birth control clarification

I'm not on it personally, but having gone through a big decision-making process of switching birth controls - every place I went to had the shot as an option for BC.  It seems to be the same - occuring every 3 months, etcetc.

The UK may not have NuvaRing, but they have something else which the US DOESN'T have (at least, it was never presented as an option to me): the Implant.  It's what I ultimately settled on as the alternative to the Ring, because I did not like the sound of the multitude of side effects from Depo.  It's a small, plastic rod (that sounds gross, eh?) physically inserted in your upper arm.  It's a constant, slow-release of hormones that lasts up to 3 yrs.  Nothing to change, no pill, no shot.  Once it's in - it's in!  The small side effects are random spotting & periods for the first few months (a bit irritating), but they are supposed to eventually stop completely (like with Depo).

Just my 2 cents!

It's a small, plastic rod (that sounds gross, eh?) physically inserted in your upper arm.  It's a constant, slow-release of hormones that lasts up to 3 yrs.

So what happens when the three years are up- do they remove the implant?

Its one of those things you'd need to speak to your GP about.  When I moved over I was on Ortho Evra (the little patch).  I spoke to my GP here about getting back on it, but they were reluctant to do so.  The reason is they (if not all GPs) have a set procedure in place: pills first, then shots & patches. 

I'd assume however, if you're able to bring your medical records, if not just a letter from your doctor (in the States) stating why exactly you'd need the injections they'd probably honor it here.

GP's have a pill then patch methodology?  really?  mine didn't.  i went in, told her what i wanted.  viola!

i saw my US midwife/nurse practicitioner in the US, and she warned me about increased risk of blood clot on the patch vs. pill.  anyone else heard this?

This may sound daft, but I'm due for my next Depo-Provera shot at the end of April. As this will be my first time having any itneraction with my GP, do I just call up the GP's office and explain the situation and make an appointment for the appropriate time? Or do GP's usually want to see you first before scheduling an appointment for bc? Just want to make sure I'm covered.

have you already have an initial intake appointment at the surgery?

every surgery/catchment area in the UK seems to have a differnt procedure for things.  i'd give the reception a call, inform them of your situation, and make an appointment right then and there (although at my surgery the max you can make an appointment for is 2 weeks out).  it may be that you don't have to see a doctor at all.  perhaps a nurse could do this for you.  also, some clinics may only provide certain services at certain "clinics".  for example, when i need blood drawn, i have to go in on tuesday or thursday mornings.

if i didn't have any other midigating circumstames, i would see the dr once a year and the nurse at the 6 month point (dr in Jan, nurse in june kind of deal).   

I only went to register with the GP clinic on Wednesday and they made no mention of any initial intake appointment. I think I'll just give them a call next week and see what they need me to do. No job yet, so I've got plenty of free time.

This may sound daft, but I'm due for my next Depo-Provera shot at the end of April. As this will be my first time having any itneraction with my GP, do I just call up the GP's office and explain the situation and make an appointment for the appropriate time? Or do GP's usually want to see you first before scheduling an appointment for bc? Just want to make sure I'm covered.

I was on depo-provera for a year over here and there's one thing you need to allow time for - you'll need to go in to get the prescription, then have the prescription filled, then bring it with you to an appointment to have it given. They don't keep it on hand at the surgery. The good news is that if it's a repeat prescription, the nurse should be able to give it to you so you don't need to book an appt. with the GP.

GP's have a pill then patch methodology?  really?  mine didn't.  i went in, told her what i wanted.  viola!

That's what mine told me when I asked for another prescription for OrthoEvra.     Maybe its just me... I am special afterall.   

I went to my doctor and he gave it to me then and there. I'm on the injection. It's free and I go back tomorrow morning to get my next jab.

I was on depo-provera for a year over here and there's one thing you need to allow time for - you'll need to go in to get the prescription, then have the prescription filled, then bring it with you to an appointment to have it given. They don't keep it on hand at the surgery. The good news is that if it's a repeat prescription, the nurse should be able to give it to you so you don't need to book an appt. with the GP.

My surgery always has Depo on hand.  I have been on it for over 3 years now and have never had to have a prescription filled and bring it back with me.  I initally had to see the Dr to get it prescribed (and she gave me the first injection), then have only ever seen the practice nurse for my injection in the three years since.