Good contraceptive advice needed

[hotcrossbun4321]

Right, after a scare about my period being late, I want to sort out my contraception. I currently use condoms but the scare happened because we got a bit carried away, so I want something more secure. I'm not allowed combined pill due to migraines, so options are (I think) Mirena, implant, injection or copper pill. I have pretty bad depression which I'm on meds for, and also have PCOS so sports, weight and facial hair are a concern. I asked a practice nurse a while back about what wouldn't aggravate the depression or hormones and she gave a vague answer along the lines of 'they're all the same'. Who can I see that will be an expert on this? NHS appointments often feel very rushed, and I want to go through the options thoroughly. I'm early 30s, don't want to ttc for 18 months yet. Leaning towards copper coil as it isn't hormonal, but I get very nervous in smear tests etc and tense up so I'm worried about the pain.

Mini pill is an option too

I had the Mirena with aura migraine.

My advice is go to the Family Planning clinic if you have one nearby - the staff there are experts in contraception, much more so than a GP or practice nurse (unless they also work in the FP clinic!).

Just spotted that you only mentioned the combined pill- what about the progesterone-only pill?

I have the coil put in a couple of months ago and whilst it's still not settled in yet, I hate it.

Sporadic bleeding and bleeding for longer.

Having said that, going on recommendations from friends- it does eventually settle and is reliable. Avoids remembering to go for jags, pills etc the implant turned me into a she-devil.

Had couple of "scares" since birth of little one so coil was deemed more suiting for us.

Have you been to your local gum clinic?

@TwattingDogTwattingdog - did you find the Mirena generally ok?

@RolytheRhino - I was under the impression that the Minipill - Cerazette? Isn't great for PCOS as it's a bit more on the male hormone spectrum I think?

Weight gain is a concern too as I'm already 3 stone overweight - emotional eating due to being depressed

I have the copper coil and have no additional bleeding or pain, 4.5 years in. I always hated the thought of it but wanted non hormonal and long term contraceptive. I bled intermittently on the mini pill and was advised that mirena would have the same effect. The IUD took a few months to settle in, a few heavy periods and aching etc, but for the last 4 years I’m so pleased I had one. I understand they’re not for everyone but I’d encourage an open mind. The fitting was fine, uncomfortable but not painful. I went straight back to work afterward so certainly didn’t ruin my day.

I had no issues with the Mirena. My periods went from super-plus-extra tampons every 2 hours for a week - ten days to very light for 2-3 days.

I also had PCOS, and it made no odds to that, but didn't worsen it either. It also had no effect on my migraines. In fact, since I had it removed, they've been horrific.

I was under the impression that the Minipill - Cerazette? Isn't great for PCOS as it's a bit more on the male hormone spectrum I think?

Not as far as I'm aware-progesterone is a female hormone. I have relatives with pcos who are on it without an issue. Google says:

'Progestin-only pills, known as minipills, are an effective alternative for women who have PCOS and are unable to take combination birth control pills.'

www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/best-birth-control-for-pcos#oral-contraceptives