No more pill for me, are injections reliable and well tolerated?

[DialMforMummy]

My Gp is being ageist and refuses to prescribe the pill to over 35s.

Therefore the other options are: injections, implant or the Mirena coil.
I am considering injections in the first instance because I can't quite envisage to be fiddled with down below after the gruelling birth I had recently. I think I might go for the Mirena in a few months so was thinking about having a couple of cycles of injections in the meantime.
I worry a tad about the side effects of injections and also the fact that one might not have a period whilst on it because then how do you know it is working .
Any experience or views gratefully received.

[hermionestranger]

I was on the injection for four years. Never, ever again.

I was overweight and couldn't get the weight off, once I came off so did the pounds, even whilst pregnant!

Mood swings. Hormonal.
Spots. No sex drive at all, none. Terrible skin. depression type feelings.

Once I came off I was like my old self.

[Seona1973]

you can take the mini-pill when over 35 - I got on well with cerazette. I bled constantly and put on hundreds of weight with the injection. I now have the Mirena coil and am getting on ok with it so far (had it 3 months)

[DialMforMummy]

Not compatible with trying to lose the baby weight then.... Damn! Was it painful to have the Mirena put in?

[Seona1973]

I didnt find it too bad but did take a couple of Ponstan beforehand (prescribed by the family planning clinic) as they are supposed to help with cramping.

If you dont fancy any of that then try the mini-pill first - it is suitable for more 'mature' ladies!

[Dropdeadfred]

I hated the injections... Felt like I had permanent pmt. gained weight and felt depressed

[AmazingDisgrace]

I turned into a fat psycho with the injection

[yellowraincoat]

I hated the injection, but I also hated the pill and every other form of hormonal contraception.

No sex drive, moody, depressed...ok I had no periods, didn't put on weight, but I just felt horrible all the time and didn't feel better til about a year after I'd had the final one.

[JollyHockeyStick]

I loved the injection. The negative thing though is that once you're injected you are stuck with any effects for 3 months at least. They can't just remove it. It can also be difficult to get rid of the hormones if you want to TTC. I have the implant for tis reason - as soon as it is removed the hormones are gone.

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

I would not consider having the injection, ever.

It does have a place, IMHO it is a last resort for people who cannot tolerate/remember to use other methods. And once you've had it, you can't take it out/stop taking it until it wears off. Fertility may take ages to return, and it is linked with reduced bone density.

Avoid if you can. I have used combined pill, mini pill, Mirena. Didn't like the mini pill but both the others were/are great.

[wfhmumoftwo]

Does your GP refuse the pill to EVERYONE over 35 or just those who smoke, maybe overweight, maybe have some other health problems? - and do you have any of those?

I'm 38 and my GP happily prescribes the pill to me and others i know who are older than me. I'm surprised that your's wont.

Can you go to a FPC or another GP to get it if that is what you want, rather than finding a suitable alternative?