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File: 1550673120566.jpg (120.54 KB, 540x538, tumblr_o5vywilMCz1un9076o1_540…)

No. 108748

I have a question regarding IUDs. I've been on the pill since early 2017 and I get pretty bad side effects. My breasts swell up (they become REALLY painful) and I get extremely nauseous. I haven't been off the pill since 2017 and the symptoms haven't disappeared. I'm honestly sick of it and decided to get an IUD. Have any of you had experiences with IUDs? I am not sure whether to get the hormonal or non-hormonal one. I absolutely hate and almost can't stand the side effects of hormonal birth control, but I get very painful periods and I heard that the copper IUD makes them 10x worse. ;-;

No. 108753

>Have any of you had experiences with IUDs?
Control+f IUD in the vagina thread
>>71573

No. 108763

Tbh, OP, I recommend the patch. I have sensitive skin, but wearing it on my upper arm or my butt cheek doesn't break me out, though I won't assume it's the same for everyone. I've heard a lot of bad things about both IUD and the implant, so I'm very averse to trying those, but I've used almost every other method.

No. 108781

I like the OP image. Who is the artist?

Also, when deciding between the IUD and implant (I needed to get off estrogen because it was causing daily migraines, but needed to be on hormonal birth control due to my PCOS, and I hate taking pills), the IUD sounded way too invasive for me so I went with the implant. I actually like it a lot. I haven't had a period since I had it inserted 6 months ago. I did have breast pain, nausea and dizziness crop up a couple months ago, but started taking B6 for it and those symptoms are now completely gone.

YMMV, of course, but it's something to think about. I couldn't be happier with my implant.

No. 108811

I have the copper IUD. Had it for a few months so far, and it's been good. Insertion sucked, and it sucked at first, but so far has been nothing notable. YMMV, my body happened to take to it really well apparently.

For those who had bad experiences with the (copper) IUD, what were your periods like beforehand? I'm curious, mine have always been relatively easy and regular.

No. 108908

>>108758
To each his own. Getting an IUD would be well worth it, I hate the feeling of condoms and so does my s/o

No. 108925

endo anon here. have to take birth control for it or i'm miserable. in high school i had to miss days of school a month because my bitch mom said i was faking symptoms (despite having it herself), but didn't care enough about me missing school. it hasn't really affected my body other than making me fat and possibly extremely horny.

other endo anons here?

No. 108934

File: 1550849148657.png (297.95 KB, 1650x1275, contraceptive_methods_508-01.p…)

>>108748
I have the copper IUD. I had increased cramps the first few months, but things went back to normal in that regard. There is more blood than there used to be, but it's a good trade off for me personally. The insertion wasn't fun, but I didn't find it particularly awful. It's not as bad as orthodontia or other dental work in terms of pain, but I did get a local anesthetic directly on my cervix prior to insertion. If you aren't paying out-of-pocket for it, it's worth trying out to see if it works for you.

>>108758

Condoms are not very effective on their own.

No. 108997

The IUD was very painful to get put in for me. It was effective for 2 years until I got increasing cramps and couldn't stand it any longer. Doctors can be weird about taking them out, I had to fight to get it taken out before the time is up for its effectiveness. Have you thought of basal thermometer method? I've been using the Natural Cycles app for 2 years now, with success. I was unable to tolerate the pill as well.

No. 109434

>>108811
I've had Paragard for over a year and a half now.

My periods used to be 7 days long and normal flow. I had a bit of crampiness that I'd experience but nothing bad.

When I first got my Paragard, insertion was so easy. My GYN gave me cytotec to soften my cervix, 600mg ibuprofen to take before, and we planned the insertion to happen during the end of my cycle so it wasn't bad at all.

My periods sucked though. So much crampiness and I would go through so many tampons. I think now that it's been over a year, my periods have returned to somewhat of a more normal state. My periods are now around 7 days long, BUT I get days of irregular spotting before and after (usually around 2/3 days). I have off/on cramps, and the worst is a sharp shooting pain in my butt that I get every now and then. I also get stabbing pains in my uterus area sometimes but I've had my IUD checked and it's in place.

But I'm glad that I got Paragard because it's 10 years (if it stays in) because I'm moving back to a state where the governor is trying to ban abortions if Roe v. Wade gets overturned. Would recommend Paragard for anyone who is in the same position and needs protection because though it is a little shit at times that I hate, it's been a lifesaver for my boyfriend and I who could never afford a child.

No. 109435

>>109434
Same OP but I should add that my cycle with Paragard goes like this:

> Cramps on/off for a few days

> Spotting for three days
> Two-three days of heavy flow
> Two-three days of regular flow
> Did my period stop?
> Spotting
> A day later and it seems like my period stopped
> Nope, still spotting
> Eventually spotting stops and I feel a weight off of my shoulders

No. 110885

>Never used birth control before
>Started Cerazette/Desogestrel/Progestogen-only pill 1 week ago

Currently going through the following:
>Recently defeated acne making an ugly comeback
>Brain fog
>Low energy
>Headaches (told to avoid estrogenic BC because lol migraines)
>Eliminated sex drive

Is this an adjustment period where my body gets used to new hormones in its system?

I've only just overcome my acne in the past few months after YEARS of treatment, the last thing I want to do is go back.
Fml.

No. 110903

>>110885
Can’t talk about the acne bc contrary to what my gyno told me it didn’t get worse at all. But about the other symptoms; I’ve had these even after the supposed 3-month adjusting period. And even about half a year after stopping it.

I also barely ever had migraines before and while taking the cerazette had them about every 1-2 weeks.
It really wasn’t a fun time.

No. 110905

>>110903
I can't believe how horrible I feel, I was really hoping birth control would work because my bf and I don't find condoms enjoyable at all.

If this keeps up, I'll have to head back to rhythm and temp-tracking/ovulation strips.
And condoms.

No. 110906

reposting from the vagina thread since it's about birth control

have any farmers had success in alleviating PMDD symptoms by continuously taking their birth control? i just started doing that (day 2 of starting a new pack instead of taking the placebos) in order to skip my period and it'd be really fucking great if i could not have a period and also not want to kill myself every month

No. 110907

>>110906
i'm on Microgestin FE and i'm still unfortunately getting bad PMDD symptoms like the suicidal haze for a week before my period is set to start. it's essentially cut my period duration in half and the blood is next to nothing (which is why i started it, heavy flow for 8 days straight), but i was hoping it would eliminate the PMDD. i tried to continuously take it for a couple of months without the placebo week and see if it would make a difference but it was still pretty bad the week before the new pack was set to start.

No. 111510

>>108925
Yes, I've had surgery. They told me I'd be out of surgery in 45m, and it took over 4 hours. I didn't have endo on my ovaries or other reproductive organs, but it was all over my abdominal wall, colon, etc. When I went into surgery, I wasn't even sure if the surgeon would find anything (endo doesn't show up on ultrasounds, aside from chocolate cysts). I am afraid of taking hormones so I just deal with the pain and nausea, which is returning. Eventually I'll have to convince a doctor to do surgery again.

Based on everything I've read, I'm wary of taking hormones to suppress endo. Surgery is scary but it has much better outcomes. I have three almost invisible scars (about 1cm each), and the recovery wasn't bad imho. The hardest part was paying for it, as I was on student insurance. I got a payment plan to pay it off. My parents ought to have helped (they have the money) but at that time they were in a really awful phase and they didn't offer; they knew I'd never ask them for money. Not sure I'll ever forgive them for that, though we've never discussed it. Every time I see the expensive tacky art they bought around my surgery date, I get pretty angry.

No. 111522

Has anyone experienced extreme depression while using and going off of birth control pills? I was suffering from crippling depression three weeks into using Lo Loestrin and a few days after going off of it, I had an awful depressive meltdown. I can't help but feel it was the birth control that was at least partially responsible for those things.

No. 111524

>>111522
You're not alone anon don't worry
It should be included in the leaflet with your bc, but give it a google and you'll see so much about it

No. 111526

>>111524
Thanks. It's just that my gynecologist thought it was too soon for any real symptoms to appear but reading about other people's experiences really conflicted with my gynecologist's view on the matter. My recent erratic and depressive state caused an enormous strain in my relationship that may end in a break up so I wonder a lot how much of it can be attributed to Lo Loestrin. I've also had a similar experience from another birth control (Ortho Tri Cyclen I think) about 8 years ago so I'm more and more convinced that LoLo was a major determinant in my mood.

No. 111616

I had the Mirena IUD for 6 years and didn't encounter one single problem. Period vanished. I only had it removed about a month ago. I'd like to get another soon, but insertion was pretty painful, even if only for a few seconds.

No. 111709

Does anyone here suffer from extreme sensitivity to hormones, or hormonal control? I’ve tried a few methods, but every one I’ve tried thus far makes me loopy and I gain tons of weight. My search for a decent method has gotten me pregnant 3 times, despite being cautious.

No. 111716

>>111709
Are you the anon from the confessions thread?

No. 111775

Do any other anons using birth control get really sharp shooting pains in their breast(s)? I’ve been taking the pill along with spiro (estrogen) for my acne for months and have heard that hormonal medication could cause breast tenderness, but this is a really sharp, sudden (it even startles me sometimes) shooting pain in the same place. It occurs at completely random times/days too.

No. 111776

>>111775
I've totally had this anon. I changed bc pill and it went away.

No. 112223

so I have a question about the pill. I used to have the implant but switched to the pill and today marks one week exactly I've been on it. My period ended on friday and then today it started back up again. Normal? It's a combo pill if that matters

No. 112225

>>112223
Why are you taking the pill while still on your period? You should start on the day your period ends, then not take anything for a week, then get back on the pill again. Unless you have those weird packs that include sugar pills for the time you’re not supposed to take anything.

No. 112234

>>108748
It might be. When I started with the pill I had my period for three weeks straight. Is it like a full on period or just a little blood?

No. 112235

>>112225
NTA but I think they might be referring to the starter day, as in starting that birth control in the first place which is what they're doing. In that case most docs recommend starting on the first day of your period since its supposed to help it become effective faster. Never in my life have I ever heard a doctor tell someone to
>start on the day your period ends, then not take anything for a week, then get back on the pill again

Why would you take a pill, wait a week then start it again? Am I reading your comment right because that sounds super incorrect. Also most if not all BC pills come with sugar pills even if you don't take them, don't know why you're referring them as the weird ones when pretty much all BC pill packs have those. I've never actually seen a pack that doesn't.

No. 112256

>>112235
NTAYRT but I think they mean wait till period ends, take an entire blister and then pause (or take the placebos).
However, it’s definitely recommended to start on the day you go off your previous pill (or other contraceptive) without pausing.

Regarding the placebo pills: I think it definitely depends on where you live. In Germany I only really know of one brand that has placebo pills. All other brands have blisters with 21 pills (except for cerazette).

No. 112259

>>112235
I meant that you take the first of 21 the day your period ends, then take nothing for a week or the placebo (I live in a country where they're very uncommon), then take the pill again.
tbqh though I haven't been on the pill for quite some time now, so mz info may be outdated.

No. 112303

>>110906
just wanted to update: i've been skipping the placebo week for a lil bit now and so far i have been getting a period, but it's a lot lighter. i just got my period today and it actually took me by surprise because i WASN'T suicidal at all the week before. so, at least for me, continuously taking the pill seem to have helped with the PMDD symptoms. fingers crossed it isn't just a fluke

No. 112307

>>112225
My doctor told me to start the pills on Sunday which was the day my period started. So I started on Sunday, my period ended Friday, and then it started up again. I followed the instructions my doctor gave exactly.

Anyway, I just called my doctor and she said it's normal, so no advice needed.

No. 112316

>>112307
idk what people are giving your shit for, you can read on the package you either start on a sunday or the first sunday of your period. it's like they've never taken pills before.

No. 112403

Started cerazette, finished 1 pack, but forgot to buy another as I was sick, so I missed 2 days before I started again. But since I was sick, I also started it with a week of antibiotics. The doctor said this was fine. But now I have been bleeding non stop for two weeks with no signs of it stopping and it's really annoying, this didnt happen with the first pack. Is this because of missing 2 days and also being on antibiotics? Has anyone else experienced this and had the bleeding stop?

No. 112409

I recommend using the fertility awareness method, that way you don't need to put weird object in your body or take hormones.

Basically as a woman you are only fertile for one day during your cycle.

So you can't have piv sex on that day and the day before because sperm can survive in your body for like 24 hours.

You can use a tracking app which after a while will guess pretty accurately when your fertile window is. You can also tell you're fertile or about to be fertile when your discharge is sticky like egg-white (so, it's not liquid).
Your body temperature also goes up when you're fertile and of course you feel way more horny that usual.

If you're new to this I recommend getting a kit that checks if you're fertile, you just pee on it. Idk how accurate it is but it worked for me in the beginning.

Again, you're only fertile ONE DAY in a cycle, let's say TWO DAYS if you count the day before. So why would you take hormones if you don't have to for 28 days if you could just track and abstain/use condoms for those 2 days.

It's obviously not a method for people who are not responsible enough for I'm honestly not responsible and this method made me so aware of my body and it's awesome.

No. 112410

>>112409
you're an absolute idiot and soon to be mother if you genuinely think women are fertile one or, at most, two days a cycle.

No. 112411

>>112409
Sperm can live for 5 days in the vagina.

No. 112412

>>112409
Samefag but you also are not fertile for only 24 hour, you're considered fertile on the day your body release the egg AND on the 5 days prior.

No. 112422

>>112410
I know a young woman who's a diehard believer in fertility awareness/cycle tracking as a natural alternative to other birth control methods. She's had 3 unplanned pregnancies.

No. 112424

>>112409
Maybe people use hormones because there’s positive sides to it as well?
Especially women with severe dysmenorrhea, endometriosis or PCOS are way better off while on birth control.

Also what >>112410 and >>112411 said. You’re obviously not as educated as you‘d like to be.

No. 112427

>>112409
You should start saving for your child's college fund.
>The ‘fertile window’ is the day an egg is released from the ovary (ovulation) and the five days beforehand.

No. 112440

>>112409
>I'm honestly not responsible
We can tell, anon

No. 112541

>>112409
Have you never heard of condoms or something? Or do those count as "weird objects" too?

No. 112632

File: 1554597946274.jpg (26.74 KB, 232x296, 1503204094636.jpg)

I know this is a cOnTrOvErSiAl oPiNiOn, but I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone finds the time to deal with the horrible side effects of bc for several weeks to a month, to figure out whether or not they'll go away, switch to another pill when they don't, go through the same cycle all over again, switch to another pill, and hope that one day you'll find one that doesn't make you want to puke your brains out/kill yourself/sap you of your energy, etc.

I'm legitimately concerned for my entire gender, because this is apparently normal and acceptable for most of you.

I've only ever used condoms since I've become sexually active. I know that's irresponsible, but honest to god, I'd rather risk having to get an abortion and go through some discomfort for a short time, rather than feeling like I have poison running through my veins 24/7.

Maybe I'll change my mind if that actually does happen. Or if it happens more than once. But god damn, the reality of what birth control does to your mind and body is fucking dystopian levels of horrifying to me.

No. 112640

>>112632
I hate hormonal birth control for similar reasons. My gynecologist suggested that I put up with the side effects of my birth control for three months when I brought up concerns of sudden depression and emotional eating binges. The whole thing caused me to eventually feel suicidal for no real reason and when I went off birth control, I was back to normal within a few weeks. I don't believe that most women's hormone levels should be fucked with and I hate that it's basically become normalized. I can't buy studies or articles now that claim that such side effects aren't the result of birth control pills. The pharmaceutical industries and doctors have to keep claiming that in order to keep shilling their pills.

No. 112641

File: 1554604665855.jpg (39.97 KB, 450x397, 0606-ContraceptionT3.jpg)

>>112632
>>112640
Birth control has done wonders to help me with a serious hormonal mood disorder. I am on an extremely low dose and have gone through about 8 different brands/dosages until I've found one that worked very well for me. No bad side effects. Like all medications, it's not for everyone. I think for those without a hormonal imbalance it is disruptive, but I am able to treat my hormonal mood disorder with birth control alone and was able to get off of the other 3 psychiatric medications I had been prescribed.

No. 112643

>>112632
>I know this is a cOnTrOvErSiAl oPiNiOn, but I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone finds the time to deal with the horrible side effects of bc for several weeks to a month

Not everyone has crippling side effects, though. I've been on a couple different types of hormonal birth control for over 10 years (the pill, the ring, and finally the implant, as I got older and too busy to remember taking pills and shit) and I haven't had any side effects at all, ever. I've never gained weight or lost my mind or felt like offing myself. There are plenty of women who have little to no issues and are perfectly happy with whatever method they are on, just read through subreddits like r/birthcontrol.

I do agree that there should be more reliable methods of BC that aren't hormonal beyond just condoms and the copper IUD (which can make you bleed horribly, so not without its own side effects) and I hate that messing with your hormones is basically the end all be all for BC. But for me, I'll take it over risking pregnancy, especially since I'm lucky enough not to be badly affected by it.

No. 112649

>>112632
The only side effect I've had is prolonged spotting after changing brands, which is 1000% worth it to skip my period. Skipping my period would be worth any number of side effects, they are a fucking heinous inconvenience and make me feel so uncomfortable. It's like a cosmic joke that we evolved to experience them so often.

I'm not even sexually active but the peace of mind is good too.

No. 112650

>>112643
NTAYRT but you‘re obviously not the group of people anon is referring to, so why do you feel the need to justify your use of BC?

>>112632
Idgi either. The longest I’ve been on any (combinated) pill was 7 days and after those I was seriously so exhausted. I couldn’t eat anything (like, literally anything) because I was incredibly nauseous 24/7. I could barely even drink water. I also had several panic attacks and migraines. I don’t know how I was supposed to go through this for three months.
The only thing I could bear physically was the shot but that severely fucked me up mentally (tried to kill myself 3 times in the 6 months I was on it - never have before or after that). I still deal with depression and I have long before getting it, but it’s never been as bad as it was then.

I don’t think I’ll ever try any hormonal shit again. Even though I have endometriosis. I’d rather suffer a few days and avoid sex occasionally because of the pain than feel as shitty ever again.

No. 112672

>>112650
Hi. Could you read that anon's post again? Here's an excerpt:
>I'm legitimately concerned for my entire gender, because this is apparently normal and acceptable for most of you.

Appears to me that anon is addressing all women here and making the false assumption that these types of sides effects are "normal" when they are in fact not normal for many of us. I'm sorry for your experiences and that fucking sucks but the reality is that many women experience no problems.

We're not saying your bad experiences aren't valid. However our positive experiences are also valid.

So I'm not any of these anon's above but I'd also like to add I've previously been on depo, combo pill, and finally graduated to the Mirena IUD 6 years ago and haven't had to think about birth control since. No side effects whatsoever. But just like with pretty much all medications your mileage may vary.

Hope you guys can find something that works for you though.

No. 112674

My doctor says something to the effect that my hormone threshold is too high for some forms of bc, including the one I was pretty set on using(the ring). it looks like I'll probably get an copper IUD. has anyone else had this problem? it's apparently really rare and possibly caused by medication I'm on for anxiety. i'm pretty set on having my bf cum inside me so I could use advice on what BC to start/whether anyone else takes nsaids for anxiety and have the same issue/general advice. thanks

No. 112685

>>112672
The point of her post was, how she‘s confused that it’s being normalized and expected to put up with 1-3 months of side effects just to know whether something works or not and maybe even go through this entire process for several different pills.

Obviously, if you don’t have any side effects, you won’t have trouble taking it. Taking something and not having side effects isn’t problematic either.

And I never felt like anyone was saying that my or other women’s bad experiences are invalid. I’m just legitimately confused how someone thinks that responding to

>How on earth do you put up with those side effects for this long and why on earth is this normalized

with
>Well, but I don’t have any side effects.
is helpful or any other way valuable input.

By the paragraph you quoted she obviously meant she’s worried because somehow women and girls are taught to just suck it up and put up with that shit for as long as it takes to find a method that doesn’t have terrible side effects. Obviously it just applies IF you do have side effects. However, side effects can happen to anyone any time.

Women feeling pressured to put their health and general quality of life on the line is a real issue. And even if you don’t have any noticeable side effects, there still do come risks with hormonal birth control.

No. 112697

>>112685
To me the original post read "how can ALL OF YOU put up with these symptoms," implying that every single woman on birth control has insane side effects but we just accept it and cope, because the post said "most of you" and "entire gender." If she meant "how can some of you put up with it," then she should have clarified instead of making a sweeping generalization of all women on hormonal birth control. It was poorly worded, which isn't the fault of people responding "that's not true."

And "most women just normalize and accept it" isn't true either, women complain all the time how shitty birth control is and how they had to stop xyz method because they didn't want to deal with side effects.

No. 112700

Really, I think there is a ton of downplaying on the potential severe side effects of birth control from doctors. I wish my gynecologist didn't dismiss my concerns over side effects related to my mental health even though I was on the pill for nearly a month. She kept insisting that I try for three months and I really tried hard to keep with up with it since I was apparently on the lowest dose of hormones. I'm just wishing now that I trusted my gut instinct earlier instead of having suffered through the horrible side effects just to see if they might go away had I kept using them.

No. 112829

>>108748
I am on my second IUD. First one was a breeze (except when it was inserted, which was a two-week bloody nightmare). I had it in for over 5 years (Mirena), and got it replaced when my time was up.

First IUD:
>MUCH less hormones and cramps
>period regulated itself after a while, less bleeding
>no maintenance except checking for strings at uterus

This new one is exactly the same type as the old one, but for whatever reason, I am:
>extremely hormonal now
>my breasts hurt like crazy before periods
>spotting at the two-week mark, so it's like I have two periods during a 4-week cycle instead of one
>also am extremely worried about perforation now, since the IUD weakens the walls of the uterus (I am told by my doctor), so I could poke through.

