Contraceptive Implant; Review


Photo by obo-bobolina.

(The implant I’m referring to throughout this post is Implanon. For more info see their website.)

Now, a lot of people feel that the topic of contraception is something strictly to be shared with your doctor but throughout my exploration of the best ones for me I’ve found that doing research and reading people experiences has helped me make the decisions that I have. I hope my experiences can help other people too. Thanks for understanding.

I first heard about the contraceptive implant through my good friend Hannah a few years ago, telling me she’d met someone who had it fitted and basically what it was all about. It sounded like a fantastic idea – a small rod, around the size of a match-stick, in your arm that stops you getting pregnant for 3 years. How amazing! At that time though I didn’t really feel the need to have such a long term contraception, so although I thought i was good I didn’t think it was necessary.

Few years down the line I find myself in a serious relationship, working full-time, living away from home and occasionally (almost!) forgetting to take my pill.
Cue me deciding to get the implant!
I did a lot of research (online, speaking to my doctor and medical leaflets) and read a lot of reviews on Ciao, as well as talking to Hannah who had her own implant fitted about 6 months before. It seemed like there was loads of possible disadvantages associated with the implant but having not experienced some of the common ones from the pill, I took the risk hoping I’d be one of the lucky girls who had no problems, no periods and no babies!

In June 2009 I headed to my local clinic and spoke to the lovely doctor who said I was an ideal person for the implant and had it fitted on the same day. (She of course asked lots of health questions and analysed whether it was the right option for me.).
The procedure was more than easy. A quick jab of local anesthetic to numb the area (with a slight pinch of the jab’s needle that wore off as soon as the anesthetic took place) and the doctor then inserted the implant. Done! She let me have a little feel of it under the skin just so I knew where it was and how to check that it hadn’t moved after healing. A quick bandage up and I was ready to go!

Things were fantastic! I didn’t have a period for 6 weeks and when I did it was very light. I didn’t seem to be suffering any side effects and the only thing that was an issue was the fact my boyfriend got freaked out at the thought of something being in my arm.

A couple of months down the line things started to change. I got my period and it lasted longer than usual. Sometimes up to 3 weeks and only stopping for 2 days maximum. My sex drive pretty much disappeared and I felt like I was experiencing permanent PMS. Some days I would be fine, other I’d find myself crying at the smallest of things (eg. charity appeal adverts!), I’d find myself being tired and worn out for no reason and getting touchy with every little thing – and my poor boyfriend would get about 80% of it.
My rapid changes in mood were probably the hardest side affect to deal with but the other main problem I had with the implant is changes to my body. I didn’t experienced any weight gain/loss – apart from occasionally feeling quite bloated – but my skin has became similar to a girl who’s just hit puberty and not yet discovered face wash. This was a massive deal for me as since I was 11 years old I’d been mad on skin care, probably spending thousands of pounds on it. So having skin that had more than one spot every now and then was been hard to deal with. I also found myself needing to epilate my underarms and legs more often, yet more hair from my head seems to be clogging up the bath plug. All happening in the 4 months I was fitted with the implant.

They say you should stick with the implant for at least 6 months to give your body a chance to adjust to it but 4 months down the line things seemed to be getting worse. I initially thought that the pros (an extremely reliable birth control, not having to remember pills) could out-way the cons (irregular periods, non sex-drive, mood-swings, bad skin, changes to hair/body) but I eventully came to the decision that the contraceptive implant isn’t for me.

I had it removed in October 2009 and the removal was just as easy as the insertion (if not easier!). A small cut in the skin and out it popped. Same bandage routine, however the bruising and after pain was definatly worse – but only lasts a few days maximum. I went straight on the pill afterwards but later decided to give my body a rest from contraception and hopefully return to normal periods. My bodies still not 100% the same (my skins still not returned to it’s previous state) but I’m hoping with time that will sort itself out.

For more information on the Implanon implant and other contraception check out these sites:
Implanon.com; the official website of the Implanon implant.
Ciao.co.uk; good, un-bias reviews.
Patient.co.uk; more of the medical side of the implant.

Sequin Dilema

There’s no doubt that sequins are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe these days but my dilema comes from something beautiful. My mum bought me this gorgeous silver sequined dress for my school Christmas dance a few years ago, which I adore, but the dilema is that I’ve never woren it since.

Offt! Old old picture of myself!

Why? Well how do you were such a sparkly dream in your day-to-day life? I’ve had a play about on Polyvore to see what I could come up with!

Sequin Inspiration 2
An everyday geek inspired outfit. Complete with my Jeffrey Campbell 99 Zip Wedges.
Sequin Inspiration 3
Something a bit more glam. Dinner party perhaps?
Sequin Inspiration 4
Something suited for a day shopping around Edinburgh. Cosy & stylish. What more could I possibly want?

 

 
So what do you guys think? How would you wear such a dazzling dress?
Show me on Polyvore, or explain in a comment!

