Progestogen-only / Mini pill vs Female condom

I was put on this after being diagnosed with PMDD. I was wary to go on a hormonal pill after having a horrible time when I was a teenager on the combined pill but this has been lifechanging. I was losing 2 weeks out of the month due to my mood, especially with my AUDHD too. I have now got them back. I feel so much more level and calm. For the first 3 months, I had vaginal dryness (which made sex painful), spotting and nausea but this has now completely gone away. My bloating has also subsided a little and my boobs have grown A LOT, which Im not complaining about haha. My hot flashes have got slightly worse but I had them anyway with my ADHD meds and POTs. I am very relieved that this has worked as it has given me my life back. Try and stick with it for 3-4 months before giving up, as im so glad I did.

I have mild adenomyosis and pcos, i wanted to try out a POP before a method with estrogen or inserting something I need a healthcare specialist to take out. In the end I couldn’t stick this out for the 3 months that they advise. Since starting I’ve had different side effects. The first week was bad reflux, the second week I had leg cramps, then I had 3 weeks of a constant thumping in my head with a headache that comes and goes, I was referred for an MRV and told to stop the pill. It’s been a week since I’ve stopped, every day the thumping has gotten quieter, no sudden “hits” in my head and today it’s finally gone. For whatever reason, it’s not for me. I will admit it did lighten my bleeding and it looked like it was on its way to stopping, but it never actually stopped completely before the headaches started.

The first 2 years on this pill was fine, my moods were neutral and my periods stopped completely. However, this is my 3rd year using it and I’ve started growing darker facial hair on my chin and I’ve become more irritable with occasional breakthrough bleeding. Not sure if my body has just changed hormonally as I’ve grown older and doesn’t agree with Desorex anymore. My pharmacist recommended swapping to Noriday, so shall see how that goes and whether it improves my symptoms despite containing a higher amount of androgen than Desorex.

Same as the male condom, has no side effects and will protect from STIs and pregnancy! The only thing its a little fiddly to get on and if you don't react well to latex then not ideal!

These condoms prevent me from getting UTIs, I can't have sex without them! I think it's because the part of the condom that sticks out covers my urethra and prevents bacteria from spreading. They're a little hard to use at first, and some brands are better than others, but I highly recommend them to everyone.

Tried it a couple times with different partners. Mixed reactions. I practiced inserting prior to anything, so it was easy, especially after a couple of tries. Sex felt no different for me and one of the partners. One didn't like the appearance and the other the feel. One thing I love is that it doesn't have that nasty latex smell! You can also use any lube. Overall, I think it is a great option for many people, but (like everything) you should try it a few times for yourself. Also great if you run into situations where the guy is resisting wearing a condom himself.

Used it once - it came off inside me within 5 minutes and I didn't realise so ended up having completely unprotected sex and having to get a STI test.