I may have endometriosis, so it is more of a problem for me. Considering taking it out at the end of the summer. Might want to procreate anyway, honestly.

Anyway, the first IUD was AWESOME. Definitely recommend it for at least the first time, haha.

No. 112835

I'm the anon from the other thread who stopped taking the pill after 10years….

So far, so good. Definitely more emotional some days, like a good ol' fashion PMS, but it's nice. A lot of my previous anxiety or paranoia really mellowed out. I do get MAD jelly of my husband giving girl's attention, but it's funny. Sex with condoms is not too terrible.

Also my skin cleared up? I used to get some small cystic type bumps on the pill, now I'm just a bit uneven. Skin is less dry.

>>108753
My girlfriend who had Mirena took her's out. She did not mix well with the estrogen blend. My other girlfriend put in a Copper IUD and has had her period for like 6 months.

No. 112946

4 years ago I first went to a gyn to get birth control, because the cramps I get during my periods were horrible (think crying, vomiting, diarrhea). She gave me a pill that you have to take for 3 months straight.
A year later I started to get such bad headaches, that I had to stop taking it. She said I'm allergic to any normal pill and that there are only 3 options: either taking nothing, an IUD or some special pill, which I ended up taking then. You basically take it without any breaks and don't get your period at all. At first it worked, but already half a year later I always got my period + cramps despite taking it.
A few months ago I changed gyns, told her about that problem and she said that I'm too young for an IUD (she said it messes severely with your hormones and that it's also very bad for your bones), but promised to think about a solution. So far, nothing.
A month ago I simply stopped taking it, because I got such bad acne from it, that my back is basically ruined. I could stand that, but it also made me horribly depressed, bordering on feeling completely crazy.
Yesterday I've got my period naturally for the first time again and the cramps are so bad that I've been awake all night. I really don't know what to do anymore, am I doomed until menopause?

No. 113018

I was on the Depo shot for a little over a year. It helped contribute to my weight gain, had random bleeding for a week that wasnt my period, and I rarely became horny along with it being very painful when I did try to have sex. I switched back to a birth control pill but I had to get a new dr and I didn't remember the name of the bc pill I started on when I was 18, so she gave me Mono-Linyah. She was so stuck on my weight gain for the whole apppointment and saying the Mono Linyah pill was the best option for me, she didn't ask about any issues I had. I'm terrible at talking so I ended up not mentioning the sex issues I was having on the shot. I've read that the effects of the shot can take months or years to stop so I thought I'd go back to normal again. It's been about 8 months on Mono, I can have sex without pain but I still don't feel horny like I use to. When I'm on the week of white pill I feel a bit more normal again so I think this pill is making my sex drive low too.

I'll be needing a new prescription in a couple months and I want to change pills but I kind of hate the dr. I was about 135 pounds when I was 19 and moved out on my own, I ate lots of shitty foods since I was poor, had an extremely small apartment that I shared with someone, and living life on my own in an actual town after living in a corn field with nothing close by all my life. I was 22 and 170 pounds when I went to the new dr last year. I know I need to lose weight and getting off the shot helped me not feel hungry 24/7 anymore. I've lost about 10 pounds and I'm afraid she'll push the weight thing on me again next time I go. And I don't want her to put me on another pill that will reset me once again on a list of new symptoms to make me a different person, in a sense. Is there any way I can find out what my old bc pill was, like possibly the old dr giving me records or asking my Pharmacists for a history of my meds? Or does anyone who has more experience/knowledge suggest a pill they think will help with the lack of hornyness without ridiculous side effects?

No. 113030

>>112946
Just out of curiosity: Are you from Germany?

But anyways: You might have endometriosis and should get checked for that. However, you’ll need a laparoscopy for that. Don’t trust any doctor that tells you, you don’t have it because of an ultrasound they made.
If you do have endometriosis there are a couple of things you can do. When they’re doing the laparoscopy they can also remove possible lesions and adhesions. It is possible you’ll need a bigger surgery though if you have severe adhesions.
It’s also possible to use GnRH analogues to induce a temporary menopause, as it may stop the endometriosis from spreading and making your symptoms worse.

Regardless whether or not you have endometriosis you could try agnus castus or menstrual teas (raspberry leaves, alchemilla, yarrow, turnera diffusa for example).
Sometimes even supplementing some minerals (mostly magnesium and vitamin b6) already works for me.

About the mirena (which I think you mean by IUD?): You aren’t too young for it, your doctor simply doesn’t earn as much from it as they would from prescribing the pill. Also please don’t believe anyone that tells you the mirena only works locally. That’s something the company that sells it writes in their pamphlets etc, but there has been research that shows it’s definitely not true.
That’s not me saying you should get the mirena though. If you’ve had issues with the cerazette (? I suppose that’s the pill you didn’t pause?) you’ll probably have issues with that, too.
You could, however, try the depo shot. But it can cause some really nasty side effects so if you’re prone to depression or a lack of libido - it’ll get much worse on it.

Just be careful with gynos that will give you a prescription for any hormonal birth control without at least trying to figure out what’s causing the pain. There’s a 99% chance they get paid extra for prescribing it.

Maybe consider seeing a pain therapist as well.

No. 113069

>>113030
Oof, that sounds really bad, but thanks for the detailed answer.

My doctor did not specifically name mirena, she just told me that iuds in general are bad for young women. She's very sweet (contrary to my former one), so I thought she might have given me genuine advice by telling me not to go for that. Both my mother and a coworker told me that the process of inserting it is so painful, that I immediately thought that's a big no for me as well.
But I'll definitely try to talk to her about it.

And yes, I really am from Germany. How did you figure that out?

No. 113086

>>113069

I had a kidney stone at 18, which was miserable until they gave me morphine in the hospital waiting room. That said, I tried to get Mirena at 26 and it was the most painful experience of my life at insertion. I was able to limp around in pain everyday for a week, crying every single day and then I had to have it out of me. I could feel it in me the entire time. My cervix will never feel the same. I also recently saw this documentary on Netflix about the medical devices industry and how unregulated it is thus horrific consequences are had in victims using these without proper testing. I just don't want to risk that.

I have strong family history of endo as well as having shown the symptoms for many years. I've been mostly stable on Junel Fe 1/20 but I had to try 5-6 others first. I am also diagnosed with PCOS at age 26 by my endocrinologist as I've had Hashimoto's thyroiditis since 12. Fun times are had.

No. 113096

>>113069
As I said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the mirena either as any IUD can make the pain worse.

It’s really hard to recommend anything just from your description. As I said, it depends on what causes the pain. It you’re comfortable with it, you could start taking a combined pill again in in a 3-month cycle (usually they recommend Valette or Maxim for that, but you can do it with any pill, so maybe one with a lower dosage of hormones would work too, such as Belara/Mona Hexal 20). You should definitely consider seeing an endometriosis specialist soon though, as taking a pill that contains estrogen can make it worse.

If it’s not endometriosis, taking a combined pill in a 3-month-cycle would probably be the way to go.

And as I said; Supplementing magnesium is never a bad idea when you have bad menstrual cramps.

And I guessed you’re from Germany because your gynecologist-story sounds strikingly similar to my own.
Btw since you are from Germany: Look up on https://mezis.de/ if there’s a gyno listed anywhere near you. It’s really, really hard to find one ‘out in the wild’ whose treatment isn’t affected by what’s most profitable for them.

No. 113546

hey anons, i started taking my birth control non-stop to help with pmdd symptoms, and so far i haven't been suicidally depressed so that's a big win, but i've had a lot of spotting and breakthrough bleeding at random times. it's certainly better than the debilitating depression, but it is a bit annoying. anyone else try this? did the random bleeding stop? it's only been a few months since i started skipping the placebo weeks so i'm hoping with time it'll chill out

No. 113557

>>113546
Well, either it stops at some point or it‘ll get worse and you end up bleeding non stop. It can go either way. Nobody can tell you which one will happen.

No. 114679

Is it normal to barely bleed at all during the week youre on placebos?
I heard you arent supposed to stop bleeding until you start a new pack but ive only been bleeding for 3-4 days and its very light

No. 114681

>>114679
Yeah, that can be normal.
After all it’s not an actual period, so it can differ a lot from your usual bleeding. Especially if it‘s a higher dosage of hormones, it’s normal not to bleed as much.

No. 114684

I don't get many bad side effects on pills but I was thinking a copper IUD would be a better option. I heard they can give you longer and heavier periods though, can anybody help me?

No. 114726

Does this sound like a cause for worry to anyone?

I've been taking Cerazette for over a year now and I haven't gotten any bleeding despite the packaging saying that "light, irregular bleeding" is the norm. Others online said they didn't bleed and my doctor didn't seem concerned so I wasn't bothered by it. Yesterday I started getting my normal period symptoms (cramps, mood swings, sore breasts) for the first time since starting it and this morning I woke up at 4am unable to get back to sleep with the pain (ibuprofen is helping). No blood yet. The packaging mentions bleeding but doesn't mention period symptoms. I'm good about taking my pill on time (yesterday I was 30 minutes late but I have a 12 hour window and it's never been a problem before). Did I fuck up?

No. 114740

>>114726
Nah, I’d say that’s pretty normal. When I was on the shot, halfway theough the 3 months I would start getting pms symptoms and a week or two later I‘d start spotting and eventually full on bleeding.

I‘d watch it for another month and if it doesn’t get better get off it for a month or stop taking it altogether.
For me, I thought it would get better with the follow-up shot but it only got a little lighter. I ended up kinda-bleeding/spotting for the whole 3 months, all companied by the usual pms/period symptoms until the 3 months were over and the effects slowly wore off.

No. 114764

I got prescribed birth control for the first time, its now been 2 weeks on Yaz. My sex drive is gone, I used to constantly crave sex and have it everyday but now I have no interest, never initiate anymore, Im rejecting my bf now and occasionally give in when he begs. Ive also noticed my acne has gotten worse. Is this normal and what do i do? Do i switch to a non hormonal birth control?

No. 114766

>>114684
My periods got heavier, but not longer. They were more painful for a few months but now it only hurts like it did before. I do get a little spotting, but that's also died down over time. I will say I'm happy that I have such reliable birth control without anything I have to remember every single day. I check the string every month after my period. I did expel the first IUD, and the second one seems to be placed more suitably, as I've experienced far less discomfort.

No. 114780

>>114766
Thank you very much for your input. I have been looking for a non-hormonal birth control for some time and this seems the best option. I only use condoms when I'm getting to know the guy to prevent STDs but it sucks to rely on them and it doesn't feel as good. And hormones mess with my libido, I like keeping it higher.

No. 114789

>>114764
My acne got worse on yaz too. I take midane now and it's gone. I didn't experience any changes in my sex drive from either one of those pills. Just because one pill didn't work for you, it doesn't mean you should quit hormonal bc completely. 2 weeks isn't even a full cycle.

No. 114796

>>114764
Give it some more time. Your hormones are going to go a little crazy in the beginning because your body is adjusting. This causes all sorts of things, mood swings especially, which definitely contribute to low libido and what I call "pushing away".

>>114789 is right. You should see how your first cycle goes and if it is truly insufferable by your second cycle, give your gyno a call.

There are all sorts of doses and bc is not a "one-size-fits-all" thing. Just like any other medication you might need to try a few until you find the right fit.

No. 114860

I'm not sure if this is the right thread for this anons, please point me in the direction of another one if so - but does anyone use a menstrual cup here? I just got off Yaz bc I've had some scary experiences with it after being on it for four years and I'll be having proper periods again soon that won't be over in a day and I don't want to waste money and kill the environment with tampons and pads. Experiences, advice?

No. 115312

I started hormonal birth control for the first time two months ago and I swear my breasts have grown like a size or two. It's actually bothering me. Will it go away eventually if I stop taking birth control and workout a bit? Big boobs seriously trigger my body body dysmorphia.

No. 115314

>>115312
Yes, they’re most likely a temporary change due to water retention. Maybe try drinking green or stinging nettle tea.

No. 115339

>>115312
they probably will but what >>115314 said isn't the only cause. a more common cause is the additional hormones.

No. 117536

I was told by my doctor that the period you get during the inactive days of the pill is a caused by "withdrawal symptoms" from not having the hormones from the pill in your system anymore, and that it isnt a "real" period.
by this logic can you get your period between packs but still be pregnant if the birth control failed?

or is the "withdrawal" period still an indicator that you're not pregnant?

No. 117537

>>114860
I used one for about a year. I think it was whichever diva cup model is the one for women who haven't had babies (1 or 2 I can't remember.) It was fine for a long time but eventually the rim started putting pressure like on my cervix or other organs and was really uncomfortable so I had to stop using it. I have thought about finding one from a brand that's thinner/smaller since I don't have a super heavy flow but I just don't want to be in pain again and have wasted money

No. 117543

>>117536
Yes, you can still get that "period" when the birth control failed. Never trust your period when you're on bc.

No. 117569

Menstrual cups + IUDs - is the IUD basically guaranteed to come out?
I ask because I have a Paragard (copper IUD) and was spending upwards of $20+ per month on tampons because my period is so all over the place. It really adds up as a student and so far I’ve liked the Lunette cup bc I don’t have to buy tampons anymore. I’ve had my IUD for almost 2 years now and this is my second period with the cup.
Should I stop using the cup though? I’ve read some horror stories of cups pulling out IUDs but also seen OBGYNs say that the cup won’t pull it out unless you don’t break the suction. Plus my cup sits a bit lower than my cervix and my strings aren’t very long.
Should I be concerned?

No. 117572

>>117569
I've had a copper IUD and used a menstrual cup for more than 4 yrs.
I've never had a problem, and my gynecologist (a woman) told me she's never seen anything like that happen, it shouldn't happen if you break the suction.

No. 118104

Is it worth it getting on a BC just for stopping periods? I'm not having sex and I don't plan on having any either. I feel really anxious and bad about my periods and I feel cramps all day in the first 3-4 days, it can be really annoying. I'll discuss it with a doctor but I'd like to know…

No. 118175

I'm on the combo pill and a couple of days recently I've been spotting. This isn't a usual thing for me and I've been on the pill for a while. I've changed timezones and am taking my pill kind of late, but this pill is ok if it's taken later vs the minipill afaik as long as you don't miss a whole day or 12 hours-ish. I did miss a pill and have to take it a day late last cycle and that caused spotting, but haven't made the same mistake. Could it be because I'm taking my pill several hours later than I usually do as I adjust to this? I'm sexually active too so this is probably important to ask in case I need to use a backup or have my bf not finish inside me for a little while.

No. 118240

>>118175
taking your pill late and traveling could cause some breakthrough bleeding/spotting keep taking it till the end of the pack and taking the next pack in the new timezone should solve those problems so if its still acting weird after you start a new pack then something might be up.
but travelling always makes periods weird because it fucks up your bodies natural hormones to travel

No. 118434

I'm about to get the implant (implanon) in a couple of days. Anyone has any experience with this?
I was going to get the non-hormonal IUD but I am shit scared of the pain and also of it coming out. Also read some cases where the guy's dick can feel the thread hanging from the T and it can be painful. Imagine going through the awful pain of getting it in, just to have to take it out a month after?

Don't want to take combo pill because I am afraid the estrogen will give me melasma (darkening of the skin on the face, that stays forever btw) and also the blood clots. Progestin-only pills seem good but I am moving to a country that doesn't have them and you can only bring one month of pills with you so I'm effed. Only option left is the implanon hence why I am getting it, but I'm worried about the "decreased libido and acne" side effects.

As a side note, I've read in many places that there is no evidence that weight gain is related to taking BC.

No. 118439

>>118434
IUD insertion isn't too bad. Take some ibuprofen beforehand and ask your doctor to use a local anesthetic, and it'll be less painful than dental work.

No. 118440

>>118439
No local anesthetics are given for that procedure here.
Also Im moving away soon and I'm worried that I'm going to have the bad side effects in the middle of the move, etc

No. 118452

>>118434
I had the implant (implanon) for over a year and I had a really good experience with it, personally. No periods at all, no spotting etc or weight gain. I’ve heard some bad stories about it though so YMMV

No. 118454

>>118452
Yeah I guess there is absolutely NO way of knowing exactly how you will react to it unless you actually get it on. No way to predict the side effects. That sucks.

No. 118481

>>118434
I've had Nexplanon in my arm for about a year now and no issues. The only complaint I have is I get a little queasy if I feel the rod under my skin (with my other hand, you will not feel the rod in your arm otherwise don't worry), but ymmv!
I was scared of insertion but I literally didn't even know when my doc did it bc I was looking the other way and felt absolutely nothing. Iirc it was a teeny bit sore in the next 3 or 4 days but it may have been my brain freaking about having something under my skin.

No. 118490

>>118434
If you get an IUD inserted during your period, it doesn't hurt much at all. As other anons have said, everyone reacts differently to different birth control. I did have the string problem with my IUD at first but after about a month, the ends tuck up behind your cervix and your partner won't feel them. You can also get them cut shorter if that's still not enough.

An IUD can last 10-12 years if you get the copper one, 5-7 if you get the hormonal one. Nexplanon is only approved for up to 4 years, so it might help to think how long-term you want your birth control to be for. Whichever one you choose, take it easy for a few days after and keep pain meds close.

No. 118926

I got the worst acne on cerazette, huge seeping cystic acne ALL concentrated on the left side of my chin and going down in a diagonal line across my neck. I was on it for a few months but every day at least 2 new spots came up on top of all the others and with the 30 days of non stop bleeding that came along it just wasnt worth it. I stopped it and overnight the spots stopped appearing and it eventually went down but is scarred now. I am scheduled to have the Mirena put in soon and I've read some womens experiences with awful acne on that too. My doctor said theres no way to tell, but that it has less hormones than cerazette/ less hormones enter the bloodstream so it shouldnt be as much of an issue. Has anybody else experienced acne on the mini pill then switched to an iud and still had it?

No. 118945

I won't be seeing my BF for a few months so I decided to stop hormonal bc in the meantime. So far I already got my period or some kind of intense bleeding/bloating 2 days after stopping when I wasn't due for my period for another 3 weeks. I'm just wanted to know if my boobs will shrink back down to the size they were before bc. I honestly feel like a cow.

No. 118998

File: 1562978785959.png (265.26 KB, 376x438, 1551645899557.png)

have any farmers gotten an ovarian cyst with an IUD inserted? I had a Kyleena IUD inserted last October, and for about a month now I've been experiencing constant lower body pains, including my pelvis, lower back, and thighs. I thought it was from the way I position myself when I sleep, but I have what I can only describe as 24/7 period cramps. and obviously I still wake up with lower body pains even when I sleep in a way that's supposed to alleviate pelvic pain. I'm in my low 20s so it doesn't make sense for me to have this kind of pain right now.

I've had this IUD in for about 9 months now. the first 8 months were a breeze, no symptoms aside from greasier skin and really nasty looking periods. I've heard that IUDs can cause ovarian cysts, and when I saw that pelvic pain is a symptom, I'm now worried I might have a cyst. I scheduled an appointment with my family doctor for Monday, as well as an appointment with my OBGYN (but it isn't until August 20, ugh). I'll see what my doctor says on Monday, hopefully I can get a scan or something to see what's going on. I'm just wondering if anyone here has had this experience before. prior to my IUD, my periods weren't particularly painful, just extremely heavy (to the point where I'm anemic). I was on the pill for about 2 years and didn't have painful periods with that, I only stopped because it was giving me emotion regulation issues (which did not help my mental health).

No. 119276

>>118998
Update on this because I'm in fucking shock. I went to go see my family doctor (the one that referred me to my OBGYN), told him about the pains I've been having and that I know they're not normal pain. Keep in mind that I have no idea how to deal with this, what kind of tests they'd have to run on me, this is my first IUD after all. All he did was just shrug and say "there's nothing I can do for you", since I suspect the pains are caused by my IUD. I tell him "I don't have my OBGYN appointment until August 20, they couldn't fit me in because July is completely booked out" and he tells me to just call and ask them to reschedule. Like fuck they can't just DO that. And even if they managed to fill me in if someone cancels their appointment, I still don't know how much sooner that will make my appointment. I even asked "is there someone else I can see?" and he says "nope!" and sends me on my way. I forgot to mention in my initial post that I'm on a bit of a tight schedule here, as I'll be out of the country early September and need to get this dealt with ASAP in case it's an actual health issue and I have to get surgery or some shit. And I don't want to go to the emergency room over this because it's not life threatening in any way, and I don't want to force someone in need of immediate care to wait. I can still function, I'm just concerned that it COULD become life threatening in the future, because this pain isn't normal at all. I'm surprised that he didn't even say "go to the ER if it hurts that much". I would have preferred to hear that over "I can't help you".

So I took his advice and called up my OBGYN just now. Explained my situation to the receptionist. She tells me "did he refer you to an ultrasound technician?", I'm like, no, he just shrugged me off and told me to call you guys so I can see if I can get my appointment moved up. Lo and behold, July is still completely booked out (shocker!). She seemed surprised that my doctor didn't even bother referring me to an ultrasound technician, since that's pretty much step one in diagnosing an issue that I suspect is caused by my IUD. So now she's going to talk to my OBGYN tomorrow and get me a referral to an ultrasound clinic. She told me that if I told my OBGYN about my pains during my August 20th appointment, all she would do is, surprise surprise, give me an ultrasound. I can't believe I had to call my fucking OBGYN to get an ultrasound scheduled, because my fucking family doctor just shrugged off my BODY PAIN as being a "girl problem" that only an OBGYN can deal with, apparently. It's a pain INSIDE my body, he only assumes it's a "girl problem" because there's an IUD in me. What the everloving fuck is wrong with my doctor.

