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Original poster

Contraception - what works for you?

24 replies

doggiesayswoof · 15/08/2006 13:22

I need to sort this - we are supposed to be using condoms but actually we aren't
I was much more sensible at 18! We are using the withdrawal method - which I know isn't even a method.

Tried various brands of pill and had probs with side effects - heavy periods & mood swings etc. Not bfing dd any more so the world is my oyster.

What would you recommend? I've never used diaphragm/IUD etc.

OP posts:
Original poster
doggiesayswoof · 15/08/2006 14:48

anyone?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 15/08/2006 14:52

I use a diaphragm.

It was pretty much our only option besides condoms, which we both hate.

I cannot tolerate ANY progesten-based contraceptives. Can't use combined pill or similar b/c of age + family history of hypertension/heart attack.

Copper coil - I don't like how it works AND who wants longer, heavier periods.

You need to be at a steady weight and VERY comfortable w/your body to use a diaphragm.

Bit of a faff to have fitted, but much better than another labour/delivery.

We're not a very fertile couple so it works for us.

Quootiepie · 15/08/2006 14:53

abstinence

Bozza · 15/08/2006 14:57

expat by comfortable with your body what do you mean? How does it compare with using a mooncup? As you posted on the other thread you will be aware that I am not getting on with the implant.

Actually I think I can't use any single-hormone method - implant/mirena/injection/mini-pill so am looking towards going back on the pill. I am 33, not overweight, low blood pressure, never smoked, so think it will be OK for me.

expatinscotland · 15/08/2006 15:02

Hmmm. Depends. Have you ever had problems removing the mooncup? And had to reach WAY up high there?

You need to be able to touch up close to your own cervix and feel that the diaphragm is in properly.

You also need to insert spermacide into your vagina.

mellowma · 15/08/2006 15:48

Message withdrawn

youknowwhat · 15/08/2006 15:55

Same situation than you. Since DS1, I haven't been able to use any hormone based contraception.
I now have a coil, not the Minerva but the old fashion one with no hormones. Success rate is a bit lower (2% failure as condoms) but no more worries.

youknowwhat · 15/08/2006 15:59

Just a though re period.
Compare to when I was using the pill, I have heavier periods but that's quite normal. However, they are not painfull or anthing else so I don't find that's an issue dor me. I also haven't had any problem with anemia even though I am a vegetarian (got worried bout that at the start).
My periods ARE a bit longer (about a week instead of 4 days) but I really don't like the idea of the spermicide to go with the diaphragm...

expatinscotland · 15/08/2006 16:00

'I am 33, not overweight, low blood pressure, never smoked, so think it will be OK for me.'

The combined pill would work for you, probably.

I'm 35. Not overweight and an ex-smoker.

But my bp tends to run high, and my dad and his entire family have hard to control hypertension and/or history of heart attack, including the death of his brother and his brother's daughter, who was only 39.

So combined hormone contraception is just off limits for me now.

Piffle · 15/08/2006 16:06

ironicallt trying to conceive was the best contraception for me...
But now I'm pregnant I am pretty sure that dp will have the snip after this one is born
otherwise I'd opt for a diaphragm I think.

TambaTheDragonSlayer · 15/08/2006 16:09

The pill 'Yasmin' works best for me with the added benifit of non exsistant periods and symptoms.

Lemmingswife · 15/08/2006 16:10

Not having sex works great for me!!

Gobblunarcharsky · 15/08/2006 16:27

Can't beat a vasectomy

Bozza · 15/08/2006 16:54

I used to be on the pill OK expat. Just thought I would try out alternatives. Also have heavy periods when on nothing so after hearing all the success stories of no periods thought I would try the implant. The combined pill does help to control my loss to a more reasonable level.

bobblehead · 16/08/2006 03:50

Has anyone tried fertility awareness? I've just been reading 'Taking Charge Of Your Fertility' (bought to help in ttc but mission accomplished before it arrived!) and think I may prefer this after next baby arrives, but at the same time not quite convinced I'd trust my own body and natural fertility signs

Original poster
doggiesayswoof · 16/08/2006 14:48

Thanks for replies everyone. I quite liked the combined pill when I was using a brand that suited me (minulet, about 15 years ago!) But I started to have side effects out of the blue and then tried about 4 or 5 others with no success. After dd I tried the mini pill while bf but didn't stick with it for various reasons. I'm considering the diaphragm - I'm comfortable with the idea of getting it in and out and like the fact that it's not hormone-based, but worried I may be allergic to the spermicide as I have overly sensitive skin. Just have to try I guess.

Bobblehead, I sort of use the fertility awareness thing - my cycle is v regular and I'm more careful round about what I think is my fertile time - but I'm definitely not confident about it as a method, hence the OP

Dh is prob going to have a vasectomy at some point but we are nowhere near deciding whether/when we might want to try for another baby, so in the meantime...

Abstinence worked great with xh, but rather inconveniently I do find that I sometimes want to have sex with current dh

OP posts:
littlefrog · 16/08/2006 16:03

Natural Family Planning worked well for us, plus condoms for the fertile days. Got fitted for a diaphragm, but it made me feel as if I'd got cystitis. Thing is, the temps for NFP do mean you need a pretty regular waking up time - not sure how it would combine with little children...

chocybickie · 16/08/2006 16:06

I am on the depo injection every 3 months.
My heavy periods have stopped completely which is a bonus and I don't have any mood swings with it.
With the first two injections (a period of 6 months,) my hormones were crazy though.
Apparently it makes you put on weight but I've lost 2 stone during the time I've used this form of contraception.

Piffle · 16/08/2006 16:06

Bobble the FAM is decent if you can be the sort of person
I just used the Toni Weschler book to get pregnant So figuring it works both ways

MaloryFascinatorTowers · 16/08/2006 16:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Blandmum · 16/08/2006 16:23

I have used the following
Pill until my early 30s
IUD (non hormonal and I bled horribly with it)
Diapragm while 'spacing' the children IYSWIM
Now I am sterilised.

I found the diaphragm to be excellent it is almost as effective as the condom, but you can put it in in advance and neither of you will feel that it is there. It isn't a good idea if getting pg would be a disaster

PandaG · 16/08/2006 16:28

pill before children,, mini pill between, pill after finished bf, then dh had a vasectomy.

Bucketsofdinosaurs · 16/08/2006 16:47

I had lower sexdrive (or might have been just vaginal dryness which has the same effect ) when I was on the Depo 3month injections. We use condoms at the moment but thinking about depo (or an alternative) again until DH can be persuaded into the snip. But then I'm worried if I have no such irritating side effects I'll NEVER convince him [angry.]

SpanielEars · 16/08/2006 17:02

i appear to be fanny phobic after the birth of DD. DH nearly got it snapped in two last time he pointed it in my direction. don't thinki need to worry about getting pregnant just yet.

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