I really liked how this video was formatted, the sit down chat bits and the vlog bits fitted nicely. Like a TVs show with lots of little segments. The one show.
Yes, came here to comment this. I love Clue, and would especially be useful for a project like this. Before I started using that app I had no idea when my period was about to come, beyond a vague sense of "Maybe soon?". Now my phone tells me!
oh my god I LOVE clue. It's not frilly or gendered and I like that it's so science-oriented. I've learned a ton about my period just from the information they have available.
tips for painful periods: hot water bottles are life savers. just saying. despite your cravings, milk chocolate makes them worse, but dark chocolate is good for you naps drink plenty of water and more naps some people say that exercise is good for cramps but I don't trust those people.
i should really switch to those but idk, they gross me out. lol i know that sounds so bad. i hate being on my period in general but that seems 10x worse.
Chart your cycle and use protection on those days - problem solved. Given my bad experiences with the pill I wouldn't let my SO to get on them, he supported me going off so it would be seriously malicious for me to force him into that. Plus the pills we have tricked our body into thinking it's pregnant, what would it trick the guy into? Being a prepubescent little boy - oh that's great. I still prefer my sex drive is lower than his, it's still easier, what is he going to take viagra at 25 every day?
They tried to make a pill for males in 2016 ish but had to end the study because it caused clinical depression/suicidal thoughts in almost all of the patients. (None of the men dropped out, they were very committed but the doctors couldn't let it continue). They've tried various times other than that and haven't been successful then either.
You should try menstrual cups :) they're brilliant. better for the environment, a lot cheaper (£10 for 5 years), you can wear them for 12 hours at a time and you learn a lot about your body. I use meluna and they're fab :)
Buying a pregnancy test just in case and having it around is a great idea! I've done that before and it is really helpful so you aren't stressed heading to the store going "oh god am I pregnant?"
I've just made an appointment to talk with my doctor about getting an IUD (what Canadians call the coil) and I've kinda excited/nervous? I am LOVING these diaries, I think they're GREAT!
***** I can recommend Feminax (Feminax Ultra if you have a lot of pain like I do) taken with paracetamol (the active ingredient is naproxen so you can take both at the same time). Also get a good large hot water bottle and cover, it's a godsend.
I always thought Feminax was a branded (and therefore more expensive) form of ibuprofen so I was wondering if you actually noticed a difference? So many people praise it but I don't image there to be a difference and so I've yet to try - is it worth it? (Anything that helps is appreciated haha)
Annabel -FPE- I do notice a difference... it isn't ibruprofen, it's a high dose of naproxen, which might be the difference. I normally buy naproxen when I go to the States and stock up cause they have lots of store brand naproxen stuff.
I don't know about Feminax Ultra, but I know that you do get 'store brand versions' of Feminax Express, e.g. I'm sure Tesco does one, and I think Sainsburys does as well- probably other places too! They're cheaper than Feminax, and I've used them for some painful periods- though if it's really sore it doesn't always completely eradicate the pain so perhaps I should try Ultra instead? I think the main difference is that Express doesn't have any naproxen, and is instead ibuprofen lysine, which apparently works quicker than ordinary ibuprofen does!
Just want to say you're SO PRETTY with you're natural face (not that make up make you less pretty, you get me) Also: the copper coil IS the best non-hormonal thing you can have, it stays in place for 5 to 10 years and you don't have to think about it. A couple of my friends have it and they're happy with it. Although I've heard that some ppl don't really tolerate it and it makes them bleed all the time; but tbh all methods of contraception are not for everyone, you just have to find the one that fits you! And yes it hurts when they put it in. A minute of pain for 10 years of freedom ^^ Another great episode Hannah :) ps: Hi Sammy!
+queenlucysroyalmaid1 it does depend on how long you've been using it. I've been using for a few years now and it's always been spot on but I'm pretty regular so if your not regular it might not work as well.
I'm super regular and have been using Clue for a while (at least a year if not more) and it's usually super accurate for me. But honestly even if you're not regular I love the layout, it's easy to use and isn't pink which is nice, and its just helpful to track your period. I would honestly recommend Clue to everyone who gets their period. It's just a great app okay.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I'm so excited for this series! I love how you're not afraid to talk about such personal stuff, it's giving a lot of people so much insight into things they hadn't otherwise considered! I'm on the yasmin pill which I think is synthetic versions of both oestrogen and progesterone. It seems like it works in the same way the one you were on did, but I do get periods on my pill-free week. Technically they're a "withdrawal bleed," but as far as I can tell, my experience is by and large the same as people who have actual period periods, aside from the fact that I can track it like clockwork.
I have the hormonal iud, and I was basically in bed with heating pads for 2 days, great for one day, and then back in bed with cramps and bleeding. it was like my worst period ever. however, not having to remember or be responsible for correctly using birth control is AMAZING. the cervical clamp, the uterus measurer, and the iud insertion all cause cramps in ascending pain-order. Deep breathing kept me calm, my gyno was impressed with how well I handled it thanks to breathing through the pain.
I adore that you're using your platform to talk about periods and hormones and all that other lady stuff like it's completely normal (because it is!!!). This is such a great thing for young girls (and older girls and women and boys and men and everyone) to see!!
I love this series. As a teen girl still discovering things, I find this really interesting! (and I can't wait to get your book) thanks you, Hannah 😜❤️
Hey Hannah! I have a copper coil too, but there's something you should know before deciding! There is a coil called 'gynefix' (the one i have) and it has a lot less side-effects compared to a normal coil, because it is not as big. If you look it up, you'll see how tiny it is. It doesn't make you bleed more or cause more cramps. It has almost no side-effects and it lasts for 5 years. I love the coil, because you don't have to interrupt the moment by grabbing a condom and you are always certain that you are protected (instead of panicing because you might have taken your pill wrong). It's amazing! (the pain is very sharp when they put it in, but it is very short pain)
Oeh! I heard somewhere that in Germany and Austria women frequently use a computer and a thermometer that measurers your cycle and matches it up with cycles of a lot of others. It uses a green light for when you're not fertile and can have unprotected sex, an orange light when it's not sure (more common in the first few months when it does not know your cycle yet) and a red light when you are fertile. It's supposably pretty accurate and about 300 dollars - it's called Daysy if you guys want to do some research! Sounds interesting right?! Hope Hannah reads this as well!
This is bullshit. After the ovulation the egg cell only lives for 12-18 hours. After this period of time there is no more egg cell that could get fertilized. The "dead" egg cell develops into the corpus luteum which produces/increases progesteron. Because of the higher progesteron level the endometrium will build up (as preperation for a fertilized egg cell to "nest" in the endometrium). But as there is no fertilized egg cell, the progesteron level will go down, estrogen up, which causes the menstrual bleeding, meaning, the body gets rid of the built up endometrium. In this period of time - ovulation + 18h until menstruations - it is impossible to get pregnant. All the methods normally don't operate with this small 18 hours windows, but add further days for savety (based on studies, if it is good method). I personally prefer to apply the method myself and not rely on a computer, thought. But that's everyone's personal choice. It's defenitely a safe method, if applied correctely.
+Jo Sturm I didn't think of that, I'm from Germany and I haven't even heard of the fact that there are dedicated devices for that stuff. But since it is unsafe as fuck, no wonder.
Sebastian Ernstlos Yes, up to five days. That's why the "fertility window" is of course longer than the 18 hours that the egg cell lives. But it prolongues the fertile periode BEFORE the ovulation, not AFTER! Please educate yourself, before telling other people a method wouldn't be safe. [My information are based on years and years of studies, published in Raith-Paula et. al: Natürliche Familienplanung heute. Heidelberg 2008]
I have the copper IUD and I love it! I don't have to fuss with worrying about taking a pill or anything. Insertion was painful, but it's worth the ease and peace of mind and lack of hormones! I recommend it.
