Has anyone else given up with hormonal contraceptives

[Caribou1]

I was using the Depo Provera injection for around a year but it's not advised long term, and since around the age of 19 I've been on various contraceptive pills, so 11 years now.
I just want to stop hormonal contraceptives, I don't know if it's doing me any good and I think with the pill I don't know if the side effects are affecting me, or if that's just me if that makes sense.
I don't like the thought of the implant or coil at all.
I've looked into non hormonal contraceptives such as the diaphragm, I'm aware it makes things less spontaneous but just want to stop using hormones. Has anybody else used any non hormonal contraceptives?

Yes. I had to stop the pill about 17 years ago and it was great.

We use condoms now and I prefer how my body is without the hormones but I don’t do well on them.

I had a copper coil for about four years before having children. I wouldn't do it again- periods more painful and heavier.

I have been using condoms now for several years. It's fine. We've been together a bit long for spontaneity.

I heard that the copper coil can cause heavier periods.
Yes, I suppose spontaneity isn't the be all and end all!
Thanks for sharing your experiences

Went on combined pill at 16 in an attempt to control periods. Came off it at 27 and within a week felt like a completely different person, I was happier, lighter. I hadn’t even realised how the pill had affected my mood until I stopped taking it.

After DS was born I tried the mini pill, progesterone only. I lasted a month on it, terrible mood, irritable, bloated, sweaty. It was not for me. Doctors have tried to convince me to have a mirena over the years but I held firm. Progesterone is NOT for me.

DH and I have used condoms for 19 years. No unplanned pregnancies. No problems.

That's great you found something that works better for you.
That's how I am, bloated a lot, irritable, mood swings, weight gain etc.
I guess I'll find out now I've stopped the pill.

I stopped all hormone contraception in my 20’s after less than a year on the pill. I’m 50 now. My life has certainly not missed the hormones.

I took the pill for 1 month as a teenager. I felt like I had PMT the whole time. I also gained half a stone in that month and my metabolism changed permanently from 'can eat whatever you want and gain no weight' to having to be careful. It was enough that I have never wanted to use hormonal contraceptives ever again. Sometimes, I don't feel the Pill is the most amazing invention it is made out to be.

Got copper coil after having 2dc. Made periods a bit heavier for first few months but has been fine since. Would highly recommend!

Ive actually gone back on the pill about 3 months ago now but not for contraception because of acne on my chin and I was also getting hairs there that were blocking my pores and causing the spots.I’m on dianette and I have to say it’s working well for me but took about 7 weeks to kick in.

Sorry to go off thread a bit, hope you don’t mind.

I stopped using hormonal contraceptives 3 years ago. I was just sick of what they did to my body.

I use condoms now. It's not perfect, I'm hoping to get my tubes tied when I turn 40.

Stopped 12 years ago after bouts of severe anxiety, migraines and mood swings for years

id never touch any of it again

Just use condoms - find it fine tbh

I stopped all contraceptive hormones after my DC and used condoms. I was expecting to feel liberated but I felt awful and went back on the depo, no periods and no severe mood swings.

Yep, gave them up altogether 10 years ago.

We stopped and used Condoms, no problem imo and it is better for my body.

I’ve used a diaphragm which I liked a lot, but it’s tricky to get the spermicide to go with it which you do need and now I’ve got a prolapse it doesn’t fit right.

Currently use fertility awareness method plus condoms unless I’m sure I’ve ovulated and am outside my fertile window. FAM is best learnt from an instructor but the sensiplan handbook is good - don’t use/trust an app, most are glorified versions of the rhythm method as far as I can tell. Give me a paper chart and an abundance of caution any day😂

Thanks everyone, this has confirmed my decision

I've only ever used condoms and I'm mid 30s. I refuse to mess about with my hormones as I think it's what determines 'me' - so I know who I am and what makes me tick and can figure out quicker if I have health issues. I enjoy sex a lot and all the guys I've been with (a lot tbf) say they enjoy sex enough with a condom and have no issues with it. I've always had regular periods that aren't heavy or painful so it's made my choice easier.

I remember reading research that hormones determine who is a good match for you biologically and women choose differently when on hormonal contraception than without - absolutely not a risk I want to take tbh.

Not touched hormonal contraceptives for 16 years, and I never will again.
I track my cycle, and use condoms on fertile days.
Never had a accident, never had an unwanted pregnancy. I feel normal. Hormonal contraceptives made me put on weight, which has never come back since I’ve been off of them.

I stopped in my early 30s and used a combination of condoms and the Billings ovulation method. It wasn't perfect but I found I felt a lot better overall.

I started to have more side effects in my mid-30’s after being on the Pill for years. I tried the copper coil twice and both times, my body ejected it! My doctor said that some people just aren’t suited to it, so DH and I discussed the options and he decided to have a vasectomy. I was equally willing to have my tubes tied, but we opted for the less invasive procedure. DH absolutely knew that he didn’t want any more children (even if we broke up and he was with a new partner), as did I, so a permanent solution made sense for us.

I read about a new contraceptive the other day-the vaginal ring? That might be worth a try. Or a cap, old school but effective.
I’ve never used hormonal birth control, it never agreed with me, & my period are already heavy so copper coil is out.
For years I tracked my cycle and used condoms (or just avoided piv) during my fertile period. It worked for seven years, until the bloody covid vaccine skewed my cycle resulting in pregnancy.
DH will be getting a vasectomy.

Long ago! I concluded that they were not for me.

l can’t remember when l last had sex without a condom, but l feel so much better for it.

l’m not proud, l just pick them up at the supermarket as part of the weekly shop.

I did 4/5 months on the pill many years ago and it made me feel so crappy I have never touched hormonal contraception again.

Yep, years ago. DH has had snip now but used condoms for years. Only time we ever had issues was when we got them from a pub vending machine. We often used to get them from family planning for free.

I did use the diaphragm for a while between 1st and 2nd as it wouldn't have been terrible if I got pregnant. I had to basically demand it because the nurses at family planning tried to talk me out of it. I wasn't a fan to be honest it's all a bit messy but it workedas intended.

I was very happily on the combined pill for over 5 years (took a few tries to find the right one) and then for another 5 on the mini pill (had to switch due to migraines). But after I had my DS I went back on the mini pill and have never managed to settle on it, just constant bleeding which is such a drag. I left it for a few years and just used condoms, then tried again and same issue.

So now we just use condoms, tbh I prefer it, much less messy! I miss being able to skip a period but I’ve taken Norethisterone a few times to delay it if we’re going away etc.