Refused combined contraceptive due to weight

[Kittycatx]

Hi,

I've always really struggled with my weight but I just had a baby two months ago and have been discussing with my GP about contraceptives, I wanted the patch but they have said I can't have that as it won't be safe due to BMI, They've only offered me the progesterone only pill.

I just find it so unfair that I can't choose my own contraceptives. I don't want to use condoms as a married adult, or the POP I would like to control my period as I tend to just put the patch on back-to-back... And I am willing to accept the risks etc as they are so small..

I am really scared of becoming pregnant so soon after having my little boy because I never realised how difficult having a baby would be and I was advised at the c section I shouldn't have another for 2 years.

In an upset huff I refused the POP but have been crying ever since (seems silly to cry over, I don't know if it's the shame of being fat or what) but why are contraceptive choices so limited if you have a bit of extra weight?

Does anyone have any advice on contraception which you can delay your period? Or has anyone had similar experiences and finds it impossible to get anything but the POP due to weight unless buying online?

Thanks

I’m sorry you’re upset, but medications have prescribing guidelines for a reason. If you were given it, and the worst happened the doctor could be in trouble. I wouldn’t want to risk my career if I were them, would you?

I was moved on the progesterone only pill due to my weight and age and I wish I'd been put on it right from the start. Unlike the combined pill you take it continuously so I haven't had to deal with periods for years.

I think there is higher risks with a high bmi with the patch op and also some evidence about reduced effectiveness

It’s not really about you being free to choose what you want. Doctors have a responsibility to prescribe what they think is safe.

You could try another doctor.

There are reasons it's not prescribed for overweight women (speaking as one) - it's less effective and raises the risk of certain cancers.

They won’t refuse to prescribe for a few extra pounds OP. Only where your weight is such that it’s too risky for them to prescribe a certain medication.
Don’t buy online. Use condoms or another method then go back to the GP when you’ve lost a bit of the baby weight.

Can you not just lose weight and then go on the contraception that you want? You could get help with weight loss from your GP

But you don't have periods on the POP? Perhaps I have misunderstood your point. The POP is taken back to back with no breaks. Tbh I think once you've had a baby (particularly if breastfeeding) and are in your 30s your choices are much more limited than when you were younger anyway. I've gone onto the POP and has no ill effects after years of trying different combined pills.

I take POP and don't get any periods.

Oh I was under the impression that the POP only stops some peoples periods, and some it just makes them irregular or lighter.

I just want to delay them or stop them.. I've have been on various pills when I was younger and I hated the side effects I had, I just didn't find any side effects with the patch so really wanted to stick with that.

And yes I know the risks, I just wanted to rant tbh.

Look up the UKMEC guidelines. Combined contraception is contraindicated with good reason if your BMI is over 35. The GP would be negligent in prescribing.
The POP usually results in no periods for most women, but not all. Some irregular bleeding and spotting is common in the early months but usually settles.

Love POP ..stops my periods,will resume taking it once I give birth in July.

You are more likely to get pregnant if they prescribed the patch and you are above a certain weight (14 stone).

What about the depo injection, have you tried that in the past?

I've been on cerazette (POP) for 13 years except two pregnancies and a short period before and after. Never had a period while taking it.

I don't want to put anyone off but I have bled constantly for the best part of 10 years due to the pop. It doesn't work for everyone.