I have the mirena IUD, which is the hormonal version of the copper IUD, and I have loved it. Yes, it was quite painful getting it put in, but it ended up being so worth it for me. Partly, I love it because since getting it inserted, I haven't had any periods (that can only happen if you're using the mirena IUD, since it has hormones). But I also just love that I get the most security of any form of birth control without having to do ANYTHING on a day to day basis. And it lasts FOR YEARS before you have to take it out and potentially go through some pain again. So yeah, talk to your family and friends who've gotten it--for most people it is painful, but people experience different levels of pain, and most people I know have said that whatever their amount of pain was while inserting, it has been worth it. Definitely something to consider! Good luck with your decisions!
Hey Hannah, I'm 19 and I have the copper coil and have had it for 6 months and I highly recommend it!! When its first put it, it is painful and for the rest of the day you feel like you have period pains, but it's not the end of the world and it's not that much time in comparison to your whole life. After that, you're good to go and it's amazing because no hormones and 10 whole years of protection AND it's the most effective form of contraception out there. I really recommend it and I'd never swap it for anything else now, you should totally find out more about it 😊
My mum's had the coil before and it's something that sounds painful and really uncomfortable. I think the pregnancy test in the period bag thing is such a good idea!
I've had both versions of the coil, the copper one and the hormonal one. The copper one was fine, you get a lot of cramps when they put it in and it feels extremely weird but it lasts for years and years so for a couple of days of pain it makes sense. On the copper coil I got extremely heavy periods, and after 3 years of this I've changed over to the hormonal coil. I've had the hormonal coil for a year and I have pretty much cramp free very light periods. Yes it's not great when you get the coil put in.. but just take some ibuprofen, grab a hot water bottle and go to bed. You'll be fine the next day 😊 sorry for the long comment! 💕
I got the copper IUD and I didn't think it was as painful as you are expecting. It feels like an intense period cramp when they're putting it in, but I don't remember any lasting pain. It is supposed to be the most reliable and longest lasting birth control. I chose it because it is non-hormonal,therefore better for the environment. The downside is that it increases discharge and lengthens your period. But after about a year, your cycle should go back to normal. (For about the first 6 months my period lasted 2 weeks). It works by thickening the cervical mucus and blocking sperm. I think the copper also makes sperm unable to attach to the egg.
Hi, Hannah! I've never written to you before (sorry about that), but now I feel like this topic deserved a comment haha. Love your channel and videos btw! It's true that the copper coil is a really good way to be safe from pregnancies. It's in practice 100% sure, as long as it doesn't fall out of you or it never quite gets in correctly as it's put there. Although, do remember that a coppar coil can make your period way bloodier than it has been on the pill (or even off the pill). That's one of the downsides of the copper coil. Another downside is the pain - the pain can be there even after it's put in, and your period pain can get worse as copper is toxic to both endometrium and your eggs. Otherwise it's a really great way to protect yourself! If you can think of using hormonal methods, the hormone coil (Mirena for example) is really good as well. The hormones released from it are only local, so the effect on your mood etc. is much less / nonexistent. Your period also goes down 90% and you even may get amenorré (no menstruation at all - yay! 20-30% get this). On the downside, you can get a lot of small bleeding especially during the first 3-6 months before your body gets used to the hormone coil. I'm myself thinking of getting this method, but I've also been on the pill for 4 years without any problems or side-effects. So to each their own! And one more thing (I'm really pulling a lecture here, sorry about that haha)! I feel like the doctor was wrong to say that your period will be back in a week. He had no way of knowing that - every woman is individual. It may take a week, a month or even 3 months (or more). And of course, your period won't be regular in the beginning. So try not to stress it I guess, it's totally fine if your period is not back in a week. If it is, good for you! Again, thank you for your amazing channel. Ps. I'm at medical school year 5 and I'm studying gynecology at the moment, so these facts are straight from books or lecturers (gynecologists). Have a great evening! Cheers, Katriina
Please talk to Bryony from precious stars pads about reusable products She's London based so it would be super easy Seeing all those tampons just makes my vag shrink into itself at the thought of the dryness and removal
Mine too! crumbly dry vaguna tears were cried. Menstrual cup + reusable pads = perfect cycle! I need way way less painkillers since I started using a cup.
Fabric pads and a menstrual cup were life changing for me. I've got endometriosis & adenomyosis so my periods are SUPER heavy, 300ml+ throughout my period. I was worried they wouldn't help but they worked 100x better than 'normal' pads an tampons. Also no more sore vulva or vagina.
I've been on a combined pill, ovrenette for a little over 2 and a half years now, so if anyone here is watching this and debating the pill I'm open to discussing my experience on it. This pill is the type where you take it for 3 weeks and then take a 1 week break where you get what is called a "withdrawal bleed" which acts much like a period, usually one that is lighter than a normal period, however this can depend on the type of pill you are on and the level of hormones in them. Personally I really like being on the pill and the feeling of security it gives me but I completely understand where Hannah is coming from as I sometimes wonder if I have been effected personality wise by the pill! I don't think I have bit it's hard to really be sure when you have been on it for years!
I got the copper coil nearly a year ago and have found it to be amazing!! I won't lie, getting it inserted was painful but mine was worst than most because of the shape of my cervix. The most painful part was only for around 10 minutes however. I then had longer and heavier periods for about 6 months, but now I am back to normal! I'm SO pleased I got it!! I read so many horror messages before getting it so wanted to give a positive story to anyone considering it! :-)
I'm really frustrated with the lack of non-hormonal contraceptives. I recently went off the pill (thanks to your last video!) and have only been using condoms. I was very sure I was going to get the copper coil until I looked at medical procedures of them being inserted (I don't recommend it) and am completely horrified by the process now. So I'm in this weird state of birth control limbo for now.
As someone who is starting to think about contraception again, this is so interesting and useful I'm loving it. Sometimes i think if my wanting to make film goes down the drain I'd be so interested in sexual health and sex and history in like a science kinda way
I got the coil about three months ago, it didn't hurt nearly as much as people said it would!! I was totally prepared to get anaesthetised because I'd been told it was agony but the doctor who put it in was like "nah you'll be right" and I really was! It felt like a cramp to be honest. FYI this is from a 20 year old who has never birthed a child so my vag is normal pre-childbirth size. But yes honestly would recommend, I am a bit terrified of hormonal contraception and the pill does wild things to my body and my skin so the coil has been a life saver. Don't have to think about contraception for 10 years now, don't have to worry about hormonal side effects, the only real change is my periods are slightly longer now.
Everyone I know that has an IUD either got pregnant on it because it displaced or got ovarian cysts...also, I agree with the comments about menstrual cups. :)
As for displacement, you can plan an annual (or more often if you're worried) check up with your GP/gyno (I have no clue how this works in the UK, here in the Netherlands my GP does all the checkups on anything vagina related. Gynocologists tend to only treat people that have some kind of illness/problem/etc that the GP can't treat). Your doctor can check if the IUD is still placed correctly. Took my GP about 5 seconds to see. :)
I am not a doctor, but I use to work in a women's health clinic and we did a lot of removals (as well as the placement checks.) Google Paragard (the most common copper IUD, at least in the US) lawsuit and/or side effects. We had patients have them displace and get lodged into the lining of their uterus, cysts, migraines from increased spinal fluid, pregnant...my nephew was actually conceived while she was on Paragard approx. 2 months after a placement check. They work for some, but not all. Just like our bodies react differently to hormones, they react differently to having foreign objects implanted in them. :) They aren't for everyone, just do your research beforehand.
My friend's sister apparently was born clutching onto her mum's coil... I don't even know if that is even scientifically possible but that image has always haunted me. Really loving this series! x
"It only takes one sperm" isn't true actually. Although only one sperm goes into the ovum to conceive, it actually takes a bunch more to break down the ovum's wall so that one can go in. I don't mean to be pedantic, but as a sex educator it's important you know..
mmk stop trying to impress people with your stupid fancy fuckin words that no one cares about. second, she's not fucking talking about breaking down the fucking barrier to the egg. it only takes ONE sperm to fertilise an egg correct? it doesn't take that 1 sperm plus all the others that break down the wall. she's not saying it only takes one to make its way out of the penis and into the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, she's saying only one needs to make it to the egg.
