Contraception

[atolhurst]

A question for the ladies..

Am currently using the injection and have been for a while. It's worked fine although I think I've put on a bit of weight and am now looking into other options.

I'm in a long term relationship, but have no desire ot have kids so am looking for contraceptive solutions(not condoms - they're a faff) that don't lead to weight gain. Could I get my tubes temporarily tied for example?

Any suggestions, or am I simply asking for too much?

[Dakota]

Hi :)

There are risks involved in getting your tubed tied, in that the chances of conceiving later in life are drastically reduced and I doubt very much that a doctor in the Country will perform this procedure as a contraceptive aid. I know a couple of people who have had this done as they have no desire to have children ever and the rigmaroll they had to go through was a drama within itself.

Any other tpe of contraceptive will come with a risk of weight gain because of the extra hormones, it's just trying to find one that suites *you*. Have you gained a lot of weight on the injection?

There are a couple of other types of long term contraception, one being the coil, which is a copper device fitted into the womb and is designed to stop the sperm meeting the egg - drawbacks of this is that it can make bleeding heavier and more painfull for the first few months.

The other is the hormonal implants, which is 6 rods (like matchsticks) are inserted in your upper arm (usually, I've never head of them being inserted anywhere else). The rods slowly release something (I forget the name of it) that supresses the pituitary gland, which in turn stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. The drawbacks if this method is that it can cause irregular menstruation and headaches.

But both still carry risks of weight gain :(

[mycatis]

I have the implant in my arm. It's only 1 little rod now and it stays in for three yerars. I think it's great, and I haven't had any problems with it.

[Lisa-Jo]

Hi there,

My friend now uses these new patches now that you can stick on your upper arm (or the top of your bum) these work well as there are no injections or operations but you have to change the patch every few days. Speak to your doctor as these are available on prescription.

Good Luck