Do you use (or have you ever used) hormonal contraception, like the Pill, IUD or implant? Fancy telling us what you think about it?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

The team at the Telegraph's Wonder Women pages are interested in hearing about women's experiences with hormonal contraception - and, specifically, the emotional and libido-related side-effects it can have for some women.

MNers have occasionally told us that they're frustrated with the current range of available contraception, and that some of you feel reluctant to take contraception that works hormonally. Of course, lots of you also seem perfectly happy with hormonal contraception, and appreciate its reliability.

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare states that 'women can be advised that combined hormonal contraception may be associated with mood changes, but there is no evidence that it causes depression'. The Wonder Women journalists are interested in whether any of you have experienced mood changes, or emotional effects, or effects on libido.

So: have you used, or do you currently use, the pill, a hormonal coil or implant? How did you find it? Did you notice any effects on your mood or libido, or did you find it unproblematic? And even if you did find it a bit problematic, did you think that it was worth it for the peace of mind?

Of course, maybe you find the hormonal contraception completely fantastic and have taken it without any trouble for years. Would be really interesting to hear all views and experiences.

Thanks
MNHQ

If more doctors listened to women who wanted to be sterilised it would save a lot of this.

I was on the pill for years, initially microgynon then Yasmin, took months for my periods to come back when we began trying for a baby. Now I'm on the coil and im so spotty, I have never been this spotty in my life so considering coming off it. I wish there was something without side effects.

I would never use hormonal contraception or a coil so I really have no business here, but have read the entire thread and three phrases jump out that many posters have used....

my GP talked me into x or y

they wouldn't remove it though I begged

never using hormonal contraception again

Somewhere there is a massive breakdown of trust happening between women and HCP.

I was on Microgynon and the Loestrin roughly from 17 to 25, and it destroyed my libido, and made sex very painful due to lack of natural lubrication. My weight increased slightly, and I lost a stone just by stoppong the pill.

I have no desire to ever go onto hormonal contraception, despite the strong encouragement of my GPs...

Combined pill - took for 1 month, started bleeding and didn't stop! 2+ weeks later I had the depot.

Depot - had for 8yrs, spotted for the first few months then didn't bleed again until 6months after my last depot. No mood swings or cramps, however also lost all libido and 4 years on its still not back.

Progesterone only - took it 1 month but kept forgetting it!

Mirina coil - I asked for the copper coil due to my dislike of the previous hormones but bullied into having this. My periods were lighter however my mood swings were horrible and the cramps were like being a teenager again. Had it removed 18months after being fitted.

I'm not using anything now, but since my libedo hasn't come back it's not like I'm at too much risk!

I too was on the combined pill from age 16-28, then had hyperemesis during both pregnancies (age 29 and 32). Wonder if there is a link.

To add to my previous post, I too am sensitive to hormone contraception and was hospitalised for hyperemesis.

I had hyperemesis as well - perhaps it is all to do with reacting badly to pregnancy hormones.
I would be very interested to know if there is research into either a causal link between the two (unlikely in my case, since I was on the Pill for such a short time and such a long time before getting pregnant) or some sensitivity that predisposes women to both HG and problems with the Pill.

I've never heard this before - but a quick google just now shows that poor tolerance for hormonal contraceptives is linked to HG! There seemed to be some dispute about why, exactly. But I should think that's a jolly useful thing to know!

I took COCP from 21 until I was 49 (with time off for babies and BF and POP), when I was taken off it (a bit late in the day) because I used to have migraines as a teenager

It has been marvellous as a contraceptive - I have not had any worries or scares. I found it very, very easy to conceive, have twins and so became paranoid, and have family with a history of 'accidents'. It has therefore done that job very well.

It has saved me from peri-menopausal symptoms, except for night sweats and a tendency to oestrogen withdrawal headache during the week off.

But libido was sacrificed. I managed pretty well; it was always better during the week off, but after I came off the pill, this continued and just got better . As others have said, it was a revelation. I feel that I have been shortchanged for most of my life. If I had known this, then DH would have been sent for vasectomy years ago.

POP are not as bad for this with me, but they have their own problems (less reliable, cause constipation, and cerezette which is supposed to be more reliable causes too much spotting, sore boobs and embarrassing swollen privates )

Hi, since having my daughter 9 years ago I have tried all of the contraception available so far found nothing available that suits. I have tricky heavy painful periods which were really erratic, so was given Depo provera injections to control them. Was on that for about 3 years, but put on a lot of weight and got a bit concerned about being on it long term, so tried Implanon next. Big mistake. Odd bleeding which got heavier and heavier until I was bleeding ridiculously after 4 months. Had to go for 3 appointments before GP agreed to take it out, at one point being given the pill at the same time. Then went on pill which was I thought the best ever, felt normal, lost weight etc. All was fab until I got first ever migraine with complications that were stroke like so that had to stop, so went on to mini pill, stopped that shortly after second ever migraine. Copper coil was the next thing to try, which was fantastic, however, as the months went on the periods gradually got longer and longer until I was heavily bleeding for two weeks - GP took that out, back on to mini pill, heavy bleeding, back to Depo provera, which made me really miserable, and finally I have been on the mirena for two years, am having taken out tomorrow morning as I cannot stand the headaches, mood swings, spots and sore boobs.

My GP once said to me "you need a hysterectomy but you won't get one on the NHS". All of the problems I've had have been down to the hormones.

Scientists have brought us ears grown on the backs of mice but no contraceptive choice - all of the contraceptive choices are based on the same group of artificial hormones. Bar sterilisation, which I've been refused before, I have no long term contraceptive choice unless I pay for a private operation or use condoms.

I posted a couple of weeks ago, mentioning (amongst other things) problems I've been having since I got my copper coil. Well I got it out shortly after and guess what - I feel loads better. My joint pain has finally gone & I've not developed any more horrendous spots in the last few days. No more vomiting either.

In the short term, I'm not sure what to do about contraception. GP wasn't interested when I asked about the cap/diaphragm. I've run out of options. Hormonal methods are not really ideal as even the Implanon, which worked best for me, left me feeling a bit flat. (I also had a really rough pregnancy - interesting that it seems to be linked.) All the other hormonal methods completely killed my libido, quite effective but I doubt this is how they are supposed to work.

I am on the mini pill, Norgeston. I have found it increases my sex drive haha, no idea why. I was on the Mirena Coil but that made me hairy on my neck and sweat a lot. The mini pill makes me smell a lot sweeter.