I'm very sorry emilee meagher. As Martin DeHill intended, I too wanted to spread the knowledge because I believe that knowledge is wealth. And my comment was directed less towards ***** and more towards you. Further explaining my comment, if one sperm passes into the fallopian tube in the presence of diaphragm, it will not be able to make its way into the secondary oocyte cytoplasm as it will not be able to dissolve the barrier viz. zona pellucida. So, it will not be able to successfully fertilize the ovum. Therefore, there is absolutely zero percent chance of conception if one sperm seeps through the cervix with diaphragm on.
I adore these videos, they are just so real life and you are just fabulous at explaining everything sex, periods and sexuality for people who know little to nothing about it. I can see many many young girls learning a lot from these videos. x
I have had the coil for 2 years now, I have had no problems with it whatsoever except some minor cramping in the first month. I just wanted to make sure you knew its not always bad for everyone, you might get lucky!
Idk if you already said that in your last video, but you should def get an app to track your period. One were you can but in all kinds of things, including mood, libido and digestion, it's very interesting to see all this chaning over your cicle and finding some patterns...Also, the app wil show you when you could get pregant, or are at the highest risk of course, wich is really practical.
this series is amazing, keep dem vajayjay and period vids coming :D I commented on your last video and basically got off the pill the same time as you, haha, so yay :D it's been amazing so far, I feel like a free woman, haha!
Its the best discussion i made coming of the pill and honestly its not as bad as people make out. The pain is an intense period cramp feeling whilst your cervix is held in place to insert the coil. All in all the procedure lasted 5 mins so the pain part is less then that. When she said it was done i couldn't believe it was already done! I highly recommend you do research because it is honestly the best contraception i have tried!
Throwing my 2 cents in, I took a sexuality course in college my first year and we talked about all the contraceptions and the coil is not good for you! For many cases, you either become infertile or get lots of ovarian cysts with it. Not only that, it's fairly unreliable with its possibility of shifting.
An alternative to the coil is an implanon which sits in your arm! Its far more comfortable than the coil, it's super effective as contraception (99.9%) and lasts for up to 3 years!!
I love how open you are about all of this, it makes it easier to talk about it all, like it's natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. I think it's great to hear about your appointments and everything, it makes it much less scary and ominous. But I have to admit that I really didn't like the music from 5:47 on. Apart from that I love watching these videos- personal and informative. Great job!
Hi Hannah. Everyone's obviously different, but i was taking a progesterone only pill for about a year and it took 6 months for me to get a period again. So don't hold your breath babe!
This series is so good. It's a shame we don't get this kind of information easily. In school and lots of doctors they want you out of their hair as quick as possible. I wish it was mandatory to have a full body check up every so often. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's staring at themselves thinking " am I normal".
I would always recommend tracking your cycle with the symptothermal method (hope it translates like this in english :p). When you get into that you will soon see, that you can only get pregnant around 5 days a month, so most of the time no condoms or other stuff is neccessary ;) There are tracking computers out there like the daysy (which I would recommend), but others which are not so great (because not flexible enough for longer cycles f.ex). I usually use a piece of paper and a thermometer, nothing much needed, so its cheap and easy. Good look with your journey!
As someone who is hella scared of moon cups, I couldn't recommend night pads more. Like they're wildly big but like you can sleep through the night worry free. (Also I'd recommend the always infinity pads because they don't leak and are like sponge and it doesn't feel like you're wearing a nappy it's so wild I love it). Good luck on your period endeavours!
That's a good idea, especially since some other people here said their period came back after 6 months... Imagine buying pads for each and every day for so long!
+Ioana Pristoleanu I keep meaning to get a few because mine is really light for quite a while rather than having peaks of light and heavy flow and I'd rather not be buying soo many pads all the time.
As a 21 year old woman I feel a bit silly asking this but what are reusable pads made of? I've never seen any here in Ireland! Are they like a cloth you wash? Just curious, I thought the moon cup was the only reusable period thing :o
+nizo1995 Hi 😀 Don't feel silly, I wasn't aware of them till recently either but I love the comfort and customisability of them. The section on cloth pads in this article: naturalparentsnetwork.com/reusable-menstrual-products/ is really informative for any questions you have (trust me we've all had ones that you might think are weird 😊). Also the "Precious stars pads" TH-cam channel has lots of informative videos and the "Amy nix" TH-cam channel if you are interested in making your own reusable cloth pads. Good luck on your cloth journey if you choose to try it out!
Really love this format. It's very much reminiscent of a casual tv doco-mini-series. Also, WOAH. It's a little bit scary how little there is in way of non-hormonal contraception for women. I'm just beginning to be sexually active, but currently don't want to take the pill/have the rod/use a diaphragm thingy, so this is all very informative, and interesting!! Loving it, Hannah, and lot's of luck to you in your endeavours! xx
Hannah there's another copper thing that hurts wayyyy less and is better for your body!! It's like a little string with tiny copper balls on it, ask your doc about it!
YES! I know that too, but I only know the german expression. It is made for women who haven't been pregnant and so it's much easier to put in and less painful.
I really recommend the menstrual cup - it's comfortable and reusable so you don't have to buy stuff every other month, and there's no dryness and no risk (no risk of TSS)
So glad I discovered your series! I've been wanting to get off the pill, and I've literally had all the same questions and concerns you have. It's nice to know I'm not the only person questioning these things. I will definitely be tuned into your journey!
From a male perspective.. Ouch!! Only had one partner that used a coil. It can the hurt penis ... If he has a large penis or you have a shallow vagina. One side effect of a coil is recurring thrush infections.But this was 30 years ago, so designs may have improved. Dutch Cap is much easier to use than you described. Good luck with your decision..Whatever is right for you. x
Only if the penis is pretty big and the vagina pretty short though, and more importantly: Only when it's new. The pain is probably the string that gets cut off the bottom and that'll soften up with time. At least that is what I read about it.
Sebastian you're right...The lady I experienced this with. Was a Health Visitor/Midwife.. I was 19 she was 33 yrs old. Scared the shit out of a very inexperienced me, until she told me what it probably was. Life lessons 101..ha ha
i can only speak for myself and my experience with the coil but normally the string doesn't stick out of the cervix but is wrapped around it.i don't know if men can still feel it though.but i never had anyone complain :D
If you feel the actual IUD you are penetrating a ladies cervix. I'm pretty sure her pain is worse in that case. Thankfully that is VERY unlikely to happen. You may be able to feel the string, but only when the IUD is very new and the string hasn't coiled up yet.
Loving these videos! I've recently come off of cerazette as I had my period for the whole time I was on it, the doctor kept saying my body would get used to it and my periods would stop but it clearly wasn't happening and I got fed up in the end! Since coming off my libido has sky rocketed which has completely taken me by surprise - it goes to show how big an effect hormones have on your body!
I just got a copper IUC a month ago, and it was crazy painful at first. Cramping during insertion, passed out and threw up after (not common, but not unexpected either), horrible cramps for days after, random less intense cramping and spotting between my periods (expected for 3 months), heavier and longer periods with worse cramps (expected 6-9 months). However, it is over 99% effective and lasts for 12 years, only requiring a yearly check by your doctor. Also, I've never heard of having to be on your period as it's known to be the most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, so that's an interesting thing. All in all, it's not for persons with low pain tolerance, but if you can handle the pain, it's absolutely worth the peace of mind and low maintenance.
I do think you do some of the best videos on youtube currently. You're direct but insightful about topics that loads of people wonder about. So, thank you for being so open and informative :))
I got the coil and ive not had any babies! I was in so much pain for about 4 months but then I got the mini pill for a month, now it is amazing, I've had it for a year and a half and im 22. I really love it, don't have to think about anything else!