No. 119280

I'm so sorry you have to go through that. Hope you get the help you need soon. I lowkey feel you. My left ovary has been out of control growing cysts all over the place. Most of them are small, but the biggest is now 7cm so the hospital told me in May the want to operate it as soon as possible. It sounded like I was a priority, but it's been like 2 months now and I haven't heard shit. I feel increasingly constipated as well which is probably connected to the cyst, I'm too anxious to have penetrative sex with my boyfriend in case the cyst bursts, I feel like I have to pee more often, random pains (luckily not too often) like.. I'm just stuck in limbo as if the operation isn't gonna suck as well (but at least I'll have some answers and relief eventually).

No. 119283

>>119276
Lots of male doctors don’t take women seriously when they express issue lmao. It fucking sucks. It can be hard to stand your ground with a medical professional, but next time you suspect something, google what they do to diagnose it and specifically request it. If they refuse, ask them to note on their paperwork that they did in fact refuse. Sometimes that makes them backtrack. I’m glad your OBGYN is doing something for you in the mean time! I hope everything goes well and you’re treated fairly

No. 119291

>>119283
Yep, a month ago I went to a doctor for stabbing pain in and around my ears, he actually rolled his eyes at me and sent me off after 10 minutes with ear drops that did fuck all. The hell.

I really, genuinely hope anon is okay. These situations are always so scary and unfair for the patient. When I lived in my home country our healthcare was a dumpster fire but at least you could say "I want x and y done" and they'd have to do it, here where they have amazing "free" healthcare you have to wait 4 months for an appointment or be dying, and unless you can't walk from the pain the doctors give you attitude. Mostly men, too.

No. 119295

>>119280
My friend is prone to cysts and had a pretty huge ovarian cyst back when we were in high school. Her family doctor tried to tell her it was a digestive issue, went through a shit ton of tests for celiac, Chron's, and IBS. Found out it was a cyst much later. I hope your surgery goes well when it does happen! I have to ask, are your pains around your pelvic area?

>>119283
I did want to bring up the possibility of cysts to him, but I was worried he'd just shrug that off too. Your advice is really good, I need to learn how to be more assertive. My mom actually warned me that our family doctor is like this about women's health. Either way, my OBGYN is a really nice lady and I'm beyond thankful that she's going to get a referral for me.

Wanna know what pisses me off even more though? When I was a young teen, I went to my doctor to have him look at this weird lump in my thumb joint that causes my thumb to pop whenever I move it (not painful, it's just unusual). He immediately got me an ultrasound appointment. When I complained about tonsil stones (not painful, but very gross), he immediately had me see a specialist. But the moment I'm feeling pain throughout my entire lower body and I suspect that it might be my IUD? Just talk to your OBGYN, maybe she'll magically clear our her schedule just for you!

>>119291
Do you live in Canada? That's where I'm from. My boyfriend recently had to wait over a year to get a referral to a psychiatrist, and he still has to wait over a month for his appointment that he finally was able to schedule (it got to a point where he had to get his family doctor to call their office, and they actually straight up ignored his calls every time). I had a really horrible experience with a psychiatrist at the same office who, I shit you not, told me "you're not as insane as my other patients" and then tried to diagnose me with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder because I liked to research the medications I was prescribed so I could avoid possible interactions (and then later he prescribed me something that DID interact with another drug I was taking). Sure is fucking hard to find doctors that actually give a shit in Canada, they're just so overworked that they stop caring altogether.

My family doctor is generally easy to schedule appointments with, but if you need any kind of specialized care, you're going to be waiting fucking months to get an appointment, which is typical but still very frustrating. It's kind of why this is scaring me so much, because it's not like I can just go to a walk-in clinic for this. I HAVE to go through my OBGYN, and her only available appointments are over 2 fucking months from now. I went to my doctor thinking he could point me in the right direction, but that's too much to ask I guess.

On the bright side, the pain seems to have died down a little. I'm currently on my period, but it's surprisingly light this time around. But for a solid month before my period, I was in so much pain. It started in my back/thighs/pelvis, and then as I got closer to my period, it moved to my uterus. I just hope that these pains don't come back after this period ends.

No. 119297

>>119295
I was actually just going to ask if you were Canadian, I had the same experience with getting an ultrasound for my iud AND the same experience seeking out a psychiatrist.

No. 119300

>>119297
Whereabouts? I'm near Toronto, about half an hour away. I've stopped seeing psychiatrists specifically because every single one has treated me like shit. The only one that ever actually gave a fuck was, unsurprisingly, a female psych I had in high school (that I can't see anymore because she only works with high school students). It's really frustrating that I had to go through absolute mental hell for many years and have it shrugged off most times (not just by doctors, but people in general who believe that mental pain "isn't as bad as physical pain"). Now I'm in physical pain, and I'm STILL being shrugged off.

Sage for mild OT.

No. 119836

>>119295

Operation-anon here. Thanks, I hope it goes well too.
I get mild/moderate short-lived pelvic pain mostly centered on my left side.
Recently I can also feel pressure if I lay on that side in bed. It's a weird uncomfortable feeling, but doesn't hurt.
It really sucks that it came to this. I randomly went to a private GYNO at 19 and have been followed up at hospital for years now. This entire time I was on birth-control initially to control previous heavy periods. It was a dark time of fainting publicly, struggling up stairs and being generally miserable. The pill helped a lot in that sense, but apparently they did nothing in terms of preventing cyst growth.

The female body is a curse for quite a few of us.

Also slight OT but as much as I'm thankful for free healthcare it has it's downsides like huge waiting lists (and in psychiatry you might just be declined treatment unless your life is at risk). I wish the doctor hadn't told me I was a priority to be operated already if it wasn't very likely. It just gave me false hope to get this out of sight and mind.

No. 120042

I was taking birth control pills for about 6 years because my mom wanted to put me on it, I only ever used it to postpone my period since I never had sex. I just stopped taking it a few months ago and I vaguely remember thinking I felt different after I quit. It's been so long I can't remember the differences and I'm not sure if I want to start taking it again.. I love the option of being able to postpone my period and in case I ever start having sex obviously the no-baby part would be good too. But I'm worried it will mess with me mentally, I feel more stable and less fragile/upset these days and I'm not sure if me quitting is why or not..

No. 120076

I've been on Nexplanon for nearly 6 months now, the only negative side effects i've experienced is more frequent and irregular bleeding. For instance, last month, I only had 4 days I didn't bleed. As well finding it more difficult to become wet, even when aroused–both side effects are common and easily manageable. I've also experienced some benefits, though it's still too early to tell if they're related to my bc or just life–my hair is healthier, my acne has calmed down, and I feel less prone to mood swings.
10/10 would recommend Nexplanon

No. 120120

If I don’t take the last two pills in my pack, will my period come earlier and end in its usual 5 day schedule? Usually when I take all the pills, my period comes on a Tuesday and ends on a Friday/Saturday. I’m hoping that my period will start Saturday/Sunday and end Thursday. I just don’t want to be bleeding when I’m on a plane on Friday.

No. 120123

>>120076
i had a very positive experience on nexplanon too! except i had no periods from when i got it put it until i got it taken out, which was about 2 years. i didn't experience vaginal dryness either. seems like some people absolutely hate it, i've heard stories of people bleeding for months on end bc of nexplanon so it definetely is very dependent on the person.

No. 120130

>>120120
In theory it should work that way, yes. However, every body is different so nobody can tell you for sure. You might end up having your ‘period’ as usual, maybe you don’t get it for longer or shorter than usual, etc.
I’d rather recommend skipping the break entirely and just start with a new pack once you finished the old one (or skip the placebos, depending which kind of pack you have) and stop taking it as you usually would whenever it’s more convenient.

No. 120168

>>120130
My doctor told me that’s how spitting happens. I’ve never tried moving into the next pack asap before the bleeding week begins. I don’t really want to experiment because it might ruin my vacation! Why do periods have to ruin everything

No. 120339

>>120168
It's true skipping periods can give spotting. That's why I went from 3 packs without a break to just 2 since skipping more than that gave spotting eventually. That way I have my period every 6 weeks and don't get spotting. You might be different, but I'd try it out sometime if I were you.

No. 120452

Hi, about to go to my obgyn in a week to discuss birth control options. I'm strongly considering getting the arm implant, because that's what most of my friends have and they said it's one of the most effective forms of birth control. I'm kind of a hypochondriac, so I just want anybody who has the arm implant to weigh in, does it truly work? I'm kind of set on the idea of my next boyfriend being able to come inside of me, but even if he pulls out, I'm still worried about the risk of pregnancy.

No. 120454

>>120168
It usually happens when you do it regularly for longer periods of time. But if you do it like >>120339 said there should be no problem. But also as >>120130 said: Everybody‘s different so you might still end up spotting.

Fun fact about the necessity of making breaks: Originally the break was meant to avoid husbands becoming suspicious. It was meant for (mostly religious) women that had to hide they were using birth control. There‘s not really a medical necessity to skip taking them for a week, since the uterine lining doesn’t build up anyway and the bleeding isn’t an actual period. It’s actually stressful for the body to have hormone levels to vary so much. Women do start spotting when continuously taking it though, because it’s still hormones and it’s not natural to have such high levels of estrogen without being pregnant.

No. 120456

How has the Depo shot worked for those who have it? I'm considering that option since my sister has been on it for years and recommended it.

I don't really want to get an IUD. I've also heard horror stories from friends about the pill so I'm wary about giving that a try

No. 120458

>>120456
Was on it for 6 months and it worked in terms of contraception. It also made my cramps a wee bit better, but I‘m not sure it was worth all the side effects

>migraines twice a week

>hair falling out like crazy
>skin got dry and more acne prone
>gained 10-15 lbs
>no libido at all
>depression hit me hard to the point of having weekly mental breakdowns (and I mean legit breakdowns) attempting suicide twice (although I did suffer from depression beforehand, it just never was as bad before, my bf said I was basically a different person)
>started spotting two months into the first shot, thought getting the next one would stop it but ended up spotting/bleeding 24/7 for 4 months straight (took about a month after getting off it until it stopped)

No. 120463

>>120456
my sister was on it after her first kid and was having literal night terrors. seems like it's definitely the one you hear about having the most side effects.

No. 120477

>>120452
I had the implant for the full 3 years and let my bf cum in me, never got pregnant. But it fucked with my periods, like super random and I spotted a ton. I have a copper IUD and recommend it a lot more! It’s as effective as getting your tubes tied and doesn’t have any side effects bc no hormones. Talk to your provider though and see what she thinks would be best for you!

No. 120620

Should you get the IUD inserted on your period? I've read in many places that you should but a lot of places say it makes no difference. I'm never squeamish but this has me really worried. I know I need and want to get it but want to get it over with, and having to wait 3 weeks til my next period is annoying, so I hope it actually is worth it to get it done then

No. 120632

>>120620
I got mine when I wasn’t on my period and it was fine. It hurt though and made me crampy for a couple days, but that’s normal. Personally I’m glad I wasn’t on my period cause I wouldn’t have been able to handle more pain on top of my usual cramps and I was really nervous about messing around down there for the first week? So period products would’ve been awful.

No. 120652

>>120632
Thank you anon, I think I'll make my appointment this week. I hadn't even fully thought about trying to use period products down there too

No. 120666

>>120620
Ask your doctor. Some doctors prefer for you to be on your period, some don't.

No. 120672

which methods besides obviously condoms don't affect your mental state?
since quitting pills I really feel different, in a positive way. I know basically all forms use hormones so I doubt there is a way but I really don't want those side effects again..

No. 120681

>>120672
non hormonal, obviously.

No. 120683

>>120681
I'm not looking for something you have to insert in your vagina or something like pulling out..

No. 120694

>>120683
i think really the only other thing is copper iud's (paragard)

No. 120696

So it sounds like I'm not getting birth control since I know both pills and IUD will fuck me up. Guess I just won't have sex, becuase men will complain if you tell them to wrap up. I hate my life.

No. 120702

>>120694
I've heard stories of those falling out. Also how painful would those be for a virgin with probable vaginismus..?

No. 120703

>>120702
never mind I read they can increase period pain and flow and possibly permanently. god I fucking hate being a woman, there's no option without negative side effects, either you become different mentally or your body is like here have some more pain and blood

No. 120705

>>120696
>>120703
if a guy is really such a big cunt that he can't bother putting on a condom then he's not worth fucking imo
plus it protects from std's

No. 120708

>>120705
I don't even like the thought of condoms tbh, I like the thought of skin to skin..

No. 120714

>>120708
Okay but stds…………….

No. 120732

>>120708
>>120714
How about hands and mouth

No. 120738

>>120714
but realistically how likely is it to get an std if you don't sleep around and don't sleep with people who do?

No. 120740

>>120738

People aren't always that honest about who they've slept with or experimented with etc..

No. 120744

>>120738
And because of this mind set STDs are on the rise again.

You can get infected by sleeping with just one person in your whole life. Hell, you don’t even need to have penetrative sex to catch something.
Even if the person you’re having sex with isn’t someone who sleeps around. It’s enough when they’ve had a partner, who’s had a partner who’s had a partner who does.

A lot of STDs stay unnoticed until actually tested because not all of them give you symptoms and even if they do they often appear to be something else. HPV for example doesn’t even cause any symptoms in men.

Unless you get tested, you won’t know and there will always be a risk to it. It’s up to you if you want to take it. But imo it’s irresponsible and not fair to go and sleep with people without protection not knowing for sure you don’t have anything. But that’s just me, I guess.

No. 120747

>>120744

Yeah I feel like HPV doesn't get enough consideration from people, I had one of the cancer causing strains of it and my ex went to all the appointments with me and witnessed all my tears over cervical cancer fears.. and he was sleeping with other women potentially giving it to them at the time.. HPV is no joke but men either don't know they have it or they don't understand the risk. There's no treatment for it either, it's up to your immune system to hopefully deal with it

No. 120765

>>120747
>>120744
yep and this is why guys just need to suck it up and wear a fucking condom. i get that they're "not as comfortable" or whatever but grow up and get some lube until you both get tested.

No. 120793

>>120765
>>120744
The choice would be easier if the tests were actually covered by insurance instead of costing hundreds..

No. 120795

>>120747
do you not get vaccinated against hpv over there?

No. 120796

>>120795
They don't allow you after a certain age.

No. 120798

>>120793
What choice tho?
Whether or not you want to risk getting life-threatening diseases like cancer or aids just for a few minutes (or for all I care hours) or fun? If that’s really that hard of a choice to make, you really should take a step back and reflect on your priorities.

And if you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship, it should be worth the money, since you’re (probably) investing in something for the long run. It’s not like you’ll have to do it every couple months. A vacation usually costs more than that.
But if your and your SO’s health really isn’t even worth those few bucks - again, take a moment to reconsider your priorities.

I know it sounds drastic and paranoid because no one irl really talks about getting tested unless they do sleep around a lot or they did something risky. But thats exactly why STDs are at an all time high again.

Bette safe than sorry. Doesn’t only count for pregnancy.

No. 120800

>>120798
Based on the way the conversation has gone up to this point I’m going to have to assume that no condom anon already has something

No. 120803

>>120796
..what?

No. 120804

>>120798
Not everyone can afford to go on vacation. And not everyone is wealthy enough to call 400 "a few bucks". Also you know, when you've already slept with someone or did something sexual it's already too late to prevent anything anyway. Actually after talking to people about stds it seems like people generally just don't get tested, it's not like they just don't talk about it. And no I'm not saying that means it's the right way to do it. But sometimes things happen when you don't plan on it and not everyone has 400 lying around.

No. 120830

>>120747
So hpv is actually curable?

No. 120831

>>120803
In my country you are not allowed to get the vaccine if you are over 24

No. 120832

>>120831
Same rule where I live (US) but I was given the vaccine anyway when I asked because I was still a virgin. My doctor said that they don't give them over 24 because most people are already infected by then if they are sexually active. I had to pay mostly out of pocket but insurance covered part of if. I imagine if someone really wanted it they could insist regardless of their age.

No. 120843

>>120804
Well, someone who can’t afford to get checked sure as hell can’t afford to catch something unless you plan on not getting any treatment.

Just use a condom jfc what’s the big deal about it?

No. 120847

>>120830

Sometimes your immune system will manage to deal with it but not always. The vaccine is ideal but yeah a certain age group never got to have it

I've had hpv and cervical cancer as a result, my usually good immune system didn't help

No. 120848

>>120843
mandatory treatment/healthcare is covered by insurance. using condoms is not a big deal but don't you understand that a lot of people don't think about it soon enough when things randomly happen or when someone forces it on them?

No. 120849

>>120847
and now you're cured and perfectly healthy?

No. 120851

>>120795

I'm 30 years old, the vaccine didn't exist when I was a teen/virgin

No. 120852

>>120849

No I'm still getting treatment, it's three years since I had my first abnormal smear test result so it's been quite an ongoing thing

I'm in Ireland and the testing service over here was in trouble lately as it messed up on alot of womens results, gave them the all clear by mistake, etc

No. 120864

>>120848
nobody's talking about rape. obviously that's an entirely different situation than simply asking about birth control.

No. 120876

>>120830

I'm in my 20's and just had a 'radical hysterectomy' because of hpv and the resulting cancer

That's the removal of the uterus, cervix and some of the vagina, hpv isn't exactly curable no lol

No. 120891

>>120852
Irish here too, that fuckup has been such a disgrace. I hope you're as ok and healthy as you can be.

No. 120904

>>120848
No, I actually I don’t understand how you can care about your and all future potential partner‘s health so little to just ‘forget about it’.
I have condoms ready anywhere so that probably helps too.

And leave rape out of this. Because it’s fairly obvious you don’t get to choose anything in those situations.
But especially if you’ve been raped you should get tested and use protection since I’d think the kind of man that rapes women isn’t very considerate of their choices in sexual partners so it’s probably more likely for you to catch something.

No. 120953

Kinda depressing to see someone downplaying the importance of condoms on a thread full of other women describing years of serious medical treatment

Yes condoms are important, so are smear tests. Preventing these things is infinitely easier than dealing with the aftermath

No. 120954

>>120953
We start getting smear tests at 30 years old
>>120904
It might be a cultural thing though that we generally don't think or talk about it.. I'm not gonna leave rape out of this because I personally had things forced upon me. And when that happens it's already too late for you and that person.

No. 120955

>>120954

What country is that? We get them at 25 where I am, I had cervical changes found at my first appointment

No. 120960

>>120954
Are you actually retarded?
As mentioned in >>120864 as well as in >>120904 nobody is talking about rape and how you should think about protecting yourself from STD‘s, as it’s an entirely different thing than just being irresponsible.
When you’re being raped, you literally don’t have a choice. In any other situation, however, you do. So please stop with the straw man.

No. 120962

>>120960
Excuse you? I started this conversation and I am talking about forced sexual encounters. Stop disrespecting me.

No. 120965

>>120962
and multiple people are telling you it's stupid and irrelevant

No. 120966

>>120965
It's not irrelevant because it actually happened, you're just being cunts for no reason. Fucking women. Hope you get raped too.(USER HAS BEEN PUT OUT TO PASTURE)

No. 120967

Oh big surprise, the anti-condom poster wants us all to get raped, genius on top of more genius, lolz

No. 120968

>>120966
lol nice assumption that nothing like that has ever happened to me or any of the other women defending condoms itt. if you get raped, no form of birth control is going to keep you from getting an std. nothing itt has ever been about rape until you started hammering on about it. acting like condoms is out of the question (because of rape?) is one of the most ignorant arguments i've seen in a while.

No. 120969

>>120966

If you've been sexually assaulted the best you can really do is just to get tested for everything afterwards

Oh and get therapy so you're not so angry you attack random people on the internet and wish assault on them. Honey you're not shocking anyone with your tantrum

No. 120973

>>120969
this is the same person that said they couldn't afford to get tested, so if anything they should ONLY be having sex with condoms if they've been sexually assaulted because who knows what they're carrying/passing along.

No. 121008

hey to anyone with IUDs. ive had paragaurd for
5ish months with average side effects. (bad periods, occasionally painful intercourse and had a shitty excruciating insertion tho)

lately ive been having this problem where i can feel a sort of sharp localized cramp slightly to the left/near the ovaries whenever im close to orgasm and throughout. its not that bad but it definitely makes it less fun and is concerning. anyone ever have pain while theyre coming from this shit?

No. 121011

>>121008
Yes but it went away. A few months later, my IUD expelled. I had pain again with the next IUD but it's been staying put and the pain has stopped.

No. 121017

>>121008
Slightly different but I had really bad pain on the left side also close to the ovaries, even went to the hospital. Not sure what it was but I was kinda constipated so my theory is that something was pushing more or less close to the IUD and that was causing pain? It happened another couple times but never as painful as the first time.

No. 121070

>>121008
That's a cyst, sis.

No. 121643

Copper IUD user here, been on it for 2 years and overall never had an issue. But now my period is four days late lmao, I’m gonna wait a couple more days before I take a test but damn I’m a little worried. I’m really hoping it’s nothing, my cycle sometimes will change if I’m around another woman a lot (like once it was a week late and started the same day as a new coworker) and my roommates girlfriend just moved in so… maybe my period decided to match hers?? But idk if that’s even a real thing that happens.

Anyways send me period vibes or someshit cuz I’m not thrilled about the idea of spending my savings on an abortion

No. 121690

>>121643
Wear nice white panties and take a test. This should bring on a period.

