The contraceptive pill - for and against

[schnapps]

I've recently stopped having the depo jabs after 8 years because of bad bleeding and am thinking of going back on the pill (I was on it as a teenager). Ideally I would be sterilised because I know I definitely don't want to have any more children but I really can't put myself through the surgery. I've already posted about sterilisation and I know it is a really simple procedure but I really can't go through with it, having the coil fitted is also a no-go. I know I'm a complete wimp and most people don't seem to understand but even having a smear is extremely traumatic!

Anyway, I don't seem to have many other options, I don't really see using condoms as a long term thing (because I'd like it to be more spontaneous sometimes!) and so that brings me to the pill. Apart from having to remember to take it everday, can anyone tell me any other disadvantages please? And does anyone take it more regularly than 3 weeks at a time in order to prevent periods?

TIA [snile]

I reccommend the contraceptive implant. Fantastic, I don't even get periods and it lasts for 3 years!

Plus, I got pregnant on the pill!

Hi, I am on the pill and have been on the same one for 12 years. I stopped it to concieve and got pg within 4 months and went back on the same pill after having DS. I have never had any experience with side affects or weight gain. Think it depends on how your body reacts to the hormones. When I was pg my body reacted a hell of a lot to the hormones and I gained 4 stone!!

Well, after having a condom related accident and having to take the morning after pill yesterday I've decided to get myself to the docs to try the pill again.

I can see what you mean about not being sterilised in my situation. Thanks again for the replies

FWIW my doctor says the reason you put on weight with the pill is because it boosts your appetite. Then of course all those choccies look soooo tempting (must be the hormones! no-one actually craves apples do they?). Anyway, now I've made the effort to stick to a healthy diet I've lost all the weight, so much as I hate to admit it, she was right!

I use mimi pill its great for me not pregnant but feel exactly the same apart from really light periods which is fab if u ask me

FOR no more babies

AGAINST no more libido!!

I've now got a ring. It's got hormones like the pill, but lower dose so fewer side effects. Also it lasts for 3 weeks, so only have to remember to remove it after 3 weeks & put new one in 1 week later. you can keep it in for 4 weeks to stop period if you want but I've never tried.

Maybe worth a try? It's quite new I think.

For - hmmmm, I'm sure there must be a 'for' - you can get it free on the NHS??

Against - got pregnant.