I need a contraceptive that I won't react badly to!

[Sunflower22]

I am in a long term relationship with my boyfriend, we have both been tested for STIs, and we would like to use an alternative contraceptive to condoms. However, I don't know if I will be able to do this, as I always seem to react badly to the hormones. I have been on three brands of contraceptive pill in the past (Microgynon 30, Cilest and then Dianette) but with all I experienced non stop thrush (yeast infection) symptoms, itchy and sore constantly despite treatment. Frequent tests were either positive for just thrush or for nothing at all, but the discomfort was still there. When I came off the pill the discomfort disappeared. My doctor suggested that the oestrogen in the pill may be the problem so I decided to try a progestin only preperation. I had Implanon inserted, however I could only tolerate this for 6 months, as I broke out in huge, painful red spots (they were more like boils) all over my face, chest and back.



It seems that progestin gives me unbearable acne, whilst oestrogen gives me unbearable thrush-like discomfort. I am resigning myself to the fact that I may have to just stick with condoms; however, I don't want to give up just yet and wondered if you had any suggestions? I heard that the new low dose contraceptive pills (such as Mercilon) contain less oestrogen and are therefore less likely to give me the thrush-like symptoms? Sorry for such a long post but I really don't know what to do and would really appreciate any advice!

[Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.]

well you are certainly brave, given your level of reaction to hormonally based contraception.. The only choice you have is to work with your doctor and go systematically through different chemical configurations. It sound doubtful that you will tolerate them but you don't know for sure unless you try. I have talked to gynecologists recently who feel Mirena is a highly reliable IUD with few sideeffects for most people- however it is a progestin product- so it may affect you as the others have.

     What about a diaphram? YOu will get more sensation if thats what you are looking for and you don't need to take it out after an ejaculation. I believe you only need to add more contraceptive jelly. You might try it as an alternative if your doctor thinks its a good idea.

[girl522]

I have the same effects to estrogen as you do, but I also get Migraines as well.  I decided to try the Mirena IUD, but my body ended up rejecting it last week and I started getting acne from it as well.  My doctor suggested the Nuvaring since it has the lowest dose of hormones and there are spikes throughout the day like with pills.  So this is basically my last try or I will just have to stick with condoms.  Maybe you could try the nuvaring.

[Sunflower22]

Thanks for the advice, I may try the nuvaring. You say that you have the same reaction to oestrogen as I do, do you mind if I ask if you have been tested for yeast infections when you get them? It really puzzles me because often when I've been on the pill, I've been tested at the doctors for yeast and other infections and all results have been negative, but the itching and soreness is still there. The doctors have no explanation so I just have to put it down to oestrogen affecting my body in some way. Does it affect you the same?

[girl522]

Yes, I was not only getting chronic yeast infections but also bacterial vaginosis.

[Sunflower22]

Hiya girl522, I've been reading up on the copper IUD and I'm thinking about that seen as it has no hormones - have you ever considered that? Just wondering about the damn yeast infections etc - I know the hormonal IUD didn't agree with you, but I wonder did you have any problems with yeast infections while you had it (like you did on the pill?) Just don't want an IUD to give me pain and soreness down there as thats why I had to stop the pill.

Being a girl is fabulous!!

[girl522]

I only had the IUD for about 3 months...but I didn't have any infections while I was on it.  The reason I decided to go with Mirena was because it only has progesterone in about 1/7 amount of the pill and for the purpose of preventing your lining from building up.  The copper IUD on the other hand will make your periods 50-90% heavier.  I already had heavy periods so I decided against it.  I hope you find something that works for you.  I was on the nuva ring last year for about 2 months after I got off the patch, and didn't really have any problems with it.  I only got one migraine when my period came, so I have decided to go back to it.  My doctor has me on it for 3 cycles and then taking it for a week break.