No. 121693

>>121690

I know so many women (myself included) who've been a week or more late and then within minutes of peeing on the stick… there it is

No. 121696

>>121693
Can confirm. Happened to me 3 times.

(Just for clarification: It wasn’t really likely for me to be pregnant but I‘m super paranoid so I take a test basically every time I’m more than a week late. Which happens a lot, so it’s not even that unusual. I’m still super paranoid.)

No. 121706

>>121643
>>121690
lmao literally did put on some white underwear yesterday and started it this morning. thank god. now I am convinced another woman’s hormones effected mine because my tampon wrapper isn’t the only one in the trash bin lol

No. 122499

>>121008
fuck
>>121011
seems like this anon was on the money. apparently mine is on its way to being expelled / got super low. because its nonhormonal it probably has to be pulled out and replaced.

getting it in was massively painful like a 9/10 and I couldn't move for an hour afterwards so i am pretty bummed. any anons here have experience getting numbed for IUD insertion or some form of pain help?

No. 122595

File: 1567340181665.jpeg (88.67 KB, 687x687, B62336C3-8ABE-4AD4-A06A-AA2AAC…)

My the pill club package came in the mail yesterday. Starting the pill today <3

No. 122674

>>122595
Remember to wait a full week of use before taking a load on the inside. If you start to feel complacent/vacant or reactive/angry, set a not on your calendar. If you feel the same way in a few months, you may want to change your pill or adjust your birth control method. <3

No. 122682

>>122674
Full week, how about a full month? I am pretty sure that is what it says in the directions.

No. 122719

this is the first time im skipping the bleed week. the usual week my period is supposed to come I'm break through bleeding. should i just stop taking the pills and let my period come or will the break through bleeding stop?

No. 122722

>>122719
it will likely stop eventually but it doesn't for some people.

No. 122731

Is it okay to take breaks from taking birth control pills multiple times? I stopped taking them after many years a few months ago but now my period keeps coming at random moments and at bad moments and because of my anxiety disorders I don't want to deal with bleeding at certain events so I want to take the pills again to be able to postpone my period again but I'm not sure how it affects me mentally so I might quit again if I don't like how it makes me feel..

No. 124620

anyone here have experience taking the mini pill? (progesterone only) wanted to take the lowest dose combo pill but estrogen isn't an option for me due to migraines/increased stroke risk.

i'm fuckin terrified of gaining weight/forming acne and losing my libido. this is the first time in my life i have not been acne ridden and slightly overweight and the idea of backsliding is so depressing and scary. i know it works differently for different people but i was hoping some of you might have some exp to share.

No. 124629

Have any of you gotten hives from bc? Tried two kinds and always hives.

No. 124640

>>124629
thats weird. have heard most people are not allergic to bc because they are just hormones that occur naturally in the body already. its possible you could be allergic to one of the other ingredients/binding agents though? maybe try a different brand or ask a doctor about it.

No. 124642

>>124640
I did tell them that I am 99% sure the hives are from the mini pills but they told me that it's highly unlikely and got annoyed when i said but not entirely? I had to take a break between them and the hives did nearly go away. I am gonna push them on the allergy tests tho, thanks anon. It's just morifying how dumb some doctors think you are when you voice actual concerns and problems.

No. 124740

>>108748
i was on n off birthcontrol for two years…
i was on the shot but it made me gain a lot weight and cause me to have the worst depression ever.
then i switched to the pills.
the last time i was on the pill was July. i'm thinking about going back on it again but i want to know what brands are good…
i don't have insurance, so i always pay out of pocket💀 i use those BC delivery services!

No. 129646

been on combo pill for a couple of years. ive never done back to back pill packs because…idk. wanted to skip period over xmas so i started taking my new pack. without taking new pack i would've had my 'period' from friday to monday. all weekend had pelvic pain and cramps like i would normally, however no bleeding. this normal or what? i thought it was suppose to delay symptoms. not missed pill and taken correctly. don't understand my body.

No. 130154

>>129646
The switch to continuous birth control pills is pretty awful. Tons of cramping, spotting etc. Your body doesn't just automatically easily adjust to birth control suddenly becoming continuous.

No. 130251

I'm on Seasonique and everything was perfect until I ended my second pack and started my third. I'm spotting and have been doing so for almost three weeks now. It's that annoying middle between not enough to warrant a pad but still enough to ruin panties, so now I get to add pantyliners to my shopping list. I read that I'm not supposed to stop the pack even with breakthrough bleeding, but I figure if it doesn't stop by Sunday completely, I'll make an appointment and try to get a new prescription. Anyone else been in a similar situation? How'd it go?

No. 130264

The pill gives me so many bad side effects both physically and mentally but I want to be able to postpone my period because I have multiple anxiety disorders and I can't deal with my period when I have to leave the house. Help?

No. 130274

>>130251

I had the exact same experience. The first 4 packs were fantastic, but I started spotting on the 5th pack. It lasted 2 months before I gave up and switched. I've been on Pirmella 7/7/7 since and really enjoy it. I only have 1 day of spotting each month and no PMS symptoms, but everyone is different ofc.

No. 138483

My doctor is really out here changing my prescription on me because she found out Ive had migraines with aura when i was 14-15

I know it increases my chance of having a stroke but isn't that my risk to take?
is she really just allowed to change my prescription on me like this?

No. 138523

>>138483
>I know it increases my chance of having a stroke but isn't that my risk to take?
No anon, Lots of people are restricted in what BC they can take because of their medical history. I'm limited because of not even my own history but the history of other women in my family. It's common and it's common sense.

No. 138800

Hormonal IUDs aren't so bad. The hurt like a BITCH during insertion and you'll feel crampy for a few days but in my experience it's helped a LOT. My periods don't last as long and don't hurt nearly as bad, plus it's cleared my face up and I'm actually losing some weight. That's me though and IANAD.

No. 138818

>>138800
Thanks for the insight, anon! I am having trouble deciding which I should get. Hormonal or copper.

I am too sensitive to regular BC pills that even low estrogen pills fuck me up. Lots of weight gain, breaking out, headaches, depression, dead libido, all that.
But I am hoping in some weird wishful thinking way, hormonal IUD won't be so bad.

I might as well go for copper but I hate the side effects I keep reading about.

No. 138825

>>138818
Just got a copper IUD inserted a couple of months ago. Had bad cramps for some days before my period for the first month and that was it.

People can get side effects with hormonal and non hormonal iuds. It just depends on chance I think.
Btw A little side effect that you dont hear about hormonal BC is that they can trigger melasma (hyperpigmentation that never goes away)

No. 138874

>>138523
so they'll look the other way at the increased risk of cervical/ovarian cancer but not a stroke.

Ive been taking the new pill for 3 days and im having intense dizzy spells and i feel like im going to faint.

No. 138881

>>138874
>so they'll look the other way at the increased risk of cervical/ovarian cancer but not a stroke
I have to laugh. First you insist that you 'should be allowed to take the risk of having a stroke' if you decide to and now you're accusing your doctor of not caring enough about a different increased risk? The logic there

It's a discussion you should have directly with your doctor. She'll tell you how she weighed up the risks. I can't take certain BC since my mom died young from cancer so yes they do consider cancer risks. They look at the risks based on your own individual history and family history. If you don't understand why she switched you then ask her directly, she's the one with knowledge of your medical history.

No. 138884

I got into an LDR and I don't like condoms but I don't want to take the pill every day when I'm only having sex every couple of months, what BC method should I use farmers pls

No. 138886

>>138884
Depo maybe? companies like nurx will mail it too you if you arent to put off by the idea of giving yourself an injection in the thigh

you only take the shot once every 3 months and its effective within a week for most people, so you could take it a couple weeks in advance of meetups with your SO and be good to go without having to worry about taking it the whole time youre together

it can be pretty expensive though if you dont have insurance but most insurances cover it

No. 138909

>>138886
Depo is a gamble. You can't stop taking it like a pill, patch, or ring, and you can't take it out like the implant or an IUD. I knew a girl who had migraines and constant bleeding until it finally wore off. I'd advise an IUD, either copper or hormonal depending on which side effects concern you, since removal is a simple procedure. Another good LARC option is the arm implant if the insertion freaks you out too much.

No. 138958

I started a new pack a little over a week ago. I'm usually prefect about taking them daily but quarantine has my days all wack and I missed two days. I'm doing the whole "take two one day, then two the next" so I'm caught up but I'm contemplating just starting a new pack. The main problem is I'm having a lot of spotting today, and need to wear a liner. It's the old, dark brown blood so I feel like an oven on the self cleaning setting. Apologies if it's TMI.

I'm taking birth control primarily because I've had very irregular, very painful cycles my whole life. The pills I'm taking have been working very well and give me little side effects if I take them on schedule. I don't want to feel dependent on them, but I don't want to go back to how my periods were before.

No. 138967

>>138884

Ring? Only have to deal with it a couple times a month

No. 138979

Birth control can be so fucking tragic.

Women's birth control:
>Depression
>Anxiety
>Suicide
>Mood swings
>No sex drive (what's the point?)
>Sickness
>Literally dying

Men Birth control options:
>Reduces the guys pleasure by a tiny bit

I mean come the fuck on, use whatever you want but I made the decision years ago to never touch any pill or IUD ever again and I've never felt better.

Why fuck up your whole well-being instead of just slapping a condom on the guy? It's SO much easier and healthier. I feel so bad for my girlfriends who say shit like "I wish I didn't have to take bc" you don't, you really don't. Just pop a condom on, it's easy. If they don't want to use one just dump them on the spot. We keep acting like condoms are only for STDs.

In all seriousness do what you feel is best for you, but In my experience it is SO much easier to grab a condom and just pop it on the penis. Haven't had a mood swing ever since.

No. 138983

>>138979
Personally I find the failure rate unacceptable.

No. 138984

>>138979
I wish I could do that, but condoms gives me rashes and UTI.

No. 138987

>>138979
I’m pretty biased in that birth control (pill in my case) has caused almost zero issues with me. No mood swings, weight gain, acne, my sex drive is normal. It’s always been kind of high though. I’ve had depression since long before I started the pill but that hasn’t changed much one way or another. Death and suicide sound pretty damn extreme. I don’t doubt it has happened to a very rare number of individuals but that’s not a reason to think they’re useless for everyone. If something works better for you, then like you said by all means. But because it doesn’t work for YOU doesn’t mean it’s the devil. If it has negative side affects, definitely stop it and/or find another method.

Plus and maybe more importantly, not everyone who uses BC uses it to not be pregnant. I’ve used the pill for almost 2.5 years now, to regulate the incredibly irregular and very painful periods I get. Condoms will do jack shit for that. I do use it for birth control as a side effect, though me and my bf also double up with a condom because we don’t want kids at all.

No. 138995

>>138983
Combine them with pulling out and or spermicide. It's effectiveness is almost 100% at that point.

>>138984
You're going to have to use different condoms. I did the same thing.

>>138987
It's great that you double up. So many relationships the guy does nothing to prevent pregnancy even though his options are the easiest and healthiest.

No. 138997

>>138984
Sounds like you may have a latex sensitivity.

No. 138998

>>138997
This, condoms get a negative reputation for not being effective but they are 98% and I've never had a scare.

I get angry about it sometimes lol. Condoms are so easy and healthy. They're just great but we let the male species paint them as "not feeling good". They feel fine to me, no mood swings that I can't control no constant depression that SO many women get.

No. 138999

>>138984
If you react to latex condoms I recommend the 'Skyn' non-latex ones. I'm not even sensitive to latex but I got some as samples once and they've been my fave ever since.

No. 139001

>>138999
Hey these are the ones I use fist bump.

Birth control helps so many women but it also does the opposite for so many others. But the depression isn't worth men having more enjoyable sex. Skyn condoms feel the same to no condom, try them and let men suffer 5% less stimulation lol

No. 139026

>>138995
Spermicide is pretty bad for your vagina.

No. 139027

>>138998
They are only 85% effective with real-life use. Over five years, you'd have a 44% chance of not getting pregnant.

No. 139053

>>139027
Frankly anon use what you want but condoms are not 85% effective they are 98% effective.

If you use a condom properly everytime then your chances are low. I'm not going to go all in on conspiracy but it wouldn't shock me if drug companies pushed this narrative to boost sales of bc.

The 85% figure comes from a study where couples occasionally didn't use condoms during sex or didn't use them fully. There is a tiny margin of error but so is there with the pill.

Also have him pull out with condoms if you want. Statistically this ups it to 99.9%. So the idea that condoms don't work is bs.

Use what you want and feel is best for you but condoms do work.

No. 139307

Has anyone used the implant before? I'm scared of the IUD but I want something long term

No. 139325

>>139307
Yes, got my copper coil in January. It's great, save for some spotting here and there and heavier periods. Hormonal BC made me a Crazy Banshee™, so it was a god send.
What would you like to know?

No. 139344

>>139307
I got one, it hurt like fuck to insert, it hurt like fuck every week before my period, I bled like a stuck pig every month, and to top it off, somehow it flipped upside down inside me. Never again for me. YMMV tho

No. 139780

I got the arm implant few years ago. The card I got from planned parenthood said 4 years but the nexplanon website said 3??? I had great experiences with hormonal bc aside from some weight gain probably associated with having a regular relationship and some numbness in arms and legs when sitting or lying down (like when you sit on your leg) probably explained by the last 10lbs I gained. My periods are cramp free and very infrequent, it's awesome.

No. 139784

>>139780
That's weird, I've had it done twice now and they've been very forward with the whole "this will only last 3 years" information? Just don't sleep on getting it changed out, trust your fertility can't wait to come back. I'd get the copper but I'm not into those associated potential risks, sounds like a nightmare

No. 139790

>>139784
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I don't want to unironically end up with a Coronababy.

No. 139796

>>138979
The pill actually helped me so much, but I think I might have had some type of undiagnosed PMDD. It was a genuine life changer for me and I feel so bad when I see other girls have it be a genuine life changer in a bad way. I personally use pills and condoms together. The pill is for me, I don't really tell guys I take it. I started taking it to stop my period but it ended up fixing my skin, my mood, and completely got rid of my horrible cramps.

No. 139822

>>139307
I've had the implant for 5 years now (got it replaced after the first 3 years) and while I personally like it, there's a lot of possible downsides.
The good:
>not having to think about BC at all for 3+ years
>doesn't feel as invasive as an IUD
>no nipple pain which I did have with other hormonal methods
>infrequent/light periods (for most people)
The bad:
>it's still hormones, everyone reacts differently
>more frequent periods (for most people just the first 6 months but for a few people including me this never stops)
>inserting it into the arm is unpleasant and getting it out even more so

Ever since I got the implant my periods have been all over the place and I get extremely mild bleeding/brownish discharge for probably 40% of the time. I'm ok with this since my bf doesn't mind and it doesn't hurt or anything.
Idk how common this is, but when I got mine taken out to be replaced, the doctor had to dig into my arm for like 45 minutes and call in nurses to assist. Apparently the muscle in my arm had kind of fused to the implant and they had to cut it loose. It left a small scar and was a very unpleasant experience, but nothing went wrong in the end and supposedly this was extremely uncommon.

No. 139826

>>139307
>scared of the IUD
Don't be.
Getting an IUD was the best decision I ever made for birth control.
The pain you feel during the insertion lasts a few minutes, you have cramps afterwards that can last a few hours but you can take the usual painkiller you use for period cramps.
It's been only pros for me
>no hormones
>not having to remember to take it everyday
>lasts up to 5 years
>no pain and cannot notice its presence
>almost 100% secure against pregnancy
>only yearly check needed
>just basic hygiene rules have to be followed (some vaginal douching from time to time)
In my specific case, for some reason it also made my period arrive like clockwork, while for all my life I've been having irregular periods and some months it didn't arrive at all.
The only change I noticed was that the menstrual flow became much more abundant, bot only in the first year or so, then it became normal again.
I strongly recommend it, it basically has no side effects and if you decide to have a baby you can just have it removed and immediately try to get pregnant.

No. 144892

File: 1595554019864.jpg (31.98 KB, 600x419, lupin.jpg)

Is there a place online I can get this specific birth control? I've looked around on a few websites with no luck. No pharmacy in my area/surrounding areas carry it, and my insurance can only mail me a specific brand which ended up not working out for me. I'm considering asking for the name brand which is Yasmin, but I don't know how much it will differ from the generic or if they'll even offer it.

No. 145382

Is there any way to encourage my iud strings to wrap around my cervix more quickly? I just got it inserted this morning and the dr said she left the strings about 3cm long. I've been dating a guy and i was planning on sleeping with him for the first time in the next couple weeks, i just dont want to ruin our first time by having him poked in the dick by my strings.

I have really short fingers and a deep cervix so i know i wont be able to try to wrap them around manually

No. 145386

I got the implant (nexplanon) in march, and it is amazing. I had my period regularly for 2 months, and now it's gone. No weight gain, but my face broke out a lot, but it's alright now.

The biggest bonus is my cramps are completely gone, and they were pretty much debilitating.

No. 145388

Anons with really bad PMS, did taking bc pills help with the psychological symptoms?
I fall into a deep despair with suicidal thoughts a few weeks before my period comes. I used to take Xanax but it was too strong and made me dose off at work and also taking antidepressants everyday for alleviating symptoms that last for 2 weeks max is overkill in my opinion so I would want to give this a shot

No. 145390

>>145382
If they're long he will hardly feel them. It's when they're short that they poke and might hurt him. I've never heard of the strings wrapping around your cervix, that's sounds made up.

No. 145412

>>145386
Same anon, I gush about it to anyone who would listen. The little matchstick feel in my arm is so cool! I considered the IUD but so many horror stories of it dislodging, etopic pregnancies, and dick pokes scared me away.

I had virtually no bleeding the entire time but now I'm on my last year and it's been a game of random spotting, for random lengths of time due to the hormones running out. I'm considering replacing it early.

No. 145423

>>145382
I didn't even know that was a thing! i got my copper iud fitted 2yrs ago and they were pretty much just like off u go be safe, i tried to feel for strings myself and couldn't (which panicked me, went back to the doc and she checked it out and said it was fine).
unless you can easily feel/find them i wouldn't worry about poking ur guys dick with them, i think i had sex only a few days after my fitting and neither of us felt anything different

No. 145450

>>145388
I don't know about that, but I'd look like alpha lipoic acid pills and eating antioxidants in general. There's a reason why eating chocolate while PMSing is a thing

No. 145463

>>145450
Alright, thank you!

No. 145826

>>145388
for anyone who cares, I found a study claiming that increasing calcium levels decrease PMS symptoms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313351/

No. 146334

Ive been on the pill for over 6 years and i want to go off of it but i originally started taking it bc i had serious painful hormonal acne. Has anyone found a way to go off it and not break out? I should mention i also take a spearmint supplement every day bc the pill still isnt enough to stop the acne

No. 146342

>>145423
Same here.
Never felt the strings and my partner never got his dick pocked by them..

No. 148511

Has any of you ever heard of someone getting pregnant with a IUD?
My doc said in 20 years of medical career only happened to see it once.
Since I got my IUD 4 years ago my period became super punctual, rarely being late just a few more days compared to previous month.
This month, in theory it should have happened between this week and next week.
If next week I'll still have no period, should I panic or should I just pee on a stick and find out if I am so wretched to get pregnant with a IUD past 35 yrs old of age?

No. 160341

If even a tampon gives me cramps, will an IUD give me them too?

No. 160345

all of the anons who have horrible cramps and want to pursue daily BC for that , know that taking planB ONCE decreased my stabbing period pain 50% permanently make it bearable

No. 160346

>>160345
i get horrible cramps too (to the point of throwing up), however plan b just gave me all the side effects listed for like a month lmao. made me proper suicidal just around period too. i was against getting hormonal bc before it but now even more so (waiting on getting copper iud fitted atm)

No. 160353

Any of you anons take Cerelle? (progesterone-only mini pill) I just started taking it after years of taking no birth control (used to take combined Rigevidon pill but it gave me big sad so I've just used condoms for 2 years or so).

I'm really nervous about gaining weight so I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much weight gain is likely to happen?

No. 161201

Has anyone ever found a way to increase libido whilst on bc? I feel horrible because my 20s should have the most enjoyable sex of my life and my sex drive is dead from DepoProvera

No. 161209

>>161201
tell them that either they wear condoms or you wont fuck them, as simple as that.

No. 161222

>>161201
Nope. I've posted about this before and fairly recently but I just came off birth control after 15 years, had zero sex drive almost all that time and it's only now that I have come off it at 30 that I feel any sort of sensation down there. It's very sad that we put ourselves through this to avoid having babies. I guess it's the shitty trade off we have to deal with.

No. 161853

>>161209
you know condoms arent as reliable as depoprovera. personally i never fuck without birth control and a condom. it just gives peace of mind.

No. 161860

>>160353
You won't gain weight from it unless you over eat, yea you may get bloated but just ditch the junk food and snack on veggies if you have to over eat.

No. 162695

Are condoms a reliable contraceptive method in the long run? There's no way I'd ever take anything hormonal or use an IUD.

No. 162699

>>160353
You might feel more hungry but you just have to keep an eye on what and how much you eat. Buy stuff like popcorn, berries, nuts and raisins/craisins to snack on and take the edge off when you feel hungry instead of chips and candy/junk foods.

No. 162705

>>162695
Yes and no. Reliable in that they are very good if you use them absolutely perfectly, no in that user error can result in you getting pregnant, also things like damage to the condom etc. I've known people use them for 10+ years and not have an incident but then others are on the morning after pill after a fuck up. It's up to you anon, and good on you for not taking hormones. They are fucking horrible.

