How long have you been on the combined pill? GP won't prescribe it for me anymore!

[ChippyDucks]

Went to the GP today for a prescription for the pill, only to be told that they'll give me 3 months worth, but I've to use that time to think about my options!? Fair enough, I've been on it for 20 years on and off, had 2 children in that time, but really? I can remember going to the doc when I had been taking it for 12 or 13 years and waved away, being told that there's no risks and people have been on it much longer than I have. So I guess guidelines have changed I'm quite happy being on the pill and a bit grumpy that I'm being forced to change the contraception that obviously works for me. Is this really the opinion now, or have I got a flakey GP? hoping it's the latter

Bump?

What age are you and do you have any risk factors that would preclude you from using the combined pill e.g. Overweight, high blood pressure, smoker, etc? If no risk factors then you can take it until late forties I think. I will look it up

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/contraception-older-woman/ says it can be used until age 50 if no risk factors

Not overweight, not a smoker, don't have high blood pressure?

Thanks, I'll make an appt with a different gp then. She said that the current guidelines state that you should look to come off it after 8 years, 10 max

Your gp is being awkward then!

I would be really unhappy about that sort of language from a GP to be honest - it's like a parent to a naughty child.

I am beyond sick of GPs who aggressively push long-term contraception on women who have clearly said they don't want it.

I keep getting this advice at pill checks too! Like you, I'm not overweight, blood pressure fine and have been on it (with breaks for children) for years. I'm 40. I tried the mini pill last year and hated it; came out in spots, so they've put me back on the combined pill, at my request.

I'd say it depends which doctor or nurse you see, but I keep being given advice to consider other options. This has happened several times now although they continue to give me the pill

I'm starting to think my doctor is being sponsored by Mirena coil as she always promotes it!

If I were you, I'd ask to stay on the pill unless they consider you at high risk, and if so they need to clarify those risks?

She's talking rot.

If no risk factors (smoking being the most significant) then you can stay on it until you're 50 regardless of when you started on it.

See someone else when you go back in 3 months.

20 years here

Came off to get pregnant and went back on about 4 months after giving birth

Due for a prescription next month so hope I don't have problems!!

I'm on a low oestrogen combined pill, but the only factor I can think was an issue is that I've turned 35. Definitely going to see someone else when I go back in 3 months!

See someone else. I'd print out the linked material, too. Doesn't matter if you're 35, that is way outdated information.

Do your own research. He's the latest info from the most reutable source.
www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ukmec-2016/1ukmec-2016-entire-book-single-page-a4.pdf

Then take the printout with your circumstances high lighted and ask what they think ...

I was made to come off my combined pill last year at age 40.
They said due to my age and breast cancer risks etc.

I'm now on the cooper coil which is fine but TBH I much preferred the pill and only changed as GP terrified me!

You may have to find another HCP or more than one, but you shouldn't have been made to come off the pill at 40 unless you had a condition that prevents you from using it. So many women get pushed onto LARC that is not suitable for them or that they don't want because something else is already working for them.