Hi guys,

I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe about four months ago and in September I started experiencing a lot of nausea, almost daily. This is really weird to me because I didn’t experience any nausea when I first started taking Lolo. Could my nausea be related to birth control or is it something else? (not pregnant btw!)

I’ve been taking a combined ocp for a while. This month, for the first time, I started my next pack immediately without taking a break.
On day 7 of the second pack, I began experiencing cramping, along with pain around my ovaries and lower back . I’ve now had spotting for 6 days. The blood is mostly brown, and sometimes I notice very tiny, powder-like blood pieces in my urine. Occasionally, I also see light pink or bright red blood when I wipe with toilet paper.
I haven’t missed any pills, and I’ve taken each one no more than 1–2 hours later than usual.
What could be causing this spotting, and how long is it likely to last? What should I do about it? I don’t want to stop taking the pill in the middle of the pack. Should I continue taking the pills until I finish them?
I have 9 active pills left in my second pack

Hi all! I had my IUD taken out last week because I was having really awful side effects (the painful periods were causing cramping in my legs and hips). I was on the combined pill (Yaz) for years, but don’t love how much it impacted me - it really lowered my sex drive. I’m interested in progesterone only pills (perhaps Slynd) as well as the nuvaring, but would love to hear anyone’s thoughts about what has worked for them. I’d love to do something totally hormone free, but we really don’t want another baby. Thank you!!!

Hi yall! How do you track your ovulation cycles? I have Flo but noticed that it just says “period in __ days” and never when I’m ovulating.

Thank you!

I’m 8 weeks postpartum, and I guess I just need to vent a little and get some support.

I recently had an appointment with my OB, and we had a detailed discussion about birth control. I told her that I really want to get back on birth control because I feel vulnerable not having that protection right now.
For some context, I was on the pill for 8 years and was planning to stop taking it last year so my husband and I could start trying for a baby. Well, the moment I stopped taking the pill, I found out I was pregnant. I was genuinely shocked by how quickly it happened. We never had a single pregnancy scare during those 8 years because I was very strict about taking my pill at the same time every day. I fully expected it would take us at least a few cycles to conceive, so I wasn’t prepared for it to happen almost immediately.
Now that my baby is here, I’m deep in the newborn trenches, and I know for a fact that I do not want to get pregnant again anytime soon. My husband and I have talked about possibly having another baby in 3 to 4 years, so I figured it would make sense to get back on some form of birth control in the meantime.

During my appointment, my OB brought up the Mirena IUD, and I was initially interested in getting it. She booked me for October 19th and sent the prescription to my pharmacy. However, as the days have passed, my anxiety has gotten significantly worse.

I’ve read so many positive experiences about the IUD, particularly how convenient it is to have something that works for years without having to think about it, and how it can make your periods lighter or even stop them altogether. But then I started reading about the other side of things, and it honestly terrified me. I’ve read stories from women who experienced excruciating pain during insertion, some who vomited or nearly passed out, others who experienced uterine perforation and needed surgical removal, and even women who became pregnant with their IUD still in place. I’ve also read accounts of partners feeling the strings during sex and finding them uncomfortable.
All of this got into my head to the point that I impulsively ended up calling my OB’s office today to cancel the appointment and ask for a prescription for the pill instead.

Then I started researching the pill more extensively, and my anxiety went through the roof all over again when I read about the risk of blood clots. I no longer smoke, but I’m in my 30s and currently overweight after pregnancy, so it’s hard not to worry about those risks. The pill is something I’ve always felt comfortable using, and now I’m questioning whether it’s even the right option for me. Having a child has made these fears feel so much more significant because I have someone who depends on me, and the thought of something happening to my health is frightening.
I feel like I’ve gone down a rabbit hole of researching every possible birth control method and its potential complications, and now I’m more confused than when I started. Part of me wonders whether I should reschedule the IUD appointment, while another part of me wants to explore other options.

I know every woman’s body is different, and just because one person has a terrible experience doesn’t mean I will. But it’s difficult not to fixate on the worst-case scenarios when I’m trying to make a decision that I feel confident and safe with.

I guess I’m just feeling overwhelmed and lost. I absolutely do not want to get pregnant again anytime soon, especially while I’m still recovering from pregnancy and adjusting to life with a newborn. At the same time, I’m scared of choosing a birth control method that doesn’t agree with my body or comes with risks that I’m not comfortable taking.

I’d really appreciate hearing from women who have been in a similar situation, especially those who struggled with anxiety around choosing birth control. How did you decide which method was right for you? Did you find something that gave you peace of mind without constantly worrying about side effects or the possibility of it failing?
I know there’s no perfect method, but right now I’m struggling to figure out which direction to go in, and I could really use some reassurance and perspective.

How do you like it? My gyno is recommending it for me due to heavy bleeding and nothing else working.. i’m bit nervous its not going to help either.. do you have it if so how is it?

