To think I’m out of contraceptive options

[MandyRice]

I was on microgynon my whole life and loved it but at 44 I’m too old now.

Tried a coil twice and expelled it both times (doctor thinks it might be the shape of my cervix).

Now on Cerazette (mini pill) but it’s giving me mood swings.

Is there something I’m missing? I’m starting to think I need to get off hormonal contraception as the only one which suited me is no longer safe. What else is there? Diaphragm? I can’t get my head round how this works unless you know in advance exactly when you’re going to have sex or else kill the mood by disappearing off to the bathroom for 10 minutes, and the whole idea of it makes me feel a bit grim.

Am I missing something? DH isn’t up for a vasectomy and that’s fine. Half tempted just to assume I’m too old to have a baby and bin the lot.

We get condoms free on the NHS. They get delivered in discreet packaging as and when needed.

They are free on the NHS. You can get them from doctors, sexual health clinics, and some pharmacies I think.

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/other-services/Free%20condoms/LocationSearch/732

@Lockheart - I didn’t realise there was a service, I wonder if they give out latex free ones

Would you consider having your tubes tied?

If you’re not wanting anymore children, why won’t your husband consider a vasectomy? Or is he planning to have children with someone else?

You’ve out your body through enough with a few decades or more on the pill. Time for him to bear some of the physical load.

Implant? I think what suits one may not another. I had irregular bleeds on it though.

Actually really glad to hear this!

Thank you to those who’ve given info about the diaphragm. Sounds like that’s an option I could explore a bit more. Can you (or your partner) feel it?

I can't.
He says he can't.

Only takes me a minute to insert if I didn't do so on going to bed (don't live with DP, so it's not an every night routine for me).

Been using mine for about 4 years, was already using a mooncup for periods. Am 50.

😂

If he's not willing to get the snip I'd say it's condoms for him then. You've taken more than your fair share of the burden!!

No, it just slots in. You forget that it’s in. I think the new ones that they give out on the nhs (caya), that are made of really nice soft stretchy silicone, are a lot more modern than the traditional diaphragms which had to be measured up and had a hard rim.

The other issue about condoms which has not come up here is sexual health. We are not all in long term monogomus relationships, many opt not to be, but we still have needs.

As a slight aside, it pregnancy had been something that happened to men, I'm sure we would be a lot further down the perfect contraception road.

The other reality that is occasionally spoken on here is how certain folk are perfectly happy for their DH to cum inside them when TTC, with all the commensurate mess involved…

but then the minute the kids come along, it’s condoms and “yay no mess” even if DH is willing to have a vasectomy

No, as you can take it when you are over 50. I only went on it when I was about 48. This was the most suitable one for my age.