Contraceptive advice - GPs if poss?!
Question: Hi,
I've been on the combined pill for years and years and the only problem i've experienced is the odd forgetting of it. Never really have much luck with condoms so forgetting it is annoying and sometimes risky.
3 months ago my doc changed me from the combined to the progesterin only pill as bmi and blood pressure was a bit higher than it should be and they were an absolute nightmare. I got my period every 2 weeks and also felt quite weepy for no reason.
Would other progesterin only methods (more specifically the implant) cause the same unacceptable side effects? If so what contraception would you recommend?
Thanks a million and sorry for the ramble.
Answers: Hi,
I've been on the combined pill for years and years and the only problem i've experienced is the odd forgetting of it. Never really have much luck with condoms so forgetting it is annoying and sometimes risky.
3 months ago my doc changed me from the combined to the progesterin only pill as bmi and blood pressure was a bit higher than it should be and they were an absolute nightmare. I got my period every 2 weeks and also felt quite weepy for no reason.
Would other progesterin only methods (more specifically the implant) cause the same unacceptable side effects? If so what contraception would you recommend?
Thanks a million and sorry for the ramble.
I follow the ramble potterhazel, firstly it would be a nice idea if you could try and lose some weight, this would lower your BMI and also your blood pressure. best way to do this is diet plus vigorous exercise, which also helps to lower blood pressure.
You doctor should have warned you about dysfunctional ( erratic ) bleeding on progesterone only pills. it occurs in most women for 3-6 months, but after this it does settle and by one years 70% of women have no bleeding at all. The mood change is more of a problem, because it often does not improve, and in your case sounds severe enough to be looking for an alternative method.
I am afraid i have never been a fat of the implant and in general it is not a common method of contraception, though in total there are still large numbers of women who favour it. It is quite likely to give you similar side effects, with the added disadvantage that you have to have it removed if it does not suit you.
This leaves the progesterone coil ( Mirena ) as a method. Overall most women in my experience, who try this are very satisfied. it is dual action and only releases very small amounts of progesterone, so the side effects tend to be less. It is easy to fit and can be removed in seconds if it is unsuitable.
What about NuvaRing?
Best thing to do is make an appointment with the nurse as she is the one that fits IDU and coils etc maybe one of these is more suited to you as you dont have to take it.
As for the pill many have side effects due to it placing hormones in your blood stream.
It took me 5 years and 12 different pills to find the 1 that suited me.
I hope you have a quicker and less painfull ride of it than I did.
I am not sure which pill your doc put you on but, i was on the Diane 35 and it made me so depressed. I was crying all the time. Tomorrow i am getting my 3rd implanon put in. The last 2 times that i have had it, were great. Especially as i am hopeless taking the pill, always forgetting to take it etc.The first implanon that i had, my period was a bit irregular for the first few months, then they sorted themselves out and were great. The second time, i didnt have a period for 2 years! hip hip hooray! That was great.
No, you probably wont have the same side effects as the pill you were on. When i went to the doc about the pill causing my depression, he said that they had different hormones and i shouldn't get the side effects with the implant. And i never had those side effects last time. So i am looking forward to tomorrow ( a bit scared about getting it put in, but hey unplanned pregnancy is scarier!)