Oral contraceptives - should we be given more choice?

[Socci]

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When I went back on the pill after having my ds, the doc first asked me whether I had any pref. I mentioned the one I'd used before, said I'd had no side-effects, and they happily prescribed it. I don't think it's one of the common ones these days.

If you've had problems before and found one to suit, then surely they aren't going to push you through all that finding out again? Might suggest something newer than you've tried, if there's reason to believe it would act differently from others though.

I give up on contraception.

I read this blurb in the Metro the other day, it said that women over 35 are as bad about skipping contraceptives at teens, but all the contraception advice is targeted at teens.

Maybe it's because most of the 'choices' out there are utter crap.

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It is very cheap.

Does no one use diaphragms any more? I haven't supplied them for ages (pharmacist)

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I am just about to switch from Microgynon to Yasmin.
I noticed that I was getting mood swings which I've NEVER had before on it. I used to use Dianette pre-children (was good for acne), but I've taken that for too long apparently and I'm not allowed to take it anymore, so GP advised Yasmin.
It is more expensive which is why most GPS start with the cheaper first line (crap) ones!
Expat - I have to admit that I am 35 and shocking at my compliance with taking my pill, I'm forever forgetting and taking 2 the next day.

I can no longer take the combined Pill.

I am nearly 36, w/a very strong paternal history of hypertension and heart disease.

Tried progesten-based contraception and it was an unmitigated disaster in every way.

I use the diaphragm and w/drawal.

Am not very fertile and tbh I think I may have PCOS now. Going to get myself tested, though, b/c I can't be arsed with any birth control if I'm not fertile anyway.

I had to fight tooth and nail to get fitted for a diaphragm at my FPC, which is in a larger city.

They pushed hard for the coil, but no, no, no.

I'm not going there.

Tried the mini-pill.

It was CRAP.

Can't have Depo b/c of history of depression.

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To all the 35+ pill-skippers (of which I am a serial offender), can I recommend the contraceptive patch? I had no bad side effects (apart from a grubby square on my back when I changed it each week.) It's also supposed to make you less prone to weight gain than other forms of the pill.

smoggie - don't mean to worry you but I also used Dianette and liked it but was told I had to come off it eventually. I have since tried Yasmin, microgynon, cerazette and the mirena coil all various terrible side effects. Am currently contraceptive (and sex) free until I figure out what the h*ll to do with myself!

TOP TIP
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT FORGETTING YOUR PILL PUT IT NEXT TO YOUR TOOTHBRUSH!!! So what if other people see it - at least you won't get pregnant!

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The patch does indeed pose an increased risk of clot and/or heart attack, even more so than the combined Pill, for some reason.

Unfortunately, the number of such occurances in the US has caused some serious concern over there.

The price of pills varies hugely. Lots of GPs will routinely prescribe microgynon because it is cheap as chips. Yasmin is one of the more expensive ones. I specifically requested Yasmin, so I got it but it is not one that my GPs practise routinely prescribe.
I would have thought if your specifically request a pill Socci & have good reasons for wanting to be on it, then it will be hard for your GP to refuse you.

Yikes expat, didn't know about US concerns about heart attack and blood clot risks with the patch. Maybe not so publicised here as it's not prescribed so much? One big difference I've noticed between here (the UK) and the States is that they're much more reluctant to prescribe any pill there to smokers because of the blood clot risk.