Contraception: Jasmin’s story

My experience with contraception started at the age of 14 when I first told my mum I was in a relationship. As a worrying mother she wanted to ensure I was safe if sex was ever a possibility (it was not until I was 17 but best to always be safe). She booked an appointment at the doctors for me, took me down and sat with me whilst being asked the uncomfortable questions any 14 year old would hate to answer in front of their parents. ‘Are you having sex?’ ‘Is there a chance you might be pregnant?’

As I’ve already said there was no chance of any of it, so of course I answered no and continued with answering why I was thinking of starting contraception. After the longwinded discussion the doctor suggested Rigevidon – a contraceptive pill taken every day for three weeks then stop for one week of the month in order to have a ‘period’.

At the time, the aim of this contraceptive was to help regulate my heavy periods whilst also providing me with another level of safety in case sex was ever a thought. I ended up being on this contraception until I was 17 and within this time found that it made me gain weight whilst also severely, negatively affecting my already diagnosed anxiety disorder.

I became overly emotional, erratic and downright nasty whenever it became time for my ‘period’ to arrive.

Of course, when I tried to explain to friends and family that this did not feel right whenever it happened, I was met with questions of ‘are you sure it’s not just your natural hormones?’ And comments of ‘it’s just your hormones’. So when I decided I needed a change and went to the doctors, I felt mixed emotions, feeling like I was overexaggerating or simply stating obvious side effects of using contraception.

However, when I spoke to my local GP I was told that it can be quite common for this to occur when taking this form of contraception. The doctor further explained that the pill secreted more hormones than other contraceptives and clearly it affected me more so than others. So although it can be normal to feel more intense during your cycle, for me it was increasing because of how much hormone dosage the pill was providing. I know many women, or those with uterus problems, have not been able to say that they were listened to the first time they visited the doctor.

But this discussion left me feeling understood and accepted. I was able to voice my concerns straight away and leave knowing that I was not met with ignorance nor merely ignored.

I was provided facts as to why I felt the way that I did, and was given the chance to rethink my choices.

I believe every person that feels that something does not feel right with their body, whether from contraception or in general day-to-day life, should be met with the same clarification I received. I know that my experience is not representative of everyone else’s, but for those feeling nervous about going to the GP due to fear of being ignored, I hope you will experience the same understanding that I received.

We discussed several options and I agreed to try the implant which would provide me with contraception for three years through a tiny device that would sit in my right arm. A small procedure later, in which I was given local anaesthetic to numb my arm where they insert the contraceptive, and I had a new form of contraception that continuously provided my body with hormones. The first 6 months were a challenge, constantly experiencing additional spotting and other issues made me feel as though it was not working properly. But I persevered and after tests to rule out any other cause for concern, I waited longer to see if my body would settle and start to become accustomed to the implant which during the three years it did.

From 17 to now 23 I have had three rounds of the implant and from my personal experience, it has been great.

I no longer suffer from severe periods, that’s to say that I do tend to experience sometimes irregular periods but they are significantly lighter and only last for 2/3 days. For my personal body and choice, this decision made me feel mentally and physically better and provided me with a deeper understanding of how my body worked and what best suited me.

I would just like to add that I am in no way saying the contraceptive pill does not work. I am just stating that, for me, I found the side effects too much for my physical and mental wellbeing. I also understand that not everyone also finds the implant useful, I have friends who I recommended it too and found it great whilst others did not suit it, so it completely depends on your body and your experience.