Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Talk to me about contraception where you have no periods.

45 replies

TrillianAstra · 05/06/2009 17:06

I'm on the pill, have been for yonks, having no problems with it. Like the fact that I can skip a period if necessary by running two packs together (to avoid a holiday or important exam or similar), so I don't want to change to a form of contraception where you get 'natural' type periods, I like that I know exactly what day it's going to come.

But I believe there are forms of contraception where you have no periods at all, and that sounds great. Is anyone on any like this? What's it like? Any side-effects or inconveniences?

(My Mum has told me a bit about something she refers to as 'depo injection' but I'd like ot hear from you guys too)

OP posts:

Original poster

TrillianAstra · 07/06/2009 00:13

I caught a glimpse of a thread earlier today (well technically yesterday now) that was saying bad things about mirena coil. Which is sad, as something that is more safe than the pill and gives you no periods sounds great in theory.

You're right, what I'm on now is fine, and is working so far so I have no reason to change it, but I wanted to check that there wasn;t somehting fantastic that I've been missin gout on just by continuing with the same thing that I started when I was 16.

OP posts:

SOLOisMeredithGrey · 07/06/2009 01:42

Mirena is hell on earth IME. Am waiting to have it removed under GA.

lilysmummy2007 · 07/06/2009 05:37

have you thought if an implant??? i had mines put in 6months after dd, had a period for about 7-8 days and haven't had a one since, haven't gained weight, no pmt, its a dream, i never have to buy pads/tampons/mooncup , never have to worry about leaking or it showing up when i least expect it as i was very irregular, and it was virtually painless to put in under a LA, and its been great, also i cant get pregnant, it is also long tern, 3 years after which you can switch to something else or have another one put in. check your gp.

envy007 · 07/06/2009 08:34

I have been on the Mirena coil a year now. I have no periods what so ever occasionly I would get the same signals that Im due on but never a bleed. Always best to speak to your GP though. There are so many methods of contracepion but the mirena I would recommend if you are ok with it .

toddlerama · 07/06/2009 14:02

Solo, what went wrong? Is it a mood thing or something else?

Original poster

TrillianAstra · 07/06/2009 14:06

And why do you need a general? I thought it was supposed to be not much worse than a smear.

OP posts:

envy007 · 07/06/2009 14:24

I had mine in doctors just like having a smear with no pain killer ?? allthough is a little painfull for a minute or so.

BennyAndJoon · 07/06/2009 15:32

bluejeans - yes I did. They found it on the scan, but never found it at birth or afterwards (consultant made jokes about baby coming out holding it, then said that he had seen that happen with the copper coil)

They did say that I was the first that particular team had dealt with.

DH reckons he has uber-sperm

helsbels4 · 07/06/2009 15:42

Someone I know has been on the mini-pill for a long time and she doesn't get periods at all

I've been quite tempted to go down this route too because I've been on the "normal" pill for years (apart from when I've planned to have children obviously) but I just wonder if it's doing something horrible to your body if it makes you never have a period

Original poster

TrillianAstra · 07/06/2009 19:50

I think the mini pill is less safe than the regular pill though isn't it?

OP posts:

deaconblue · 07/06/2009 19:54

I have the mirena coil and must be the only woman on the planet who gets periods still. I have 10 days bleeding followed by 10 days free from it. Am also getting headaches and bad pmt so plan to ditch it and try the depo injection instead as had no side effects last time I tried it 15 years ago.

Ninkynork · 07/06/2009 20:07

I used to worry about that helsbels, thinking that, well - all the lining must be building up or something. But it can't if it doesn't form in the first place can it?

I am very happy with my mini-pill and no periods at all. And you have a 12-hour safety window if you forget to take it, unlike some others.

I am 38 this year though and getting on a bit as the HCP kindly pointed out so probably the effectiveness is right for an gimmer like me.

helsbels4 · 07/06/2009 20:35

Ah yes, that's a point Ninkynork! If the gubbins inside doesn't build up in the first place then it can't do any harm - hadn't thought of that! [very thick emoticon]

I'm 39 and my GP "reminded" me a little while back, that I was getting on a bit (ok, not his exact words) and that I'd been on the normal pill for quite some time and maybe I should think about switching but he's prescribed me another six months of pills since then! Might have a word next time though because no periods and no addition to the family sounds great

Ninkynork · 07/06/2009 21:16

Cerazette is what you want, hels, great stuff! I sometimes get breakthrough spotting every three months or so but that's all it is - just spotting for a day or two. Hope you get on with it

helsbels4 · 08/06/2009 07:03

Thanks for that! Will definitely mention it to GP next time I go.

expatinscotland · 08/06/2009 10:58

cerazette, yes, a mini-pill, made me bleed for 3 months straight.

honestly, trillian, i think if i were you i'd stick with what you've got.

please don't start messing with these hormones.

helsbels4 · 08/06/2009 12:44

Blimey expat, I don't like the sound of that! I know everyone is different and therefore react differently to things but I'm seriously considering changing to the mini-pill but if it doesn't work with my body then I don't suppose I'd go back to the normal pill.

If only I had a crystal ball...........

VanillaPumpkin · 08/06/2009 17:30

I love my Mirena coil. I was going to go for the implant as my pill stopped suiting me (withdrawal headaches), but did some homework and though the coil was worth a go. They can always take it out again if it doesn't suit. The level of progesterone is much lower than in the implant as it is so localised to the area required apparently. This is what won me over. I went to my family planning clinic to have it fitted, although I was brave and let a trainee fit it. It was uncomfortable but I had taken some paracetamol to take the edge off. I had bad cramping for 24 hrs and since then nothing.
Plus - No periods
Minus - A spotty back .
I am happy with the trade off

elliepac · 08/06/2009 17:42

A vote for the implant here. Have been on it for 8 months now, no weight gain and very light periods in first couple of months which has now become nothing for the last 6. I think someone else has already said this but fertility will return immediately afterwards if that is an issue for you and insertion is pretty painless, just a little ache for a day or so afterwards. Have been on the pill before for a long time and knowing that I want no more children in the near future (possibly ever) I wanted something long term which I didn't have to remember to take as can be a bit scatty!

emma1977 · 08/06/2009 21:43

Your options:

Stick with combined pill. If you want fewer periods, try tri-cycling. Run 3 packs back-to-back and then have a break. Do as often as you like

Swap to Cerazette (a mini-pill)- causes no periods or minimal spotting in 3/4 users.

Mirena coil. Licensed for treating heavy menstrual bleeding as well as contraception as so good at stopping periods. May take 6 months to get full effect and lasts for 5 years

Depo. Most users have no periods after 6 months, however some get heavy bleeding. If you get problems, you have to wait for it to wear off. Lasts 12 weeks. Can cause significant weight gain, depression and delay in fertility once stopped.

Implanon. Hormone implant which lasts for 3 years. Causes reduced bleeding or no periods in majority after 6 months. More effective than sterilisation and easily reversible. 1/4 users get erratic bleeding at the beginning.

Flip

1 2