Birth Control

[Nova324]

Hey Ladies,

(I've posted this on a few threads but not sure where is the right place and haven't heard anything!)

just wondering if anyone can give me any advice.
I'm currently on the mini pill and before my baby girl (she's 1 now) I was on the 21 day pill with a break. I haven't had a period since I started this pill which is weird to me and I liked when I wasn't on it before getting pregnant the last time.

the thing is I really just want to not take the pill anymore. I want to let my body do what it wants to do and see what difference it makes. I also feel like it affects my weight and mood etc. I've read up and seen that it has done the same to others. I just really want to not be on any BC but I also am not ready for another baby yet. I would love one in the future (2-3 years hopefully) but not right now.

so I guess what I'm really asking is there anyone else that doesn't use BC and just kind of uses the natural method / condoms. like how safe is it to do it that way. I feel like once I would get my period it would be easier to judge but just wondered what other people actually do when they dont take birth control.

sorry for going on a bit just trying to work it out in my head as well ha

any advice would be great TIA

If pregnancy would be disastrous in the next 2-3 years, then relying on NFP (natural family planning) is probably not for you. It might be better to do firna straightforward arrive methud - condoms or a diaphragm.

If you do want to try NFP, then you need proper training, and use a symptom/temperature method. Thus means teaching your mucus daily, and also taking your temperature (ideally rectally) every day before you get up (to minimise random variation). You need to chart these for at least 3 months so you become familiar with your cycle and can clearly spot ovulation.

Do not rely on OPKs, though they are useful adjunct, and definitely do not rely on the calendar!

BTW, the contraception too can is here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/family_planning

I used condoms and an app to track my cycle. I didnt have sex during my fertile window. That is how I got pregnant.

@1Micem0use same here!

OP if having a baby would not be good right now make sure you use a barrier method eg condoms properly and every time if you aren't going to be on long term contraception

Natural family planning can work but it can be a bit risky, you need to be very aware of your cycles and be regular. We've used this method with success but dh works away too so that helps.

I hate hormonal contraception as it buggers my body up. Tried a copper coil, conceived our twins and they couldn't find it so presume it was lost at some point. Not a condom fan but they're mostly reliable, think we've only ever had 1 or 2 break in the past.

There are pessaries (Pharmatex?) that create a natural barrier (sort of like a thick cream/waxy thingy) but I'd still combine with a condom if you want to be more safe.

thank you all for your advice!
@Chelyanne yeah I just want to give my body a bit of a rest. I was on the pill for 10+ years before my little girl then went straight back on nearly right away albeit a different one but still. I wanted the non hormonal coil but they weren't doing anything but pills because of covid.

@1Micem0use do you mean you did all that. condoms, no sex in fertile window and you still got pregnant?

it so rubbish most preventions for women just fill us with hormones.

Yes, that's right. Although obviously the app had miscalculated my fertile period. It's not an exact science.

Yeah, I'd wanted a break from hormonal contraception as I felt it was making me moody and fat. Not as moody and fat as pregnancy though 🤣

I had my DS 6 months ago and prior to that wasnt on any hormonal contraception for 6 years (DS was planned).

Having another baby so soon wouldn’t be ideal so I went on the mini pill for the past 4 months and it’s brought back all the issues it did years ago. Constant bleeding, low mood, nausea, headaches etc. I’ve tried so many pills in the past and they all give me the similar issues so I’ve thrown my mini pill in the bin after months of problems but a few days of being very sick from it, it was the last straw.. I have a baby to look after so being sick in bed isn’t practical!

I’m now going to do ‘proper’ natural family planning as I have very regular cycles (when left to be) so I’ve always been able to track it. I’m keen to understand the whole temperature etc side of it though as mine was more a ‘rough idea’ and avoided sex if unsure previously.

I sent off for a tutoring session with Fertility UK and they got back very quickly with available video consultation dates. Unfortunately the NHS has cut back funding NFP but a session is £60 so not that extortionate.

Doing my research, it’s reported that NFP can be 99% effective if practiced correctly which is the same for any form of contraception. With every contraception comes risks but I’m not just willing to pump by body full of crap for the next 20 years or so!

We used a an app, a wearable tracker, and condoms when in the ‘danger zone.’ I was pregnant in 4 months 😂. We now have a 10 month old...

Best thing that could have happened to us, but not planned. If falling pregnant would be a problem for you, I wouldn’t recommend NFP.

wow @sleepslikeababy @1Micem0use that's what worries me about it haha! I love my LG and would love another eventually but not for a few years lol

@SugarOrange yes your thinking the same as me! i was on the pill for 10+ years before having my LG and then went on again when she was about5/6 weeks so my body really hasn't had much of a break. i was only off it for around 3 months or so before falling pregnant but I just want to let myself have a break and see if it would help with moods and weight etc. I've had the opposite effect to you as in i haven't had a period since I've been on it! and i dont really like the idea of not having it!