Suitable contraception...?

[starlet04]

hi

just wondered whether anyone knows of any contraceptives that are less/more effective for pcos-sufferers? i have maybe 3 periods a year (just had my first one this year lol) and to be honest, i don't want more!! point is, i really want to stop using condoms and i don't want to start using anything that's going to give me more periods since it won't be a natural one in any event...

any advice/help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated
thanks x

[Meringoo]

Hi,

Well, I would suggest the combined pill (an anti-androgenic brand such as Yasmin, Marvelon, Mercilon, Cilest) and if you don't want more than 3 periods in a year, it is perfectly safe to take up to 6 packs in a row without a break, then take 7 days off for a bleed and commence this regimen again. It is safer to have less periods when you're on the pill because the pill won't allow a dangerous build up of womb lining, which would happen if you were only having periods occasionally but naturally.

I have been advised in the past to take 2 or 3 packs after another to help with acne, PMT, painful bleeding and headaches. It works for me. Also, if you stick to this style of pill taking, it can be even more effective as there are less pill-free days and so less error with starting a new pack, which is what women often find trouble with apparently.

Another option is progestogen-only pill, such as Cerazette, but this doesn't give you the reliability of knowing when your bleeding will start or stop, which can be a mood killer!

I wouldn't advise an IUD if you don't have regular periods as it is likely to cause loads of irregular bleeding and possibly pain.

There's also the diaphragm and cap, but these aren't as effective as the combined pill.

I wouldn't really recommend the depo shot or implant for PCOS sufferers as it is likely to make symptoms worse.


Hope this helps x

[starlet04]

Hi,

Well, I would suggest the combined pill (an anti-androgenic brand such as Yasmin, Marvelon, Mercilon, Cilest) and if you don't want more than 3 periods in a year, it is perfectly safe to take up to 6 packs in a row without a break, then take 7 days off for a bleed and commence this regimen again. It is safer to have less periods when you're on the pill because the pill won't allow a dangerous build up of womb lining, which would happen if you were only having periods occasionally but naturally.

I have been advised in the past to take 2 or 3 packs after another to help with acne, PMT, painful bleeding and headaches. It works for me. Also, if you stick to this style of pill taking, it can be even more effective as there are less pill-free days and so less error with starting a new pack, which is what women often find trouble with apparently.

Another option is progestogen-only pill, such as Cerazette, but this doesn't give you the reliability of knowing when your bleeding will start or stop, which can be a mood killer!

I wouldn't advise an IUD if you don't have regular periods as it is likely to cause loads of irregular bleeding and possibly pain.

There's also the diaphragm and cap, but these aren't as effective as the combined pill.

I wouldn't really recommend the depo shot or implant for PCOS sufferers as it is likely to make symptoms worse.


Hope this helps x

thanks so much for your reply - i forgot to mention that the main issue i have is that i don't want to start taking the pill. for lots of reasons, though primarily because i know myself and i'll never remember to take it, even if i set alarms/reminders. it just won't happen.

so i'm guessing that from what you're saying i'm kind of screwed i reckon...

but like i said, thanks again - much appreciated x

[Meringoo]

You're very welcome. Sorry, I know it is difficult. I am majorly forgetful, but have never missed a pill as I have made it part of my daily routine. Wake up, bathroom, take pill, brush teeth. I have friends who set reminders on their mobiles or in their diaries etc. It just becomes habit. If there are other reasons though, I guess you would need to discuss with a doctor. The best pills for PCOS that I have tried are Marvelon and Yasmin. I try to weigh up the pros and cons to taking medication before I decide whether I start or stop it. Sounds silly, but writing everything down helps. Sometimes I have "blamed" my pill for things that, after more careful thought, were likely to be due to other issues (stress, family life, job, PCOS, endometriosis).

Because being overweight makes PCOS worse, I would never use the implant or depo shot, as I don't know anybody (ALL my friends are on these!) who hasn't put on a LOT of weight/can't seem to lose any. Also, I don't like the idea of messing up my fertility chances afterwards.

It's a tricky one. Hope you can find something that's right for you.

Search netdoctor.co.uk for different contraception ideas. I find it helpful. x

[HelenYorkshire]

I'm coming off the pill as I want to give hormones a chance to settle - every time I go on and come off, things drop down a level, like it is basically making things worse? So am trying to avoid all hormonal things.
Anyway I'm going for a copper coil (IUD?) so I'll let you know... nurse didn't say it wasn't suitable...! I'm prepared for any periods I do have (very infequent) to be worse - this is one of the warnings - but I'm gonna stick with it for at least 6 months