What contraception should I use?

[Cosmogirl]

I am in a bit of a quandry about contraception. I have a nearly 2 year old DD and finished BF her at Xmas so went back on the pill (Yasmin) in Jan. However, I have noticed since then that I have IBS symptoms. I used to get this a few years ago but have not had any the whole time I was pregnant/breastfeeding. Now I am wondering if the pill could be causing the IBS symptoms (mainly loose stools delicate tummy etc). I am so fed up of feeling like this I am thinking of stopping the pill tomorrow. However, we are not ready to have another child (I had hyperemesis during my pregnancy so was very unwell and would not want to risk another preg until I am mentally prepared and DD is a bit older).

So now I am not sure what to do re contraception. We are not fans of condoms, the coil (5 years is it?) seems too permanent and injection is similar hormones as pill is it not? So could also cause IBS symptoms. What else is there?
What do you use and why? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.

ps I was on bc pill for 8 years previous to having DD and experienced off and on IBS during this time with symptoms vanishing when I was off it. However I do suffer some anxiety which could be a trigger.

I have the Implanon implant - its not for everyone but on the whole I am happy with it and it saves a lot of hassle. Goes in the arm - lasts for three years. Although I get anxiety and blame it a little for that. Have found magnesium very beneficial for that though - google magnesium and anxiety and take a look.

Diaphragm? I got on with it very well for a few years before I was sterilised. Unlike condoms, you can put it in ages before you have sex and you leave it in for a few hours afterwards so it doesn't spoil the moment.

POP - how long ago did you have that? I wanted one as I get migraine and have PCOS so really not impressed with the idea of using hormonal contraception and was basicly told no by the family planning nurse and later by my GP as it was old fashioned and unreliable. I'd still love to give it a shot if they still hand them out.

Was about 15 years ago. I'd ask again or go elsewhere if you want to try it. There's a page here about them. It says 'If used correctly and in combination with spermicide, diaphragms and caps are estimated to be 92-96% effective in preventing pregnancy.' I'm not sure how that compares with other barrier methods. I'm not sure why 'old fashioned' should be a problem - perhaps they're out of practice fitting them these days?

Yep - the fitting was an issue, not many trained to do it anymore. But I'm not sure about the 92% effectiveness as I do NOT want anymore kids :). I'm finding falling asleep very quickly at bedtime to be a very effective method :)

If you're definite about not wanting any more, what about vasectomy or sterilisation?

I'm only 29 so whilst I am feeling pretty definite about it now and so is DH I just don't think we could commit to something as permanent as that yet.

I am not sure if it's connected, but my IBS seems a lot better since I changed from the combined pill to mini pill (Cerazette). Worth a try?

The coil can be removed at any time, though.
I have one without hormones, so fewer side effects and less likely to have an effect on ability to conceive once removed.

I love it- slightly painful to have it fitted but worth it to be pregnancy proof and hormone free

I have a non-hormonal coil (mine lasts for 10 years) but I could have it removed tomorrow and there shouldn't be any effect on my fertility.

I also find that the pill gave me IBS-like symptoms and these have almost disappeared now.

Ant3nna- a 10 year coil?
I really want one! My GP told me coils are only licensed for 5 years