What contraception?

[leftwingharpie]

DH and I were planning to TTC from May but I have just lost my job, so it's going to be put back. I've been off the pill for 19 months using Persona, but now I'm wondering about getting something like an IUD. I don't want something that messes up my cycle for months. Any suggestions welcome.

I had mirena coil (IUD) after DS.
Would definately recommend it, if you're planning to use it for more than 6 months at least. The reason I say that is that it takes a while for your body to settle down with it, and I had bleeding on/off every other day for 2 months. It can be heavy for up to about 3 months though. After that it was brilliant, only slight spotting every few months, but it does take some patience and you have to be prepared to bare with it. (though of course not everyone has the same outcome)
Once you get it removed, everything goes back to normal straight away, many concieve first month after removal. I've just had one full cycle back and now ttc.
Insertion is a little uncomfortable but not painful if you've had kids (everything is looser!) and expect cramps for a few days, but removal is completely painless, you won't even notice!

Hope this helps, and remember it's just my experiences, eveyone's different.

That sounds like it might be suitable and it's along the lines I was thinking. I want something that's out of sight out of mind, because I grew to hate being on the pill. I've never given birth, do you think that will make it unsuitable? Thanks for the suggestion.

If you've never had a full term pg there's a fairly high chance of getting an infection from a coil. I didn't know this, had one put in and got an infection - and was then told it was quite common. So not saying don't get one but if it causes any odd spotting or whatever then get it dealt with urgently - untreated infections can cause real problems when you later come to TTC.

Thanks highlove, that's useful to know. I suppose the upside of not having a job will be that I'll have no problem getting to the doctors!

Never having given birth might mean your cervix isn't open enough to have a coil - I've tried it in the past (before DD) & despite all the rooting around up there & the pain, they couldn't get it in!!

Not sure what other contraceptives you could use instead, other than condoms, if you don't want to use hormones/the pill though..

I had a copper IUD for a while, it's non hormonal and your normal menstrual cycle will continue while you are using it so you will be fertile again immediately after it's removed. The insertion did hurt though! I was never told anything about infection if you haven't had children already though. I'm not sure if this is still up to date advice?

If I were in your situation I would continue with Persona and just use condoms on the red days.

Persona just seems to be a waste of money I get so many red days it's hardly worth it and half the time it misses ovulation completely by fixing the testing window far too early in my cycle. I may as well just burn ten pound notes.

I will ask my doctor what she thinks about a copper IUD, thanks for the advice.

I also had a copper IUD and would really recommend it - when I first had it fitted at 21, I was told that there was a risk of infection, but that I shouldn't worry, just to be alert to any unusual pains or discharge for the first six weeks - after that time it should have 'settled' and the risk of infections drops significantly. It's perfect for out of sight, out of mind contraception and as mentioned, it doesn't affect your fertility, so it's definitely one to be considered!
XxX

What about the injection or implant?
(I've never had either but many of my friend have)

The injection is not suitable if you want to conceive soon. It's the one method that takes longer to get out of your system. With all the rest you are supposed to be fertile again right away.

I knew MN would have the answer!