What is the best contraception?

[skinnyblue]

I'm looking to avoid pregnancy, weight gain, spontaneous periods (i think a side effect from Implanon, the implant?) and hopefully help my skin. I have a boyfriend and no plans to change partners any time soon. I'd really appreciate some opinions on different methods of contraception people have tried. Thank you!

[dragonfly]

I used the pill - Dianete which helped me with my acne at the age of 31 did not seem to get many side effects and had no weight gain, best thing is to have a talk with your GP and discuss the different options. hope you get it sorted x

[zgma]

I've used the pill, and didn't like it because it messed with my hormones so severely. Probably I could have tried a different pill and found the right one, but I also didn't like having to remember each day. I've used condoms, which have their place, but they are a nuisance when you are monogamous with a partner, as well as changing the way the sex feels. Currently we use a diaphragm and contaceptive jelly. Also a bit of a nuisance, and one of the less reliable methods. I would be using something else if getting pregnant right now would be tragic for me... since it would just be slightly less than ideal, I don't worry so much. I have heard rave reviews of NuvaRing, which you insert once a week and it releases hormones just to the area of your cervix. It's very reliable and not much hassle, and you don't have to think about it just before having sex, since it's already there and working for you. I don't know whether it's available in the UK. There's also the contraceptive patch, which is like the pill in that you get systemic hormones, but you only have to remember to change it once a week, rather than taking a pill every day.

[nykkieberry]

The IUD (coil) is great. Stick it in an forget about it for 5 years! The pill (both tablet and injection) messed me up in everyway...weight, skin, depression, PMT. Tried the IUD after my son was born and I have had now had it for four years. Drawbacks are heavier and more painful periods (for me) but my doctor has informed me of a newer device that prevents this. Apart from this downside I've never looked back. The pros still outweigh the cons. For me it's been liberating!

[morg_monster]

I used to use Dianette which helped my skin. One thing I would say with this is technically it is a medicine rather than a contraceptive, so the NHS charge you the normal presciption rate. (the hormones in it to help the skin would be so damaging to a fetus if you got pregnant that they have to 'wrap it up' in a contraceptive). I stopped taking it after 4 yrs as my skin was much better so I thought i'd get a more normal pill. I was on Brevinor for 2 cycles, didn't like it - bleeding and bad skin. Now I'm on Yasmin, which so far I'm reallly pleased with! My skin's remained clear, no weight gain, no side effects at all. Ask your doctor about choosing a pill - i read that pills with progesterone in can cause acne in some people.

[Doolallygirl]

The best contraceptive is dating an ugly bloke!! Only joking! I know lots of girls who were on my pill that I can't remember the name of, it came in a green packet. I decided that was to blame for me putting on so much weight so I asked my doctor for a change after 3 years on that and I am now taking Loestrin which has made me put on far much more weight! I still use condoms occassionally (I've been with my partner for 6 months) but I find they do make the sex totally different and I don't feel as close to him.

[Oneeyedvic]

Speaking from a mans point of view - I have been in the same monogamous relationship for 7 years and have been married for almost one year. We use condoms. It works out best as I don't want the snip and she doesn't want to take the pill. Not all men hate condoms and we do have a "normal" regular sex life (probably). Have you talked to him about it?

[AllYourBase]

Abstinence works every time it is tried!

[skinnyblue]

Thanks everybody! x*x*x*x

[MrsCheeks]

Condoms. No side effects - unless you are allergic to latex, although they have non-latex ones nowadays I heard - and have the added bonus of also helping to prevent the transmission of sexual diseases. The best method by far.

[blanx]

Condoms are so unpleasant, and liable to various mishaps, caps = messy, unreliable. Try out some different pills, not everyone gains weight on them. You might not. Some people even have a tendency to blame their weight gain on the pill when they have been eating/drinking unheality - not saying that everyone does of course. You could also try the mini-pill. That has worked successfully for me for a number of years with no side effects.