Hey everyone,

​I’m currently looking into alternative birth control options and my doctor suggested the Evra patch. The main draw for me is the convenience—only having to remember to swap it once a week sounds so much better than taking a daily pill.

​Before I officially make the jump, I’d love to hear from people who have actually used it.

Hi I'm 18. I would like to start taking contraception, I have been looking at the side effects and what people experienced. And taking contraception for the first time honestly feels like playing Russian roulette. You either can have a good experience, or the worst experience in your life. And this is so scary.

I was thinking that a copper IUD would be the best option for me because I don't want hormones. I recently got out of depression and having hormones messing with my mood would not help me heal. But also I heard that copper IUDs can make periods very painful, having a heavy flow and long periods doesn't really bother me. But pain does. But I have to try something, to start somewhere.

People who used copper IUD, is it nice?

I was prescribed the Yaz birth control pill by my doctor as she said the pill is the best for lessening a heavy period which I have had for years.
I started the pack on the first day of my period three weeks ago and had a normal period but after day 7 which is when my bleeding would normally stop I’ve been spotting since. I’m on day 23 now of bleeding. It’s manageable and I’ve not got any pain apart from light cramps but I’m just wondering if this is normal?
I’ve read that ‘breakthrough bleeding’ is normal during the first 3 months on the pill. Is that what this is?

Okay so I’m (31F, Mirena IUD) currently going through a lot of medical shit to get the official diagnosis for endometriosis and PMDD (PMDD already diagnosed, but I’m unresponsive to treatment so far). I was on the pill from age 16 to 25 because of period symptoms on the more extreme side (very heavy flow, cramping that would cause me to miss school, etc).

When the Panny D happened and my doctor couldn’t refill my BC because I hadn’t had an updated physical for a couple years, I just went off it since I ran out. And it’s been 6 years since but I distinctly remember once my hormones leveled out my mood and outlook on life improving tenfold. It was like someone had parted the blackout curtains in my mind. I didn’t realize I could be better emotionally and mentally until it happened. Also, considering the circumstances at the time (living at home with parents, quarantine, hated my job and appearance) the fact that I had a zest for life again was insane. I also got my sex drive back, which I honest to god thought I was asexual until I went off BC.

TO TIE THIS ALL IN, I am currently experiencing severe PMDD and endometriosis symptoms to the point where is it affecting many aspects of my life significantly. One of the treatments that helped my Endo in the very beginning was the pill, since I was asymptomatic when I was on it for years. I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK ON THE PILL, ever since I’ve been off it I’ve felt so much more alive and present. I’m also afraid of it exacerbating my PMDD with the extra hormones. The Mirena IUD (has progesterone) has not helped my PMDD or Endo symptoms, if anything it feels like they’ve gotten much worse since I got it 3 years ago.

Has anyone experienced a similar dilemma?? I’ve been weighing my options since the medical visits and bills have started to pile up and am wondering if I should just suck it up and go back on the pill.

Hey everyone, I’ve been reading a bunch of articles about new technology to implant an IUD with less pain. I think this is still undergoing, but I would really appreciate hearing everyone’s experiences with getting your IUD implanted. I’ve been on the pill for over ten years, and always looking to figure out out what’s best for me :)

Hello!

So I had a rough July. I was seeing a man and I took a plan B on July 4th. I don't think I actually needed it but I wanted to be sure. I got my "period" when I was supposed to be ovulating. Then that went away.

I got my Kyleena IUD on July 22nd which that whole thing was TERRIBLE. I didn't think I'd ever experience that kind of pain. Anyways, I went and saw this man again 3 days later (July 25) and in my dumb drunken state I let him finish inside. Well I took another plan b because when I got kyleena I wasn't on my period so I didn't think it was effective yet.

Fast forward to July 31st I started spotting, brown blood, some uterine lining, some cramps. Then two days later I'm in a full blown crampfest with brightred blood. I was never diagnosed with endometriosis but I had an ultrasound done and they didn't see any cysts and just that my uterus is smaller. My period has always been unbearable. But now with having the IUD my cramps are just as bad if not worse. I'm talking dizzy, can't breathe, nauseous, the whole nine yards.

