Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

Morag

It can disrupt your cycle, bringing a period forward and then there can be a delay with your cycle regulating.

LegacyUser

thanks for the reply girls!

im tempted to leave it another few days to take a test
just in case it comes in that time

is there any difference between pregnancy tests at all?
or would i have to go for something like clear blue?

sorry for all the questions!!

Neyite

Clearblue and First Response are considered to be the most sensitive, however I found that testing on cheap internet pregnancy tests was equally effective in giving me a result.

Buy more than one test.

Test with the first urine of the day - the more concentrated (yellow) it is, the more chance the test has of picking up the pregnancy hormone if it is there.

Test as close to your period due date as possible, and if your period doesnt arrive in a week or so, test again.

Try not to panic. The morning after pill can disrupt your cycle.

tatabubbly

Hey guys! Planning on getting my implanon out now in a few months as I'm going to canada and would like to get my bar out before I go.

Anyone here know how soon I could go on the pill afterwards? I don't want to be left unprotected as I have a healthy sex life and would like to get on with it as soon as possible!! :P

I would be using condoms immediately afterwards but I want more protection than that!

closifer

I need some advice girls. I have been on the pill for nearly 11 years and its time to come off I feel. We are not trying for a baby at present but may end up doing so in 8 or 9 months and I would like to give my body a chance to balance out or whatever. Ive been on a variety of pills over the years but the pill im coming off is Cilest and I have been on that for about 3-4 years.


I am a little scared of nasty side effects though. I always had very clear skin as a teenager and never had any acne problems but once about 5 years ago - i came off the pill and my skin was a disaster. I ended up going back on and going on Dianette just to put an end to it. I am pretty frightened that this will happen again due to messing around with my hormones. Just wondering if there is any way to prevent this?? I heard some ppl take evening primrose oil. Just wondering if anyone had any other ideas


Also, just want a heads up on any other possible side effects like dreaded weight gain..

Thanks!

Wibbs

OK folks remember just personal experiences NO medical advice thanks.

jivingirl

closifer wrote: »

I need some advice girls. I have been on the pill for nearly 11 years and its time to come off I feel. We are not trying for a baby at present but may end up doing so in 8 or 9 months and I would like to give my body a chance to balance out or whatever. Ive been on a variety of pills over the years but the pill im coming off is Cilest and I have been on that for about 3-4 years.


I am a little scared of nasty side effects though. I always had very clear skin as a teenager and never had any acne problems but once about 5 years ago - i came off the pill and my skin was a disaster. I ended up going back on and going on Dianette just to put an end to it. I am pretty frightened that this will happen again due to messing around with my hormones. Just wondering if there is any way to prevent this?? I heard some ppl take evening primrose oil. Just wondering if anyone had any other ideas


Also, just want a heads up on any other possible side effects like dreaded weight gain..

Thanks!

I came off Cilest (was on it for about 4 years) just after Christmas and, like you, will start thinking about baby-making in 9 months. I had absolutely no side-effects. Everything is the same as it was before, period may be slightly heavier on first day or two though. I haven't had weight gain or skin problems. I have always had good skin and normal periods though so I don't know if that makes a difference. Hope this helps.

Good luck with the baby-making :P

annie321

Hi I am looking for some advise. I am 23 and have an 8 month old son, I got pregnant while on the pill so don't want to go back on it......
I have been reading up about the Coil and it seems like a good option for me as I dont plan getting pregnant again for 3-4 years....But I also feel that it seems very permanent and is it easy to get pregnant when it is removed?

Also is it available on the Medical Card?

Any advise would be great!

Morag

Which one are you on about the copper coil (IUCD) or the minera (IUS)?

Both of them can be taken out as easily, the IUS lasts for 5 years but can be taken out before that and it's the same as the pill can take 2 to 6 months to get preggers once it's out. You should be able to get both with your medical card. If your dr won't talk to you or can't fit them you can ask for a referral or go to one of the family planning clinics.

closifer

jivingirl wrote: »

I came off Cilest (was on it for about 4 years) just after Christmas and, like you, will start thinking about baby-making in 9 months. I had absolutely no side-effects. Everything is the same as it was before, period may be slightly heavier on first day or two though. I haven't had weight gain or skin problems. I have always had good skin and normal periods though so I don't know if that makes a difference. Hope this helps.

Good luck with the baby-making :P

Thanks for the advise. Hopefully my experience will be as trouble free as yours

Morag

annie321 wrote: »

Hi I am looking for some advise. I am 23 and have an 8 month old son, I got pregnant while on the pill so don't want to go back on it......
I have been reading up about the Coil and it seems like a good option for me as I dont plan getting pregnant again for 3-4 years....But I also feel that it seems very permanent and is it easy to get pregnant when it is removed?

Also is it available on the Medical Card?

Any advise would be great!

http://thehairpin.com/2012/03/iuds-or-a-detailed-guide-to-long-term-sperm-scarecrows

Lunaarli

I've never been on the pill.. I've never had a long term relationship that teh pill was justifiable for going on the pill.
Anyhow, I'm in one now and condoms are just not cutting it!