No. 162731

File: 1607546860185.gif (687.01 KB, 500x235, 38954923.gif)

I'm about six months until the end of my implant and this year has brought a lot of random spotting so I want to get it replaced. The local Planned Parenthood told me that my insurance will not pay for it if I get it replaced early. Is this typically true?? Am I really fucked until August?

No. 162734

>>162731
Uhh, which one are you on rn? Theoretically, it shouldn’t. If you haven’t done so, go get a pregnancy test.If negative, the next thing on my mind is to get a speculum exam from your pcp to r/o other causes of bleeding (polyps, laceration, malposition IUD, etc). If they think the IUD is faulty, you should be able to get have it replaced.

No. 162738

>>162734
I have the nexplanon implant, which is a little stick they insert into your arm and it stays for 3-4 years. I know the cause of the bleeding– the hormones are getting low (I experienced the same thing on low-dose vs. higher dose pills). It might be a good idea to grab a few pregnancy tests though..

No. 162950

If you have the Nexplanon implant, is it normal to still get your period? I switched to it from the Depo Provera shot recently and I'm worried I'll go back to how it was before I was on hormonal birth control (8 day period every 14 days). Or am I just spotting? I don't really know the difference.

No. 162964

>>162950
You shouldn't really have a period at all aside from the occasional spotting since the hormones are pretty constant. I only started spotting/bleeding after two years on it.

No. 163351

>>694873
Get the shot. 3 months. Periods fuck off after a while. Also, take some probiotics for your issues, like regularly take them to keep the flora from getting off balance every time you let him go inside. It probably wasn't the pads, it was probably the massive surge of hormones fucking up everything

No. 163357

>>162950
>>162964
Actually it is normal to still get your period, they actually stabilized mine and brought them under control from once being extremely heavy and long. I dunno what second anon is saying lol.

No. 163437

hey can someone tell me about the depo shot ? i've heard it causes lots of weight gain and thats something im terrified of - im not fat im 95lbs and 5'2 but i do have some issues with weight - i wanna get on birthcontrol soon and im not wanting to do pills like at all just none but i was interested in depo shot since its just once every 3 month but im so confused about the side effects

No. 163456

File: 1608161189444.jpg (42.23 KB, 720x960, 90d743ae-deb2-4e05-852c-265a3e…)

wish me luck gals, getting copper iud tomorrow. absolutely terrified as i have never even had a gyno exam but better this than pregnancy or fucking with my hormones. womanhood is suffering etc. if anyone has had one feel free to chime in with how it has been for you while I panic for the next 12 hours or so.

No. 163463

>>163456
Good luck anon! They say the trick is to keep calm.
I really want one too but covid is fucking up my plan

No. 163464

>>163456
Be sure to take a painkiller before hand, unless you have hemophilia or something

No. 163467

>>163456
Good luck anon!! I have the hormonal IUD and it's changed my life for the better, I love it so fucking much. I can't speak for the copper one, but insertion wasn't that bad. During insertion it feels like really bad cramps for maybe 7-8 seconds. I took some ibuprofen before my appointment, but I'm not really sure if it did anything. My pelvis was sore for a day or two after. I was also a dumbass and watched insertion procedures the night before, but while I was getting mind inserted I was trying to guess what step my gyno was at and it was done faster than I expected. Something that put my mind at ease was asking her how many insertions she's done (which she spooked me because she said "About 3-4… (sort of uncomfortable pause) every week for the past 7 or so years") so I knew I was in good hands. I hope everything goes well for you!

fuck the scrote I was seeing a few years ago who was against me getting it because 'its gonna poke muh dick, just get the pills even though you're awful at taking daily medication'

No. 163502

>>163467
Stupid question, but does it poke the dick? Like can a guy tell it's in there?
I'm thinking of getting it and had heard that it's just noticeable for the first few times?

No. 163510

Where can I find in-depth information regarding the pill and all the negative effects it can have on you?
For context, I have never been on birth control before. As it stands currently, I'm actually against it, because I know it can diminish your libido and my libido is already low as it is. I wouldn't use IUD, but I'm considering the pill, because it seems that I'm also terribly paranoid of getting pregnant and condoms are expensive where I live. I just don't want it to fuck up my hormones, my thinking, or my libido.

No. 163512

>>163510
The pill works differently on everyone. There's no pill that can guarantee no side effects. I personally have never had any side effects from the pill besides periods being a bit more painful (not much though). You'll probably have to try out some makers before you find one that works for you.

No. 163516

File: 1608209665746.jpg (41.55 KB, 749x660, f215bf9a-bded-430c-b750-6d4127…)

>>163463
>>163464
>>163467
thanks for support ladies! wpuld rate the experience 8.5/10 wrt pain, weirdly enough i didnt feel the "stabby grabby cervix" part but god did measuring the depth of my qomb and inserting the coil hurt. felt liek rly bad cramps. felt bit dizzy right after but otherwise am ok now, am really happy for the gyno and assistant, they were 2 very sweet older ladies who tried their best distracting me and such. hope this doesn't fuck my period up too bad haha but hype for 10 years of peace.

No. 163524

>>163502
I realized I was gay after I got it put in so I haven't had a dick in me to test it lolol. I've read that it can be more noticeably felt when you're riding a guy.

No. 163643

I tried to skip my period using my birth control pills like a dumbfuck and I’ve been spotting ever since Monday. My bf refuses to fuck me while I’m spotting and I want dick soooo what do I do ladies?? Just wait it out? Start my placebo pills tomorrow to force my period??

No. 163644

>>163643
stop fucking around with your hormones and let it ride out

No. 163651

Does anyone else find themselves unable to trust their IUD? I have a seriously huge phobia of pregnancy and no matter what I do I never feel safe. Is there any way to make this better? It's bad enough that I actively avoid sex with men even when I want it, although luckily I'm bi. Is there anything I could maybe add on to the IUD to make it even safer? I'm so sick of worrying.

No. 163652

>>163651
Condoms or the pill, really.

No. 163662

>>162695
They can be, but you're playing with fire. Just like with every method of birth control, especially since condoms are especially prone to user error. Do you have bad experiences with hormonal bc and iuds or are you just worried about side effects? Because I'd say they're safer than just condoms, except pills which are easier to fuck up with…

But if condoms are playing with fire then no birth control at all is jumping in a volcano, so go for it.

No. 163711

Shit. I was supposed to switch my patch out yesterday, but got busy and forgot. Am I covered since I put it on today the second I remembered?

No. 163804

>>163711
Read the instruction anon. Assuming the patch works as intended, it should be fine. However, you should follow the instruction listed below:

●Delay in beginning the first patch in a cycle – apply a patch as soon as you remember and use back-up contraception (or avoid sex) for at least one week. The day you apply the new patch becomes the new patch change day.

●Delay in beginning the second or third patch in a cycle – There is a two-day period of leeway. If you change the patch within this window, the patch change day remains the same, and there is no need for back-up contraception.

If later than the two-day time period, use back-up contraception (or avoid sex) for seven days and, in some instances, use emergency contraception if this occurs. The day you remember to apply the patch becomes the new patch change day.

●Delay in removing the third patch in a cycle – less risk. Remove the patch when you remember and start the new patch on the usual start day. The patch change day is the same.

No. 163825

Is it normal for literally nothing to happen after taking the morning after pill? I took it over 3 days ago. No pains, cramping, my period didn't come (idk why I thought it would, it's not due for another 2 weeks, my friend told me her period always came right after taking it)

No. 163838

>>163825
Yes, I’ve taken it twice and not had any noticeable side effects each time

No. 165036

Anyone else just irrationally afraid of taking the pill? I’ve been relying completely on condoms for that reason. It’s retarded and insane considering I live with my boyfriend.

No. 165051

>>165036
No it's not retarded to be apprehensive about it. It's a bigger deal than we make it out to be. You're messing with your hormones which is a huge deal, imo. I used to take it and came off hormones all together because I felt suicidal on them. Since stopping hormones, I feel amazing. Obviously it's different for everyone, but my experience was not great, apart from not getting pregnant.

No. 165408

Does anyone have experience with sterilization? I'm terrified of pregnancy and hormones gave me tons of issues. The IUD made me bleed constantly for 10 months so that's not an option either. I can't even enjoy sex with a condom because the thought of pregnancy is disgusting and distracting

No. 165413

>>165408
Depends where you live. I live in the UK and have been fighting for approx. 12 years to be sterilised. They wont touch me, so this year I am paying for it myself after saving for years now. I am the same as you in that I don't want kids and the thought of it makes me feel physically repulsed. I came off contraception to give myself a break and I am never going back on it. It has been about 3 months since I last had sex with my bf and I miss it a lot. Oral and other methods just aren't the same. Considering you are similar to me, I suggest looking into a bilateral salpingectomy, which is the removal of the fallopian tubes. It's considered the gold standard of female sterilisation and apparently may lessen the chances of ovarian cancers and prevents ectopic pregnancies too as the tubes are fully removed. Your periods will stay the same, but your eggs will have no way of reaching a sperm as the ovaries will be cut off from the rest of your reproductive system. It is done laparoscopically so you will have 2-3 small scars on your stomach and it takes less than 30 minutes to do. Do some reading up on it, but it is what I am going for this spring. Good luck anon with whatever you choose.

No. 165941

i took ella 3 weeks ago, it was about a week after i had come off my period (still had sex a couple more times after that) and now my period is 5 days late. i'm terrified of taking a pregnancy test but i think i'll have to??? can ellaone make your period VERY late?

No. 165959

>>165941
It's hormones so not impossible, but you shouldn't delay doing pregnancy test. The sooner you know, if it's positive, the more options you'll have.

No. 170251

>>163651
how are you scared of using an IUD when it's 99% effective…

No. 170285

>>165408
Abstinence, anon. Fear shouldn't be the motivation for sterilizing yourself, it should be a rational decision based on what you want from life and what you're capable of resource-wise.

Fear is an emotion and emotions change. A permanent decision about your fertility shouldn't be emotional.

No. 170287

I know this might be a dumb question but I can't find answers specifically for what I'm asking. With any iud, is it possible for it to expel or migrate if your partner is very large and hits your cervix during sex a lot? We both engage in fast rough sex and I really worry that if we do it at that intensity frequently, it will move around or something. I don't like the idea that it could poke out. It just makes me squeamish.

No. 170292

>>163651
Have you discussed what would happen if you IUD did fail with your partner? Knowing the worst-case scenario can out you at ease. It's also important to be on the same page as your partner.
>>170287
It's rated to handle that. Mine expelled after a month where I had no sex/penetration at all. Regularly hit the new one with fingers, a penis, and a dildo and it's fine.

No. 170499

>breakthrough bleeding for a little over two weeks after skipping inactive pills for a couple months
>decide to do a week of the inactives to see if it helps
>suddenly no more bleeding
is this normal? i'm guessing i got everything out of my system during those two weeks but i've never had something happen like this before. i already made sure i wasn't pregnant too so it isn't that

No. 170619

>>170499
Any time I've tried to take BC back to back without the break week (even when my doc has okayed it) I've quickly ended up with the same unpredictable breakthrough bleeding. Have woken up in the middle of the night bleeding with no pain or warning

I'm guessing you're right that it had left your system by the time you tried to fix it. I mean two weeks is alot of breakthrough bleeding. You'd hope to be all bled out by then.

No. 170627

I'm dreading starting the BC pills that come in next week–my weight, acne, and mental health really stabilized this year and I'm anxious the pill will undo a lot of that.

No. 170636

>>170627
If your pill messes up anything you should be able to choose a different, better fitting one after consulting with your gyno. It will be ok!

No. 170898

>>170287

nope, the iud is inside of your uterus. your boyfriend won't be able to get through your cervix to agitate it. the only thing he could do is yank it out by the string with his fingers but ofc who would do that?

No. 172592

So i got kyleena back in sept and have been spotting for months. i know its semi normal till the 6th month mark. first week of feb i stopped spotting finally and i felt so much better but after my last period its spotting again and i just feel gross sitting in pantie liners all day. any advice or similar expierences?

No. 172602

>>172592
This happened to me too, on several different types of BC over several years. Pills, patch, shot, everything made me spot even after the 6 month period and gave me way more unpleasant period symptoms. The only thing I didn’t try was an IUD because I was done at that point kek. I feel like my whole early 20s was spent testing birth control. I eventually wound up stopping completely because I was pretty fed up and my doctor just kept saying to “give it more time” after I’d been eternally spotting for forever.

Tbh I wish I knew more about it and why it happened, but I know how much it sucks to live in panty liners 24/7. The copper IUD might work better for you since it doesn’t have hormones.

No. 172723

>>172592
I had spotting forever after Paragard. I got some linen pantiliners without any PUL or fleece or other moisture barrier so that I could have fresh panties without having to change at work. Much easier to just change a liner. They breathe since its all natural fibers.

No. 172759

finally going to go on birth control because my periods are out of control, but i'm not sure what i want. i was originally going to go for the copper IUD because it's hormone-free, but it doesn't stop periods, and my reason for going on BC is that i want fewer periods. my periods are terrible and i feel dizzy for an entire week straight from the loss of blood (severe anemia) and the drop in estrogen + increase in prostaglandins. if i got the patch or the shot, how would that affect me hormonally? would it regulate the hormones and prevent the drop in them that causes me to be so dizzy? i asked my doctor and got a canned, "everyone has different reactions, we could try x out and see how you like it!" response. but i don't want to try something that's going to make me feel like shit. anyone here have any recs for BC that's good for maintaining hormone levels throughout the month?

No. 172776

>>172759
The pill was 'best' for me in that I felt the same hormonally, but still got my periods though they were a bit lighter. And I had the implant, which made me feel horrendous, but I had no periods for 5 years. So yeah, your doc is right, everyone is different. Don't get the shot though, almost everyone I know who has had it has bled constantly.

No. 172815

>>172776
if you don't mind me asking, what pill were you on? when i was talking to my doctor, she'd suggested minipills because i was afraid of the risk of clots from estrogen. my aunt got one from the pill, so i'm a little paranoid about that. camila looks like it could be okay, def considering!

No. 176345

I can only feel one string of my iud and it feels short, second iud I've had and the last one didn't feel this short. Is this actually a big deal or can I wait it out? Doctors here are still pretty emergency only so I don't want to waste their time.

No. 176346

Samefag but it's so annoying go ogling this stuff because there'll always be someone who's iud was short and they died or something

No. 176357

>>176346
Unless it's hurting you I don't think it's a big deal.. shouldn't you assume they just snipped it short this time?

No. 176464

>>176345
if you can feel one string it is probably fine and in the correct position due to the strings being tied to the same spot you know, it could be that the other one is stuck to this one or curled up inside or whatever else. also I find that mine can seem longer or shorter depending where I am in my period so the length change could be related to that? I would wait it out a bit and maybe use condoms during.

No. 176839

About to go on the pill because I want to rawdog lol, are negative side effects common?

No. 176855

>>176839
Yes. You're pumping hormones into your body so of course. Don't be afraid to talk to your prescriber if the side effects are unbearable, switching to another brand or formula helps

No. 176929

>>176839
Pretty common. Most women I know have had to go through a few different options before finding the one with the least crappy side effects. Sucks becuase it takes a few months to try and then rule each option out but that's how it generally is, trial and error.

I tried two forms of the pill, the patch, and then finally the nuvaring. They all had such negative effects on my mental health that I just stopped all forms of hormonal borth control. Some are luckier than others tho

No. 179485

I got put on cerezette (minipill) because I have endometriosis cysts in an ovary. I've been taking it for about 2.5 months. I swear, I've been bleeding forever. As soon as I stop, I start up again in 5-7 days.

It's making me really sad. I don't know what other options I even have. I get migraine with aura, so estrogen isn't recommended for me (and I think it's bad for endo cysts?). Is this bleeding going to stop? The pain is usually less than normal but it's still a huge downer to be bleeding constantly.

I didn't notice weight gain from it (yet), maybe bloating but I did have surgery recently so I can't be sure what is normal recovery from that. I searched this thread and saw people asking about that. Haven't felt extra hungry or anything.

No. 187369

I'm on the injection for two years now and I've lost all libido and I'm not as sensitive during sex anymore. It's putting a lot of strain on my mental health because I'm in my 20s and I want to enjoy sex as much as my partner gets to. He seems to think my lack of horniness and libido are just in my head. And I need to change my "state of mind"
Is it okay to be frustrated because I know its a physical issue more than a "state of mind" issue

No. 187392

I've had a birth control implant in my arm for 5 years (got it replaced once) now and I'm seriously not sure whether to take it out or not.
It's been terrible for my periods, for the past half decade 3 out of 4 weeks have been brown spotting at least and full on menstruation at worst. It's not fun of course but up till now I've just been kind of dealing with it, I got too used to it maybe. Other than that I'm a bit dryer now but not by much. That's pretty much it as far as noticeable side effects go.
I've been reading up about the effects of hormones lately and it's kind of worrying, I'm not sure if it's affected my emotional state since it's been so long and I was going through an extremely stressful period of my life when I first got it implanted so it's hard to tell if it changed anything. And the period thing is obviously not great.
The thing is, I might sound like a scrote saying this but I really don't like condoms. It kind of takes away from the sex for me. So what should I do? I don't want to use any other kind of hormonal BC but IUDs really scare me.

No. 191629

I need to figure out what birth control I need/start. I think pills would probably be the best just because something being inserted into my body is off putting to me and IMO the side effects IUDs can have sound a lot worse. The problem is that I have minimal PMS, my periods are consistent, and I have great mental health. I'm worried being on pills will fuck up my healthy and normal body I have now. The only thing I can hope would be a plus is that it helps my period cramps (which really aren't too bad). I just don't want to get pregnant. ugh.

No. 191722

>>191629
Everyone's different, but before going on the ring I had no pms. Then I went through a period of mild pms symptoms and now I'm back to no pms and practically nonexistent cramps. You dont know until you try it!

No. 191754

>>191722
I suppose if I have a horrible reaction to one type I can always try another until I find the best for me. How do you like the ring? That is something I would consider. Do you find it easy to insert/ do you notice it?

No. 191781

i apologize if this isn’t the right thread to talk about this, but i was on the pill when i was a teen in order to help with my period pains + heavy flow and it worked, but i haven’t taken it since then. my periods are really bad and i seriously don’t think i can take the pain anymore. i stained my favorite shorts when i woke up this morning and i fucking cried. during last month’s cycle i cried for thirty minutes over absolutely nothing. i’ve never gotten that emotional while menstruating before. i seriously want to get back on birth control because of this but i’m also anxious to try it out again for some reason. i’m going to talk to my doctor about it of course, but i’d like to know what you guys think and/or if you’ve had a similar experience

No. 193068

For the anons who have stopped their bc pills, how did it feel when you stopped taking them? I'm planning on stopping mine because I have been unable to lose weight since I started taking them, my acne seems to get better on my week off the pill which makes me think it is caused by it and I have lost the ability to orgasm.

What will the next couple of week feel like?

No. 193112

>>193068
It's just generally unpleasant and you'll be moody. There's no pain that I can remember but your emotions just might feel off and your periods might go out of sync for a bit until they find a natural rhythm.

No. 193122

>>193068
I was on the minipill so ymmv. On the pill I had no sex drive and would get nauseated just thinking about sex. I also had really bad mood swings where any dumb thing could make me hysterical or borderline suicidal. When I stopped hormonal bc I was extremely extremely horny and that's about the only mood I was in for a couple of weeks. I had long and irregular periods before the minipill, but my periods were much worse while on it (2 to 3 weeks of heavy flow, plus irregular spotting it sucked). After my horniness calmed down I felt pretty normal mood-wise with the added bonus that my periods are now lighter, shorter, and more regular than they were before I started hormonal bc. Absolutely no regrets stopping.

No. 193157

i apologize in advance if this is the wrong thread for this, but ive been a bit worried about the emergency contraception i took. me and my bf had unprotected sex on the 15th, which was the day my period ended. he finished inside me and i got the pill about an hour or two immediately after that happened. my cycles are usually 30+ days, and my last one was 36 days. i really dont think theres a chance of pregnancy but i need some reassurance. thanks in advance

No. 193158

>>193157
Don't worry anon, emergency pill is known to cause irregularities. You can always get a pregnancy test to make sure and be able to stop worrying !

No. 193187

>>193112
I'm a bit of a moody bitch anyway so it won't seem too different.

>>193122
Honestly I'd be okay with feeling horny for once. My periods were heavy and regular before the pill so if they end up being lighter than before that'll be a blessing.

No. 193311

>>193157
youre likely fine i took plan b like five times in my lifetime, sometimes two or three days after and never been pregnant.

No. 193326

Is there any hope for women with irregular periods? 10 year copper IUD made my 7 day period longer with 4 days of spotting (2 before, 2 after). Mirena makes me spot for 2 weeks a month. I can't remember my experience on the pill but ik it didn't fix the irregularity (Levora I think).
At this point I just want to give up and go back to my normal periods. I'm celibate, I just have bc for the chance I get raped. I think the 10 year copper IUD was my favorite even though it was hellish in the first few months but even then the anxiety of bleeding through clothes and whatnot was legit so anxiety inducing. I wanna kms thinking about this.

No. 193694

For the anons that use the ring, do men often feel it during sex or fingering you? Do you notice it too during sex? I've read that it can be taken out, but doing that every time seems like a pain in the ass.

No. 194795

I just had an ovary and tube removed. They changed my mirena and have also put me onto birth control pills to stop my other ovary from getting cysts and twisting like the other one.
Anyone ever gone through something similar?

My main question is actually, how does one repress the side effects of the birth control pill? It makes me eat non stop and I lose ALL desire for sex which I hate because I really enjoy it.

No. 194796

>>194795
Talk to your gyno and change the pill, hopefully a different one will not make you feel like this.