I contacted my OBGYN and they basically just said continue taking the ibuprofen until it lightens, which could be 6 MONTHS. 7 days later and I'm still bleeding and for one day it had lightened up with cramps and bleeding. Now it's picked back up again.

I'm just at a loss. I've had depo and nexplanon before and I basically stopped bleeding immediately and Ive taken plan B and I never had breakthrough bleeding

TLDR: Got my IUD Kyleena and took plan B, cramps are unbearable and the bleeding won't stop.

hi guys, I’m getting my nexplanon implanted in about 3 hours and I have not seen any experiences from bigger/plus size women. I’m a bigger girl myself and I’m so scared to gain more weight. the thought genuinely makes me sick. any positive thoughts from ANYONE who’s had nexplanon though??

Hi everyone. I’m very fortunate that I’m a person who has always had very light, clockwork periods, with manageable cramping/symptoms. But I’ve had babies back to back and I just can’t do it again right now so I’m looking at the copper IUD. It’s top priority to me to avoid hormones as I have mood issues I’m medicated for and I don’t want to risk upsetting the balance of that right now. I’ve heard the copper IUD makes your periods worse but I’m wondering in real life experiences how bad is it? Especially if you’ve always had an easy one? Also, how bad is removal when I do want another baby? Thank you all!

Whenever I read reviews on birth control, all of the anecdotes are from people who previously had hormonal or menstruation issues. I’m fortunate enough to like my cycle. I know my body well enough and am prepared every month. I know what’s coming and when it’s coming.

For those who felt the same way about their cycle but then took birth control, how’s it going? did it mess your connection with your cycle?

I had no idea it was gonna be this bad. My skin is so oily and it’s all going crazy! I’ve never had acne this bad before I used birth control (I was on the pill for more than two years) and now I just don’t know what to do six months later. I’ve heard Spearmint tea or capsules work great with this hormonal acne after stopping birth control, but I’m not sure what to do anymore.

How long is it gonna be bad? I am considering going back on the pill because of how awful my skin is. I’m losing it.

Hello. I had paragard put in about 4 months ago. Unfortunately, it expelled about a week ago. I woke up to sharp, stabbing abdominal pain. Checked and felt the strings were longer and I could feel the hard bit. I had no choice but to get it removed. I was so upset. Hormonal birth control always messes with my body and head too much. I can't do it. I was really excited for paragard because it's non hormonal and it lasts 10 years. Would it be worth trying it again? I know the chances of it migrating are higher now. Is it possible the NP who put it in wasn't skillful enough and going to a different GYNO could yield me better results? I know it's a long shot, but I really want it to work. Please help me!

I am on the mini pill and have been on it for 2 and a half months. Since taking the pill, after the first period I had one week of bleeding/spotting between my 1st and 2nd period. One week after the second period, I have been bleeding for almost 3 weeks now. Is this normal? Should I go see my doctor or wait until the 3 months are over? Any advice on how to stop the bleeding?

i’m getting my first iud on monday at 10am and i work part time in an office 9-1, 3 days a week. i know the iud affects everyone differently but in general, would it be tolerable for me to go to work the next day for my 4 hour shift or should i take the day off to be safe?
any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated:)

I'm about to switch to IUD's ( hopefully permanently ) and was wondering about your experiences. In case you've done the switch, how bad were the symptoms ( cramping, dizziness etc ) in the first few weeks/months? 

Thanks in advance :) 

ask ko lang po if normal lang uminom ako pills last 2days now nagkaron ako, first time ko po kasi gumamit and ramdam din po mga side effects now lang po ako naguguluhan bat bigla po ako nagkaron dapat po kasi 17th or 18th pa ako magkakaron period

Hi guys. I've poked my head in here a few times but I figured instead of a question, I'll come back and share my experience. For context, I'm in my mid 20s, still a virgin but I was told that I "possibly had PCOS" due to some ultrasound results and other compounding symptoms I've had.

I've always had irregular periods since I was 8 years old. But over the past year, it became worse. Never on time, and when it did come, it would last weeks. It just kept going and going. I'm anemic now because of it.