I'm not sure which pill to ask for/go on... I am petrified of gaining weight, I'm a size 8 and 34dd/34e and if my boobs get any bigger, I'll lose the plot!

Do any ladies here have any suggestions as to what I should go on?

It will be so nice to be able to have spontaneous sex!

Thanks a mill

coffee_cake

dont ask for one in particular, go talk to your GP, they'll ask you a bunch of questions, tell them your concerns, and they should/will make a suggestion

saa

suntottie wrote: »

I've never been on the pill.. I've never had a long term relationship that teh pill was justifiable for going on the pill.
Anyhow, I'm in one now and condoms are just not cutting it!

I'm not sure which pill to ask for/go on... I am petrified of gaining weight, I'm a size 8 and 34dd/34e and if my boobs get any bigger, I'll lose the plot!

Do any ladies here have any suggestions as to what I should go on?

It will be so nice to be able to have spontaneous sex!

Thanks a mill

The pill made me gain weight (well increased appetite aswell!)
and made my breasts decrease by a cup or two
People react to the pill differently but they are all similar hormones that change your body and your hormone balance so your body could change but as long as you're working out and eating well it shouldnt be an issue
finding the right pill can take a while, many people are not affected by it like I was but it differs from person to person, the best person to talk to is your doctor and maybe a non hormonal option would suit you like the coil

keli

In my late teens I got the Implanon contraceptive implant and I thought it was the best thing ever, no periods, minor weight gain, feeling secure in knowing I wouldn't get pregnant.
Obviously because the first Implanon went so well when the three years was up I decided to get it replaced. However after settling into my second implant I had non-stop periods, headaches, depression, violent mood swings. It was basically so bad that I had it removed and didn't think twice about it. Considering I had my period three weeks out of every month, I didn't see much point in having it anyway.
Now I've had no artificial hormones in my body for over a year, after I had my implant removed I went back to my happy self and everything settled back to normal.
Now I'm considering my next contraceptive options. I was thinking about the Depo Provera injection but I can't help wondering could I have better luck with a third implant. Has anyone had multiple/varying contraceptive experiences??

Ickle Magoo

Hey keli,

This is the thread for contraception related advice.

All the best. :cool:

closifer

closifer wrote: »

I need some advice girls. I have been on the pill for nearly 11 years and its time to come off I feel. We are not trying for a baby at present but may end up doing so in 8 or 9 months and I would like to give my body a chance to balance out or whatever. Ive been on a variety of pills over the years but the pill im coming off is Cilest and I have been on that for about 3-4 years.


I am a little scared of nasty side effects though. I always had very clear skin as a teenager and never had any acne problems but once about 5 years ago - i came off the pill and my skin was a disaster. I ended up going back on and going on Dianette just to put an end to it. I am pretty frightened that this will happen again due to messing around with my hormones. Just wondering if there is any way to prevent this?? I heard some ppl take evening primrose oil. Just wondering if anyone had any other ideas


Also, just want a heads up on any other possible side effects like dreaded weight gain..

Thanks!

Ive been off the pill for over a week now and as per my worst fears - my skin is a disaster. Its quite depressing. My cheek has completely flared up with spots and whiteheads and it seems to be getting a little worse every day I am using Boots clean and clear lotion to clean my face three times a day and a little wand on the spots plus moisturiser. I am taking evening primrose oil too as I heard this was good.

Any other suggestions?? So depressing. Im meeting friends I havent seen in years in a few weeks and I hate the fact that my face is looking so bad!

If there is any upside my sex drive has increased already and I have actually lost 2lbs in the last week!

Really need to sort the skin issues though.

confusticated

keli wrote: »

In my late teens I got the Implanon contraceptive implant and I thought it was the best thing ever, no periods, minor weight gain, feeling secure in knowing I wouldn't get pregnant.
Obviously because the first Implanon went so well when the three years was up I decided to get it replaced. However after settling into my second implant I had non-stop periods, headaches, depression, violent mood swings. It was basically so bad that I had it removed and didn't think twice about it. Considering I had my period three weeks out of every month, I didn't see much point in having it anyway.
Now I've had no artificial hormones in my body for over a year, after I had my implant removed I went back to my happy self and everything settled back to normal.
Now I'm considering my next contraceptive options. I was thinking about the Depo Provera injection but I can't help wondering could I have better luck with a third implant. Has anyone had multiple/varying contraceptive experiences??

I haven't but just bear in mind that any side effects from the injection can't be taken away by removing it - you'd just have to wait out the months until the next one and not get that one then.

closifer wrote: »

Ive been off the pill for over a week now and as per my worst fears - my skin is a disaster. Its quite depressing. My cheek has completely flared up with spots and whiteheads and it seems to be getting a little worse every day I am using Boots clean and clear lotion to clean my face three times a day and a little wand on the spots plus moisturiser. I am taking evening primrose oil too as I heard this was good.

Any other suggestions?? So depressing. Im meeting friends I havent seen in years in a few weeks and I hate the fact that my face is looking so bad!

If there is any upside my sex drive has increased already and I have actually lost 2lbs in the last week!

Really need to sort the skin issues though.