No. 198495

I've been on depo for over two years now, apart from the constant heavy depression, suicidal thoughts and complete loss of sex drive- apparently I shouldn't be allowed to take it for more than 2 years for bone issues.

I'm thinking of switching to either the Pill with estrogen or copper IUD
Would a copper IUD be safer?

No. 198512

>>198495
Get off of depo! I had the same experience and changed to the pill, every symptom got so much better and I lost weight. If I could go back in time I never would have started it to begin with. In fact, most people I know who were on depo had pretty negative side effects. Depo is horrible for you long term (and probably short term too)

No. 198515

>>198512
Im glad things improved for you! The pill seems the be the winning option. "All I here these days is stay away from depo!!" And I wish I heard it sooner. I started it at 15 by recommendation of a nurse, and I think it fucked with my puberty a little.
Depo is dreadful

No. 198540

i avoid sex with men because i have an extreme pregnancy phobia and no matter what i do i always panic for weeks about whether i'm pregnant. i have an iud and always take the pill if i don't use a condom but i panic no matter what and it's very upsetting. how can i get past this?

No. 198544

>>198540
I feel the same way and I just stopped having PIV sex. If it's that bad maybe look into getting your tubes tied?

No. 198554

>>198544
sorry to sound like a scrote fantasy but even if i was anal/blowjobs only i still know i'd worry. i know it doesn't make any sense but also i have a schizotypal personality disorder (not tumblr diagnosed) that makes me believe things like getting pregnant from anal is possible if i do it. i just want to feel better about it in my head so i can get laid without having a mental breakdown.

No. 198563

>>198554
Oh god now I feel like a prude, I wasn't even talking about anal lol. I meant just oral/hands maybe using toys with a guy until you both finish because PIV isn't even that great anyways. But if you truly want to have PIV sex, maybe you could spend some time really looking at studies of birth control and rates of failure, maybe you could even triple up on contraceptive methods and use something like a spermicide on top of being on the IUD and using a condom. Idk about math but I think if you calculate the chance of three different contraceptive methods failing it'd be insanely low. But there's a line between normal worry about becoming pregnant and actual paranoia, so it might be worth it to seek some sort of counseling for that, especially if it applies to other areas of your life too.

No. 198569

>>198563
that's good advice anon, thank you. <3

No. 198589

File: 1626745573671.jpg (20.26 KB, 500x406, 41uE4g5IrWL._AC_.jpg)

Is the pill worth it if you don't have sex but suffer delibilating cramps every month? It's becoming worse every passing month

No. 198591

>>198589
Yes!! Do it! There are hundreds of contraceptive pills out there, you will probably find one that is good for you. You could have endometriosis too. My period pain was awful, it's manageable with the pill but even better I simply forgo periods and take it continuously. Gave me my life back.

No. 198593

>>198591
thank you anon thats so encouraging to hear you can stop having periods thanks to it, that would be such a life improvement for me, thank you

No. 198599

>>198593
Just be aware that taking the pill continously can cause spotting.

No. 198600

If someone already has a history of suicidal thoughts and severe depression would taking birth control worsen it?

No. 198602

>>198600
It can. I think the minipill (progestin only) has less depressive side effects

No. 198611

>>198599
Ah yes, I do have two or threes withdrawal periods a year to avoid that.

No. 198708

For pill anons, what day do you typically start your period during your placebo week?

No. 198894

Is it truly not possible to gain real weight from the pill (not just from increased appetite or water retention)?

Went back on it this month and in exactly 13 days, my weight went up by over 4lb and I feel like I look completely different. I calorie count obsessively due to my ED so I know I wasn't overeating that much. I stopped 2 days ago but my body still looks different despite dieting, so I'm really stressed that it's not water weight at all.

No. 199063

Implant anons, I have question. I had one put in last month and hadn't had sex prior to that so I'm not sure if the bleeding could also just be from sex (I think my canal is relatively short and sometimes my boyfriend does end up hitting my cervix by accident) but ever since I got my period the bleeding just… hasn't stopped. It's not a huge amount but it's still more than just spotting so I need to use panty liners. But as of right now I've been bleeding for about three weeks and it's mostly dark blood, but now it's back to red and I'm starting to get a little stressed out by it. Should I call a doctor? Am I fucking dying? Have any of you experienced long periods of bleeding and do they go away?

No. 199064

>>199063
Hey anon! This is somewhat "normal" with the implant, it can last a few months even, that's why many people stop using it, tho you should call your gynecologist so they can check it out properly and give you more information.

No. 199076

>>199063
Yes, within the first six months is when all the initial continuous bleeding could happen. Sucks but it is what it is. If it doesn't hurt or have an unusual smell, I wouldn't worry about it. It will stop eventually (I think I stopped after a month or two), but if you continue to bleed for a concerning amount of months I'd consider talking to your gyno about the possibility of removal.

No. 199087

>>199076
>>199064
Thanks nonnies! I feel a lot better now. I expected to have some irregular bleeding but wasn't sure how long those episodes could last. I'll keep an eye on it and see how it goes, at least it isn't a lot and doesn't ruin my underwear.

No. 199417

Does getting an IUD while also using a diafragm with spermicide sound like a good opción for birth control?
Has anyone here used a diafragm before? How do you insert it by yourself? Do you just use your fingers? Is It uncomfortable with sex?
How effective would It be to use an IUD and just use the spermicide without the diafragm? Thanks

(reposting from the stupid questions thread, I'm new to birth control)

No. 199435

>>199417
That’s extremely excessive. The IUD is more than enough, and depending on which one you get the diaphragm would be completely useless, if not harmful

No. 199452

My boobs have been really swollen and painful the last two days. It's my break week and this has never happened before – been on the same BC pill for 2+ years now.

Has anyone had new side effects appear after such a long time? The only thing that's changed is I've started taking anxiety meds since my last break week.

Kinda scared, don't need breast cancer or whatever on top of things.

No. 200336

I get bad stomachs a lot, doesn't end in diarrhoea but still makes me wonder if the pill would be suitable for me

No. 201380

It's my first time on birth control pills and I am on the last week. So far I haven't gotten my period but it is only day 2 and I've heard it can take a few days before the withdrawal bleeding starts. I've taken the pills perfectly and followed all the instructions, so I probably have no reason to be worried about pregnancy, but there is always that "what if" in the back of my mind.

No. 201626

>>199452

i'd say dw anon. happened to me sometimes too. usually never had any side effects while taking the pill and then like 3-4 months later my boobas hurt like hell.

it just happens i guess. if this keeps on happening tho just call your gyno and ask about it. a friend of mine had to changer her pill bc it didn't suit her anymore.

No. 203576

I don't want to take the pill or anything hormonal because I don't want to put hormones in my body that it doesn't need. I also don't want a foreign object in me. The copper IUD makes periods heavier too which sounds awful as my period is already insanely heavy.

Is the natural method where you take your temperature daily the only option I have? I've read that's it's very effective. I'm fine with condoms tbh, but my bf isn't (he'll use them for me because he's great, but they're not ideal).

I just really really really don't want to take hormones or put shit up myself.

No. 204436

Coming up on my 3rd month on Nexplanon, was previously on Mirena. So far, I'm liking it. I'm a forgetful bitch so off the bat I prefer it over pills or Depo, and it's been giving 4 days of spotting a month (kinda renders my period cup useless now). As for cons, definitely been getting more headaches and unexplained acne. I think I'm finally filling out in some spots because of it but it might just be my imagination.
Insertion compared to Mirena is better too. Only painful part is the shot to numb the area.

No. 204456

>>203576
>he'll use them for me because he's great
He's not great, that's the bare fucking minimum. Love yourself.

No. 204465

>>203576
If he's so great, tell him to get a vasectomy then. He'll be fine with you having a higher chance of stroke and suicidal tendencies but take responsibility himself. Like most dumbass scrotes.

No. 204468

>>204456
>>204465
Yeah you guys are right. He's not a scrote, he's just… young and uneducated lol.

This is 100% a dealbreaker if he doesn't agree though, I am NOT taking hormones and fucking myself up, hormonal birth control is vile and putting fucking contraptions up my uterus is not my idea of fun. What am I, a science experiment?

Birth control affects women 100% of the time, condoms affect men a max of 20 min a week.

No. 204469

Storytime, I was taking BC for acne and to help with super heavy periods and bad cramps. I’m not sexually active but i kept taking the pills because I was afraid of how painful my period would be and how bad the acne would be.
I took yaz for a few years and it worked fine for me, then I switched pharmacies and they gave me a bootleg shitty brand. They told me it was the same ingredients. But whatever the fuck it was gave me a horrific rash/breakout situation on my chest. I told the pharm what happened and they were like “nobody else has had any problems with it”
I struggled with this for MONTHS trying to treat the rash/acne, I tried going to the doctor which was no help, tried different products, nothing worked. Finally I stopped taking the birth control because I figured thats what was fucking up my skin. My rash went away thankfully. It made me feel so horrible about myself, I couldnt wear cute tops or feel confident.
Luckily though it seems like my acne isn’t ~too~ much worse, just get zits more frequently. And my periods haven’t been too bad either.
If you’re looking for a sign to stop taking the pill, this is it!!! I figured if I didnt stop soon it would cause me more problems later on. If i never got that rash I probably would have kept taking the pills, the long term effects concern me.
Have any of you had similar experiences?

No. 204485

>>204469
I think yaz got recalled since it caused multiple deaths.

No. 205505

File: 1631604032897.jpeg (105.04 KB, 680x675, C5025BC4-0C51-442A-A4B2-F3FF9B…)

>not regularly having sex
>won’t be again for at least a year (long story)
>sick of taking birth control and fucking up my hormones unnecessarily
>but also paranoid about broken condoms if I have sex anytime soon
>lightbulb moment
>go off bc for the next year
>stockpile morning after pills from pharmacy
>meet a guy at some point in future & want to have sex w him
>pop a plan b pill right before penetration (w/ condoms as well ofc)
>no pregnancy risk but also not constantly fucking up my hormones
What do you think ladies? Is this genius or am I a complete idiot?

No. 205509

>>205505
You're an idiot. Guess how plan b pills work. Hint: it involves hormones.

No. 205510

>>205505
plan b fucks your shit up worse than bc and you're a big retard
just make the man wrap his dick and don't have sex when you're ovulating

No. 205597

ignorant virgin here but if i take birth control everyday i wont get pregnant? even if im an hour or so early or late? it doesnt have to be right down to the very minute right?

No. 205602

>>205597
It should be fine if youre on the combination pill but if you're on the progestin only pill you need to be precise.

No. 205603

>>205505
Plan B is a big dose of hormones that will really mess up your cycle and if you have PMDD it makes the symptoms even worse. Not a good idea. Make your man wear organic condoms or consider a copper IUD.

Also, do any of you have any experience with HeyJane plan c/abortion pills? My boyfriend got a vasectomy and we waited 4 months and waited for two clean sperm tests to have unprotected sex, but I’m still paranoid and was wondering if the website is decent

No. 205717

>>205505
You are an idiot. Consider condoms.

No. 207814

>>205505
Hi, I’m not on the pill.

I took plan B once because I wanted to experience sex without a condom. It absolutely destroyed my body for two months. Two weeks of a super heavy period. I’m never taking it again if it’s not an emergency— it’s not worth it. I’d much rather just wrap it. It’s retarded not to just use condoms.

No. 209312

Honest question: are there really women who can take endless birth control pills without a break and not have any issues with it?
I've usually taken two packs in a row (so six weeks) and even that is a stretch for my body as I'll start to get breakthrough bleeding towards the end. I recently switched the pill for another brand to see if it helps my skin and I ended up skipping the pill-free week and the breakthrough bleeding just never ends. Yesterday I got some actual fresh blood even. Not a huge issue but annoying still.

No. 209321

>>205505
Plan B contains a truckload of hormones that will mess with your body

No. 209324

>>209312
I was put on bc to try and help with some extreme mood issues I was having before my period every month. I was told to take 3 packs back to back if I want. I ended up just bleeding anyway. Random bleeding that I could'nt predict. Could start at any time with no warning.

I've had very few times in my life where I've bled onto my sheets, my cycle is at least good at letting me know it's coming but I ruined the bed several times with random nighttime bleeding and just stopped even trying to skip the break.

No. 209326

>>209312
A while ago I asked my doctor about this because I had so much spotting/breakthrough bleeding, the official answer I got was “birth control is safe to take continuously and there’s no need to stop it” but that answer kind of ignored my bleeding issues. I’m not sure what most women do but it’s so annoying how bleeding is not considered a problem by most doctors.

No. 209342

>>209324
>>209326
I took the mini pill for 2 years. My doctor emphasized how important it was that I never missed a dose and that I took it on a precise schedule. I did that for 2 fucking years. My periods went from slightly irregular to 2-3 week periods with breakthrough bleeding in between. I was almost always bleeding. I kept asking my doctor about my bleeding and a whole mess of other shitty symptoms, and I got the same canned response
>Breakthrough bleeding is common when you first start taking the pill, but most women's periods become lighter or even stop after a few months when taken correctly. Just keep taking it and things will get better.
2 fucking years of taking it at the exact same time every day without missing and this bitch ignored all of my symptoms, implied that I must have been doing something wrong, and insisted I keep taking the pill. Absolute bullshit. I would expect this insensitivity from a man but she really kept me eating poison for no reason other than to line her pocket.

No. 209348

>>209326
>so annoying how bleeding is not considered a problem by most doctors
This. I've had bad ongoing breakthrough bleeding while on bc before. I've also had non-bc related bleeding that was triggered by sex. I never found the underlying cause, I just don't have sex anymore. It still happens with toys to this day. It's weird to me how docs don't see it as an issue if you can't have blood-free sex anymore or if you're on bc and are stuck wearing pads every moment of your life. They expect you to suck it up and deal with that as your new norm?

No. 209395

>>209342
AYRT, that’s almost exactly what happened to me and what I was told too. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

No. 209664

anons, I want to stop taking the (sort of) bc I am on. Like right now. I swear I am on the verge of killing myself, the depression is so bad, and idk if it's the pill but something has to change.

I moved countries for school (until june) so dealing with my dr is not simple.

I'm on metrissa (dienogest), it's a progesterone-only pill that isn't technically bc but only because the testing isn't done on it or something. It basically same as the minipill. Have been on it for about 5 months I think.

Can I just stop? What will happen? Will I bleed immediately?

No. 209692

>>209664
It is safe to just stop! Not sure about bleeding because I'm >>209342 so I was bleeding all the time and may have been on my period, but my bleeding and other shitty side effects stopped maybe two days after. I got really horny for a few days starting the day after I stopped, and then it mellowed out and my brain and body finally felt normal again. YMMV and may take a little longer to adjust so give it time, I'm not sure if bc is causing your depression but it did give me extreme mood swings and I think stopping would do nothing but good things for you! I can relate to you anon, I wanted to kill myself on the combined pill because it scrambled my brain so hard. It was really scary and I thought I had serious brain damage. I stopped for a couple years and then I asked my doctor about my bc options and she told me the mini pill would be safe (bullshit). I remember crying a lot on the mini pill but I kept reminding myself I was on birth control when I felt depressed. I think there's some people who just can't take any hormonal bc.

No. 209696

>>209692
Thanks, I think I'll give it a try. I have a medical reason for being on it but I can't handle this feeling and it's badly interfering with the work I'm here to do. I will take a break and see how I feel.

No. 209908

I got Mirena inserted two weeks ago. I've never had more than a couple pimples before and now I've got acne all over my chin and jaw and new pimples just keep coming.

My doctor kept saying the effects of Mirena were very localised and barely any people had side effects but after I noticed I had acne and looked things up, it seems like it's a relatively common side effect. When I told her I had acne, she acted surprised and said it was unlikely. I wish she had mentioned it to me. I feel like I can't fully trust her advice now.

Apart from the acne nothing else has been bad so far. I've adjusted my skincare routine for now and my skin is slowly improving, but when I'm stressed or sad I know I will slip up with my skincare.

I would rather have cramps and periods than lowkey daily acne and the constant fear of a really bad breakout. I guess it's vain but having everyday shitty skin is making me feel a lot worse than my period lows. I could ask a dermatologist about spironolactone but I'd rather take the Mirena out than start a new med.

Does the acne go away? How long should I wait for my body to adjust before seriously considering removing the Mirena?

No. 209955

>>209908
I'm in the hell of hormonal bc for the first time too, anon, and I feel you. I think you need to give it a bit longer to see if things clear up or not. 2 weeks isn't really long enough to know. Can you tough it out for 2 months, maybe?

fwiw I've heard that Mirena usually does have fewer skin effects than progesterone-only pills. I'm not supposed to take any estrogen (and the possibility of weight gain on estrogen also terrifies me), so I'm on a pill without estrogen.

I can say that I was on a different progesterone pill a few months ago and the acne seemed to get better after the first month. I had to change pills for the same reasons as >>209342 - was bleeding all the time and I couldn't deal with it. The pill I am on doesn't make me bleed all the time but I am having other side effects I hate.

No. 210822

I'm on my fourth month of taking a combo pill and last month I started spotting a week before my period and it happened again this month too. This didn't happen my first two months so I have no idea why this is happening, aren't side effects supposed to go away by the third month? Or is it still too early for me to be to be consistent? I have been under more stress the past two months and I have gained about 5 pounds (not the pills fault, I've been over eating). Could that be the reason? I am so annoyed and confused. I don't want to bleed for two weeks every month.

No. 210823

is it really that important take your pill at the same time every day?

No. 210824

>>210823
It's pretty important. It depends on the pill but in general combination pills can be taken in a 12 hour period and mini/protestin pills are supposed to be taken within a 3 hour window iirc. It helps make things more consistent if you take it the same time everyday.

No. 211159

>>210824
Couldn’t find a generic period thread or anything so sorry if I’m in the wrong place

For the past three months my periods have been waaayyy lighter than normal. I still get them on time/still bleed a noticeable amount but they’re a lot less than they used to be. I’m a healthy weight for my height and age. I’ve been on birth control with no issues since I was 16 due to an acne issue and there’s no chance I was pregnant or anything.

Should I start to worry/any advice for when I should get it checked? I have no other symptoms or anything and my cramps have always been bad but I haven’t noticed any increase.

No. 211175

>>211159
Lighter periods is a known side effect of birth control and usually considered a positive one, not just because periods suck but because it's generally not a health concern and therefore a relief. It can happen even after you've been taking the pill for a long time without light periods. You can always talk to your doctor if you're still worried.

No. 212274

Has anyone ever tried Phexxi? I might need something for a month or two between IUD removal and TTC, and I want to avoid hormones. I'm a little afraid the side effects are crazy.

No. 212702

File: 1636397165695.jpeg (332.51 KB, 828x437, 94FADABC-3BC8-4BB6-8061-FE726A…)

Just got my first period after going off bc and Jesus Christ I forgot how painful ass cramps were

No. 215546

This might be a nasty question, but do any anons here smoke or have smoked while being on the pill? I'm on the road to quitting however I'm nervous as I started the pill again a few months ago and my GP said I would get blood clots. I would love to cold turkey now but I do still smoke socially sometimes when I go out and I have a couple here and there throughout the week.

No. 215558

>>215546
How old are you? My gynecologist cautioned me that I was okay for now (25) but the closer and closer I got to 30 and beyond the risk would increase. I’ve been smoking on BC since I was 18 and yet to have an issue - so you’re probably okay for a bit.

No. 215560

>>215558
I'm 24 now, was smoking from 16 but stopped for a while this year but i've sort of picked it up again now that lockdown is over etc.
Lets take the advice of your gyno. I definitely know I should stop but yeah, thanks for your response anon

No. 215587

>>215546
I went on the pill at 19 and I remember my options being limited because I had breast cancer in my family and then I smoked at that time too. Nothing you can do about family history but I remember my doc being on my ass to give up smoking if I was intending to keep taking the pill aswell. They didn't say it'd be fine up to 30. At just 19 and 20 they were on my ass about it at every appointment.

You're probably young enough to have had the hpv vaccine but I'm not and again when I tested postive for hpv and cervical cell changes at 27 they asked me about smoking. I'd long given it up but they said smoking plays a role in whether or not your immune system can shift the hpv virus by itself. Mine eventually did. I'm glad I gave up at 20 and that I wasn't 27 and mid cervical cancer freakout before I did it.

No. 216604

nonas, i just started a new pill (slynd) and i am so ravenously hungry 24/7…. i don't have any other side effects so far, which is amazing compared to the last pill i was on that made me feel literally batshit insane but i literally just lost 50 lbs. i'm so afraid of falling backwards and losing all my progress ;___;

No. 216607

I kind of never want to have to use BC at all. Anyone else feel that way? I'm personally not really comfortable having PIV sex unless it's with someone I want to have kids with at a time in my life when I'm comfortable having kids. Maybe I'm mental, but I get really annoyed with how men seem to expect women to use BC so they can have years of sex without making any commitments to her. This isn't to say women choosing to use BC is bad at all, I'm just getting fed up with the culture surrounding it and men seeming to expect consequence-free sex as the norm.

No. 216614

>>216607
I feel the same way honestly, birth control made me feel horrible and there's plenty of ways you can be intimate with a partner that isn't PIV, scrotes are just pornsick and want to have vaginal sex without protection 24/7

No. 216677

>>216607
I used the pill to regulate my periods as a teen and that went fine. But any time/any form of bc I then tried as a sexually active adult.. I couldn't stick out the mood effects, sometimes I'd be bleeding at times when I shouldn't be, I'd wake up to ruined sheets, sometimes I'd be tearful and bloated and I'd lose my sex drive which defeats the purpose. All month long pms. It was never worth it. I'd try and I'd suffer.