The way i think about it, getting the IUD is 5 seconds of pain for 10 years of coverage and protection against pregnancy. That is worth it to me. It hurt for me to get my IUD but it was worth it because I do not have to think about it anymore. I would do it again even though the pain was intense. The benefit is HUGE for a little bit of pain.
Hey Hannah I'm loving these videos! I can totally empathise about wanting your body to 'do its thing' and to have a period. I haven't had a period for almost 3 years but I'm not on any form of hormonal contraception or anything. 3 years ago 'Aunt Flo' just left town and never came back. I've been to my GP about this and she ran a few blood tests to check my hormone levels and Thyroid function, but apparently those came back normal and we just left it at that. I lost some weight over these three years so I'm attributing that to my lack of period and don't really know what to do next to get my period back. I've gotten so used to life without a period that it's fun to think about going shopping for a 'period haul'! Keep up the awesome work!
my aunt had the coil and her experience with it was horrible, but it's definitely different for everyone! i hope you find the right method for you, coil or not ✨
I highly recommend the coil! Yes, it hurts when it gets put in, but the pain goes away in less than a day, and you have birth control for 5 years that you never have to think about again!
This is such a great series! I came off Cerazette about a month ago too and had a hormonal coil (Mirena) fitted 10 days ago. I know it's still hormones, but they're much more localised and I like that you don't have to think about it every day. The fitting was uncomfortable but wayyy less painful than I'd been expecting, and apparently much less painful that the copper coil
Hi Hannah, I have the coil. I got it finally after years of trying different hormonal methods of contraception and having health issues each time. Yes, it was painful when it was inserted, but since then I have not had any problems! I think pain at insertion is pretty normal for women who have not had children, but there are *some* women who are nulliparous and have painless experiences. (It also helps to take ibuprofen a few hours before the procedure, which is what I did.) It has slightly increased the heaviness of my period, but I use the menstrual cup and can go up to 10 hours without having to clean it! But, honestly, everyone has different experiences, and yours could be excellent! Obviously do what you are most comfortable with, but maybe this is helpful. :)
Hannah, I have had the "coil" or IUD for about 5 months now, and it's honestly so great. It's a contraceptive I don't have to worry about, and I'm protected for 10 years! It honestly gave me very bad cramps and bleeding the first couple of weeks, but after that it got better and now I don't feel it! You should seriously look into the coil, it's a lifesaver (literally)!
I had the Mirena Coil for 4 years, and because it only has a 5 year limit, i got it changed to the copper one because i also wanted a non-hormonal contraception method. Insertion wasn't a huge problem for me because i'd had a coil before, but i haven't had kids either, and they were fine with it! I hadn't had a proper period in 5 years, and with the copper coil it makes your period SO HEAVY! My doctor did tell me that, but i kind of shrugged it off. Although my periods are heavy and irregular and sometimes i feel like i'm dying, so far so good. If you're okay with pain, and wacking your vag out to an audience, i would recommend the copper coil :)
I have the coil, it was a little painful when my doctor put it in and I had mild cramps for the rest of the day but nothing crazy. Its been a year now and I honestly love it! no worries whatsoever :)
Also, everyone is different. My sister stopped the pill when she got married and didn't start ovulating and having a period for almost a year...I'm no doctor though and I love this series!
The book "Taking charge of your fertility" is excellent and explains the different methods available as well as how to track your fertility so you know what time of the month you can and can't get pregnant.
I came off Cerazette around christmas time and my period didn't come for just over a month, so don't panic if it takes a while - I feel like it took a while for my body to adapt and get back into a normal routine :) Loving this series as I literally was planning on going to the doctors and asking the exact same questions!
I have the copper coil IUD! I also have never birthed a child, and my doctor told me I would have pain as well. However, I have absolutely no pain with it, so you never know until you try something!
I know you're going for a non-hormonal option but I was persuaded by my doctor to go on the hormone coil. She told me that unlike the pill there is a tiny amount of hormone released by it, and also it stays concentrated in your womb and doesn't go into your blood stream. When I had it done, she recommended the Jaydiss coil, which lasts only 3 years and is much much smaller than the copper coil in size. I had hardly any pain at all. Just something to consider x
i'm so here for this! it's ridiculously refreshing to hear you talk about everything so CASUALLY. keep going never stop love you. I'm far too squeamish to even think about the coil for too long. I've heard a lot of horror stories as well, but I'm sure it does work for a lot of people. But for me, just nope.
I used to be on Cerazette and hadn't had a period for around 3 years - when I stopped taking it it was a couple of months before I had one again and it was the same for my sister too, so you might have a little longer to wait than a week! I've been considering the coil as well but have been nervous about it, so I'm psyched that you're doing this series! xx
the point you made about if men were on some kind of pill that affected their libido it would have been studied and ducumented 👌👌👌 also this series is rly cool imo! im excited for more ♥
re: copper coil, also bear in mind that it can make periods longer and heavier as well as, for some people (and I'm basing this mostly on anecdote from friends tbh but it's a fairly wide sample), make cramping muuuuch much worse. Seeing as you currently don't really know what your period will be like (crossing my fingers for you that you're one of the lucky ones!), that's another reason to hold off at least until your cycle's settled in, just in case. Good luck!
I really liked how this video was formatted, the sit down chat bits and the vlog bits fitted nicely. Like a TVs show with lots of little segments. The one show.
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I would recommend an app called 'Clue' which tracks your period and lots of other things like weight and daily activities!
I was about to comment the same thing, I love the app, very helpful :)
Clue is the best!
Yes Clue is a fab app and gets extra bonus points for not being pink and princessy!
Yes, came here to comment this. I love Clue, and would especially be useful for a project like this. Before I started using that app I had no idea when my period was about to come, beyond a vague sense of "Maybe soon?". Now my phone tells me!
oh my god I LOVE clue. It's not frilly or gendered and I like that it's so science-oriented. I've learned a ton about my period just from the information they have available.
tips for painful periods:
hot water bottles are life savers. just saying.
despite your cravings, milk chocolate makes them worse, but dark chocolate is good for you
naps
drink plenty of water
and more naps
some people say that exercise is good for cramps but I don't trust those people.
menstrual cups are THE BEST INVENTION ever
agree!!!!!
I find them so hard to get out 😞 I only take them out in the shower even then it looks like a murder scene tmi oh well
i should really switch to those but idk, they gross me out. lol i know that sounds so bad. i hate being on my period in general but that seems 10x worse.
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Why is male contraception not a thing yet????
We are fertile one week a month and they are every day!
Chart your cycle and use protection on those days - problem solved. Given my bad experiences with the pill I wouldn't let my SO to get on them, he supported me going off so it would be seriously malicious for me to force him into that. Plus the pills we have tricked our body into thinking it's pregnant, what would it trick the guy into? Being a prepubescent little boy - oh that's great. I still prefer my sex drive is lower than his, it's still easier, what is he going to take viagra at 25 every day?
Males produce millions of sperm, it’s impossible to create a contraceptive for them- theres some articles on google
They tried to make a pill for males in 2016 ish but had to end the study because it caused clinical depression/suicidal thoughts in almost all of the patients. (None of the men dropped out, they were very committed but the doctors couldn't let it continue). They've tried various times other than that and haven't been successful then either.
You should try menstrual cups :) they're brilliant. better for the environment, a lot cheaper (£10 for 5 years), you can wear them for 12 hours at a time and you learn a lot about your body. I use meluna and they're fab :)
I have the Moon Cup. I love it!
I use the Diva Cup! It's absolutely the best. 10/10 would recommend
There is a menstrual cup in the intro, so I guess Hannah already has one.
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+Mia Different lucy made the intro
Buying a pregnancy test just in case and having it around is a great idea! I've done that before and it is really helpful so you aren't stressed heading to the store going "oh god am I pregnant?"
I've just made an appointment to talk with my doctor about getting an IUD (what Canadians call the coil) and I've kinda excited/nervous? I am LOVING these diaries, I think they're GREAT!
buddy pal mate... were there no painkillers in your period haul because you didn't/don't get period pain?? *jealoussyyyyy*
***** I can recommend Feminax (Feminax Ultra if you have a lot of pain like I do) taken with paracetamol (the active ingredient is naproxen so you can take both at the same time). Also get a good large hot water bottle and cover, it's a godsend.
