AIBU to think there is no such thing as the perfect form of contraception?

[ifigoup]

I’m thinking less in terms of reliability (I know we’re really lucky to have access to a range of very reliable forms) and more in terms of ease of use plus non-invasiveness as far as risks and side-effects are concerned.

I heard recently that one of the main reasons a male contraceptive pill hasn’t been invented, apart from the fact that women wouldn’t trust men to take it, is that men consider the possible side effects of being on hormones long-term unacceptable. Of course, women have been putting up with the side-effects and risks for years, but anyway.

I was at a sexual health talk for work this week, and it’s struck me that I think I’m quite out of touch with what contraceptive options are actually available now, and I’m wondering whether people think that things like the copper coil are a good solution and better than the pill or implant, or whether it’s really just the case that there is no such thing as good contraception.

I’ve never suffered with bad periods, so I’m not looking to stop my periods (which I know appeals to some people). I basically think, why haven’t we invented something yet that’s better than any of the existing options? Something about the simplicity and lack of long-term effects of things like condoms and diaphragms appeals to me, but of course they’re both clunkier and less reliable than some of the other things out there.

What do you all use (if that’s not too nosy a question)? Or what do you think is the best thing going?

Depends on your relationship. Using only condoms works for us as the pill didn't agree with me, but we have been married 10+ years and would be open minded about MAP/abortion/having another baby if there was an accident. Obviously if you are in a casual relationship, things are different. For us, condoms are the best.

I was on the pill for 10 years until me and my dh had our son then I couldn't remember to take it so I got the implant 3 months ago. The side effects were not the best to start with, mood swings, non stop bleeding (that has only just slowed down now) but the fact that I dont have to think about it now is worth it.

I've gone copper coil for the last 2 years.
Easy to put in (I had the anaesthetic injection with it)
Couple of heavy periods but now settled down
No hormones

I suffer from occasional depression and I wanted to be sure what were my feelings and what were depression if that makes sense?

I'm very comfortable with my choice

Me & dh used condoms for 8 years before ttc, never had one split or anything so they were good for us!

Now 3 dc later, we still use condoms but I am thinking of getting a coil but still unsure

I've tried 5 different pills and the implant over the last 10 years. My symptoms ranged from terrible depression to erratic bleeding to painful muscle spasms. The last pill I tried only worked for about 3 months and then I fell pregnant on it! Since then I'm flat out refusing to ever use hormonal contraceptives ever again. We used condoms until we were ready for dc2 and once they're born dp is getting the snip.

I was happily on the pill for 10+ years until my weight and blood pressure both went slightly up and they wouldn’t let me have that one anymore. I now have a Mirena coil, I’ve had in about 18 months and very happy. It did hurt putting it in but I’ve had minimal side effects, have hardly any periods and I’m very happy with it.