I'm due for a review of my contraception soon, and just wondered if it's worth asking about any alternatives or is contraception still so crap that I'll have to accept this is the best it'll get?
For the last three years I've taken noriday (mini pill). Benefits - no major side effects that I had with other forms of contraception. Also, no periods and minimal monthly symptoms (eg bit of moodiness and water retention but that's it)
Downside is it has completely killed my sex drive. I do still enjoy sex when I have it, but I never feel the urge. My DH doesn't pressure me at all, but if I'm honest sex these days is something I initiate because I know he misses it. Once I, erm, get going, its enjoyable but the rest of the time the thought is just absent, if that makes sense.
The reason I've put up with this is experiences prior were so bad. Had microgynon for years, without knowing that probably exacerbated my headaches. Was taken off it by gp in my late twenties as they said I'd had a combined pill for too long. Tried implant, body rejected it. Cerazette gave me terrifying mood swings. Copper coil resulted in a year of heavy periods joint pain, headache and backache (was told they were unrelated but they magically cleared up once it was removed...) Mirena caused me to bleed constantly with associated fatigue. Tried just using condoms for a while but always felt a bit anxious about using them properly/failure rate.
The research I've done suggests that the only pill option would be a couple of brands of mini pill, and all have associated side effect of reduced libido. I suppose that makes them a very effective form of contraception, but it does feel a bit sad. DH would be willing to have the snip but as we've no kids and he's younger than me, he wouldn't be approved to have it.
Does anyone else have this experience of the mini pill, and any advice?