Question

My partner and I have a dilemma regarding our choice of contraception. I have mild to moderate ME/CFS. My husband is fit and well. We want to use a safe and reliable method but we aren’t having much luck!

I had to give up using ‘the pill’ because of side-effects, including migraine-type headaches. So we are reluctantly using barrier protection. But this isn’t ideal when you are not wanting to have another baby for both health and practical reasons.

I’ve thought about using a coil but am worried about whether having a ‘foreign body’ inside could cause more problems with my immune system. I’m also worried about the risk of infection, having had a pelvic infection in the past.

There doesn’t seem to be a simple solution and my GP isn’t very helpful when it comes to discussing the remaining options.

Answer

Firstly, there isn’t a ‘recommended’ method of contraception for people with ME/CFS.

Secondly, no method of contraception is contraindicated in ME/CFS, including the various hormonal methods. However, there is one note of caution with ‘the pill’. One possible contra-indication here would be physical inactivity in someone with moderate or severe ME/CFS and the consequent risk of developing a blood clot/venous thrombosis.

If there is an increased risk of developing a pelvic infection – which would not be good news if you have ME/CFS – this would obviously have to be taken into account in relation to a coil.

So couples have to weigh up the pros and cons of all the various methods according to degree of reliability, possible side-effects, their state of health, and any other medical conditions that are present, or have been present.

If you are not getting the help you require from your GP I suggest you make an appointment with a family planning/contraception clinic – where staff have the experience and interest that will enable them to go through all the options, including the progestogen-only pill – which may be an option in your case.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Basic information on contraceptive options from the NHS website
• You can go directly to an NHS contraception clinic yourself to see a healthcare professional. Ring the clinic first to find out. Some contraception clinics also have walk-in clinics, where you can turn up on the day and wait for an appointment.