Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

A delicate question - which contraceptive do you use?(blush)

174 replies

Sophiev73 · 15/09/2006 15:31

And why? Sorry to ask, but I really don't want to go back on the pill (and dh doesn't want me to either) and I'm not sure how to approach this - I've got 2 boys, (12 weeks and 2yrs) and I'm breastfeeding, but need to address this before our luck runs out!

OP posts:
mears · 16/09/2006 11:09

Sugarmagnolia - I really don't see why you shouldn't be able to go back on it. It is long term consecutive use with otherrisk factors that is the problem. If you were happy on it before I would go on it again (if smoking is only occasional then pack it it )

The risk of DVT on the pill has to be put in perspective - it is less than the risk when pregnant!

Pruni · 16/09/2006 11:10

Message withdrawn

Pruni · 16/09/2006 11:11

Message withdrawn

mears · 16/09/2006 11:13

I have been sterilised after having 4 children. I would have had more children if I could have afforded it but I knew we had to sop because of antibody incompatability. I hated the fact that I couldn't get pregnant even if i wanted to. My youngest is 12 years old and I still yearn to be pregnant again, however you get used to it.
You must be definitely sure you don't want any more children. I got sterilised because women come to a natural end of fertility, men don't. If we split up or I dies, my DH would be able to start a new family if he met someone new and younger. If he died, I would be too old for a new family with a new man.

Original poster
Sophiev73 · 16/09/2006 11:17

Thank you all - have to agree abstinance being the most effective policy, but not being Sir Cliff I'll probably have to look into it a bit more - not too sure about the Mirena coil thing - sounds like a rash of too many bad reactions to me? Thanks also for reassuring me we weren't the only muppets who can't do condoms...

OP posts:
Original poster
Sophiev73 · 16/09/2006 11:18

at the thought of Muppets with condoms!

OP posts:
Sugarmagnolia · 16/09/2006 11:24

LOL muppets with condoms!!!! Bet Miss Piggy carries a whole shedload around just in case she ever manages to persuade Kermit of her charms.

mawbroon · 16/09/2006 13:05

Noriday mini pill for me as still breastfeeding. I wanted a coil but I have a bicornuate uterus (heart shaped) and am not a suitable candidate for it. I find the mini pill a pain tbh as I only have a three hour window in the day to take it in.

LaDiDaDi · 16/09/2006 15:57

Since had I had dd I've been taking Cerazette which is a progesterone only pill but with a 12 hour window of opportunity to take it in. I'm getting on great with it, have pretty much no periods or one day of spotting per month and my skin is ok. I was wary of taking it though because I have one friend who had constant heavy bleeding for 3 months and her skin got really problematic. Another friend takes it and has had the same experience as me so I really think you must eother get on really well with it or it's totally not right for you. Might be worth a try.

expatinscotland · 16/09/2006 17:08

'expat VAT on condoms? why does anyone care?

you can get them free on the NHS, just like any other form of contraception

I'm amazed by the number of my friends who buy theirs '

Oh, I don't know, maybe it's b/c the family planning clinic where they give them out is across town, only open from 9-4.30, M-F.

Not exactly as convenient as the shop in the Esso garage or Boots, where they charge VAT on the bloody things.

I used condoms in my single days b/c I didn't want to get HIV or HepC, but I hate them w/a purple passion.

asur · 16/09/2006 17:51

I use condoms... No accidents, ever. Used rythem method once, I ovulated 4 days earlier than usual and we got a beautiful DS... Back to trusted condoms now

I have always got them free - did get them from a drop in centre but now above the age limit they serve (25) so either have to go to other end of town for FPC or lie about my age!

Socci · 16/09/2006 18:07

Message withdrawn

trefusis · 16/09/2006 18:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

marthamoo · 16/09/2006 18:17

I've just switched to Cilest (sp?) after 4 years on Dianette.

Talking of condoms...about a year ago I had a little 'accident' and had to go to the local FPC to get the morning after pill. Turned out that, because of where I was in my cycle, I didn't need it but they advised I should use additional contraception for the next 7 days and offered me some condoms. Tbh, I almost refused them, thinking "well, we did it last night - it's unlikely to happen again in the next week [small but telling insight into my sex life there )]" but then I thought, well, it's always handy to have some in.

Bear in mind this was additional contraception for 7 days...she gave me a paper bag with eighteen condoms in I don't think we did it 18 times a week even in the lust-crazed early days of our relationship and certainly not 16 years and two kids later...

Blandmum · 16/09/2006 18:20

I used to work for the company that makes Cilest

asur · 16/09/2006 18:53

at 18 condoms marthamoo

marthamoo · 16/09/2006 18:58

Well, I've only been on it for two weeks and I've got a spotty chin - can I blame you for that, mb ?

smoggie · 16/09/2006 18:58

Microgynon pill at the mo but unsure as to whether it's this that is causing my irritability/moodiness/short temper.
Practice nurse suggested the implant as I'm a bit hit and miss with remembering to take the pill but I really don't like the sound of some of the potential side effects - acne, more mood swings, heavy bleeding, weight gain. WAs on dianette for quite a few years but my GP wouldn't let me continue with it either. HAd probs with acne, so not keen to have implant if it'll potentially flare that up again.

Dh probably having the snip next year but I need to find a suitable method between now and then. Condoms kill the mood for me and I hate the smell....eughh

misdee · 16/09/2006 18:58

none.

marthamoo · 16/09/2006 18:58

asur - the bag still has 18 condoms in it too...

motherinferior · 16/09/2006 19:06

Yes, strangely enough I suspect that a sharp warning to keep your hands (et cetera) to yourselves for seven days might have proved effective.

Blandmum · 16/09/2006 19:14

Martha, it is supposed to be less spot making than other COCs. But I tried it once and it gave me spots too!

A woman's response to the different progestogens in COCs can be quite idiosyncratic.

The only difference between the COCs on the market is the type of progestogen, sometimes you need to 'shop around' to find on ethat suits your particular phsiology

marthamoo · 16/09/2006 20:11

MI - I sense some empathy there

I'll give it a bit more time, mb, but I am feeling fed up and spotty atm (I'll be 37 in a fortnight - enough with the zits already). GP wanted me to come off Dianette because current recommendations are that you not be on it for more than 6 months (and I've been on it for 4 years) but I went on it in the first place because my skin tends to be problematic.

Have heard good things about Yasmin, with regards to spots, but apparently it costs far more than most contraceptive pills and GPs can be reluctant to prescribe it.

Blandmum · 16/09/2006 20:16

It is supposed to work because the progestogen is more oestrigenic than androgenic and it is the androgenic ones that make you more spotty.

That is the theory, and clinical trials do back it up.

However it never suited me, and the pill that was best for my skin was one containing a very androgenic progestogen. So I must just be odd then

marthamoo · 16/09/2006 20:19

You...odd? Never