I always thought Feminax was a branded (and therefore more expensive) form of ibuprofen so I was wondering if you actually noticed a difference? So many people praise it but I don't image there to be a difference and so I've yet to try - is it worth it? (Anything that helps is appreciated haha)
Annabel -FPE- I do notice a difference... it isn't ibruprofen, it's a high dose of naproxen, which might be the difference. I normally buy naproxen when I go to the States and stock up cause they have lots of store brand naproxen stuff.
Rowan Ellis okay thank you I think I'll try it :)
I don't know about Feminax Ultra, but I know that you do get 'store brand versions' of Feminax Express, e.g. I'm sure Tesco does one, and I think Sainsburys does as well- probably other places too! They're cheaper than Feminax, and I've used them for some painful periods- though if it's really sore it doesn't always completely eradicate the pain so perhaps I should try Ultra instead? I think the main difference is that Express doesn't have any naproxen, and is instead ibuprofen lysine, which apparently works quicker than ordinary ibuprofen does!
Just want to say you're SO PRETTY with you're natural face (not that make up make you less pretty, you get me)
Also: the copper coil IS the best non-hormonal thing you can have, it stays in place for 5 to 10 years and you don't have to think about it. A couple of my friends have it and they're happy with it. Although I've heard that some ppl don't really tolerate it and it makes them bleed all the time; but tbh all methods of contraception are not for everyone, you just have to find the one that fits you! And yes it hurts when they put it in. A minute of pain for 10 years of freedom ^^
Another great episode Hannah :)
ps: Hi Sammy!
woah wait how does it say you commented 23 hours ago when it was uploaded 20min ago
tasminemma I'm a Patreon, we sometimes got it a bit early :) go to www.patreon.com/hannahwitton you can give out as little as 1$ a month :)
Sonia O'Reilly oh right! i forgot about that hahah thanks!
i know a lady with the coil who got pregnant. with triplets. when she already had 2 children.
Maxo my mom got pregnant so with me 😅
I suggest you get a period tracker app so when it does start you can keep track. clue is a good one.
I heartily second that
I concur. although clue isn't too accurate for me... idk why haha.
+queenlucysroyalmaid1 it does depend on how long you've been using it. I've been using for a few years now and it's always been spot on but I'm pretty regular so if your not regular it might not work as well.
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I'm super regular and have been using Clue for a while (at least a year if not more) and it's usually super accurate for me. But honestly even if you're not regular I love the layout, it's easy to use and isn't pink which is nice, and its just helpful to track your period. I would honestly recommend Clue to everyone who gets their period. It's just a great app okay.
get that thing put in your arm
The coil made me break out in acne. I now use the LadyComp which is just as effective as the pill (99.7%) and uses no hormones whatsoever.
It's a real shame that your doctor did not tell you about this option.
they can't make money from natural contraception, that's why :/ i have the ladycomp too :)
i have no idea what that is, but it sounds cool!
ohh so it's like the rhythm method
yeah the computer just helps you track your cycle :)
I love how you yourself admit that you don't know everything, and going through voicing your thought process!
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I'm so excited for this series! I love how you're not afraid to talk about such personal stuff, it's giving a lot of people so much insight into things they hadn't otherwise considered! I'm on the yasmin pill which I think is synthetic versions of both oestrogen and progesterone. It seems like it works in the same way the one you were on did, but I do get periods on my pill-free week. Technically they're a "withdrawal bleed," but as far as I can tell, my experience is by and large the same as people who have actual period periods, aside from the fact that I can track it like clockwork.
I have the hormonal iud, and I was basically in bed with heating pads for 2 days, great for one day, and then back in bed with cramps and bleeding. it was like my worst period ever. however, not having to remember or be responsible for correctly using birth control is AMAZING. the cervical clamp, the uterus measurer, and the iud insertion all cause cramps in ascending pain-order. Deep breathing kept me calm, my gyno was impressed with how well I handled it thanks to breathing through the pain.
no period for 7 years! this shit sounds magic! sign me the fuck up!
I adore that you're using your platform to talk about periods and hormones and all that other lady stuff like it's completely normal (because it is!!!). This is such a great thing for young girls (and older girls and women and boys and men and everyone) to see!!
I love this series. As a teen girl still discovering things, I find this really interesting! (and I can't wait to get your book) thanks you, Hannah 😜❤️
Hey Hannah! I have a copper coil too, but there's something you should know before deciding!
There is a coil called 'gynefix' (the one i have) and it has a lot less side-effects compared to a normal coil, because it is not as big. If you look it up, you'll see how tiny it is. It doesn't make you bleed more or cause more cramps. It has almost no side-effects and it lasts for 5 years.
I love the coil, because you don't have to interrupt the moment by grabbing a condom and you are always certain that you are protected (instead of panicing because you might have taken your pill wrong). It's amazing!
(the pain is very sharp when they put it in, but it is very short pain)
Oeh! I heard somewhere that in Germany and Austria women frequently use a computer and a thermometer that measurers your cycle and matches it up with cycles of a lot of others.
It uses a green light for when you're not fertile and can have unprotected sex, an orange light when it's not sure (more common in the first few months when it does not know your cycle yet) and a red light when you are fertile.
It's supposably pretty accurate and about 300 dollars - it's called Daysy if you guys want to do some research! Sounds interesting right?!
Hope Hannah reads this as well!
DO NOT DO THIS! You're never completely safe from pregnancy, no matter at what point in the cycle you are.
This is bullshit. After the ovulation the egg cell only lives for 12-18 hours. After this period of time there is no more egg cell that could get fertilized. The "dead" egg cell develops into the corpus luteum which produces/increases progesteron. Because of the higher progesteron level the endometrium will build up (as preperation for a fertilized egg cell to "nest" in the endometrium). But as there is no fertilized egg cell, the progesteron level will go down, estrogen up, which causes the menstrual bleeding, meaning, the body gets rid of the built up endometrium. In this period of time - ovulation + 18h until menstruations - it is impossible to get pregnant.
All the methods normally don't operate with this small 18 hours windows, but add further days for savety (based on studies, if it is good method). I personally prefer to apply the method myself and not rely on a computer, thought. But that's everyone's personal choice. It's defenitely a safe method, if applied correctely.
+Mia Different Do you know how long sperm lives in your body?
+Jo Sturm I didn't think of that, I'm from Germany and I haven't even heard of the fact that there are dedicated devices for that stuff. But since it is unsafe as fuck, no wonder.
Sebastian Ernstlos Yes, up to five days. That's why the "fertility window" is of course longer than the 18 hours that the egg cell lives. But it prolongues the fertile periode BEFORE the ovulation, not AFTER! Please educate yourself, before telling other people a method wouldn't be safe. [My information are based on years and years of studies, published in Raith-Paula et. al: Natürliche Familienplanung heute. Heidelberg 2008]
I have the copper IUD and I love it! I don't have to fuss with worrying about taking a pill or anything. Insertion was painful, but it's worth the ease and peace of mind and lack of hormones! I recommend it.
Can you make a video where you talk with your mum about the coil?
Great!I'm looking forwards to it!
I have the mirena IUD, which is the hormonal version of the copper IUD, and I have loved it. Yes, it was quite painful getting it put in, but it ended up being so worth it for me. Partly, I love it because since getting it inserted, I haven't had any periods (that can only happen if you're using the mirena IUD, since it has hormones). But I also just love that I get the most security of any form of birth control without having to do ANYTHING on a day to day basis. And it lasts FOR YEARS before you have to take it out and potentially go through some pain again. So yeah, talk to your family and friends who've gotten it--for most people it is painful, but people experience different levels of pain, and most people I know have said that whatever their amount of pain was while inserting, it has been worth it. Definitely something to consider! Good luck with your decisions!