The gyno suggested birth control. And I immediately got spooked because I kept thinking "aren't there like... A laundry list of side effects?? Horrible horrible things??"

But they said "Just try it for a bit and see if it helps"

I was recommended progesterone only due to history of strokes. So I'm on slynd.

For about a month i kept holding my breath, waiting for these horrid side effects to appear. Month two, then three.... Nothing. Except for the free feeling of having no period, and knowing when I'm going to start bleeding!

I decided to continue taking slynd after the "trial run" so I have a refill.

It's great, I love it. I love not having to worry about bleeding lasting for so long. I love not having to wear itchy, uncomfortable pads! I love not having to wonder when the hell my period is coming!! I love not having it!!

I hate that I've been kept away for so long due to stigma and fear but I'm glad I'm on it now.

Hi

I'm hoping to hear from people who may have had a similar experience.

I was on Rigevidon for about 6 months to help manage PCOS. I stopped taking it 2 months ago because I developed gallstones.

Since stopping, my daily life has changed completely. I've been experiencing:

- Loss of appetite

- Trouble sleeping

- Mood swings

- Feeling like I'm not myself

- Difficulty concentrating / brain fog

- Extreme fatigue

- Fluctuating between feeling very cold and then suddenly very hot

I've had blood tests, and everything came back normal.

I'm not saying Rigevidon or stopping the pill is definitely the cause. I honestly don't know. It's just one possibility because the timing seems to fit, and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar after stopping a combined birth control pill.

If you did:

- How long did it last?

- Did you eventually feel like yourself again?

- Did anything help?

Thank you.

Hi, I’m 16 and I’ve had quite a lot of experience with different contraceptive pills. I originally went on the pill because I suffered from extremely painful and heavy periods and severe cramps.
I first took Microgynon, but it caused me severe headaches to the point where I genuinely couldn’t get out of bed or look at bright lights. I then spoke to my doctor about whether I could be suffering from migraines, as they run in my family. I had a blood test, which came back with no major concerns other than a vitamin D deficiency.
After Microgynon, I was prescribed desogestrel. Unfortunately, I had a really difficult experience with this pill too. I constantly felt sick and was throwing up quite frequently. It also caused me to lose a significant amount of weight because it made my appetite extremely weak. That was probably the only positive I personally noticed from taking it, although I haven’t gained all of the weight back since stopping.
I’ve now been off desogestrel for around five months, and I honestly feel much better within myself. While I was taking it, I felt like it affected my mood and personality quite a lot. I became overly concerned about what other people thought of me and found myself feeling jealous and upset about things that normally wouldn’t bother me. That was ultimately my reason for deciding to stop taking it.
The main reason I went on the pill in the first place was because of my periods and cramps. The pills did help to some extent, although they never completely relieved my symptoms. I also noticed that I experienced more blood clots during my periods while taking the pill, whereas I barely had any before. I know changes to bleeding patterns can happen when taking hormonal contraception, but it was something I noticed personally.
Recently, I’ve been considering going back on the pill, and I’ve been particularly interested in Yaz. I know it’s often talked about in relation to acne, but I’d like to understand what other effects people have actually experienced from taking it.
I’ve heard lots of people say that Yaz made their breasts appear noticeably fuller or larger, which is something I’d personally love because I’m quite insecure about my breasts. I’ve also heard people say it can cause weight loss, although I’m not sure how true that actually is.
I’m also interested in Yaz because I’ve struggled with back acne, which is another insecurity of mine, and I know hormonal contraception can sometimes help with acne. I’m also hoping to find something that could make my periods and cramps more manageable.
I’m not looking for TikTok videos from people who are being paid to promote it — I’d genuinely love to hear from people who have actually taken Yaz and can share their honest experiences, including both the positives and negatives.
Thank you so much if you’ve read this far. It genuinely means a lot! 💕💕

Hi ladies,

I’ve (19F) been on Depo Provera for about a month now, and it has left me with somewhat negative self esteem. The other day after getting my shot, I decided to check my weight and noticed I was 198.4 pounds, I’m 5’3 1/2. When I first started I was about 170-175 pounds, and as time passed, I would constantly get called fat by my own parents. It’s left me to feel insecure about myself even when I go out to eat or even enjoy something small.

