Fertility awareness methods (FAM) vs Implant

Hi everyone! I’ve been using Natural Cycles for a while now and it’s genuinely helped me feel more in control of my cycle and fertility awareness. If anyone here is thinking about trying it, I have a referral code that gives you a discount on subscription (and also helps me get closer to becoming a Star Cycler). If you’d like to use it, here it is: https://www.naturalcycles.com/refer-a-friend?name=QmV0aA%3D%3D&code=referralid20&referral=70eqzvinl2i98q15&utm_source=NCApp&utm_medium=inappbutton&utm_campaign=refer_a_friend_page No pressure at all — just sharing in case it helps someone save a bit while getting started. Happy to answer questions about my experience if that’s useful too 😊 With this you get a free thermometer and a 20% off :)

I used natural cycles to prevent and plan pregnancy- worked fabulously on both occasions. After my daughter was born I wanted a more solid contraception (sleep does impact your basal temp guys, so with a newborn, not the one)- now she sleeps through I will be going back!!

Before using FAM, I was using the copper IUD religiously for about 11 years. I had a mixed experience even if overall positive with it, but back in 2021 after a year of chronic yeast infections and finally discovering it had slipped, I decided to not replace it. In that time, my periods were always like clockwork and I was tracking my cycles in a few years leading up to this. Not just tracking the days, but my symptoms and body sensations as I entered into each phase. I was using a period tracking app called Eve, but I knew not to rely on it religiously, it was just for a rough idea of when my fertile times and period would be. I decided to just continue with this, because I had built such a deep relationship with my body and have no problem checking my cervical fluids. I used it until 2022 when we decided to try to conceive, and we conceived within a few months, even though sadly, it was ectopic. I wouldn't recommend this method to anybody without months of really knowing your body and listening to it-- learning your cues for when you know you're about to ovulate, roughly timing how long your follicular phase is, and it helps if your periods are regular. While apps can be really helpful, you have to do the hard work of building that relationship with your body. I wouldn't recommend it for somebody just starting out, or if your periods are irregular.

I have attempted trying the implant twice. Once when I was 18 and recently at 25 after having a baby. Whilst insertion is quick, easy and pain free with local anaesthetic, the effects of the implant on my mood have been detrimental. The hormone caused me on both occasions to develop severe anxiety and depression almost immediately after insertion, as someone who doesn't usually suffer with mental health issues. It's like having PMS but on an extreme scale. The implant on both occasions made my life miserable. I had to have both removed early and funnily enough a week or so after I did, I felt like 'me' again. The implant has a massive amount of hormone in that runs through your body daily. A hormonal coil works much better for me as it has almost 1/6th the hormone amount of an implant which is mostly contained within the uterus.

First year and a bit on the implant absolutely perfect. Minimal periods and literally zero side effects. However coming up to year 2 I started bleeding a lot on it. Almost every other week I was getting my period. My GP recommended I get a new one fitted and sadly from the beginning I’m still having frequent periods and ache. It’s a real shame as I really enjoyed having it at the start but I will be switching now.

The fitting was not as scary as I anticipated (helped by an amazing nurse!), and have had similar side effects to the progesterone-only pill, but without the stress of remembering to take it at the same time which is a nice break after years! 'Periods' come every few months generally for me, and are about twice the length of usual but less painful and none of the usual emotional disregulation leading up to it.

overall a good experience, used to have very bad acne that was significantly improved. only bad thing I can point out is that my period went to very regular to irregular with ocasional spotting

I liked the implant however it caused a lot of irregular bleeding and bloating. Once I came off it after 8 years I developed PMDD

I’ve had this implant twice now both times had side effects I couldn’t deal with first time I gained nearly 3 stone and this time I’m on the weight loss injection and it seems to be countering the weight gain but honestly I’m so emotional and insecure my partner is struggling to deal with my emotions and so am I

At first, my experience with the implant wasn't too bad as I was still 'wet' and moist, but over time my natural moisture has completely dwindled down to nearly nothing. This severe dryness is driving me absolutely insane because it honestly makes me feel like I have a post-menopausal vagina. Because of this, I am now changing back to the generic Desogestrel mini-pill, as I know from previous use that I at least had a normal, healthy white and milky discharge on that method. I am just stating my own personal experience here, and I still think that other people should definitely try the implant if they fancy a different form of birth control, because everyone's body reacts differently to the hormones. so yeah, thank u, next with the implant.

Been on the implant for 6 years now, initially I was spotting for 6 months before it finally settled. Now much more lighter periods so I can cope better as previously really heavy and needed tranexamic acid to manage, mood is more level now also, very rarely get cramps which is a bonus, have gained a little weight and body hair, overall happy with it

I gain weight and got chronic fatigue. It was awful.

This i my first time, I discovered skin heat rash at the initial stage, presently loosing weight and loosing hair.