Stockings – Just for the bedroom?

It’s a known fact that fashion comes around in phases. We just have to look at leggings and hareem pants to see cold hard proof that fashion always repeats itself.

The latest fashion repetition comes in the form of hoisery. It seems as though stockings are making a huge comeback in the world of fashion right now. Pictures of models out and about sporting stockings are cropping up and I’ve seen a few Daily Outfit posts featuring them too. A lot of people take the view that they’re a bit risque or strictly for the bedroom, but they forget that stockings are actually a extremely pratical method of hoisery – used by woman for centuries. And for good reason! No having to nip to another room to wiggle you tights back up throughout the day, no unattractive ‘frog-legs’ if the mood takes you to swiftly removing your clothes and the added bonus of that you-wish-you-knew-what-I-was-wearing-under-this confidence. (Also see; wearing sexy underwear). With woman wearing them as far back as Accident Greek times, the chances even are that your Granny would wear stockings on a day to day basis with them reaching their fashion peak around the time of World War 1 and 2. How’s that for a fashion gem?

So why is it these days that stockings have the image of sex written all over them? Well, Ann Summers is the big one to blame! I mean dont get me wrong, they have a fantastic supply of gorgeous stockings but the way they’re sold as lingerie makes both men and women associate them with sex and underwear. As a result, the second anyone finds out you’ve left the house with a pair of stockings on and your best suspender belt their complete impression of you is altered. For men it’s usually them seeing you in a completely different light (a good light in their eyes) and as for woman, unless they too are a fan of this particular hoisery their impression will change in a negative way. Well I say, screw that! I love stockings! They’re practical, classic and oh-so-sexy! Why should something with all these fantastic traits be thought of as taboo to wear in public. There’s so many fantastic looks available to create with the aid of stockings and suspenders and it seems a shame to ignore them for the sake of public opinion. Lets embrase the fact that the latest fashion come-back is something that anyone can pull off and bring back the stockings with a vengence!

So other than on a sexy night in with your lover when is it appropriate to wear stockings? Well, when woren correctly I say anytime! Adopt the belief that if you invest in a good suspender belt and a decent pair of stockings the possiblities are endless.
Here’s some tips to get help you get settled into stocking heaven;

  1. Invest in a good suspender belt. Not the stringy lingerie ones but a proper six clip one for maximum hold-up. I highly recommended Stocking HQ – they have some fantastic ones and my personal favourite is actually their own designed, the SHQ Suspender belts proving that good suspender belts need not look granny. Do some research and find one that suits both your requirements and preference.
  2. Don’t go for a sheer-look or fishnet stocking just because they look sexier. You still need to think pratical. Thicker tights in winter = thicker stockings too.
  3. Go with what’s appropriate. Showing a bit of suspender can complete a look but think about it sensibly. If you’re going for a pair of stockings at work make sure you choose a pencil skirt as opposed to a short dress.
  4. Prepare yourself for attention if you plan on showing a bit of suspender. As mentioned, they do carry the risque/bedroom repuation and people will like to remind you of this!


Fashion guru Gala Darling shows us how it’s done!

For the Experts:
For a great selection suspender belts check out my favourite, Stockings HQ.
Fancy something a little different? We Love Colours is a great place to start.

So what’s your opinion on stockings? Would you – or do you already – where them out and about?

Wedge Love

My wedge obsession is getting out of hand. I find myself trawling the web for the latest styles and spending hours on end trying to think up ways to wear my Jeffery Campbell 99 Zip Boots and my Faith Wedge Sandals.
It seems I’m not alone though. Wedges are cropping up everywhere at the moment and although they’re not for everyone it seems as though they won’t be going anywhere soon.
Here’s a few favourites of mine…


Charlotte Olympia Stripe Wedge Booties.
Now these are a work of art! I’d be tempted to keep them in a glass box in center place of my living room, as opposed to torturing them with the harsh life of the pavements.


Osman Yousefzada Blue Wedge Boots.
I can imagine myself walking through Harvey Nichols and along George Street in these bad boys, teamed with a LBD and layered with my blue checkered shirt for a more casual feel.
A definate “look at me” pair of shoes, not only in style, but in colour too.


Surface to Air Wedge Boots.
I could see boots being the boots I’d wear to a Disturbed concert with my dad and having that fashionable rock-chick look, as well as earning myself a few more inches to see over the crowd.
And of course they’d be woren with skinny jeans and a leather jacket – how else could you wear them?


Ash Thelma Black Sneaker Wedge Boots.
A more casual boot designed for catching the train for a day shopping in Glasgow or searching the Grassmarket for a fantastic vintage piece. Skinny jeans and a band t-shirt is what I’d choose.


Tristan Blair Patent Wedge Boot.
Something a little more special. Designed for a night out in Edinburgh mixed with a nude dress and black tights. A glass of wine in hand and I’m ready to go!

So, what’s your current shoe obsession? Share your thoughts!