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Contraception

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elinmelyn

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I have been type 1 diabetic for nearly 7 years. I had he contraceptive implant put in 3 1/2 years ago but put on nearly 2 stone in a matter of months despite exercising daily. I got that removed and was put on the mini pill. I have been on this for 2 years but I really don't like it, feel depressed most of the time and am very moody! Any suggestions!?
 
Have you spoken to your doctor to see what they suggest? Unfortunately some hormonal contraceptives can cause weight gain or other issues. Your surgery may run a family planning clinic where you could get more info about other forms of contraceptives.

It may also be worth asking your diabetes consultant or DSN as they may know what contraceptives are most likely to suit you as a woman with diabetes.
 
elinmelyn said:
I have been type 1 diabetic for nearly 7 years. I had he contraceptive implant put in 3 1/2 years ago but put on nearly 2 stone in a matter of months despite exercising daily. I got that removed and was put on the mini pill. I have been on this for 2 years but I really don't like it, feel depressed most of the time and am very moody! Any suggestions!?
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According to the medical literature, oral and implanted contraceptives cause systemic effects and weight gain and depression are common. IUDs generally don't cause systemic effects, and tend to only act on the pelvic organs. There are 2 kinds - Mirena IUCD which releases hormones and a copper IUD/coil that doesn't.

I have used Mirena for many years with no side effects that I can identify. It's been a godsend as an endometriosis treatment, and contraception. No more periods for me. (Some women still have them, but they are usually very light). Some women have had bad experiences but like any treatment, most people are fine with it. IUDs can last 5-10 years too. They are reversible, if you want to conceive later.
 
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I had both the mini pill and the implant and both made me put on weight. I am now on the contraceptive injections which works brilliant for me. You only have to think about it once every 3 months and I cant say I've had any side effects from it at all. May be worth thinking about as another option
 
I've used a copper IUD for years until very recently when I had to have it removed following an infection. I've since tried the mini pill which had a crazy effect on my blood sugars so came off it and have reverted back to more traditional methods for the short term until I can have another coil. I find the coil to be a really good option for me personally as I'm not keen on the idea of messing with hormones. I could be wrong but am sure I recall reading that the copper coil is only suitable if you've already had a baby but I think the mirena is recommended for those who haven't.
 
Natalie1974 said:
I've used a copper IUD for years until very recently when I had to have it removed following an infection. I've since tried the mini pill which had a crazy effect on my blood sugars so came off it and have reverted back to more traditional methods for the short term until I can have another coil. I find the coil to be a really good option for me personally as I'm not keen on the idea of messing with hormones. I could be wrong but am sure I recall reading that the copper coil is only suitable if you've already had a baby but I think the mirena is recommended for those who haven't.
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I'm not sure about whether the copper coil is only suitable for those who have had a baby. I would ask a doctor about it. Mirena used to be only for those women but then it was found that it was ok for other women too.
 
My experience with the Mirena was awful, weight gain, low mood and no sex drive.. I would think very carefully before trying any form of contraception again after this.
 
Lexi_1991 said:
I had both the mini pill and the implant and both made me put on weight. I am now on the contraceptive injections which works brilliant for me. You only have to think about it once every 3 months and I cant say I've had any side effects from it at all. May be worth thinking about as another option
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I have these injections too - and many of my friends do as well and we've all experienced no side effects.
 
I have the copper coil and have never had a baby so either it's not an issue or my clinic are rubbish!

I mainly chose it because I didn't want to take hormones but it also has the advantage of forgetting about it for 10 years! I found having it fitted was really painful but as it's only once a decade I'll handle that, and I've been told it's much less painful coming out.

Bear in mind that whatever you choose may react with your body differently to others though, the perfect solution for one woman will be horrendous for someone else. Make what feels like the right decision for you but be prepared to try something else if it doesn't suit you again x
 
BeccyB said:
I have the copper coil and have never had a baby so either it's not an issue or my clinic are rubbish!

I mainly chose it because I didn't want to take hormones but it also has the advantage of forgetting about it for 10 years! I found having it fitted was really painful but as it's only once a decade I'll handle that, and I've been told it's much less painful coming out.

Bear in mind that whatever you choose may react with your body differently to others though, the perfect solution for one woman will be horrendous for someone else. Make what feels like the right decision for you but be prepared to try something else if it doesn't suit you again x
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I've had two IUD insertions and both were done under general anaesthetic as I was having surgery for endometriosis at the time. I wouldn't be able to cope with the pain of having one inserted without a general, and they have found that my anatomy makes it difficult to do and so they need me to have a general for it anyway. I wonder if other women have anatomy like this too and whether they might need a general.
 
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