Help with contraception

[pink9879]

I really need help with finding the right contraception for me. I have been on the pill (Rigevidon) which worked for the first few months to ensure regular periods and protection however I regularly forgot to take it and the worry of being pregnant for the weeks before my period was a major disadvantage to me.

I then got the implant fitted and experienced abnormal bleeding for the first few months of this. I then went to the doctors after 4 months and they gave me a 3-month course of ridegivon which was supposed to help stop my bleeding after taking it solidly. While on this pill, combined with the implant, I experienced a lot of sadness, mood swings and weight gain however this was worth stopping my bleeding. After the 3-month course had finished, my bleeding stopped for around 4/5 months and the implant worked great for me. I then began bleeding again which continued for around 6 months as I didn't bother getting it sorted as I was between sexual partners.

I then met my boyfriend 9 months ago, and we managed around the bleeding for 6 months (the bleeding was constant, heavy and painful) before I took action and went for a different 3 month pill called Munalea, however, this pill gave me major depressive symptoms which led to suicidal thoughts. Whereas, it did stop my bleeding. After finishing this course, my bleeding has continued even heavier than before (to the point that the other morning I inserted a tampon and within an hour I had bled through) and I have finally decided that I no longer want to continue with the implant.

I have looked into the coil, however after hearing many horror stories I do not know whether I would like to go through with it. If anyone has had any success stories with using the coil I would really like to hear them.

My boyfriend and I have also looked into using condoms alone, however I am nervous about forgetting to use one or it breaking as it is not as safe as other methods of contraception.

Any information about the coil, the patches, the injections or using condoms only would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

[emcar]

I had a non hormonal copper coil for 5 years and it was great. I didn't get on the with the implant - my mood were horrendous and I bled constantly. With the coil I didn't have to remember to take anything and my moods were much better without hormones. I did suffer from painful periods, have done since I was young and they advised it wouldn't help with the pain and could make my periods heavier, which it did slightly, was heavier on the first day but then OK. However, my cycle was much better, happened to the day so I didn't have any unpredictable bleeding.

Unfortunately i can't have another coil due to a suspected infection i got so am now on Depo which i hate! I don't like Depo because my moods are bad again, I am very teary and have put on weight but on the plus side I don't need to remember to take it and I have no periods! I would recommend you go to a family planning clinic and see a nurse or Dr there. I have found them to be more knowledgeable and approachable than GPs as they deal with contraception all the time.

[Galen70]

fpa.org.uk/professionals/re... has info about all the types of contraception. I would agree with Emcar and visit a reproductive health service for a chat.