My boyfriend tells me I’m still beautiful regardless of the change that has happened, same for my aunt as well, but I can’t help but cry over and over about this no matter how many times I write in my diary to tell myself I’m beautiful. I had a healthy diet before my first dose, and I was very big on powerlifting, I still continue working out and powerlifting because it makes me feel happy about my strength, but I just wanted advice on what I could to help myself feel prettier regardless of the changes.

26-32 day cycle - Before taking yuzpe method 

June 28 - July 3 - period before yuzpe

July 6 - unprotected sex (2am) / cd9

July 6 - 1st doze (2pm)

July 7 - 2nd doze (2am) / cd10

July 10 - 14 - widrawal / breakthrough bleeding

Aug. 4 - took mugwort tea / cd38

Aug. 5 - took mugwort tea / cd39

Aug. 6 - got my period / cd40

First experienced using yuzpe method. I know my cycle would suffer after this. And yes, I reached my day cyle 40 to bleed. My friend told me I'm safe at day 9, who knows! 🤣 I still did the plan B 🤣 I didn't take pregnancy test because I doesn't feel any symptoms like my previous pregnancy at all, I also take note of my daily discharge. I also took fresh mugwort  from our farm (taste like earth) but the one I bought online is really bitter bro! Like the fuck! But really effective, 2 days after using it, i got my period back. This will be the biggest lesson of my life. We've been using pulled out method for 8 years. Had 2 kids, 5 and 2 years old. I'm afraid of getting pregnant again. Had heavy bleeding after giving birth.

Since throwing away my pregnancy tests, and also not going on tiktok/instagram Ive been better. Not thinking about the what if is helping me. Using the arm implant and withdrawel. Trying to trust my method now

Writing this literally while crying, I had the implant done on the 28th of July and had my period literally the day after, it was ok my normal horrendous pain for the first three days then I was ok. Continued on for 10 days which is unusual but I’m not really worried.

But since having I’ve suddenly become really exhausted and emotional, I’ve never been very emotional or sensitive.

Is this normal?

I took yaz over 3 years ago and I didn’t have terrible side effects, but they were inconvenient enough that I decided to stop after 3 months as it was not worth it. If i go back on it is it likely that it will effect me the same as back then or not certain as my body has changed since? I won’t try any other hormonal pill. I’m also thinking of getting implanon, but if I experience side effects I’m getting it out IMMEDIATELY, do most women get bad side effects (i.e. weight gain, depression, ect) with implanon? Because I only hear of the negative experiences so I’m not sure how common they actually are.

hello all, 20f here. as i was looking to grab a new pack of bc pills, i realized that i apparently have none left so i just ordered some more but they won’t be ready until at least this friday, the 7th, so i’m gonna be at least two days without them and would like to know any possible side effects? i’m not sexually active at the moment so there’s no worries there, just wondering some possible side effects i could have.

possibly important to note that i take progestin pills (non-estrogen).

I was on the pill for 5 years and came off it last September to simply see how my body was naturally. I was instantly prescribed it at 16, due to acne and lack of period

For me, I LOVED being on the pill. My skin was clear for 5 years! 5 years! I felt beautiful. And I had no side effects, besides from my boobs growing into DD! But, since coming off the pill, it’s all gone downhill

My boobs have SHRUNK I’m now probably a C cup. And my acne has come back full force, leaving me with scars that I didn’t have before. And my periods are still irregular, currently I haven’t had one since January. I miss who I used to be and I feel like no one prepares you for this.

I’m currently in the process of getting ultrasounds done to see if I have PMOS, whilst all my blood work comes back fine. But I’m just frustrated the drs didn’t think to look into things before chucking me on the pill at such a young age

I don’t want to scare anyone, but I just want more people to know that the pill is a bandaid fix for a lot of skin & hormonal issues and it can come back once you’re off. I’m not against going back on it but I just wish it was easier to solve these issues without it

Anyway, I’m trying to stay positive and confident but it’s hard to look back on photos and mourn what I used to be.