Contraception - non hormonal

[pollywollywoowah]

DH and I are currently using condoms (well, not at this exact moment) but I really want something different as neither of us are too keen on them.

I took the pill for years and always thought I had a low sex drive but since coming off the pill to get pg with DD (now 18mths) I realise it was probably the pill affecting my sex drive as I have no "problems" now.

We probably won't have any more children but are not ruling it out 100% so the snip isn't an option yet.

So does anyone know or have experience of the implant causing the same sex drive problems as the pill? I'm not keen on the idea of the coil or cap really. My GP keeps pushing the coil or implant but just makes vague comments about weight gain which I'm not keen on either!

Any help appreciated

This should help you make an informed choice - www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Guidetocontraception.aspx - as could your local practice nurse or family planning clinic.

I have the copper coil (no hormones) and I'm very happy with it. Anything hormonal at all makes me depressed, fat and uninterested in sex...

Oops! Forgot the square bracket thingys

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Guidetocontraception.aspx

The implant can affect your sex drive but I don't think they are the same hormone as the normal pill. IIRC implant is the same as the mini-pill which you might not be sensitive to.

Don't rule out a coil though. I had a copper coil (non-hormonal) fitted in January and really get on with it. Yes, my periods are a lot heavier and slightly longer but that doesn't particularly bother me, it would if they were unbearably painful but I get a day or two of cramping (just the same as I did before) then nothing.

My SIL has a Mirena coil and she likes it too, especially that she doesn't get periods any more. She doesn't seem to have any of the side-effects like weight gain or depression. However, it does have the same hormone in it as the normal pill so if you are sensitive to it, it might not be for you.