To ask for your contraceptive experiences?

[thecatinthetwat]

I need some reliable contraception. Ideally something that reduces period symptoms.

I get migraines so I can’t take the pill apparently (according to my dr).

Any experiences, advice gratefully received!

I found the implant made my periods nice and light (but I don't know if that's an option if you cant take the pill). Have also had the copper coil-which made periods a lot heavier, gave me thrush every month and then in the end I got an infection. Wouldn't recommend.

Is the mini-pill an option? I can't take the combined pill due to hypertension, but I take Cerelle which is progesterone only and I've had I think 2 or 3 periods in the last 12 months.

Another advocate for the implant. Stopped my periods for a whole year once! Lasts for three years and I'm now on my third one. Periods are either non-existent or very infrequent. Never had any issues, but I always had very regular, relatively light periods anyway.

Implant! The 2nd one had awful side effects, 1st one was fine. I had the 2nd one removed and had failed contraception so went straight back to the 3rd one. No issues so far (aside from supreme pizza cravings today!)

I had awful experiences with both the implant and the copper coil. The pill is the only thing I've used that was ok. Sorry that I couldn't be of more help! I would say it's certainly worth trying an implant or coil though - for some they work brilliantly and if it doesn't suit you they can be removed

Do you have any plans for / to extend a family in the future? If not look at sterilisation with a womb ablation.

It's changed my life!

I was given the mini pill because of migraines; no periods which is great.

Thanks so much for all your responses - that’s so helpful.

Mini pill would be worth looking into.. I will check that out.

I thought about the coil. I’ll avoid the copper one then, that’s a shame. Mixed views on the hormone one, so will mull it over.

Sterilisation is a possibility I suppose, I would be a bit scared of that. Though I’m glad it changed your life grufalomom. I can image that I might be marvellous.

It’s only migraines with visual changes that mean you can’t have the pill, a migraine without the aura is ok.

Mirena coil is a good option as often noooo periods after a while

Mini pill killed my libido so just bear that in mind if you try it- not the same for everyone.

Diaphragm is fantastic if getting pregnant wouldn't be a disaster. The Caya ones from Amazon are massively better than the old disc shaped ones and don't need specialist fitting.

Female condoms are still around and also better than the first lot. a bit expensive if you have sex once several times a week. Ideal if you do infrequent occasions with multiple shags at a time.

The best thing I ever did was come off all forms of hormonal contraception. I've used the cap, contraceptive sponge (which was surprisingly good). We now use the Natural Cycles app and condoms when I'm fertile. I also take ovulation tests as well as my temp and so far all good. The injection made me suicidal and I also get migraines, hate the idea of any kind of coil because my periods are so heavy and I don't want a foreign object in my womb.

Mini pill killed my libido so just bear that in mind if you try it

That could be a plus

Another vote for the mini pill :)

I've tried
The pill- it was ok but kept forgetting to take it
The implant-bled for a year and gave up
Copper coil- loved it except for three days a month where I thought I was going to bleed to death and could barely move off the sofa.
Mirena coil- for me amazing. No periods no side effects just fab.

The coil was awful for me and it ultimately failed. The mini pill was fine and suitable for me even with migraine.

Massive fan of the Mirena here - previously really heavy periods are now virtually non existent!

Mirena coil here! It's my second and as long as nothing changes I'll be having one out one in every 5 years. I have no periods or period symptoms. I love it!

We used condoms as I had a weird reaction and vomited profusely taking the pill (which was a fun precursor to HG in both pregnancies).

If you are in a long term relationship and trust your partner to use it correctly, it is nice not having to think about it. Also now DH has had the snip so no worries at all!

Another one on Cerelle here and it's has cleared most of my horrible symptoms and all but stopped my periods! I can't take the combined pill due to my mental health but the minipill has been fab

It's the ablation more than the sterilisation that was the life changer but the two together is the dream. No more periods, no need for contraception and no menopause until it happens naturally.

Not for those who might still want children though. I'm late 30's and definately done!

I’ve got a Mirena coil and I LOVE it. Minimal discomfort (for me) when getting put in, a few months of minor spotting. But now I don’t even know my uterus exists any more.
It’s coming out next month as we are going to TTC and your fertility comes back straight away.

For me the implant gave me a period every ten days - two weeks. It was the same as before, just twice as frequent.

I started the mini pill about 6 weeks ago and so far it seems ok, but I have had a lot of spotting. Still, it's settling in so I'm prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt for now.

Mirena here - gone from hideous heavy periods to either very light bleed/nothing at all for months. No bloating, no headaches...wonderful. I figure the hormonal effects must be minimal as they're not getting into the bloodstream but perhaps I'm mistaken?
I actually had to have a small op to get mine replaced - they couldn't get hold of the threads so they had to take the first one out and replace it under a general - but even with that carry on I would still recommend it and will be getting a third one.

Another vote for the mini-pill (Cerazette), although I suffered from terrible side effects for the first six months (permanent nausea similar to morning sickness). No other side effects from 6 months on. My periods stopped completely, which was an added bonus.

I've got a mirena for heavy bleeding and contraception, it was extremely painful to have fitted but only briefly and I had a couple of weeks of cramps and bleeding afterwards but it's settled down over a couple of months and now periods are barely noticeable compared to very heavy bleeding before. These things are different for everyone so it's hard to advise.