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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Minipill - is it as good as combined?

14 replies

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 15:01

Just want to know what to expect. I am 37+3 and planning to bf so the combined pill that I have been used to for 8 years is not an option. Do you have to take it within an hour every day (worried about this as my memory is terrible!) and is it just as effective as the other? (starting to panic about getting pg again already!!)Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

pippylongstockings · 10/01/2008 15:14

We used condoms for about 9 months after our DS1 was born while I was still b/f. I then went back on the pill had a mummy brain like a sieve and forgot to take it several times and became pg again.

This time we used condoms for about 6 months then I got fitted with the coil!

As I understand it you have to take the mini pill at about the same time everyday - so if you think your memory is terrible try something like making part of your bedtime routine.....

nailpolish · 10/01/2008 15:16

what about a copper coil? thatss what i have. no horrid artificial hormones at all

LaylaandSethsmum · 10/01/2008 15:18

A new mini pill called cerazette still gives you a 12 hour window to remember if you forget!Its slightly more effective than other mini pills too and in many women stops ovulation. Its about 98% effective.

whinegums · 10/01/2008 15:25

I was taking Cerazette and now I'm nearly 13 weeks pg! Someone has to be in the 2%....

I had a mirena coil once (IUS), that was the most effective and easiest thing I ever used. A little uncomfortable to fit (but should be easier after giving birth), lighter to non-existent periods, no period pain and it lasts for 5 years. I just never got around to getting another one (although it will be one of the first things I do after delivery!). Good luck!

PortAndLemonaid · 10/01/2008 15:56

IIRC (for most brands) have to take within 3 hour window, really should take within 1 hour window.

Definitely might be worth looking into Mirena coil if you have a bad memory -- same general cocktail as the minipill but works out at a lower dose and you don't have to rely on your memory.

Original poster

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 15:57

I thought the coil was less effective than the pill, and more likely to cause ectopic pg etc - is this true? And as for condoms, lets just say in the heat of the moment they don't seem all that important - hence ds!

OP posts:

Original poster

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 16:02

And does the minipill not nessecarily (sp!) stop you ovulating then? I thought all pills did that bit! (Sorry too many questions!)

OP posts:

PortAndLemonaid · 10/01/2008 16:09

I think there are differences between hormonal and copper coils in terms of how effective they are and whether they increase risk of ectopic. But you ought to be able to run through all of that with your GP at your six-week check.

Minipill doesn't necessarily stop you ovulating. It does in some reasonably high percentage of cases, but not in all.

Original poster

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 16:15

OK,just googled the mirena coil and while from what they say it seems more effective than the pill, I really don't like the idea of it, I'm probably a bit of a control freak and don't like the fact you have to rely on the doc' to put it in/take it out/change it for you - but that's just me! Just wanted to know if the minipill is practically the same as combined in reliability, side-effects, etc - have pretty much made up my mind that's what I want to use. Is the only difference in the time frame you take it in?

OP posts:

whinegums · 10/01/2008 16:25

Fairy snuff scaryhairycat - maybe you could set yourself a daily alarm somehow, or keep it on your bedside table to take when you get up or go to bed (tried that one!). Understand the control freak bit too. I did really like that I didn't have to even think about contraception when I had the mirena though, and not go back to docs for pill supplies every 6 months.

It's the old one eh - "if men could get pregnant...." yes there would be something safe, effective and convenient. Until then....

Original poster

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 16:30

Think I will try that, whingums! And as for "if men could get pregnant.." the human race really would die out! Good luck with your pg btw!

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PortAndLemonaid · 10/01/2008 16:57

Well, I used the minipill for seven years (I can't take the combined pill because it has a bad effect on my blood pressure) and never really got on with it. I had lots of spotting and breakthrough bleeding, very frequent periods and my skin was a bit iffy. Didn't get pregnant though . I am not going back on it -- when we are definitely done DH will have to get the snip (or perhaps the male pill will actually be out by then).

Plenty of women get on fine with it, though, and probably I should have kicked up more of a fuss and tried changing brands -- but the first time I tried discussing that with a practice nurse she was very offputting so I just put up with it.

Original poster

scaryhairycat · 10/01/2008 17:28

Yes port, will get my dh 'done' when we are definitely through! Think I will use minipill for as long as I b/f and then switch to combined as soon as I have finished.

OP posts:

Diege · 10/01/2008 17:55

Maybe try the mini-pill L&SMUM suggests? (waves!! ). DD1 is the result of being a bit 'flexible' with the time the pill was taken. I always took it religiously when I got back from work at 6pm, but forgot one night and took it when I got in from the pub at 11.30pm (so 5 hours late). Next day took 6pm as normal. Result was dd1!

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