ok I'm new to this

[AngelPunks]

After 5 years with DH (who had the snip), I'm now going to have to look for contraception options.

I've got an appointment with the family planning clinic in a couple of weeks (mainly coz I'm due for my annual pap smear) and I've asked for it to be a longer appointment to discuss contraception options.

I was on the pill from the ages of 14 to about 34 (with a few breaks).

I have loved not putting chemicals in my body, these last 5 years have been great, I know my cycle, I know when I'm fertile (not that it was an issue) etc.

Now, that I'm back on the dating scene (and have some FWB), I need to look at options.

I don't want to put on any weight (I'm losing weight and I'd like to keep losing weight). I don't want the mood swings (some of the pills I used to be on used to give me PMS). I want something easy & painless (the option of an implant makes me want to barf).

So some suggestions please, would be wonderful. I'm going to be doing some research before heading into the FP clinic but some personal recommendations would be good.

I don't want to get pregnant, that is my biggest thing, I will for the casual partners be using condoms but I just want an extra layer of security. Actually I'd love to get pregnant but that isn't an option at the moment.

[Kazbah]

Heys hun

I'd stay away from the Mirena IUD - it has chemical contraceptive in it, totally mucked up my cycle, I bled for about 3 months non-stop and can't shift the weight I was losing.
Good luck

[Kitt3n]

Ok - havent got any advice on what to use but i can definately say don't use Depo!

[Madham]

I would say dont get the implanon, i had it in for 3 months and bled the entire time and not lightly either (tmi), also mood swings were bad.

[Jennifer13]

There is another option out that's relatively recent. It's a cervical ring that you insert (as you would a tampon, but much smaller and not noticeable!) for 30 days and then remove (if you don't want a period you put another one in). I don't know the name, but my ob/gyn thought it was wonderful (was going to offer it to his daughter when she was a bit older), has a local effect (so doesn't have as much of an impact on your hormones as the pill or implant) and okay to use if you haven't had children. You use a new one every month.

FWIW I have the Mirena actually and I love it. Also local so hormonal effect is minimal (which means you can have it while bfing which was important for me), but it's really not a good idea unless you are looking for longer-term contraception and have had a baby...

[Beach Mama]

Just thought I'd mention that I know 3 girls including my sis who have Implanon and have had no issues at all. One got pg a week after it was removed! I will be getting one the minute this baby is out! Good luck hun, so many choices out there, I hope you find something that works well for you.

[hubba_bubba07]

Hey..my advice is stay away from depovera..everyone is different I know but this caused me excessive weight gain,horrible acne along neck and jaw line,mood swings to the max and of the 2 doses I had,I didn't get a period for over 18 mths.I was bloated and had severe headaches..my cycle has never been the same since..never again...good luck with ur choice