I don't want kids full stop so my last ex got a vasectomy. I thought I was sorted for life and then he cheated within a year of getting it. I got a uti around that time so was paranoid that it might've been an std instead. Now I'm just not up for sex. I don't know what conditons would need to be met to ease all my various concerns around sex and its risks. I don't even like penetration all that much. I'll happily live without it if I can.

No. 216682

Is it true that if you went on bc for bad cramps/bleeding that once you stop taking it, it might all come back?

I've been on bc for almost 10 years now (started at 17 or so) but am single and will most likely die single too but I have no real idea what I'm like without the bc. I'm not sure if it's making my mental health issues worse or better but I'm scared as shit to stop taking it because those cramps left me unable to walk, I bled so much and the only time I could sleep was when I passed out from exhaustion.

No. 216699

>>216607
true. i once took bc and it just made me not want to have sex anymore at all and also extremely depressed. so…was that the birth control?

No. 217004

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I had sex with my new bf for the first time last night, I’m still not on the pill bc we agreed to take things slow but it was a spur of the moment thing. We used condoms but it was a long night and there were points while we were catching our breath that he slipped me the tip without a condom or pressed it against my vulva after he’d come. I thought we’d be okay but I double checked Planned Parenthood online and they reminded me that any time even a little bit of jizz gets near a vagina there’s risk of pregnancy. All the pharmacies are closed by now so I’m going to have to go in first thing before work and ride out the side effects of an ECP while sitting behind a desk for eight hours.
I fucking hate hormonal birth control, I hate the fact that I have to take a pill every single day for something I’m doing maybe once a month and even then that’s not 100% full proof. I’ve tried other types, I was on the rod for a few months but it gave me a recurring yeast infection and left me so dry that I couldn’t even enjoy sex while I had it in. Even if I got Depo Provera that’ll probably have the same side effects and I’d have to ride those out for 2+months before it was out of my system. I hate the pill but I’m so paranoid about getting pregnant and can never count on a guy to do anything right that I feel like I have no choice.
I wish tubal litigation was reversible, because if it was I would get it done tomorrow and not have it undone until I was married.

No. 217005

>>217004
you can buy plan B in bulk online for cheaper than it's sold in store, you should do that and just have it lying around for situations like this

calm down nonna, you'll be okay. there's nothing you can do about it now except wait until the morning

No. 217006

File: 1639298181203.gif (2.19 MB, 480x270, 66E2E17F-8D45-4755-98A0-426F8A…)

>>217004
Samefag, I calmed down and did a little bit more reading, it looks like based on the timing of my cycle and how much contact we actually had the odds of me being pregnant are pretty low. Also lucky enough to live in a country where abortion is cheap and non-criminalised.
My options now are take an ECP tomorrow and stress about whether it worked for weeks after, or try and enjoy Christmas and NY, take a pregnancy test in the first week of January (if my period hasn’t come by then) and see what happens from there. Nonas, based on what I’ve shared here, which do you think is the better option? I don’t want to have to take an ECP if I don’t need one but I’d rather do that than take an actual abortion pill. I’d talk about this with my family but they’re super traditional and have already shamed me before for having sex before marriage, I can’t imagine how disappointed they’d be if they knew there was even a chance I was pregnant.

No. 217008

>>217005
That’s solid advice anon. I’m gonna have some tea, get a good nights sleep and get that pill first thing in the morning. Thank you

No. 217016

>>217004
>there were points while we were catching our breath that he slipped me the tip without a condom
I get where other anon was coming from with her advice but I want to add that he should just not be doing this anyway. That's not something you want happening again. Why does he feel ok putting his 'just came' dick back in you when you're otherwise being smart enough to use condoms? Make a very clear boundary that this guy needs to respect how much hassle and worry he's putting you through.. all for the sake of 'slipping his tip in' Fuck that

If he can't keep his unprotected jizz dick out of you then don't let this guy anywhere near you. He needs to shoulder some responsibility for you situation. Have some plan b on hand for when genuine accidents happen (split condom etc) but this isn't even a true accident. He needs to cut that shit out.

No. 217021

>>217006
Take the pill, it's better to be safe than sorry. Agree with what >>217016 said though; you need to talk to your boyfriend about not doing this kind of thing again.

No. 222603

Not sure if this is the right thread to ask, but I am on a mirena and have been for years. Recently I had an ovary removal due to cysts, so now I am on birth pill and mirena. Will being on all these birth controls kill my chances of fertility with my last ovary? My GP says its fine but I still feel odd about it all.

No. 222693

I've had my rod implant in for about 5 years without changing it, as I am retarded, and probably not healthy enough to be fertile. Recently I've been hitting new mental health lows, getting acne (unusual for me), and bloating an unreasonable amount. Would nonnas advise replacing it and hoping the estrogen is actually what I need, or switching to copper IUD in case the implant is the problem?

No. 222698

>>222693
replace it. it’s completely run out, that’s why it isn’t working anymore. they only last for around 4 years

No. 223348

I done goofed and asked this on the wrong thread, but anyone here been on Medroxyprogesterone BC? I had a couple days delay between my two packs due to avaibility issues and i'm wondering if i should wait until my period to continue taking them, or if the few days don't matter so much.

No. 223351

>>217021
I hope anon broke up with that guy, he sounded like someone who didn't respect boundaries at all.

No. 226020

I hate being on birth control. It makes me more aggressive, makes me fight with my bf over nothing (I even go so far as to say im leaving), gain weight, be more stressed and not stay focused.
But I have to be on it because I had an ovary removed and the docs say I need to be on it to make sure the other ovary doesn't develop cysts etc.
I hate the pill so much! I'm already on a 'low dosage' birth control pill yet this shit still affects me so hard.

No. 226728

>>226020
what are you on, anon? I have a similar issue. I'm taking a break from my pill right now and feel more like myself. My dr doesn't know I stopped it but well… I'll decide soon what to do I guess.

No. 226792

>>226728
I specifically asked to be put on a low dose pill and they put me on Yaz. I used to take it when I was younger and I had the same problem. Took many years break from it and now that im on it again all the symptoms are back. Im going to hopefully see my gp again and talk about hopefully getting off it. I just wish there was a way to counteract the symptoms? As my surgeon was really adamant that I should take the pill for my reproductive health.
I also have an IUD and while using that without the pill I didn't have any symptoms and was fine for years. Maybe that might help you anon if you need BC.

No. 228957

I've been on the pill since I was 16 (24 now) and suddenly I got breakthrough bleeding/my period started a week earlier, despite me taking my pills at the right time everyday. Usually that only happens if you missed a dose, so it's strange that I started my period earlier/spotted blood. Is it still safe to have unprotected sex when I start my next pack?

No. 228961

>>228957
If you've been taking it on time as you said then it should still be effective even with breakthrough bleeding.

No. 245859

I've recently read that fucking with your hormonal cycle in any capacity, like with birth control, isn't good for you. some of the reasons being that it lowers your libido, messes with emotional regulation, makes it harder to gain muscle/lose fat, and other general health stuff. I've been on the combination pill since I was 21, iirc. I've never been super in tune with my body so I can't pinpoint super specific changes, the biggest things I remember before being on the pill was being a lot hornier and also fucking insane during my period, just incredibly depressed and angry, which did subside when I started the pill and returned when I went off of it. but idk, I'm wondering if maybe the intense emotional aspect would subside with age/time. basically I'm considering getting off of hormonal birth control and trying something else… but the only thing I can think of are condoms, which I don't like, and the copper iud, which freaks me the fuck out. there's spermicide but it's not as effective as the pill or iud. idk, am I being a hypochondriac and worrying when I shouldn't be?

No. 245869

>>245859
Get off it anon, it also makes you more likely to have dementia and huge impact on bone strength. Condom + fertility tracking + monthly pregnancy test (there's reusable ones I think) works just as well without the hormones.

No. 245874

>>245869
I was going to say I don't like condoms but I haven't really tried them, first bf was a piece of shit and coerced me into not using one the first time (I was young, dumb, and inexperienced). I am a bit worried that I won't really like it. My current bf has mentioned he doesn't like them but I'm sure he would be okay with it if I told him I was going off of BC. Also, not to sound like a big ol slut but I like the feeling when a guy finishes inside, I would miss that lol. How risky would just fertility tracking be? What about fertility tracking + pull out method lol? Maybe fertility tracking and spermicide…

Sorry if I sound super ignorant, I've only had two sexual partners in my life.

No. 245880

>>245874
Nta but
>How risky would just fertility tracking be? What about fertility tracking + pull out method lol?
Don't rely on these alone. Add in condoms to this if you want any decent level of protection.

No. 245907

>>245874
Very risky. You have about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each time you use the pull out method. That's assuming he actually pulls out on time every time and you don't make any mistakes with your fertility tracking.

No. 245933

>>245880
>>245907
Yeah I figured. Maybe I'll just stay on the pill… Or suck it up and look into the copper IUD. I'm hesitant because I've heard a lot of horror stories… But I wouldn't have to take a pill every day, and it's more effective than the pill. Idk.

I might try going off the pill for a bit before deciding on anything. I do remember being batshit and really depressed during my periods before getting on the pill - though it may have been age/life circumstances - so I'd like to see what I'm like without them.

No. 245944

Precum can also get you pregnant, it happened to me a few months ago.

No. 245946

>>245874
That’s a massive mistake. Whatever thrill you get from a guy coming in you would be undone by the anxiety about being pregnant until your next cycle.
Imo condoms can’t really be felt by women, but if it’s really a concern your best bet are ultrathins. I have a temperamental pH balance and regular/textured condoms I can feel + are uncomfortable + can give BV, but ultrathins are almost unnoticeable. Going off the pill, not using condoms and only relying on fertility tracking is a recipe for disaster.

No. 246039

is hormonal birth control really that bad?

No. 246040

>>246039
It's not neutral for the body but it's not THAT bad, I think more people do more damage to their bodies with regular painkillers

No. 246065

>>246039
Well a bit of insider info, one creator of a pill who lives near me refuses to let his wife and daughters take the pill due to potential irreversible side effects. And if the pill was created today, it would never enter the marked due to the side effects. The male pill wasn't released due to side effects much milder than the female one has, so you can imagine how rough it actually is on the body.

I wanted to kill myself on the pill because I felt chemically lobotomized, and my period and hormones are still out of wack 3 years later. I also had never ending utis and lost my sex drive completely.

I think fucking with the most important system in the female body is a bad idea, the uterus has a brain on its own directly connected to the head brain, I think its a much more delicate system than we think.

No. 246066

>>246039
It is for some women, and it’s fine for others. Personally, I felt wrecked by it and I’ve tried it multiple times over years. Cystic acne, weekly migraines, weight gain, and intense depression were my symptoms. All of them went away as soon as I got off of BC. To be honest, most women that I’ve talked to about it have had similar experiences.

No. 246076

>>246065
>one creator of a pill who lives near me refuses to let his wife and daughters take the pill due to potential irreversible side effects
do you have more info on this? what are the irreversible side effects? does it differ depending on what type of hormonal birth control, or what type of pill?

>I also had never ending utis and lost my sex drive completely.

did your sex drive come back?

>>246066
>It is for some women, and it’s fine for others.
personally I've never had any of those symptoms. i worry more about potential side effects from long-term use.

No. 246079

>>246039
As >>246066 said it just depends on the woman. I also had terrible side effects for the 2 years I was on it. Excessive bleeding, migraines, intense mood swings, fainting (probably because I was almost always bleeding), worsening acne, terrible risk assessment, sex repulsion, and confusion. One of the symptoms that was scariest for me was feeling lost and confused on my own home. My doctor told me to just keep using it and it would get better but it never did. I stopped taking it and went back to using condoms and finally felt normal again. On the other hand my sister has been on it for several years with no issues. She takes it because her periods became lighter and more regular on the pill. She isn't even taking it to avoid pregnancy because she's a lesbian. It really just depends on your body.

No. 246142

>>246039
Estrogen-based combination pills are WAY worse than progestin-only methods of hormonal birth control. Estrogens can cause a bunch of the side effects people hate about birth control, like blood clots, blood pressure problems, emotional dysregulation, and the like. Estrogens can be both protective against but also facilitative of certain types of cancer, while progestins alone do not seem have the same sort of link. Higher estrogen doses are correlated with higher incidence of mood-related side effects as well.

Progestin only pills have negative side effects too, but since combination pills have both estrogens and progestins in them, I feel like the amounts of risk is higher when you take a combination pill versus another method of birth control.

Personally I take a long-acting progestin-only form of birth control. I decided to take it because my menstrual cycle was really fucked up to begin with (really heavy bleeding to the point it made me get very ill every month) and although I wouldn't say my cycle is "normal" now either, I don't get horribly sick every month anymore so for me it's a net win. However, I'm considering switching to a hormonal IUD because the net amount of hormone released is much smaller since it can deliver progestins directly to the uterus instead of having to diffuse through the whole bloodstream. Just as soon as I stop being terrified of the IUD insertion procedure…

If you already have a healthy menstrual cycle I would recommend not taking hormones as your primary form of birth control tbh.

No. 246144

>>246065
I won't stop taking the pill because my period is living hell. I wish there was another option. Apparently you can laser off the inside of your uterus to stop periods, but the lining can grow back.

No. 246188

>>246065
I wish the pill wasn't the only thing that works for my pcos.
I've tried everything, I eat a healthy diet, cook everything from scratch and almost all of my ingredients are organic and local, I've even tried cutting off dairy and sugar completely for months at a time. Throughout my life my bmi has been around 18 to 20 whether I'm on or off the pill.
And for various reasons I've been on and off the pill since my teenage years.
When I'm on the pill my skin clears up and looks perfect and spotless, my hair is full and thick, my nails are strong, my body hair grows at a normal rate.
All it takes is a few months off the pill and my body gets fucked up. Without the pill I get awful acne and texture that doesn't clear up with anything, months of tretinoin, AHA and BHA do absolutely nothing. My hair falls out horribly like I literally get troon forehead. My body hair gets crazy too which I actually don't mind much except for my neck and facial hair, that I need to wax every other day. My nails become brittle. My period comes once ever 4 o 5 months which I actually don't mind lol.
I'm currently off the pill since March of last year because covid gave me clotting issues and my gyno told me to stop taking them immediately and indefinitely.
The pill does fuck up my libido and my mood though, but so does looking at the shower drain full of hair, and my receding troon forehead in the mirror, and my once clear and perfect skin now full of acne.
I don't think I can take the pill anymore if I'm at risk of getting clotting issues though. I wanna die.

No. 246193

>>246142
do NOT get an IUD. please.

No. 246198

>>246144
> you can laser off the inside of your uterus to stop periods, but the lining can grow back
That's so fucking metal

No. 246202

>>246198
imagine wanting to keep your useless reproductive organs.

No. 246211

>>246193
Nta but why not? I have an IUD, mostly because I'm terrible at taking the pill and I had a boyfriend at the time. I admit I don't like it one bit, and insertion was torture, but I'm curious.

No. 246230

>>246211
the migration rates of the IUD itself are much higher than they lead you to believe. not only that but the hormonal ones give you a hormone imbalance that may or may not resolve on it's own once it's removed.

No. 246291

>>246142
Interesting. I think I'll go off the pill for a bit and see what happens, if I don't like condoms or can't handle my periods without it I'll try switching to a progestin-only pill. Will report back if I remember.

Might be a dumb question, but is there any "withdrawal" when you stop taking it? Or can I expect things to more or less go normally?

No. 246308

>>246202
You shouldn't have such a cavalier tone towards your reproductive organs especially as a woman

No. 246317

>>246291
Whatever your body was like before you started taking the pill will be what it will return to over the next 6 months. So if you had pimples before taking the pill, they will come back. If the pill lowered your sex drive, it will come back. If you had painful periods before, they will come back.

No. 246335

>>246317
This didn't happen to me. I still have side effects from the pill years later, and I have to compensate for it with other shit. I have PCOS though

No. 246453

>>246202
I'm the anon who mentioned that there is a procedure that lasers off the lining of the uterus so you don't have periods and the reason why that is preferable to me than getting totally rid of my uterus is because it is way more invasive to get rid of the uterus that way whereas lasering off the inside of the uterus is pretty simple by comparison. Furthermore many doctors will not let you get your uterus removed if you're a certain age, but they may do the laser treatment, especially since that can be covered by insurance if you have the "condition" of painful periods.

No. 246467

>>246453
Good, removing the uterus shouldn't be taken so lightly. Women suffer cognitive imparement after removing their uterus, it is directly connected to the spatial and learning part of the brain.

I suffer from hellishly heavy periods and intense cramps, still preferable to the hell of removing the most important organ in the female body.

I wish more women realised just how delicate our system is, and that its isn't just a fetus container. Doctors shouldn't remove it even if someone never wants children unless as a very last resort (cancer etc), its good that they are so restrictive.

No. 246469

>>246317
3 years since I quit, still have side effects. Fucked my hormones so now my period is irregular and always late and way too light, my breasts are deflated, increased body hair, larger clit. Still suffer from yeast infections and utis.

And I took progesterone only.

Last 3 years I've been in a relationship I only used the pullout method, so either I'm now infertile because of the birth control, or its only risky because most men dont have enough self control. My ex always pulled out in time and we avoided fertile days.

No. 246477

>>246469
Not being rude but I don't get women who play risky games with sex and then when they luck out for any amount of time they shrug and say 'guess I'm probably infertile'

Your symptoms sound similar to pcos, a pill you took 3 years ago is probably not the cause of your issues today. Sounds like you're not addressing your health and you're not taking great precautions if 3 years of pulling out and assuming infertility are what you're relying on. This post is everything you shouldn't do.

No. 246485

>>246469
Anon don't play the pull out game, it's way too damn risky. As a woman you only, truly only stand to lose with pulling out.

No. 246492

>>246477
It is considered almost as safe as condoms with perfect use, and safer than many types of hormonal bc. I won't advocate it to other anons, because most wont actually research it enough or have a partner who they can trust to have enough self control. But if you know your body its very effective. BUT if you take into account that most people are dumb as shit with poor self control, yeah the failure rate is very high. If not, its about the same as using condoms, skip fertile days and its probably safer pregnancy wise. Know others with perfect use that has gone 10 years without failure, then decided to have kids, got kids and back on pull out method with no more children.

Also I know my body better than you. I had zero issues before birth control, perfect cycles perfect hormonal levels, that changed after a few years of bc with horrible side effects during that time. Pretty damn sure thats the cause, seeing as I had zero issues before that, and everything started after going on birth control. If you actually research it yourself, instead of just listening to doctors who have been told it has no long term effects and havent actually read about it themselves, you'll find out, surprise, there can be plenty of long term side effects. So many women report having permanent side effects and I'll trust my own body and their experiences over a paid for study done by big pharma.

No. 246495

I think it's very important to underline that it is almost as effective as condoms BUT only in case when woman is 100% confident in how regular and predictable her cycles are; and should also include daily measuring of temperature inside the vagina and observation of cervical mucus; as well as remembering that any bigger stress and illness may change the cycle increasing the risk of pregnancy. It's not impossible not to get pregnant only relying on natural methods but there are a LOT of variables to consider there and requires being much more careful than with any other contraception method

No. 246504

I unfortunately(?) can't be on any birth control anymore because of a genetic disorder I have where hormonal fluctuations or using hormonal contraceptives can make me very sick, but almost every day I hear stuff about birth control from my friends or see women online (rightfully so) complain about the side effects or how their boyfriends just will refuse to wear condoms under any circumstances.
Condoms aren't great, they definitely need an improvement, but I genuinely can't believe there are men out there who would let their partners undergo harmful mental and physical side effects all because they don't want to use a condom. Honestly, there's quite a lot of brands out there that make sturdy yet super-thin condoms where you can't feel the friction or rubber and in my experience it doesn't change the feeling of penetration at all. (EXS Air Thin comes to mind)

Idk, it makes me genuinely sick to think about the men who don't even question this stuff. There's next to no research being done on improving women's quality of life on bc and I've heard way too many stories of IUDS shifting or getting stuck…and now we have women trying to obsessively track their cycles and use 'natural methods' only to end up pregnant anyway because most of our cycles can be sensitive and change due to illness or stress.
Obviously I know bc can be great if you have hormonal issues and I think we should all have the right to use it, but at the same time I hate how it's just 'normal' to put young women and teenage girls on this stuff without even addressing the fact that men have, yet again, got their own way at the expense of women's comfort or health. I remember opening the packet of Dianette pills I got before I got tested for the disorder and the instructions paper that came with it had an entire side full of negative side effects that could happen when you take it…this shit can't be normal, I'm sorry. We absolutely have the wealth and time in this world to even achieve the bare minimum for womens reproductive health yet there's still barely any improvement.

To no surprise I never see or hear men talk about this shit, it's just considered normal for them to get the utmost pleasure out of everything while their girlfriends or wives have gained weight, suffered from moodswings and health issues. Sorry for ranting but in my experience and past it's just been so annoying to see men shrug off the responsibility of this and instead of doing a little bit of research to find, for example, a condom that will fit them and is thin enough, they just expect us to be happy to just deal with bc instead. It makes me so so mad.

No. 246513

>>246492
>I had zero issues before birth control, perfect cycles perfect hormonal levels, that changed after a few years of bc
Your cycle can also change as you get older or if you gain/lose a lot of weight. It doesn't necessarily mean it's caused by birth-control. I didn't have any PCOS symptoms until I was in my mid 20s and I never took the pill.

No. 246542

File: 1645981806268.png (29.95 KB, 221x222, 4MSNCSsTwH-10.png)

Told my bf that I want to try going off of the pill, and he had no problem with it whatsoever. I didn't think that he would, and I know it's a bare minimum thing so I shouldn't be too impressed, but after shitty guys insisting "but condoms don't feel good :(" I'm relieved.

