OK, So what's the best/least hassle/least side effect form of contraception you have ever used?

[RnB]

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tricycling the pill (ie taking 3 packets without a break) only 4 'periods' a year. We're awful at using condoms - DS2 is proof that they don't work if you don't get round to taking them out of the packet The coil didn't mix well with my thyroid problems - bled continuosly for 3 months until I had it removed.

Oh yeah, tried depo too and got depressed, sick, no libado and bled lightly all the time. It also gave me dizzy spells, so that's a no go too.

The diaphragm! Not as effective as the condom so it is not for those who would find having another child a disaster! But it was fab, worked well for us and neithr of us could tell that it was there.

That said I had no probelms with the pill either.

I didn't get on with the coil at all, bled for 3 weeks out of 4, but that was in the days before the hormonal coil.

Mowjo, just read your comment about your hd having had testicular cancer. Snap. But mine was still fertile at the end and we have dd and ds to prove it!

Getting older helps - I think I've now got more chance of winning the lottery

definitely the pill

Another vote for the diaphragm here too. Actually, I use a "Lea Contraceptive Barrier" which doesn't even need to be fitted. Not available in this country but google it and you will see it's widely used elsewhere. I bought it from birthcontrol.com, a Canadian company. I was a bit sceptical about it, but we've been using it for 18 months now with success.

Dw and I have found that a baby is all the contraceptive anyone ever needs!

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Disposable maternity knickers. Keeps DH away with no difficulty whatsoever, even when you have no need for them anymore.

Coil (without hormone). Means periods can be very very heavy for several months after first having it fitted, but they settle down after 4 - 5 months. Condoms would be a nightmare for us as we would get too carried away and "forget". The pill gives me high blood pressure. Terrible remembering to take pills anyway. Don't fancy all the messing around that goes with using the cap or diaphragm thingy.

I had my first coil check-up a couple days ago since having my last baby. Was really pleased my hospital don't do internals to check now, they use a scanner so they can actually see the coil in place. Much more dignified!

patch is fab ive been on it for over a year and had no side affects and just need to change it once a week! super!

Pill for 10 years - OK but loss of libido and also had to remember to take it.

Depo for three years - wouldn't recommend it.

Just had Mirena fitted following birth of DS1. I was attracted by the thought of not worrying about it for 5 years and alos no periods. All OK so far except absolutley no interest in sex. I'm still breastfeeding so it could be that.

tried everything. got pregnant with everything.
only thing that works, ime, is abstention.....
sorry, i know its not what you want to hear.

or try a bloke with a very very low sperm count.

Yeah you are right there HappyDaddy would agree! Ok this patch idea sounds really good to me I have been going to FP for years and have never heard of it can any one say exactly whats involved and is it the same combined hormone thats in the pill?

Coil was my easiest had one for three years. Really enjoyed having no extra hormones. Ended up getting pg with DS while I had it so ended up with an implant (which I didn't like) after he was born. Got pg on the pill as well!

Mirena is the best for me. Took only a few mins to fit. Only thing is the first 3 months got irregular bleeding (common thing to happen) Now I have hardly any bleeding ever.

Just wanted to say my little piece. I am due in 5 days after conceiving on the depo, after taking it for 4 years and having about 7 periods the whole of that time. I would recomend it though as i only put on a little weight and didnt have mood swings or anything. I have no idea what to use now though. ( cant use the normal oral pill that was y went on depo) As the thought of coils and other internal things makes me wince. ( i know i am going to go through worse in the near future but hey, lets just forget that bit!!! lol) What is the patch that has been mentioned? Sorry to be naive.

Here is some info about the patch

I think the patch is the same as the pill called Cilest, but in patch form IYSWIM. You can only use it if you would also be able to take the combined pill, as it has oestrogen in it and not all women can take that for various reasons. The reason why the patch is not commonly heard of is because it is VERY expensive. As far as I'm aware, no family planning yet has the funds to stock it, so you can only get it via your GP who will give it on prescription. Most GP's are not going to recommend the most expensive option to you (the GP practice ends up paying for all prescriptions you see), so unless you ask for it by name (Evra, the contraceptive patch) they are umlikely to tell you about it. Its supposed to be good though, but some people are allergic to the stickiness of it, like sticking plasters / nicotine patches.

Diaphragm. I got pregnant on it.

Serenity - please explain about coil and thyroid problems, i am preg at moment but was thinking of having a coil later to prevent any accidental pregnancies but have thyroid problems.

I can bore for Britain about the hormones in Cilest....used to work for the company that made it. I don't know anything about the patch though, after my time.

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