Hi Hannah. Have you thought about using a menstrual cup, instead of tampons or pads?
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it think she does already if i'm not totally wrong? at least i think i remember watching a video in maybe 2014 where she talked about them ^^
wait, now i've watched the haul part and i'm confused :D
Hey Hannah, I'm 19 and I have the copper coil and have had it for 6 months and I highly recommend it!!
When its first put it, it is painful and for the rest of the day you feel like you have period pains, but it's not the end of the world and it's not that much time in comparison to your whole life. After that, you're good to go and it's amazing because no hormones and 10 whole years of protection AND it's the most effective form of contraception out there. I really recommend it and I'd never swap it for anything else now, you should totally find out more about it 😊
My mum's had the coil before and it's something that sounds painful and really uncomfortable. I think the pregnancy test in the period bag thing is such a good idea!
I've had both versions of the coil, the copper one and the hormonal one. The copper one was fine, you get a lot of cramps when they put it in and it feels extremely weird but it lasts for years and years so for a couple of days of pain it makes sense. On the copper coil I got extremely heavy periods, and after 3 years of this I've changed over to the hormonal coil. I've had the hormonal coil for a year and I have pretty much cramp free very light periods. Yes it's not great when you get the coil put in.. but just take some ibuprofen, grab a hot water bottle and go to bed. You'll be fine the next day 😊 sorry for the long comment! 💕
YESS on the comment about study inadequacies between male and females
I got the copper IUD and I didn't think it was as painful as you are expecting. It feels like an intense period cramp when they're putting it in, but I don't remember any lasting pain. It is supposed to be the most reliable and longest lasting birth control. I chose it because it is non-hormonal,therefore better for the environment. The downside is that it increases discharge and lengthens your period. But after about a year, your cycle should go back to normal. (For about the first 6 months my period lasted 2 weeks). It works by thickening the cervical mucus and blocking sperm. I think the copper also makes sperm unable to attach to the egg.
I could totally see this as a documentary ...! Omg
Hi, Hannah! I've never written to you before (sorry about that), but now I feel like this topic deserved a comment haha. Love your channel and videos btw!
It's true that the copper coil is a really good way to be safe from pregnancies. It's in practice 100% sure, as long as it doesn't fall out of you or it never quite gets in correctly as it's put there. Although, do remember that a coppar coil can make your period way bloodier than it has been on the pill (or even off the pill). That's one of the downsides of the copper coil. Another downside is the pain - the pain can be there even after it's put in, and your period pain can get worse as copper is toxic to both endometrium and your eggs. Otherwise it's a really great way to protect yourself!
If you can think of using hormonal methods, the hormone coil (Mirena for example) is really good as well. The hormones released from it are only local, so the effect on your mood etc. is much less / nonexistent. Your period also goes down 90% and you even may get amenorré (no menstruation at all - yay! 20-30% get this). On the downside, you can get a lot of small bleeding especially during the first 3-6 months before your body gets used to the hormone coil. I'm myself thinking of getting this method, but I've also been on the pill for 4 years without any problems or side-effects. So to each their own!
And one more thing (I'm really pulling a lecture here, sorry about that haha)! I feel like the doctor was wrong to say that your period will be back in a week. He had no way of knowing that - every woman is individual. It may take a week, a month or even 3 months (or more). And of course, your period won't be regular in the beginning. So try not to stress it I guess, it's totally fine if your period is not back in a week. If it is, good for you!
Again, thank you for your amazing channel. Ps. I'm at medical school year 5 and I'm studying gynecology at the moment, so these facts are straight from books or lecturers (gynecologists). Have a great evening!
Cheers,
Katriina
Please talk to Bryony from precious stars pads about reusable products
She's London based so it would be super easy
Seeing all those tampons just makes my vag shrink into itself at the thought of the dryness and removal
She has a TH-cam channel btw just search precious stars pads
yes!!
Mine too! crumbly dry vaguna tears were cried. Menstrual cup + reusable pads = perfect cycle! I need way way less painkillers since I started using a cup.
Fabric pads and a menstrual cup were life changing for me. I've got endometriosis & adenomyosis so my periods are SUPER heavy, 300ml+ throughout my period. I was worried they wouldn't help but they worked 100x better than 'normal' pads an tampons. Also no more sore vulva or vagina.
I've been on a combined pill, ovrenette for a little over 2 and a half years now, so if anyone here is watching this and debating the pill I'm open to discussing my experience on it. This pill is the type where you take it for 3 weeks and then take a 1 week break where you get what is called a "withdrawal bleed" which acts much like a period, usually one that is lighter than a normal period, however this can depend on the type of pill you are on and the level of hormones in them. Personally I really like being on the pill and the feeling of security it gives me but I completely understand where Hannah is coming from as I sometimes wonder if I have been effected personality wise by the pill! I don't think I have bit it's hard to really be sure when you have been on it for years!
I'm already loving this series so so much I can't wait for the next ep
I got the copper coil nearly a year ago and have found it to be amazing!! I won't lie, getting it inserted was painful but mine was worst than most because of the shape of my cervix. The most painful part was only for around 10 minutes however. I then had longer and heavier periods for about 6 months, but now I am back to normal! I'm SO pleased I got it!! I read so many horror messages before getting it so wanted to give a positive story to anyone considering it! :-)
I'm really frustrated with the lack of non-hormonal contraceptives. I recently went off the pill (thanks to your last video!) and have only been using condoms. I was very sure I was going to get the copper coil until I looked at medical procedures of them being inserted (I don't recommend it) and am completely horrified by the process now. So I'm in this weird state of birth control limbo for now.
marinashutup what about the jaydess?
Just thinking about the process of insertion makes me nauseous (and I’m on the pill). But I’m thinking about switching to the Nuvaring soon tho
I be using the diaphragm since stoping the pill and it’s great
As someone who is starting to think about contraception again, this is so interesting and useful I'm loving it. Sometimes i think if my wanting to make film goes down the drain I'd be so interested in sexual health and sex and history in like a science kinda way
I think is great that you send out the message that is awesome to have double protection (Both the boy and girl should use contraceptive methods) !
I got the coil about three months ago, it didn't hurt nearly as much as people said it would!! I was totally prepared to get anaesthetised because I'd been told it was agony but the doctor who put it in was like "nah you'll be right" and I really was! It felt like a cramp to be honest. FYI this is from a 20 year old who has never birthed a child so my vag is normal pre-childbirth size. But yes honestly would recommend, I am a bit terrified of hormonal contraception and the pill does wild things to my body and my skin so the coil has been a life saver. Don't have to think about contraception for 10 years now, don't have to worry about hormonal side effects, the only real change is my periods are slightly longer now.
Everyone I know that has an IUD either got pregnant on it because it displaced or got ovarian cysts...also, I agree with the comments about menstrual cups. :)
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My friend got pregnant with one then had really bad side effects that made her swell up and become really lethargic.
Are ovarian cysts related to getting a copper IUD? Thanks for any info you have.
As for displacement, you can plan an annual (or more often if you're worried) check up with your GP/gyno (I have no clue how this works in the UK, here in the Netherlands my GP does all the checkups on anything vagina related. Gynocologists tend to only treat people that have some kind of illness/problem/etc that the GP can't treat). Your doctor can check if the IUD is still placed correctly. Took my GP about 5 seconds to see. :)
I am not a doctor, but I use to work in a women's health clinic and we did a lot of removals (as well as the placement checks.) Google Paragard (the most common copper IUD, at least in the US) lawsuit and/or side effects. We had patients have them displace and get lodged into the lining of their uterus, cysts, migraines from increased spinal fluid, pregnant...my nephew was actually conceived while she was on Paragard approx. 2 months after a placement check. They work for some, but not all. Just like our bodies react differently to hormones, they react differently to having foreign objects implanted in them. :) They aren't for everyone, just do your research beforehand.
My friend's sister apparently was born clutching onto her mum's coil... I don't even know if that is even scientifically possible but that image has always haunted me. Really loving this series! x
"It only takes one sperm" isn't true actually. Although only one sperm goes into the ovum to conceive, it actually takes a bunch more to break down the ovum's wall so that one can go in.
