Contraception?

[PixiNanny]

I'm debating having my contraception changed from the pill, but would like to know what else is available and the pros/cons before a doctor has a chance to push me towards one type.

So, talk me through my options please? I know of the coil, pill, jab and implant. Been on the pill for 4/5 years now but can't afford not to be vigilant with it as my boyfriend is moving in with me so need to find something more suited to a forgetful person!

Thanks

just wrote on another contraception thread - i'm not a sales rep i swear . i find the implant really good. i cannot use the pill or injection due to risk of blood clot so my choices are limited. nevertheless i think the implant suits me best.

Oo, can you direct me to the other thread? & what is the implant like? does it give you any mood swings or anything?

Why are you coming off the pill? Do the hormones disagree with you? In whichcase the implant or Mirena coil may not work well for you. If you are ok with hormones the Mirena is amazing, and reduces your periods to almost nothing.

the other thread has just op and my answer, think its called 'cant decide about contraception'.

implant is a tiny little rod a few centimetres long. it is inserted into your arm above the inside elbow. only takes a few mins with local anaesthetic, didn't hurt. it lasts for three years.

i have found it great, hasn't affected my moods at all. it is progestagen only and has a failure rate of 0.05%, i think that's the lowest failure of any type of contraception. that sold it to me . Fertility returns within a few days of removal.

Sorry for not replying sooner! I'm fine on the hormonal front, however I always forget to take my pill! especially recently as I've moved back home and have lost my routine entiely. Now I've been off of the pill for two months and my periods are achy and painful, which doesn't happen when I'm on the pill.

I have been looking at getting the implant, my only concern with the other forms of contraception (compared to the pill) is the length of time that tey are there for, as I know that I'd like to start a family in the next few years but don't want anything too permenant in case I want to start a family sooner but then have to wait for the effects of the contraception to wear off iyswim?

As far as I know, the implant's effects stop as soon as it's taken out. When I had mine the nurse said they're not recommended for people who want to TTC within a year (the type I've got lasts 3 years) but if my situation changed I could go back and have it taken out.

I haven't had any mood swings beyond ordinary PMT-type feelings in 4 years of implants. I had the injection for a couple of years, and think it may have contributed to depression. Not sure though - there were other factors.

Implants can make your periods go funny. My sister never has one at all. I have MUCH lighter, virtually pain-free but totally unpredictable periods. I've known of people who've had periods that lasted weeks and weeks, though.

Not advocating the implant, just telling you what I've experienced. Oh, and as a contraceptive, it's worked!

I won't be TTC within the next year unfortunately Your experience with it seems to be the only type I've heard of from a variety of people so far, a friend of mine was on the injections and experienced weight gain but I've heard the same about the pill yet I've been on it since I was 16 and have never had problems with it [apart from forgetting to take it ]

the depo jab tunred me into what my ex called a raver pscyho it was not good with my moods or depression wise and it was only really noticable to me after i can off it how much an affect it was having plus it has taken over a year for things to settle down after coming off it. af is in a mean mood having been kept at bay completely by the depo for years.