Contraception

[DrunkenFlamingo]

Looking for some advice as I'm at my wits end...

Back story - I'm nearly 32, in a relationship with a guy who has two children. No children myself.

I started taking Microgynon when I was 16, and continued to take it for 14 years. It made me really depressed, miserable, very low self esteem and I made some really bad relationship choices as a result.

I had 6 month or so occasions where I wasn't having sex so came off it and felt a lot better.

I changed pill to Cerelle at the start of this year and within a couple of months came off it as it was doing the same thing.

I then decided to have a copper coil fitted and my mood has been great all the way though although the pain has been horrendous. At least 12 days each month I'm in agony, lots of bleeding, painful sex, constant infections etc.

I've persisted with it for 9 months and can't take it anymore so its coming out on Monday.

The doctors have put me onto Loestrin as a stop gap and after less than a week of taking it the depression is back. I'm feeling really low again.

So my question is what do I do? Anyone have any ideas of good things to try?

I must add that I've had a couple of occasions where I've not used any contraception (other than condoms) and have had very normal periods and normal mood.

Why not use condoms then?

The other half doesn't like them/forgets..

I don't think condoms are a long term solution in a relationship. What happens if one splits?

I don't think him forgetting is an issue as you'll be there to remember. We used condoms for many years and it was fine, never had a mishap but if we did I'd go for the MAP. I now use the implant which works well for me.

Sure, but I think reminding him to use a condom is a real passion killer!

How was the implant compared to other types of hormonal contraception?

I've had a similar situation. I did manage to sort it for a few years with Nexplanon implant, but when it came to that one being replaced (3 yrs, iirc) the new one gave me constant bleeding for 4 months, which led to iron deficiency and the worst depression I have ever known. So that came out, and we are relying on condoms since then. So far so good, and an unplanned pregnancy for us wouldn't be catastrophic. The hormonal contraceptives aren't for me.

I am less grumpy on the implant and don't get periods. I know it doesn't suit some people though.

I really like using a diaphragm. Can put it in up to 3 hours before so still spontaneous. Slightly less effective than other forms of contraception but only slightly and if you were concerned about that then can always use condoms for few days of peak ovulation.

I only realised after coming off the pill what a negative effect it has on me.

There is a contraception topic on Mumsnet, may want to post there.

The implant messed with my emotions massively, I was almost suicidal at certain times of the month, those thoughts have never retuned since having it out so I'm sure it was the implant. It made life very difficult and confusing for 2 years, I would t recommend it of other hormonal contraception have affected your moods drastically.

Can he get a vasectomy since he's already had his children?

Similar situation here, the pill makes me bleed on and off all month and makes me feel ill, I hate using condoms and they are quite expensive during the early stages of a relationship ( when your at it like rabbits ), I am looking for other options, my gp has suggested the implant or the injection but I'm worried about the injection causing side effects and it being stuck in my system for months.

I've just started using a diaphragm and am sort of combining that with the rhythm method (avoiding ovulation days) to be on the safe side. Hormonal contraception was absolutely killing my libido and I've also found my mood massively improved since coming off the pill so completely sympathise with your situation. I'm finding the diaphragm much better than I expected and failure rates aren't as high as I thought, don't know why they're not so popular these days but it's infinitely preferable to anything hormonal or a copper coil for me. Have heard others say it can be difficult to get hold of the spermicide you need to use with them but I've had no problems so far. I have to say a surprise baby wouldn't be the end of the world for me but no form of contraception is 100% effective and I feel by combining the two methods I'm as protected as I would be on the pill, maybe more so. I'm 41 (today actually!) and just sick of pumping myself full of hormones so what I'm doing now is a good alternative for me.

I am on depo injection, which lasts 12 weeks. I haven't had any problems with it. Don't have periods now, just a little spotting maybe a couple of days throughout the 12 weeks.

Previously I'd used female condoms and the diaphragm. You might think "Oh it's a mood killer having to stop and put a condom on" - well a baby's a bloody mood-killer for sure, as is hormonal contraception for you, it seems. Cap doesn't seem to be recommended now, there's this big push to get women onto the coil, seemingly, which I've heard several horror stories from close friends and family members, so there's no way I'm letting one anywhere near me.

I get PMS and can't take combined pills. I also found I bled for 14/28 days with the copper coil. Mirena (same stuff in it as Depot/ Implant) evens my moods out brilliantly for the first 2-3 years at least of using them. Libido plummets tho.
However, I assume Cerelle is a POP? And if you were just as bad on that as a COCP then I'd be cautious with the long acting contraceptives. Remember Depot can take up to a year for fertility to return - so unwise if you may want to ttc into your 30s.

Are babies out of the question? If so, why aren't you looking at him to take the responsibility on?

Thank you for all the advice. I've now had the coil out and have stopped taking the Loestrin as it was making me feel really sick.

So its condoms for now to give my body a rest from things for a bit. Had a chat with DP and hes on board with using them. Dr advised me to have kids if I want them and then DP can have the snip.

We've used condoms for 10 years and only conceived when intended with no splits or dramas.

I find them a good compromise really as, like pp, only realised how much of an effect the hormones had had on my mood when I stopped taking the pill. I don't want to go back to hormones ever )
(I actually prefer to use them regardless as I find it's less messy )

I've never got on with the Pill and used condoms, including in long term relationships.

Very similar here op. I had to have the copper coil taken out a year ago from terrible pain and bad af (I was on pain killers so much over a prolonged time I decided it wasn't a good thing).

My gp said diaphragm isn't very effective. I have one but the spermicide gel I find very itchy and reacts with my skin meaning I can't use it but might be worth a go possibly alongside condoms so you have a back up if her worried about its effectiveness.

When I had my copper coil taken out the fpc recommended a new type of coil like the mirena (forget the name) which lasts for less time and uses much less hormone so the theory being the hormones side effects are less. I refused on the grounds my body cannot take any hormones (both artificial and during pregnancy) and I can't cope with them anymore.

Good luck op.