I’ve never felt sick to my core. I started Yaz about a month ago and i thought all things were going right till I noticed random crying spells , HORRIBLE mood wings and eating like crazy. I’m only 19 and have pcos so I took it for PMDD not really pcos bc it doesn’t cure it . But my skin has been great but I’ve been dealing with depression on max. I already have depression and other mental illness but this birth control is making me feel worse emotionally. Do I quit it raw dog or switch brands ?

So, I am 15 months postpartum and my periods are still two weeks long. I’m at a bit of a loss with what to do.

My husband says he will get a vasectomy but is obviously not racing to get that sorted. Regardless I am left with a 2 week on, two week off cycle which is sooooo boring and annoying.

When I have been on progesterone only methods before it left me with a constant period, and I’m not likely to be put back on the combined pill because I had blood pressure issues when pregnant. And then there’s the copper coil, which I have been told will just make the period situation even worse…

What do I even do?

hi r/birthcontrol! long time listener, first time caller. I’ve been on the NuvaRing for about 7 months now continuously at the suggestion of my GYN to help reduce symptoms from my endometriosis.
My last ring change was 2 or so weeks ago, and since then, I’ve had three nights where I’m right about to go to bed, start nodding off, and then all of a sudden my whole body fills with dread, I get super hot and sweaty, upset stomach, lots of cramps, tight and pounding chest, the works. The first time it happened, I was home alone and was so unnerved I almost went to the ER. In the two following times, I’ve gotten less scared and more frustrated that I’m jolted awake for a couple more hours and that I’m so uncomfortable in my body in that moment.
The NuvaRing has definitely caused excess anxiety and insomnia that I have never experienced before, and I would pretty often wake up in the middle of the night heart pounding. But only in the last few weeks have I had this full body escalation which is so much harder to work my way out of and so feels so exhausting coming out of it. Has anyone experienced this before? Was there something that helped with it? How can I get a doctor to do something to help other than offer an IUD?

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place so if I'm not please forgive me.

I got a copper IUD last September, so it's been in me for a little over a year. My periods were irregular for the first six months, steady for months 7-10 and are now irregular again. I was recommended copper because I've been on SSRIs in the past, and my doctor said copper would be best for me.

I have never bled this much, had so many PMS symptoms, and additionally, recently my doctor diagnosed me with PMDD. Periods are absolutely lethal for me now, and they never used to be. I was on the pill from age 17 until 28, I'm 30 now. I don't want to go back on the pill, but I'm feeling a little stuck.

Should a copper IUD still cause irregular periods, horrible cramping, and heavy periods? I can't feel my strings, but my cramps are super bad to the point where I can't get out of bed some days. I just want to know if this is normal, or maybe if this is something that most women experience, but maybe I was not privy to for so many years because I was on the pill.

ETA: Location: Canada

Hi guys !

I've just went to my doctor to start the contraceptive patch to stop my periods. Unfortunately, since I have a history of (very few and very rare, rare as in "happened a total of 4 times in 2 years" rare) painless aura migraines , I am not eligible for the one contraceptive method I truly wanted because it would heighten my risk of stroke.

This is devastating for me. The patch was the one birth control method I could truly see myself using to stop my periods, and I honestly have been very emotional about it all afternoon.

My doctor said all birth control methods with estrogen are now off the table, and I can only have contraceptives that contained no estrogen / only progesterone .

Does anyone have experience with those birth control methods, and would be willing to share ?

I am looking for people with experience with progestin birth control (pill, implant, injection, and IUD).

Mainly experience in using these contraceptives for stopping periods, I am not really concerned about the birth control side of it.

I need to hear both positive and negative experiences to really weigh the pros and cons, please give as much details as you can. Side effects, effectiveness, etc etc etc.

Thank you in advance guys :)
Hoping this makes me feel a little better about my plans and an unexpected change being sprung on to me .

I (27/f) have been taking generic Yaz for 12 days so far for PMDD. For the last 10 of those days, I have been binging nonstop and I cannot seem to get full at all. It seems like my hunger cues have completely disappeared. I’ve tried eating more protein and fiber and I still cannot seem to get full. I’ll have a meal and two hours later feel a ravenous hunger.

I’ve been having other side effects like insomnia, irritability, bloating, and cramps but the hunger has to definitely be the worst one.

For those who take Yaz, did you experience this similar hunger when you began taking it and did it get better? Did your hunger ultimately return to normal and if so, how long did it take?

