[scarlett35]

Hi all.

I've been posting a lot recently. Fact is I've felt absolutely awful. I am very very suspicious that it may be my birth control that is contributing to this anxiety and depressive moods.

I'm on the mini pill, this is listed as one of the side effects. I've tried two brands. The first was feanolla, I had periods all over the place, they were much more regular, spotting and low moods but not really any other side effects.

The second one I tried was noriday. I literally cannot bare to be on this pill for one more day. I have felt more anxious than I ever have, actually feel I may even be depressed and I am still having irregular periods, as well as a host of other symptoms such as losing hair, greasy skin and pimples (zits!) I have also put on a stone and a half in weight since I started taking them.

I'm wondering about coming off hormonal birth control for a bit just to re-regulate myself and see if it's actually the pills making me feel worse. If I notice a vast difference I can maybe assume that they play some role in it. I feel like I'm wandering around with a cloud over my head, irritable, mood swings and absolutely no motivation whatsoever to do anything except watch Netflix, moana and masterchef.

My questions are:
-have any of you ladies had similar experiences?

- Has anyone used condoms only and found them to be effective? (We have used them before and never had any pregnancy scares! But it was only briefly until we had been tested for stis and id sorted out the birth control!)
-has anyone used any fertility methods? I'm not thinking of solely relying on them but wanting to sort of understand my body more and use it in combo with condoms. So if there is a slip up I can assess the risk and the family planning clinic can assess whether I needed to take a morning after pill. The one I'm thinking of is the natural cycles certified app which costs like £3 a month but has certification as a bc method in Europe. I've heard smashing reviews about it even from women who only use condoms on their fertile days (which I doubt id be doing unless I fully trusted the app and my body!)

-Have people ever got pregnant from using condoms only? If so why do you think that was?

- How have your partner's taken to just using condoms? Mine is so supportive but I feel so guilty and am concerned he won't enjoy the sex as much. It doesn't have to be a permanent solution though...

If anyone can answer any of these questions id really appreciate it!

Thank you!

[*Laurie*]

Yes, I have used condoms only successfully.

[scarlett35]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Yes, I have used condoms only successfully.

Thanks I've decided to take the plunge and come off the tablets. Might be placebo effect but I already feel a little better! Haven't done any work yet though so will see how I am then. I know it'll take a bit for the hormones to come out of my system so it's probably a placebo effect but will see how I get on!

[Artchic528]

Always use protection (i.e. a condom) UNLESS you want to conceive or contract STDs. It only takes one time unprotected to get a lifelong illness. Also, you can use things like Spermicide to double the protection.

[scarlett35]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Always use protection (i.e. a condom) UNLESS you want to conceive or contract STDs. It only takes one time unprotected to get a lifelong illness. Also, you can use things like Spermicide to double the protection.

Thanks. I'm in a long term relationship in which we have both been tested together so I'm pretty sure neither of us have an std. I also have pretty bad anxiety about lifelong illnesses as it's one of my obsessions in my contamination ocd.

But yes I will be using condoms for the significant future! Just wondered if they'd be okay as the only thing ...

[Artchic528]

Okay, I wasn't sure as you hadn't specified much about the partner situation before. Now I know!

Yes, while not ideal for a guy to wear, they are great at preventing pregnancy.

[scarlett35]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Okay, I wasn't sure as you hadn't specified much about the partner situation before. Now I know!

Yes, while not ideal for a guy to wear, they are great at preventing pregnancy.

Yeah i still think your advice was good though! Gotta be careful I don't think condoms are necessary in a long term relationship or marriage but id never not use one in a casual situation (not that I've ever actually found myself in a casual situation lol! Too anxious for that!)