Sorry, I'm not much help beyond advising you to ask your doctor, but washing your face 3 times a day is only going to stimulate oil production and damage your skin further. Maybe ask to be referred to a dermatologist?

Honey-ec

confusticated wrote: »

Sorry, I'm not much help beyond advising you to ask your doctor, but washing your face 3 times a day is only going to stimulate oil production and damage your skin further. Maybe ask to be referred to a dermatologist?

+1 on the washing your face too much. Tbh, there's not a whole lot even a dermatologist will be able to do for you at the moment; your skin is reacting to the hormonal shift and pretty much all you can do is wait it out, I'm afraid. In the meantime, if you need to tone down redness, a green-based concealer under your make-up will work wonders, and a paste made out of crushed aspirin (has to be aspirin, not paracetamol or anything else!) and a few drops of water on the reddest ones overnight should calm them down a bit.

closifer

Honey-ec wrote: »

+1 on the washing your face too much. Tbh, there's not a whole lot even a dermatologist will be able to do for you at the moment; your skin is reacting to the hormonal shift and pretty much all you can do is wait it out, I'm afraid. In the meantime, if you need to tone down redness, a green-based concealer under your make-up will work wonders, and a paste made out of crushed aspirin (has to be aspirin, not paracetamol or anything else!) and a few drops of water on the reddest ones overnight should calm them down a bit.

Im not washing my face with soap and water though. Im using a special acne lotion so I think its okay. Fingers crossed my skin clears soon. Apparently its incredibly common to have a mad breakout which can last months after coming off the pill even if you didnt previously have acne prone skin.

confusticated

closifer wrote: »

Im not washing my face with soap and water though. Im using a special acne lotion so I think its okay. Fingers crossed my skin clears soon. Apparently its incredibly common to have a mad breakout which can last months after coming off the pill even if you didnt previously have acne prone skin.

Does it say on the lotion to use it 3 times a day though? Because using anything is going to wash the oils off your face, which stimulates your skin to produce more at a faster rate. And yeah, it's probably just hormones, but that's not going to help and it'd take longer for it to clear up.

Jennifer smith

Hi, I need help here, when I started my period, it used to be extremely painful with diarrhea and I felt nauseous. In 2008 I had my child, after I had him the period pain was gone but 9 months later, it came back. Now it's been nearly 3 years that I have horrible pain to an extend that I can't even walk during my period, I saw my Gp several time and he keeps giving birth control pills, he is not being helpful. I did some research on the Internet and I found out about endometriosis, I just hope it's not that so I went back to my Gp but still no help now I want to change him but it's hard to find a Gp I live in sword what can I do? Now even after my period is finished sometimes I get shooting pain in my abdomen.

phelo2121

GPS in Ireland know very little about endo there's an excellent specialist in cooum hospital Dublin think his name is Hugh o Connor!

Jennifer smith

I know I don't think they even know what it is. How do I get an appointment and I also have a medical card but my Gp won't give me a referral letter.

Morag

Go to one of the family planning clinics, they will see you with your medical card.
Explain to them some of the issues you are having and get a second opinion.

Jennifer smith

Alright will do that thanks

ragdoll91

I've been thinking about going on the pill for a few weeks now. I'm a virgin but I've recently started seeing someone and I can see it getting serious so I want to be prepared. I've heard it takes a few weeks to work, is this true? Because I'm going away at the end of May for almost 3 months and even though I don't think anything will happen before that is it best to start on the pill now too make sure it's working for me before I leave for America? I just don't want to be in a situation where I start it just before I leave and end up with awful side effects or something and no way to change it until I get back. So basically, would it be a good idea to start it as soon as I can, or wait until I actually need it?

Morag

Most oral contraception pills start protecting you after you have taken them for 7 consecutive days and to stay protected you have to keep taking them. If you miss a pill or throw up ect you are not covered for the next 7 days.

I think it does make a lot of sense to start it before you need to be protected, just encase it doesn't agree with or the brand your dr issues to you doesn't suit you and you have to change it.

Don't forget that the pill won't protect you from sti and hiv and that condoms will help do that and I hope it all goes well for you. Great to see you planning for this

Mrs Garth Brooks

I have a problem with bras. I find them so uncomfortable. I find underwired bras can be painful for me. The elasticated bras, im too itchy under my boobs.

Does anyone else have a problem with them? Im on a budget, so its penneys and dunnes for me. Is it only these cheap bras?

If its these cheap bras, where's a good place to buy some without breaking the bank? They can be so expensive.

I hate them so much, I have been wearing two t-shirts instead but I feel so naked without one. It was ok over winter, in that I was able to hide under a jumper or jacket. But its getting warmer now, I want to strip off, well wear a t shirt, but cant without holding my boobs in.

Acoshla

I have three or four bras that I paid €25-35 for on La Senza (which is unfortunately now gone) and I wear them all the time for the last 2ish years, they're great. Penneys ones are absolute crap, squeaky, cheap fabric and the wires always pop out, I hate them. "Invest" in a few €30ish bras from M&S, Debenhams etc, and you'll save yourself so much grief and money instead of having to replace Penneys crap more often.