What birth control options are available?

Barrier methods. Examples include male and female condoms, as well as the diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge. Short-acting hormonal methods. ... Long-acting hormonal methods. ... Sterilization. ... Spermicide or vaginal gel. ... Fertility awareness methods.

My experience : PLEASE HELP!!!! Bleeding makes me suicidal

TW: suicidal feelings, disordered eating

Hi,

I've always struggled with periods, and in the first couple of years after I started, I tried to starve myself to stop them from happening. I can't stand the sensation of blood coming out, and I feel a lot of shame and embarrassment about periods. To make matters worse, they became insanely long (up to 2 weeks), irregular, and heavy (once had to sleep on the toilet). Going on the (combined) pill aged 15 saved my life. Before this, I was constantly thinking and worrying about periods even when I was not bleeding, and unfortunately began to have frequent suicidal thoughts. Even now, I'd still rather be dead than go back to having natural periods.

Taking the combined pill continuously worked great for the first 6 months or so, without noticeable side effects. During lockdown, a doctor persuaded me that it was unhealthy not to take a break, so I panicked and took one. It was absolute hell. Whilst the pill has since helped with the amount of bleeding, I experienced monster cramps which I had never experienced before going on the pill. For a whole week. I was stuck between my bed and the bathroom, and several times I thought I would faint or throw up from the pain. I even got a nasty burn/rash from using my hot water bottle constantly.

Following this experience, the ideal scenario would be to take the pill completely continuously. Unfortunately, my body has other ideas. Following the first disaster break, I've been forced to take two further breaks due to random on and off breakthrough bleeding accompanied by cramps that leave me in agony. The most recent 4 day break I took in April/May was unbearable even with the mefenamic acid my doctor prescribed me, and didn't solve the breakthrough bleeding, which resumed itself a week later, and has since been on and off. Today I've been stuck in my bed due to cramps, and the bleeding is heavier than normal, and I'm starting to feel those same suicidal thoughts. I don't feel like my life is worth living like this, and I think I've run out of other options.

My doctor suggested the mini-pill, but I feel as if there's no way it will be strong enough to stop my periods if even estrogen and progesterone together are struggling. I can't cope with periods and I have no idea how everyone else seems to manage with them and not feel like they'd rather be dead - it's like I have some sort of phobia. I just feel so defeated because the continuous pill works for a lot of people, but my body likes to make me suffer. I would really appreciate any advice, experiences or suggestions. Thanks so much for reading.

Useful info: age: 19, currently on low-dose combined pill, but have switched pills 3 times from my original standard dose pill in an attempt to stop the bleeding. I recently had an ultrasound which showed no abnormalities, and bad periods run in the family. My mother has been tested for endometriosis, and doesn't have it, and I have none of the facial hair/weight signs to suggest PCOS. Additionally, due to discomfort I have surrounding my body, I do not wish to undergo any invasive testing, and also for this reason an IUD is not an option because I don't want to put myself through an experience I know would be traumatic.

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Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.