contraception

[kreamkrackers]

hi, wondering if anybody could advice me on the best form of contraception.

i'm bf dd2 still.

not really wanting hormonal things because of this, plus we don't do it that often so why should i put myself through this? and i don't want to put on any weight.

don't really like using condoms but at the moment we are.

maybe i should just go without sex? not that keen at the moment anyways.

i did have an implant in my arm a couple of years ago that was horrible, i bled everyday with it.

Copper IUCD (coil)? Would you be ok with that? It's the only non-hormonal thing apart from condoms, pretty reliable, may make your periods a bit heavier.

I have a Mirena (hormone containing one) and it was fine being put in.

if that's all there is i'll stick to condoms. far too scared to have a coil put in, no matter what anybody says the thought of it being in there isn't for me.

thanks though for the advice.

Diaphragm!! Non-hormonal, can fit as and when required. I used one for years and was great. Only drawback is takes a few moments to fit, so if spur of moment thing can add slight delay, but not a huger overhead IMO

by the way both me and DH hated condoms too but got on ok with diaphragm

oh good. so do i just see my gp or what? family planning centre here is open at really inconvinent times for me.

can I ask a question Jamantha.

Can you feel it once it is in? And could DH feel it? Sorry if TMI

I had a lecture from my nurse after dd was born about how underrated the diaphragm was - I went down the Mirena coil route as sex was often more spontaneous than planned and sadly didn't get on with it. After the twins pop out I'm going to see how the diaphragm fares.

kreamkrackers, may depend on your GP. At my old house my GP sorted me out with it, but when I moved here I found problems getting the fitting checked at the GP (it is recommended to have it checked once a year and if you gain or lose more than X lbs weight, sorry can't remember the exact amount now).

I found I could feel it a bit at first, but I think that was not getting it quite right,. If it's in properly you shouldn't feel it, and after a few goes I soon got the hang of it (first few goes needed longer to put in and sometimes had to adjust it if I could feel it but as I said I soon got the hang of it). Don't think DH felt it at all.

family planning much better than gp for anything but the pill, especially for diaphragms (too much work for not enough money) also the clinic will have the whole range of sizes and types to try, and an assortment of creams, gels and pessaries.
I do wonder about the weight change thing though, have had the same size for about twenty years despite weight going up and down and having more babies.

I confess I lost over 5 stone before I thought to go and get the fitting checked and it still worked. (But got preg v.quick when actively stopped using )