While I was at the GP today for a totally unrelated issue, she asked me whether I was taking the contraceptive pill. I told her no, as I had tried levon for a couple of months but couldn't handle the side effects...terrible fluid retention, extrememly sore breasts extending into my armpits, and horrific mood swings. I told her we had been using condoms for 6 years and never had a problem. I was quite surprised when she told me that they aren't that effective (she is not the first to have told me that) and that maybe I should look into a more long term, effective plan. Now I am confused....after having a cancer diagnosis already this year I am hesitant to put anything "artificial" in my body but would love to stop using condoms. I refuse to have the depo provera injection after having it as a teenager and getting shocking side effects. I have read a lot of negatives about the mirena and not sure if I want to try the implanon, novo ring or another oral pill. I was leaning towards the novo ring because at least I can just stop it if I don't like it. Any suggestions?