, your fertility is likely less now than it used to be so your huge fear is maybe a bit disproportionate? I dunno, but worthwhile considering whether you are worrying about a problem that is hugely unlikely to happen IYKWIM.

BakerBear · 23/04/2017 15:08

Im 29 and being sterilised. Ds will be born via c section on wednesday and they are doing it at the same time. He is my 2nd child.

According to my consultant is pro choice now not based on age etc but they make it very clear it is to be considered a permenant thing and the nhs will not reverse it.

I have crippling PGP and had it just as bad first time round and my body cannot go throught this again.

The consultant did tell me that they prefer the man to be done as its much easier. However its not much different in my case as i will be already open anyway so they can see exactly what they are doing.

BarbarianMum · 23/04/2017 18:59

ShowoShowofhands the latest, now most quoted study shows a rate of 15% of men reporting pain 8 months after sterilisation but only 0.4% saying it was severe and affected their quality of life.

Grilledaubergines · 23/04/2017 19:02

If you're absolutely positive and it sounds as though you are, I'd go for sterilisation. Yes, your DH could obviously have a vasectomy but I really think we're responsible for our own bodies and what happens to them so in that basis, I would take control of the situation.

Testarossa1 · 23/04/2017 19:14

I've had the implant for just over a year. No side effects at all. Had 3 very very light periods since. Love it, no fuss, no remembering to take it etc.

ShowOfHands · 23/04/2017 20:18

Barbarian..
Doesn't mean 10% don't cause long term pain. DH wouldn't describe it as "severe" but it is painful and chronic. Regardless, my original response was in light of it being referred to as the "best option". In terms of risk of long term effects, it's up at the top of the list and the op's DH and any other man should be aware of this.

ItsOut · 23/04/2017 20:25

I got sterilized and I think it's absolutely fantastic - it's so liberating. It's brilliant not ever having to worry about getting pregnant.

It takes minutes and although I had a light general I felt I've shortly afterwards. I didn't even need extra pain killers other than the ones they used (presumably?) during or just after the OP. It felt like bad period pain but that was it.

wickerlampshade · 23/04/2017 20:28

I got sterilized and I think it's absolutely fantastic

except that for every 200 sterilised women, one will get pregnant every year.

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 23/04/2017 20:29

Pacific- YES! I do wonder if I'm being a total idiot. In fact it's laughable. I had ivf for ds1 because I have low ovarian reverse so was given the impression it would be "more difficult" to get pregnant. Having said that, I conceived ds2 the first month (naturally) after giving up breastfeeding. Hmm which I think has given me a false picture of how easily it could happen again.

It's out- what's involved in being sterilised?

OP posts:
Original poster
Chattycat78 · 23/04/2017 20:31

Wicker- if that statistic is right, it's barely worth it and the pill is almost as effective.

OP posts:
Lucienandjean · 23/04/2017 20:34

I came on to suggest the diaphragm, but I see lots of other people have to. I'm not sure why it's not more popular.

Way better than condoms, not uncomfortable if it's in right. If you ask at the doctors they should find someone who can fit you with one.

miniloco · 23/04/2017 20:36

I'll echo what some posters have already written. Recently had the implant fitted and the Dr told me it is the most effective method of (?hormonal) contraception, but certainly better than sterilisation. Apparently some Drs aren't keen to use sterilisation for both control only because of its success rates.
I'm in the same boat as you, have 2 and do not want anymore! And I'm happy with the implant alone given the v v low failure rate. But if you're not perhaps the mini pill would put your mind at ease?

miniloco · 23/04/2017 20:50

*birth

miniloco · 23/04/2017 20:50

*birth

Pangur2 · 23/04/2017 20:55

Another vote for the arm implant. I've had it for 6-7 years and it is amazing.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 23/04/2017 21:00

I have an implant in my arm, it lasts 3 years, i have had only one "proper" period on it, and it was far, far lighter than my usual periods, and i've had my second one for 10 months, no periods on it yet.
Insertion is only sore for a few days after and you get local anasthetic for it so no pain putting it in, taking out is a tiny little cut, again nubed first, and can be replaced with a new one right away.