Contraception

[MadMen]

I need to get contraception sorted out but it's been a while and I'm unsure of my options. I've previously only ever taken the pill, but can't remember what it was called. I do know I took it constantly and never had the 7 day break.
I'm not overly keen to start taking pills again as I worry about the side effects they could have. However, I would like a contraception that would stop my periods altogether as I do suffer quite badly with cramps. Is there such a thing or do you only get this with certain pills?
I absolutely hate talking about stuff like this but would much prefer to have this discussion with a faceless Aber than my doctor, so all help and advice is greatly appreciated :-)

[chrissa1]

The Merina coil sounds like what you need. I had one for years and never had a period. It was fine.

[MadMen]

Do you have to go back often to have it changed or checked or anything?

[MadMen]

Actually, don't worry about answering that. I will Google it :-)
Thank you.

[rockyracoon]

I agree with chrissa, I never got a period while I had one. I did have to have it taken out though, as I don't tolerate the hormones in contraceptives.

[MadMen]

Just read it can cause a decreased sex drive. Wonder if they do a male version!

[chrissa1]

I never did and had it for years. So saying, I would think every 5 years is good. When I did go, the doctor asked me how long I'd had it and I answered with the words...."Oh, my daughter was born in '83...." I think she was about 10 then.

[chrissa1]

Lol.

[MadMen]

Every 5 years? Wow! That's brilliant.
Just having a read up on it now.

[Sqad]

\\\Just read it can cause a decreased sex drive. Wonder if they do a male version!\\\

The do...it's called flannel pyjamas....

[MadMen]

Ha ha ha! That made me laugh :-D

[chrissa1]

Me too.

[woofgang]

Its been a while since I needed any.
Anyway a few websites to browse to start you off
https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&;rls=en&q=contraceptive+choices+UK&;ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=6a0HUcaqNYSa0QX_iIFY

and a forum...probably best not to click on this one if you are of a sensitive disposition and male lol
http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/forum/show1_f83_1/sex/contraception.html

[bednobs]

what is your objection to taking pills? If it's the hormones, then be aware that anything that stops your periods will most likely have hormones in it - even the coil

[MadMen]

Right. I've read up quite a bit on this merina coil and it appears the side effects are extremely common. They include weight gain (4st in one case!) and depression. As I have had mental health problems in the past I am a bit anxious about that one so I think I would need to speak to my GP or nurse about that. Will regards to the pill and my reasons for not wanting to take it, I just worry about taking anything for such a long period of time and the links to things like breast cancer which my family has a strong history of.

[ummmm]

I had the implant. No side affects at all and no periods.

[MadMen]

Is that an injection? Or is that a different type?
I have made an appointment with the nurse now, but it's not until the end of next week. I'll read more into the implant and see if that would be better.

[ummmm]

It gets inserted into your arm and that's it for 3 to 5 years.

[MadMen]

Jeez! Like microchipping. lol
I'm gonna have a read up on it and see if it will be suited better. Not too keen on the merina coil having now read some more into it. Thanks :-)

[ummmm]

OMG...they could have been following my movements for years!!

[MadMen]

Lol. Quick, dig it out!