Contraception - what's your experience?

[sb34]

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If you check the search option you will find a lot of discussion on the coil (and possibly the dp injection). Not had too many problems with condoms for the last 15 years myself though (er, not a value statement).

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I used the dp injection for about three years and had few problems, although I do know that some people put on lots of weight. The upside is no periods. It can take up to 2 yrs for your fertility to return but then I fell pregnant within 18 months at 30 whilst taking the mini-pill so it obviously does come back! I did think that the dp injection might be making my hair thin but now that my hair is really thinning post-partum I've decided that I was imagining things and will go back on the dp when my current pack of pills run out.

I have no personal experience of the coil but here are three things that I've heard. One friend needed surgery to have her coil removed and another had her coil fall out when out shopping(!), and another's husband worked making coils and said that he would never allow the things anywhere near his wife.

Hope this helps.

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Just to let you know - I was told that I could no longer take the combined oral contraceptive due to a little smoking(!) so I was offered various options. I dicussed with my GP, at great length both the coil and the injections, firstly I just don't want to use the coil - just a personal preference thing. The injections he warned me would in a lot of cases put weight on, and as I don't have a huge problem weight wise, I would not like to risk this happening, so I have decided to go on the mini pill HOWEVER and this is the big one, it will not be the end of my world to get pregnant again, and he did warn me that I have to take the mini pill in his recommended 2 hour window at the same time everyday, and I havent managed that once since I have started on this course - 2 weeks in.

What about taking the combined pill and put the decision off for a while, my bf is 42, and has just gone back on it (and she smokes - just my GP I guess). Just a thought ..

sb34: I had the contraceptive injection for 3 years, after the birth of my 2nd child. I found no problems, although I did put on a few pounds (about 3 or 4.) This was not a problem as I am quite thin anyway, but I do know people who have avoided it for this reason. Yes, its true, most people have no periods while using this method, and I had no side-effects such as headaches etc. For me, it was ideal, as I am not the most organised person and frequently forgot to take the pill at the right time.

I stopped the injection about a year before I fell pregnant with my 3rd baby, but as we only had sex during the supposed "safe" period, (and not much of it, it has to be said!), perhaps I could have become pregnant quicker if we had wanted to.

I think it is supposed to be the most reliable method of contraception, and if NOT becoming pregnant is very important to you, it might be worth a try. I had to go back to my gynae nurse every 10 weeks for the next injection and found it very convenient. I have no experience with the coil, but know friends who are divided as to its suitability (one had recurrent infections). Good luck.

Getting no periods at all is normal with the dp injection but some women can get heavy breakthrough bleeding. I think some people do gain half a stone or so on the dp but I didn't gain anything so it's a trial-and-error thing. If you do put on weight you should lose it if you stop taking it. I was 2 hrs late taking my mini-pill one day and that is how I got pregnant so not hugely reliable! I agree with oxocube re the convenience of the dp -in my sleep-deprived state I just know I will forget to take my pill sooner or later! The practice nurse at our g.p.s' surgery does the dp injection here.

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My g.p.told me that the dp injection was originally developed for short term use following sterilisation, but now is used far more as a long-term contraceptive, and there should be no need to take a break from it. The reason that I went on it was that my blood pressure was high on the combined pill so the dp is safe from that complcation too. Good luck, I know this is a real minefield!

Hi,
I was on the Dp for 9 years before i had my last baby, No weight gain, Migrains were much better, no periods, BUT I did feel like i was neutered absolutely no sex drive.
I stopped taking it in April had my first period in August and was pregnant by November.
I had a Merina Coil inserted last October, had my first period in July. Then I stopped breastfeeding and I now have had a period for 14 days, anyone else found this.

Hi, I've had the merina coil since march and I think it's great. My periods have stopped but I have no other side effects due to the tiny amount of hormone actually in the coil. I have to get it checked once a year but other than that I don't have to think about contraception. Plus, when we decide it's time for more babies, fertility returns as soon as it is removed.