I don't mean to be pedantic, but as a sex educator it's important you know..
yeah but she's saying it only takes 1 sperm to fertilise an egg.... she's not talking about how many it takes to break down the ovum wall.
+emilee meagher But how will the sperm fertilize the egg without breaking down the zona pellucida?
mmk stop trying to impress people with your stupid fancy fuckin words that no one cares about. second, she's not fucking talking about breaking down the fucking barrier to the egg. it only takes ONE sperm to fertilise an egg correct? it doesn't take that 1 sperm plus all the others that break down the wall. she's not saying it only takes one to make its way out of the penis and into the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, she's saying only one needs to make it to the egg.
you're only arguing so you can try and show off your irrelevant fancy words without actually caring about what you're saying.
I'm very sorry emilee meagher. As Martin DeHill intended, I too wanted to spread the knowledge because I believe that knowledge is wealth. And my comment was directed less towards ***** and more towards you.
Further explaining my comment, if one sperm passes into the fallopian tube in the presence of diaphragm, it will not be able to make its way into the secondary oocyte cytoplasm as it will not be able to dissolve the barrier viz. zona pellucida. So, it will not be able to successfully fertilize the ovum. Therefore, there is absolutely zero percent chance of conception if one sperm seeps through the cervix with diaphragm on.
I adore these videos, they are just so real life and you are just fabulous at explaining everything sex, periods and sexuality for people who know little to nothing about it. I can see many many young girls learning a lot from these videos. x
You forgot to buy a menstrual cup. They're awesome.
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They did a study where they gave women menstrual cups for three cycles and 91% of women wanted to keep using the cup... Just sayin
I have had the coil for 2 years now, I have had no problems with it whatsoever except some minor cramping in the first month. I just wanted to make sure you knew its not always bad for everyone, you might get lucky!
Idk if you already said that in your last video, but you should def get an app to track your period. One were you can but in all kinds of things, including mood, libido and digestion, it's very interesting to see all this chaning over your cicle and finding some patterns...Also, the app wil show you when you could get pregant, or are at the highest risk of course, wich is really practical.
I'm really loving this series! Hormones are so friggin interesting, not just sexual ones.
this series is amazing, keep dem vajayjay and period vids coming :D I commented on your last video and basically got off the pill the same time as you, haha, so yay :D it's been amazing so far, I feel like a free woman, haha!
+Hannah Witton lol
I'm loving this series already! It's actually making me question my own methods. Thank goodness for Hannah actually speaking out about this 😊
I've seen a lot of people using daysy lately and giving it positive reviews :D
It's awesome! 99.3% effective and 100% hormone free!
but it cost $499 shit man
Its the best discussion i made coming of the pill and honestly its not as bad as people make out. The pain is an intense period cramp feeling whilst your cervix is held in place to insert the coil. All in all the procedure lasted 5 mins so the pain part is less then that. When she said it was done i couldn't believe it was already done! I highly recommend you do research because it is honestly the best contraception i have tried!
Throwing my 2 cents in, I took a sexuality course in college my first year and we talked about all the contraceptions and the coil is not good for you! For many cases, you either become infertile or get lots of ovarian cysts with it. Not only that, it's fairly unreliable with its possibility of shifting.
An alternative to the coil is an implanon which sits in your arm! Its far more comfortable than the coil, it's super effective as contraception (99.9%) and lasts for up to 3 years!!
It's a hormone contraceptive
Watch the youtube channel "FemmeHead" she talks about everything period and the fertility awareness method 😍
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I love how open you are about all of this, it makes it easier to talk about it all, like it's natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. I think it's great to hear about your appointments and everything, it makes it much less scary and ominous. But I have to admit that I really didn't like the music from 5:47 on. Apart from that I love watching these videos- personal and informative. Great job!
There is also a smaller IUD suitable for girls who haven't been pregnant before it's called Gynefix - check it out! (I'm considering it myself)
Hi Hannah. Everyone's obviously different, but i was taking a progesterone only pill for about a year and it took 6 months for me to get a period again. So don't hold your breath babe!
You should try the Diva/Lily cup!
This series is so good. It's a shame we don't get this kind of information easily. In school and lots of doctors they want you out of their hair as quick as possible. I wish it was mandatory to have a full body check up every so often. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's staring at themselves thinking " am I normal".
I would always recommend tracking your cycle with the symptothermal method (hope it translates like this in english :p). When you get into that you will soon see, that you can only get pregnant around 5 days a month, so most of the time no condoms or other stuff is neccessary ;)
There are tracking computers out there like the daysy (which I would recommend), but others which are not so great (because not flexible enough for longer cycles f.ex).
I usually use a piece of paper and a thermometer, nothing much needed, so its cheap and easy.
Good look with your journey!
Let's just put the go-to blackboard for all German speaking people out there: www.nfp-forum.de ;-)
Still a good idea to use condoms just in case and to help protect from STIs
I've had the coil for 8 years - no problems at all! I hated the effects of hormones and the coil has been the best option for me! :)
You should really check out bonny rebeccas video on natural contraception! Its non invasive, non hormonal and just great!
As someone who is hella scared of moon cups, I couldn't recommend night pads more. Like they're wildly big but like you can sleep through the night worry free. (Also I'd recommend the always infinity pads because they don't leak and are like sponge and it doesn't feel like you're wearing a nappy it's so wild I love it).
Good luck on your period endeavours!
maybe try reusable pads while you wait for your period and at the end of it ??
That's a good idea, especially since some other people here said their period came back after 6 months... Imagine buying pads for each and every day for so long!
+Ioana Pristoleanu I keep meaning to get a few because mine is really light for quite a while rather than having peaks of light and heavy flow and I'd rather not be buying soo many pads all the time.
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As a 21 year old woman I feel a bit silly asking this but what are reusable pads made of? I've never seen any here in Ireland! Are they like a cloth you wash? Just curious, I thought the moon cup was the only reusable period thing :o
+nizo1995 Hi 😀 Don't feel silly, I wasn't aware of them till recently either but I love the comfort and customisability of them. The section on cloth pads in this article: naturalparentsnetwork.com/reusable-menstrual-products/ is really informative for any questions you have (trust me we've all had ones that you might think are weird 😊). Also the "Precious stars pads" TH-cam channel has lots of informative videos and the "Amy nix" TH-cam channel if you are interested in making your own reusable cloth pads. Good luck on your cloth journey if you choose to try it out!
I've been subbed to you one day and already know more about you than I know about myself. It's great to find something that feels real.
Holy shit I love this
Really love this format. It's very much reminiscent of a casual tv doco-mini-series. Also, WOAH. It's a little bit scary how little there is in way of non-hormonal contraception for women. I'm just beginning to be sexually active, but currently don't want to take the pill/have the rod/use a diaphragm thingy, so this is all very informative, and interesting!! Loving it, Hannah, and lot's of luck to you in your endeavours! xx
Hannah there's another copper thing that hurts wayyyy less and is better for your body!! It's like a little string with tiny copper balls on it, ask your doc about it!
Do you know what it is called? I'd be interested in this as well
Do you know what it is called? I'd be interested in this as well
It's called GyneFix! I got it a year ago and I'm recommending it to everyone I know
YES! I know that too, but I only know the german expression. It is made for women who haven't been pregnant and so it's much easier to put in and less painful.
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I really recommend the menstrual cup - it's comfortable and reusable so you don't have to buy stuff every other month, and there's no dryness and no risk (no risk of TSS)
What about the fertility awareness method?
So glad I discovered your series! I've been wanting to get off the pill, and I've literally had all the same questions and concerns you have. It's nice to know I'm not the only person questioning these things. I will definitely be tuned into your journey!
From a male perspective.. Ouch!!
Only had one partner that used a coil. It can the hurt penis ... If he has a large penis or you have a shallow vagina.