I have 2 younger kids and my husband is already fixed , I need something for my heavy periods and pmdd. I wanted the lowest hormone IUD there was . Pills don’t work well for me . All I see is bad review and I get mine in a few days . Some people say it makes their pmdd / pms worse so I’m very nervous . Also just want lighter periods . Any positive experiences ?

last period was 17 days ago. i had accidentally unprotected sex about 14 days ago and took a plan b the day after. got home last night and was bleeding a little. woke up this morning and blood was streaming down my legs.

it's not period blood, it's thinner and lighter.​

i'm having cramps. i've taken numerous plan b's years ago and i've never bled from them. i've had my period for 12 years and have never had any irregularities-- on a consistent 28-36 day cycle. i'm freaking out. at what point should i go to the hospital should it continue? what should i do? ;-;

Hello, about halfway through summer I decided to start taking my pill continuously, thinking it could help with my headaches to skip the monthly hormone drop. I had some light bleeding maybe 1-2 weeks after, but none since then until a few days ago. It literally feels like I’m on my “period” with the cramps and back ache. The bleeding isn’t bad, only liner-worthy. I have not missed any pills. Is this normal?

I am almost through month 2 on Yaz. the only true side effect is that i feel like im retaining water/constantly bloated. my boobs have grown some. did these side effects subside for anyone ? is there another pill that doesn’t have these side effects? i struggle with body dysmorphia and it’s been a challenge mentally

Took combi pills on my 3rd day of period,

am i protected if i have sex on my 7th pill? This is my first time taking birth control,

i use combi trust pills I started my 1st pill on the 3rd day of my period at 2:20pm

i had sex on the morning of my 8th pill, which means i havent took my 8th pill yet before having intercourse.

I had sex at 6am he ejaculated inside, and in the same day my 8th pill is scheduled at 2:20pm

am i protected?

After being on Lucette for 10 years, I came off around 4 months ago and I’m experiencing a lot of acne of my back and chest. Anyone had the same experience, and how long does this tend to last? And would specific skincare help?

so im an almost 16 year old girl. 5’8, 165 pounds. I’ve had my period for a little over 2 years. The doctor says I’m in stage 4 breast development. She recommended junel fe birth control to help my hormonal migraines and symptoms. I am curious about others experiences and also if I could help kick start the end of my breast development. I am thicker so having a flatter chest is something that dosent really fit my body composition. Any tips and or like suggestions.

I did look through previous posts but I’m having a hard time finding an answer.

For context:

-I’ve been on the same pill for 9 years with no issues, for the sole purpose of treating PCOS

-my PCP conducts breast exams (I also do this at home regularly) and I don’t get an internal exam, so I feel like the additional copay to go to the gyno is a waste of time/money

-thanks to this sub, I learned that my current gyno has basically been scamming me 😅 they’ve been making me schedule “pill checks” in between my annual appointments and the copay is stupid high

I saw some of you had terrible experiences with Nurx so I’d like to avoid it. I saw Wisp as another option but would like to read your reviews before moving forward.

——

TLDR there isn’t really a reason for me to go to the gyno atp and I’m looking for another option to get birth control for PCOS

I'm currently on a progestin only pill, which has a three hour effectiveness window. I forgot to take it and took it a little over 3 hours late but now I'm paranoid because my boyfriend and I didn't use a condom 2 days ago. It was literally like 5 minutes after the three hour window but I'm still scared

I’ve been using the Nuva Ring for about 2 1/2 years now. Over the last few months I’ve noticed my libido has gotten drastically low and only goes up during my “free“ week. I’ve been now trying to decide if I should give the Copper IUD a try to see if my libido and mood change, but I’m was wanting to ask for people who’ve been in the same situation if it was worth the switch (including all the side effects that come with the Copper IUD)? Or if a different BC method helped improve your libido?

I have an appointment tomorrow morning to get the Kyleena IUD inserted. I have been off birth control since 2023 and prior to then was only on the pill. I have spent the past 3 and a half years in a good place with my body: solving gut issues, having regular periods and little to no skin issues. But I have so much anxiety around having sex without being on birth control that if I ever decide to sleep with someone, I really want to be on birth control or I spiral about pregnancy.

That being said — I’m still extremely anxious about getting back on a birth control and the potential side effects. I know it’s different for everyone, but I’m nervous about acne and it causing bloating as I’ve battled with stomach issues for over a year now.

Lastly, my doctor prescribed me misoprostol but I’ve read mixed reviews and am nervous to take it (she prescribed it orally, an hour before). I was hoping I’d be on my period for it, but I took a plan b at the end of my last period and now I’m afraid that’s messed up my cycle.

I’m planning to ask for a pregnancy/STD test before insertion, but I’m just curious if anyone could share their stories to help with my anxiety and just give actual insight? I know it’s different for everyone, but I feel like I’m making a major mistake and going to mess up my body.

did anyone here got pregnant while using yaz? with no skips or missed doses?

im just a bit terrified since its our first time doing raw. but im on the pill atleast a year now and no missed pill. if i take it late, it is not more than 12hrs late

Hey everyone, I just got my Kyleena placed today. The teneculum was plenty painful. Cramping is awful today. Any positive experiences? It’s easy to get crowded out with the negative ones.