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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:
TinyGang · 16/09/2006 20:21

Haven't read the whole thread so apologies if this has been done. Wouldn't recommend Depo injection - steer clear - even though it's convenient.

Some people have no side effects, but many of us do. There are a few threads on here about it.

Pinky1 · 16/09/2006 22:35

Def would reccommend copper coil, only my first 2 -3 periods were heavier now all great.

Sugarmagnolia · 17/09/2006 08:17

Marthamoo - don't know if you saw my earlier posts but like you my skin is problematic and I'd been on Dianette for a couple of years. Told to come off it by my GP and switched to Yasmin. Yasmin was ok for my skin but caused very heavy bleeding on the second day of my period. Switched to Cerazette but after just a few weeks the state of my skin is appaling. So I'm going to switch again. I might try Celeste which I was on a few years ago or microgynon. If neither of those suit it's going to have to be the snip!!!!

Original poster
Sophiev73 · 17/09/2006 08:44

Oh god it's getting even more complicated... Feel like a teenager for even asking this next one - is there anyone here who got pregnant while breastfeeding (using no contraceptive, obviously) or is that about as useful advice as 'you can't get pregnant if you have sex standing up'...?

OP posts:
FrannyandZooey · 17/09/2006 08:46

Sophie, breastfeeding is an effective contraceptive only if your baby is under 6 m o, your periods have not returned, breastmilk is the only source of nourishment for the baby and you are feeding every few hours both night and day.

I know people who have conceived while breastfeeding, and also those who have struggled to conceive while breastfeeding.

Original poster
Sophiev73 · 17/09/2006 08:50

Yes, didn't imagine it was foolproof! (Me the fool obviously!) Although I'm keen on babyv3 I think a decent interval would be a good idea so should probably hotfoot it down to the docs armed with all this info - I'm just concerned they'll only suggest the mini-pill as they did after ds1. Oh well, I'm better informed now!

OP posts:
VeniVidiVickiQV · 17/09/2006 10:18

There are many people on here that got pg whilst b/feeding. The problem with it is, that you dont know when you are going to start ovulating again. You could start your periods anywhere between 6 weeks to 12 months whilst breastfeeding. THere is no way of telling when that might be for you.

IMO, it shouldnt be used as a method of contraception, even if you are less likely to get pg during this time. I thought this was standard advice given out by mw's in the few days after giving birth....?

marthamoo · 17/09/2006 10:21

Thanks sugarmagnolia - it's a pain, isn't it?

poppiesmum · 17/09/2006 10:32

Haven't read the other posts, but I had a coil fitted (not the mirena, but the othe rone without the hormones) and it's been fine, no probs at all.

BonyM · 17/09/2006 10:35

Before I got pregnant (deliberately!) we were using FAM (fertility awareness method) which combines daily temperature taking with being aware of your cervical mucus. Found it very effective.

Since having dd2 I've not been able to get back into the temperature taking due to erratic morning waking times but still use the Billings method (mucus) and we use condoms during my fertile time.

DD2 is now 18mths and my periods came back when she was just 2 mths (even though I am still breastfeeding!).

"Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler describes the methods in detail.

harrisey · 17/09/2006 14:43

Dh has had the snip!

Before that mirena and condoms (not together!)

Seashells · 17/09/2006 14:59

Condoms repuse me, the smell and feel and everything about them freaks me out.

I've always used the pill but with terrible side effects. Dp is finally off for the snip shortly, he had an appointment booked last year but cancelled it as we decided we'd have no.3 in a few years....on the date his appointment should have been, we found out we were having no.3!

Charleesunnysunsun · 17/09/2006 15:21

We use condoms, but i can;t use any sort of 'pill' and wouldn't touch the injection again with a barge pole!

Have never tried the coil but don't like the idea of it and dp and i are both happy using condoms, there free and don't cause us a problem.

footprint · 17/09/2006 15:51

We use abstinance, but not MY choice. Wouldn't recommend it

expatinscotland · 17/09/2006 17:01

Cerazette was the WORST form of contraceptive I ever tried. So bad, I would rather have been pregnant.

Broke out my skin - painful, boil-type cysts on my chest and back, made me bleed constantly, killed my sex drive and I had mood swings that were off the charts.

Mamamoor · 17/09/2006 21:43

We use condoms - dh is one rare man and says he doesn't mind using them - rather that than me go on the pill and pump my body full of chemicals! - bless.!! Used Persona when trying to get pregnant with dd2 (is now for sale by the way!. Considering having a coil fitted but having trouble finding time to go to docs and discuss it. Any advice on which type is best?

Glassofwine · 17/09/2006 21:48

Dh had the snip, he kept saying that he though we'd have more sex once he was in the clear - I kept saying that he was putting pressure on me and to shut up. Once he got the all clear we haven't looked back - he was right (don't tell him I said so) we do have more sex I would recommend it if you're sure you don't want any more small people.

Mamamoor · 17/09/2006 21:51

Oops - Persona is for sale not dd2!

mawbroon · 17/09/2006 21:52

Contrary to what other people have said, I used depo injections for four years with no side effects whatsoever and I thought it was fab. Just shows how we all react so differently doesn't it. I would have hated to have had a bad reaction to it and been stuck with the side effects until it wore off

Original poster
Sophiev73 · 17/09/2006 22:05

Some interesting observations, thank you all - seems pretty much a guarantee that what works for one won't work for another... Yes, midwife did talk about getting pregnant while breastfeeding but to be honest didn't make it sound likely at all. I must come across as pretty naive but I am interested in your experiences, nothing like collective thinking!

OP posts:
Molton · 17/09/2006 22:13

Persona for me - do like to see when I'm ovulating.........the thing is not 100% effective I'm told but I'm very regular and only go "glove free" after ovulation. Has worked so far (the pill never agreed with me)

Original poster
Sophiev73 · 17/09/2006 22:15

Lol 'glove free' - are you the Queen?

OP posts:
Glassofwine · 17/09/2006 22:16

Molton - DD1 was concieved whilst we were using persona, I always had regular periods and we were very careful. we knew it wasn't 100% effective, but thought we'd be ok. Obviously I wouldn't change the course of events, but I wouldn't rely on it.

twinsetandpearls · 17/09/2006 22:17

RC, so use natural methods and knowledge of my cycle.

lou33 · 17/09/2006 22:26

i'm sterilised but back to using condoms now i am not with exh

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