Want to change pill

[8372]

Currently on rigevidon and have been on this for the past 2 years for heavy periods and excessive pain...the more I read about this contraceptive the more I wish to change it...ive just been to my gp with severe headaches and constant feeling sick and asked anx emotional...I constantly feel low and think it's worth considering changing my pill. The doctor I saw was very dismissive of this and suggested I research which I want to change to and come back....I have no idea where to start and would really like some help please

[Soph00]

Hi there,

When I was about 13/14 I was put on the pill because I had really heavy periods and they were extremely painful. So they put me on Rigevidon and I think I was on it the same amount of time as you, and I was the same I got the worst headaches, my mood was all over the place, and I gained so much weight. So I went back to the doctors and told them the same thing and they gave me a few different options, I chose to try a different pill. So they put me on Degestrol and it has been absolutely perfect for me since. It’s a combined pill so you take it everyday without stopping.

Hope this helps x

[Hidden]

Dear 8372,

I think Soph00 is referring to desogestrel (Cerazette or equivalent). It is a popular progesterone-only pill, not a combined contraceptive, taken once a day.

An alternative worth considering if you want to minimise systemic side-effects would be a medicated 'coil' such as Kyleena. It is slightly smaller and thinner than Mirena, which may make insertion easier, especially if you've never been pregnant. It will last 5 years.

If you want to give your body a complete break from hormones, then barrier contraceptives such as male and female condoms, caps and diaphragms are the way to go but they all have to be fitted/inserted before sex and they have higher failure rates than hormonal contraceptives.

A comprehensive guide provided by the Family Planning Association is available here:

fpa.org.uk/sites/default/fi...

After reading this, try to contact your local sexual health clinic and arrange a telephone consult if you have any additional queries.

Rgds,

Adhari

[8372]

Thank you both for your comments its helped with my decision