[Little.Chuck]

Hi All,

I am getting my implant removed tomorrow morning (GULP ) due to ongoing unwanted side effects and i really dont want to use any form of hormonal contraception anymore as it doesnt seem to work for me. The pill made me quite ill. I also really dont like the idea of having someone looking up my 'bits' and inserting things in there.. the thought makes me quite nervous.

I did consider the sponge but the failiure rates just dont do it for me.

I was thinking of using periodic abstinence (sp?) instead. Has anyone had experience with this? REALLY dont want a baby right now!! Can i just buy an over the counter ovulation test to find out when i need to refrain from sex or do i still need to monitor my periods for 6 months? How effective is this method?

Any replies would be REALLY appreciated im so confused?!

[LanaBear]

I don't do this (I've looked into it, but never actually did it), but I believe HD does. You have to be really in tune with your cycles, which is a good thing. Start charting everything. Do you have ovulation symptoms? Do you know when you ovulate? I can tell when I'm ovulating by the changes in my body.

There are a couple of different ways you can go about this. If I remember right, ovulation method, standard days method, rythm method, bbt charting, etc. Google something like Natural Family Planning or Natural Birth Control, you'll get a ton of information on how each method works, then from there you can decide which method best suits you.

[Little.Chuck]

No i dont think i have any syptoms when i ovulate. I will definetly have a look around for info and try to find something that is ideal.. Thanks!