One side effect of a coil is recurring thrush infections.But this was 30 years ago, so designs may have improved.
Dutch Cap is much easier to use than you described. Good luck with your decision..Whatever is right for you. x
Only if the penis is pretty big and the vagina pretty short though, and more importantly: Only when it's new. The pain is probably the string that gets cut off the bottom and that'll soften up with time. At least that is what I read about it.
It's only going to hurt the penis is it's penetrating the cervix and if that's happening, there's probably already plenty of pain going around.
Sebastian you're right...The lady I experienced this with. Was a Health Visitor/Midwife.. I was 19 she was 33 yrs old. Scared the shit out of a very inexperienced me, until she told me what it probably was.
Life lessons 101..ha ha
i can only speak for myself and my experience with the coil but normally the string doesn't stick out of the cervix but is wrapped around it.i don't know if men can still feel it though.but i never had anyone complain :D
If you feel the actual IUD you are penetrating a ladies cervix. I'm pretty sure her pain is worse in that case. Thankfully that is VERY unlikely to happen. You may be able to feel the string, but only when the IUD is very new and the string hasn't coiled up yet.
Loving these videos! I've recently come off of cerazette as I had my period for the whole time I was on it, the doctor kept saying my body would get used to it and my periods would stop but it clearly wasn't happening and I got fed up in the end! Since coming off my libido has sky rocketed which has completely taken me by surprise - it goes to show how big an effect hormones have on your body!
I just got a copper IUC a month ago, and it was crazy painful at first. Cramping during insertion, passed out and threw up after (not common, but not unexpected either), horrible cramps for days after, random less intense cramping and spotting between my periods (expected for 3 months), heavier and longer periods with worse cramps (expected 6-9 months). However, it is over 99% effective and lasts for 12 years, only requiring a yearly check by your doctor. Also, I've never heard of having to be on your period as it's known to be the most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, so that's an interesting thing. All in all, it's not for persons with low pain tolerance, but if you can handle the pain, it's absolutely worth the peace of mind and low maintenance.
I do think you do some of the best videos on youtube currently. You're direct but insightful about topics that loads of people wonder about. So, thank you for being so open and informative :))
LOVE THIS SERIES! You're so open and honest and THIS is what young girls need. Please can you have a prime time tv show thanks cool bye
I got the coil and ive not had any babies! I was in so much pain for about 4 months but then I got the mini pill for a month, now it is amazing, I've had it for a year and a half and im 22. I really love it, don't have to think about anything else!
The way i think about it, getting the IUD is 5 seconds of pain for 10 years of coverage and protection against pregnancy. That is worth it to me. It hurt for me to get my IUD but it was worth it because I do not have to think about it anymore. I would do it again even though the pain was intense. The benefit is HUGE for a little bit of pain.
Hey Hannah I'm loving these videos! I can totally empathise about wanting your body to 'do its thing' and to have a period. I haven't had a period for almost 3 years but I'm not on any form of hormonal contraception or anything. 3 years ago 'Aunt Flo' just left town and never came back. I've been to my GP about this and she ran a few blood tests to check my hormone levels and Thyroid function, but apparently those came back normal and we just left it at that. I lost some weight over these three years so I'm attributing that to my lack of period and don't really know what to do next to get my period back. I've gotten so used to life without a period that it's fun to think about going shopping for a 'period haul'! Keep up the awesome work!
I love this series soooo much already 💜💜💜
my aunt had the coil and her experience with it was horrible, but it's definitely different for everyone! i hope you find the right method for you, coil or not ✨
I highly recommend the coil! Yes, it hurts when it gets put in, but the pain goes away in less than a day, and you have birth control for 5 years that you never have to think about again!
I have the copper coil and LOVE it. I never had any painful cramping or periods. I've never been pregnant, didn't hurt at all.
This is such a great series! I came off Cerazette about a month ago too and had a hormonal coil (Mirena) fitted 10 days ago. I know it's still hormones, but they're much more localised and I like that you don't have to think about it every day. The fitting was uncomfortable but wayyy less painful than I'd been expecting, and apparently much less painful that the copper coil
Hi Hannah, I have the coil. I got it finally after years of trying different hormonal methods of contraception and having health issues each time. Yes, it was painful when it was inserted, but since then I have not had any problems! I think pain at insertion is pretty normal for women who have not had children, but there are *some* women who are nulliparous and have painless experiences. (It also helps to take ibuprofen a few hours before the procedure, which is what I did.) It has slightly increased the heaviness of my period, but I use the menstrual cup and can go up to 10 hours without having to clean it! But, honestly, everyone has different experiences, and yours could be excellent! Obviously do what you are most comfortable with, but maybe this is helpful. :)
Hannah, I have had the "coil" or IUD for about 5 months now, and it's honestly so great. It's a contraceptive I don't have to worry about, and I'm protected for 10 years! It honestly gave me very bad cramps and bleeding the first couple of weeks, but after that it got better and now I don't feel it! You should seriously look into the coil, it's a lifesaver (literally)!
I had the Mirena Coil for 4 years, and because it only has a 5 year limit, i got it changed to the copper one because i also wanted a non-hormonal contraception method. Insertion wasn't a huge problem for me because i'd had a coil before, but i haven't had kids either, and they were fine with it! I hadn't had a proper period in 5 years, and with the copper coil it makes your period SO HEAVY! My doctor did tell me that, but i kind of shrugged it off. Although my periods are heavy and irregular and sometimes i feel like i'm dying, so far so good. If you're okay with pain, and wacking your vag out to an audience, i would recommend the copper coil :)
I have the coil, it was a little painful when my doctor put it in and I had mild cramps for the rest of the day but nothing crazy.
Its been a year now and I honestly love it! no worries whatsoever :)
Also, everyone is different. My sister stopped the pill when she got married and didn't start ovulating and having a period for almost a year...I'm no doctor though and I love this series!
The book "Taking charge of your fertility" is excellent and explains the different methods available as well as how to track your fertility so you know what time of the month you can and can't get pregnant.
I came off Cerazette around christmas time and my period didn't come for just over a month, so don't panic if it takes a while - I feel like it took a while for my body to adapt and get back into a normal routine :) Loving this series as I literally was planning on going to the doctors and asking the exact same questions!
For me, the copper coil is the best thing I've ever done, and it wasn't even painful to get it put in! I really recommend it :)
I have the copper coil IUD! I also have never birthed a child, and my doctor told me I would have pain as well. However, I have absolutely no pain with it, so you never know until you try something!
I know you're going for a non-hormonal option but I was persuaded by my doctor to go on the hormone coil. She told me that unlike the pill there is a tiny amount of hormone released by it, and also it stays concentrated in your womb and doesn't go into your blood stream. When I had it done, she recommended the Jaydiss coil, which lasts only 3 years and is much much smaller than the copper coil in size. I had hardly any pain at all. Just something to consider x
i'm so here for this! it's ridiculously refreshing to hear you talk about everything so CASUALLY. keep going never stop love you.
I'm far too squeamish to even think about the coil for too long. I've heard a lot of horror stories as well, but I'm sure it does work for a lot of people. But for me, just nope.
I used to be on Cerazette and hadn't had a period for around 3 years - when I stopped taking it it was a couple of months before I had one again and it was the same for my sister too, so you might have a little longer to wait than a week! I've been considering the coil as well but have been nervous about it, so I'm psyched that you're doing this series! xx
the point you made about if men were on some kind of pill that affected their libido it would have been studied and ducumented 👌👌👌
also this series is rly cool imo! im excited for more ♥
re: copper coil, also bear in mind that it can make periods longer and heavier as well as, for some people (and I'm basing this mostly on anecdote from friends tbh but it's a fairly wide sample), make cramping muuuuch much worse. Seeing as you currently don't really know what your period will be like (crossing my fingers for you that you're one of the lucky ones!), that's another reason to hold off at least until your cycle's settled in, just in case. Good luck!
My sister has the coil and she LOVES it! It was uncomfortable for her for the first week(s) but now she doesn't have any pain with it