I'll report back in a few months with any changes I notice. For ladies that do non-hormonal BC, what do you use? I'm wondering if I should back the condoms up with spermicide or something.

No. 246544

>>246542
I personally like my copper IUD, although the insertion was painful cause I forgot the painkillers. Cramps are also bad, but I have always had bad cramps so that's kinda meh for me

No. 247409

Paragard ladies, exactly how long did it take for your cramps and bleeding to go back to normal? I've been on BCPs since I was 16 so I never got cramps and barely got periods (spotting or one day of only clots) for 13 years, now I'm on month #6 with the copper IUD and the cramps are unbearable and I'm tired of bleeding on everything. Like on EVERYTHING. From the time I get out of the shower to walk to the bathroom cabinet to get a tampon I've already bled on the floor. TBF it might be "normal" cramps/bleeding and I'm just a wimp, but I really wish it would stop.

No. 247411

>>247409
Personally I've have a good experience from my copper IUD. At 8 months things were normal with mine. I'm over a year into having one and I have don't have any side effects at all. If you can I would probably get it checked just to make sure yours hasn't shifted or anything though.

No. 248072

I switched to Nexplanon last November and it’s been okay so far. No bleeding the first month but I’ve been basically spotting everyday since that. I don’t mind wearing a liner everyday but I don’t think this consistent spotting is really good in the long run idk. I think the inconsistent bleeding is supposed to stabilize after 3 months so at the end of this month, if things aren’t better, I’ll probably get it removed.

The only form of BC I’ve tried is Evra patches. I learned to clean the area with a bit of alcohol before applying the patch so I don’t get any bumps forming underneath that take for fucking ever to go away. It also helped manage some very minor undiagnosed PCOS so that the hirsutism on my chin and neck was pretty much negligible. Barely had to pluck anything ever. Literally the only thing I miss about using the patch.

No. 248295

If this isn't allowed in here I'll delete my post, but do any of you use herbs and/or supplements to regulate period symptoms? I have PMDD according to my doctor and gynecologist but lately my symptoms have been extremely mild compared to normal. I started taking vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium on a near-daily basis three months ago (can give dosages if anyone's interested) and I also changed my diet to include more protein and omega-3. I've also noticed good results from drinking raspberry leaf, spearmint, and damiana teas. I haven't tried this one myself, but I hear vitex/chasteberry and maca are also used for hormone regulation (mostly by menopausal women, and I don't think any of us are quite there yet). I don't use tea bags - I just steep the dried herbs in water. Obviously this is just anecdotal evidence and I did the medical equivalent of throwing a bunch of shit at a wall and seeing what stuck, but I'm frequently frustrated with the lack of conventional medical support for female hormonal issues and even if I can't isolate what is driving the improvement in symptoms I've found that all of these things help to some degree.

No. 248296

>>248295
Samefag; I forgot to mention that I also take evening primrose oil consistently.

No. 248312

>>248295
I used to take chasteberry/Vitex as I believe I have some hormonal problems that doctors don't seem to care about kek it sucks. It made my period super late and only eased cramps slightly, so I went off them and later started drinking spearmint instead. Wow was it amazing…tasted great and it cleared up quite a lot of my androgen acne to be honest, unfortunately again it did nothing for my period. Only thing I've found that works for period pain etc is raspberry leaf tea. Herbal stuff is super beneficial when you do plenty of research, I think it does depend on which hormone is out of control though. I'm sure I have high androgens so that's probably why vitex did nothing for me, but I 100% support herbal medicine for womens issues, I'm also disappointed at the state of conventional medicine too, especially after seeing so many of my friends suffer with side effects from the IUD or implant (not bashing these, I just don't think they are suitable for everyone)

No. 248752

What's the difference between all the pills? I know there's combination pills and progestin-only, but which is the least harmful?

The last one I took is Altavera (0.15mg levonorgestrel/0.03mg ethinyl estradiol). I didn't have a bad experience with it or anything, I've just been looking into the downsides of hormonal birth control and wanted to either stop it or switch to something "better." I'm most concerned with the pill potentially making it harder to build muscle and it lowering my sex drive.

No. 248765

>>248752
progestin-only pills are commonly recommended to athletes, because there is no evidence they interfere with muscle development. There is also lower stroke/clot and weight gain risk if you take a pill without estrogen.

No. 248766

>>248752
The POP or minipill isn't really safer or better than the combined pill. The side effects may be different but there are drawbacks to both. It's mainly given to women whose bodies react dangerously to the combined pill, or women who choose not to take an estrogen pill for whatever reason. Both pills can kill your sex drive. Ymmv but my sex drive was ok on the combined pill and completely obliterated on the minipill to the point where I was sex repulsed. But I had to switch to the minipill because the combined pill was causing me serious neurological problems. I was barely functional on the minipill but not comfortable or normal. All this to say you will probably do fine if the combined pill works for you, but there are risks and negative side effects to both.

No. 248781

>>248766
>>248765
Interesting. What about the shot, or the implant? Do they affect muscle growth or sex drive? Are there unique side effects to those?

No. 248785

My menstrual cup smells like death and I can't get the smell out. It's pretty old. Is it time retire it?

No. 248809

>>248781
Both the shot and the implant are known to cause many more side effects than the minipill, unfortunately. You could not pay me to have either, personally. I've heard horror stories abour weight gain, moodiness, acne, etc.

The minipill may make your skin worse in comparison to an estrogen-containing pill, but the shot and implant usually cause many more problems with skin. Again, no personal experience with either, because I'm deathly afraid of them.

I was able to get some control over the minipill acne issue - but keep in mind that I have always had problems with breakouts. The minipill didn't make them worse, but they were more frequent.

No. 248810

>>248785
probably time to get a new one

No. 249501

Do any of you get IUD pain? I dont usually but from time to time I can feel my mirena sort of… stabbing me? Today was particularly bad as the dull uterus pain lasted like a whole day..

No. 250346

Switching from implant to copper IUD next week. I was exhausted of just not being myself, having no drive at all, no libido.
Can I expect a happier life after the switch?

No. 250419

File: 1647544778541.jpeg (211.45 KB, 852x581, 185A4EBB-DA25-48FB-A5F6-75CAD4…)

Ignorant virgin here. I was given little to no sex Ed growing up beyond ‘penis goes in vagina. Then pregnant’. Since I have nobody to have sex with, most of these questions are regarding IF I were to have sex. I have a couple of questions. Should I use condoms during blowjobs if both me and my partner are virgins/have gotten tested for STIs and know we’re both clean? I feel like I’d use them during blowjobs even if me and my hypothetical partner were both clean and were in a committed relationship because it seems irresponsible not to, even if it seems common to not use condoms during oral sex

Also, how effective are just condoms during penetrative sex? I dislike the idea of birth control pills because they can seriously fuck up your mental health, skin, weight etc, so I’m considering just using just penile condoms and only having sex a little bit before my ovulation window (Even though I haven’t tried checking my temperature to see when I’m ovulating, I might consider when I want to have sex), even though I usually get the most horny during my ovulatory window

No. 250420

>>250419
Just to clarify, I would still use condoms even if it were before my ovulation window

No. 250423

>>249501
baby go have an ultrasound asap bc that is NOT normal. my mirena never caused any pain in all 5 years of having it

No. 250427

>>250419
If you are both clean, there's no reason to use condoms during oral sex. It would just be awkward, condoms don't feel nice in your mouth at all. Many come with lubricants that will taste awful and they have that latex rubbery smell and taste to them. Why do you feel like it would be irresponsible to not use them during bjs? If you don't like the taste/texture of semen, you could just tell your partner to finish off somewhere else than your mouth.

Condoms are around 95% effective or something like that, but it drastically drops when you consider the human factor. Like around 75% or so, I don't remember the numbers. Many things can go wrong, although it's not that common.
I have a copper IUD and I like it, it has no hormones and it's effectiveness is around 99.5%, something like that. The downsides are: painful insertion and adapting period, stronger cramps (i always had them so eh) and heavier period flow.

No. 250437

>>250346
Look into menstrual discs; they hold so much blood.

No. 250449

>>250419
>a little bit before my ovulation window
why? sperm can stay inside you for days so this is actually a bad idea to avoid pregnancy, around your period esp right after should be your least fertile days

No. 250518

>>250419
>condoms during oral with a tested clean partner
What? If you don't like the idea of putting your mouth around a penis, condoms won't help with that. Have him cum elsewhere if it's about the swallowing. I don't see the logic behind this, many want BJs if you're using condoms for PiV because of the lack of condoms that is assumed for the act. Condoms decrease sensation for the man.

The window being before you ovulate is a terrible idea, sperm lives inside of you for days, especially X sperm, so it is possible you could be impregnated days afterwards.

Condoms realistically don't provide that much protection due to human error. You will probably want birth control past a certain point.

No. 250532

>>250518
>Condoms decrease sensation for the man.
She doesn't have to sacrifice her comfort so the man gets more pleasure. Some women can have issues with oral when there's skin contact, stop policing people. Also drop the redditspacing.

No. 250536

>>250518
Who gives a shit, men should just be happy anyone is willing to do that for them.

No. 250557

>>250518
>Condoms decrease sensation for the man.

Who fucking cares? If men are going to be such crybabies about condoms they can go and do their research and find one that fits comfortably for them. They have all the options in the world from custom-fit, ultra-thin to ones made out of alternative materials. They have way more choice and barely any of it comes as a health risk compared to women having to go on birth control and risk blood clots, weight gain and moodswings because muh moid doesn't like condoms.
Men can literally get a 48-pack of the worlds second-thinnest condom for maybe 8, 10 bucks at most. Maybe it isn't as 'intimate or pleasurable' for them no but neither is the risk of pregnancy, stds or the side effects of being on birth control for us.

No. 250571

>>250427
>>250518
Thanks for clearing that up for me, for some reason I thought that you could still pass stis/stds through oral even both parties were clean. idk where I got that assumption from.

>>250449
I didn't know that sperm stayed in the body. So maybe having sex just before your period starts is better?

I'm considering either:
-not having penetrative sex at all, and just sticking to oral sex until marriage
-only having sex with guys who've had some experience with condoms before so they're less likely to fail from human error. I honestly idgaf about whether or not he doesn't like condoms though
-get a copper iud since my period pains are quite minimal (only experience pretty bad period pains on the first day of my period, but that can be fixed by having some pain killers) though my blood flow is quite a lot already, but I don't think I'd mind more, but I'm quite sensitive to pain

No. 250577

>>250571 I've been using the copper IUD for about 10 years now and would really recommend it. My periods are heavy/painful but they were anyway when I wasn't taking the pill, I don't think they are really any worse now. Hormonal contraception just did not work for me, the pill sent me insane and the implant meant I had zero sex drive and three week long periods. Plus I also think it's a bit of a fucked up concept tbh. I personally wouldn't trust withdrawal or avoiding sex at certain times of the month (although a lot of people do). Apparently you can supplement that with daily temperature checks using a special thermometer which more accurately tracks your cycle, which might make it a bit more effective, a friend of mine does this, but she is also a bit woo woo so idk.

Obviously not having sex is the best method but I really enjoy penetrative sex so that would be a big sacrifice for me. I would always back condoms up with a secondary method too since as nonnies have described they can fail easily & also disgusting moids might try to stealth you.

No. 250578

>>250577
Samefag, sorry for the retarded long sentence there

No. 251207

>Also, how effective are just condoms during penetrative sex?

Effectiveness is measured as pregnancies per year. Condoms have a typical use effectiveness of around 80% which means about 1 woman out of every 5 will get pregnant after one year of using only condoms with their partner. This puts it in the same category as other birth control methods such as pulling out: generally terrible and not recommended for this purpose unless better options can't be used.

The main advantage of condoms is STI prevention and for that they are universally recommended. They also add to the protection of more effective birth control methods such as IUDs. Using both an IUD and a condom means both need to fail at the same time in order to get pregnant, and the chance is low enough as to be negligible.

No. 251228

>>248809
How did you get control over minipill acne? I didn't realize that was common until reading this thread! Between the minipill and wearing a mask to college, my acne is out of control.

No. 251241

You just make your bf have a vasectomy and you're good to go after jacking him off over 20 times post-surgery

No. 251384

File: 1648014560590.gif (741.66 KB, 252x252, 654654656.gif)


No. 251385

Haven't seem to have found an answer yet, but have any of you nonnas successfully increased your libido through other means while on the pill? (I am already on a low dose and no I cannot go off the pill I am also on it for other medical reasons)

No. 251425

>>251228
I use a sulfur face wash and got a prescription for Differin (day use only). I think Differin is over-the-counter in some countries. At night, I spot treat with benzoyl peroxide cream. 2-3x a week I use a mild exfoliating scrub.

All these things have helped. In the summer I may switch things up a bit and try using glycolic acid treatment on any hyperpigmentation marks. But most vital for me was getting into a more consistent routine so I could see whether my skin improved or not.

No. 254981

Have anons here has their strings from an iud disappear? I asked my gp to remove my iud but she couldn't find the strings so I got an ultrasound and they confirmed, couldn't see strings. Is this anything to be concerned about? My doc seemed pretty nonchalant about it

No. 255189

>>254981
As long as your doctor isn't freaking out about it, it's probably fine.
If you're really worried, you could just call a gyno and ask them. I'm sure they'd answer the question for you

No. 261092

There's a guy I've been seeing and we are both very interested in each other. The sex is good but the only problem is that sometimes he is a bit hesitant about having sex with me. This is mainly because i dont take any kind of birth control (i felt there was no point if im single and rarely having sex). We had tried using a condom i got from a year ago but he didn't enjoy it, I've been too anxious to buy condoms myself. We did it raw once too but i had to make sure i took the morning after pill.

I think he would really prefer if i was taking some sort of birth control. His only previous experience was from his ex and she was on birth control. I dont want to get depress and loose my high libido from taking something (he already likes how easily turned on i get from just being close to him). I also dont want to take something long term until im at least in a relationship with him.

Should I look into getting a copper IUD, try to get him to use condoms more or should i just not have sex with him (but continue with oral)

No. 261101

>>261092
>We had tried using a condom i got from a year ago but he didn't enjoy it
Oh ok, so he doesn't like the fact that you're not taking any form of birth control (which is very understandable) but is ok with the fact that he gets to raw you? And that you have to take the morning after pill which has unpleasant effects for the woman? Why?? How do you know he doesn't have STIs? Have you guys been tested? Unprotected sex is so, so risky… A condom is one of the better contraceptives save for the iud/surgery and reduces STIs significantly. Who the fuck cares if he doesn't enjoy sex with a condom?? If he doesn't want to wear a condom, too fucking bad; no sex for him EVER. Your body and health are so much more important than some scrote's whining about "muh dick don't feel good in condom". Honestly, never let a guy you've just seeing (dunno how long you guys have been dating for but it doesn't sound like much) do you raw.

No. 261102

>>261101
Samefag, copper iuds seem to be hit or miss for some women. I have heard anecdotes where women get heavier, more painful periods pre vs post iud. Can you afford an IUD? Do you have insurance? Definitely consider a copper iud but please please PLEASE make him wear a condom. Unless you guys have claimed exclusivity, you don't know where his dick's been.

No. 261117

>>261092
You sound very young anon, is this really the type of relationship you want? You shouldn’t be embarrassed to buy condoms or insist that your partner wears them. No matter what a guy tells you, pretty much every guy can get off with a condom. It is still very enjoyable (for the man) and safer than unprotected sex. It sounds like he’s trying to guilt you with the “but my ex didn’t make me wear a condom!” but that should be a huge red flag. He clearly just wants unsafe sex and doesn’t seem to care how you feel about it or if you have to take Plan B (which is not regular birth control and should only be used in emergencies, it’s a massive amount of hormones). Don’t be afraid to assert yourself and have a high standard for your sexual partners. Safeguard your health and well-being first. Anyone can get and spread STDs, and many people who practice casual sex don’t use condoms or get tested.

No. 261125

>>261092
Sorry nonna but this guy is stupid - you can absolutely have enjoyable sex with a condom unless this dude is a porn addict with death grip. Birth control is risky for women across the board whereas condoms are varied and entirely safe for men even with allergies. You can literally just google the thinnest brands of condoms, in the UK they do EXS Air Thin which feels like the guy doesn't even have anything on. There's no excuse for moids to not wear condoms, and you shouldn't even be contemplating birth control just to get him to shut up - too many women have done this and faced the very real serious risks of birth control just so their boyfriends feelings and arousal is validated.

Don't fall for it - he needs to wrap it up and be a man and buy that shit for himself. If he can't do that then he doesn't even seem mentally mature enough to have sex.

No. 261141

>>261101
He wasn't fully okay to go raw on me but i encouraged him because i wanted to have sex with him and he didnt wanted to use the condom. We have only done this once. I did test myself a few times before i got with him mainly because the partner I had before would go raw and do the pull out method, which i now know its stupid and bad. I tried encouraging my previous partner to use condoms but he would either forget or use it once out of the 3 times of us having sex. I wasnt assertive enough and let him have sex with me raw.

We have been seeing each other for 5 months now and we would only have sex once a month or two. I totally agree though that he should use a condom.

>>261102
I think getting a IUD is free in my country? I'm from the UK. but yeah the side affects are the main reason i don't want to take anything, at least with a condom it doesn't affect the guy's inner body. We have been exclusive since I started seeing him. I finally had the courage to start rejecting all the other guys who really want to fuck me or have me as a fuck friend when all I want is an actual relationship.

>>261117
I'm in my mid 20s while the guy i'm seeing is in his early 20s. Yeah i really shouldnt be embarrassed about buying condoms but i'm not used to it. I've been bought up in a religious home (I still live with my parents) and I shouldnt really be doing anything sexual in the first place. I have tried to buy condoms but i end up overthinking and then i dont know which one to pick let alone what size. So instead i use the ones given to me from my last sex clinic appointment. It would be nice if the guy i'm seeing could pick up condoms since he's the one who's mentioning more about birth control and knows his size.

He isn't guilt tripping me, or at least i dont think he is, its more that his only sexual experience is with someone who uses a birth control and he never used a condom with her. So i'm guessing he would be much more comfortable having sex with me if i was on birth control because he's used to that. I should try and get him to be more comfortable with using a condom though.

You're right about how i need to be more assertive about him wearing a condom instead. Being assertive to guys have been one of my struggling point and ever since being with the current guy I'm seeing I've been more confident to say no to guys.

The guy I am seeing did say to me the other day to let him know if there's something i'm having an issue with him about (i worded that so badly but hopefully you understand what I mean). So now would be a good time for me to bring up the condoms situation.

>>261125
See thats exactly why I dont want to be taking anything to have sex, I've done my research and have seen from my friend the side affects of going on birth control.

Thanks for the EXS Thin air recommendation, that's already a good place to start and recommend to him. Yeah i dont want to be taking any birth controls if we arent even in a relationship together, its not worth the risk and side effects.

Thanks anon, i will try and get him to buy his own condoms instead of maybe relying on me, though i will buy some too as backup.

No. 261176

>>261092
If you're too embarrased to buy condoms you're too immature to have sex

No. 261186

>>261176
I'm not immature, i did say that i tried to buy condoms before and i brought condoms when i saw the guy i'm interested in. He wasn't even fully sure on how to put the condom on properly, unless maybe it was the wong size. The only issue was that i didnt know which ones to pick up and i ended up overthinking by the condom section of the store. Also i worry about a mutual family friend seeing me buy them/ my parents finding them.

If i wasn't brought up in a religious household, wasnt sharing a room with my sister, wasn't living with my parents and had a better idea of what condoms to pick up then maybe i wouldn't be so anxious about picking up condoms. It can be an anxious thing sometimes to buy something for sex in a shop especially if you spend too much time lingering around.

Had to stop myself here before i end up ranting too much.

No. 261195

>>261186
>>261141
>He wasn't fully okay to go raw on me but i encouraged him
Clearly he was fully ok with it since he did it anyway instead of going to a pharmacy to buy some condoms.
> did test myself a few times
That's great! I'm glad you were proactive. But did he? It doesn't matter if you tested negative if he has something.
>I wasnt assertive enough and let him have sex with me raw.
I have to agree with the other anons that you probably shouldn't be having sex even if you're in your mid 20s. Age doesn't mean maturity and what you told us reflects that. I was mid 20s too but I used condoms with all my partners, and if there were no condoms, we'd do something else or make one of us get it. You need to be more aggressive about condom use because like I said before, your health and body are much more important than some scrote not liking condoms. You only get one body!
>i didnt know which ones to pick up and i ended up overthinking by the condom
Any condoms are fine, unless the dick is extremely small or extremely big. Just buy any condom that isn't expire and you're good to go. Also, any decent guy is going to bring his own condoms. Why the fuck couldn't this guy get his own? How lazy of him.

No. 261209

Has anyone had any experience with the copper IUD? I'm pregnant currently and am discussing birth control options for after pregnancy, I'm scared hormones will lower my milk supply and extra estrogen causes excess growth of my endometriosis tissue. IUDs freak me out because it can cause ectopic pregnancies. What would be a good option anons?

No. 261227

>>261209
I was on the mini pill. It didn’t impact my milk supply. Just needed lots of healthy carbs and water.

No. 261242

>>261209
doesn't breastfeeding stop you from ovulating anyway?

No. 261263

>>261242
No. It does not. You may not have a period reliably but that is not the same as not being able to get pregnant. If you cycle one month of the twelve. You will get pregnant and a pregnancy within 18 months of another one is life threatening and high risk. You’re actually more likely to get pregnant the first two months after your child. And shouldn’t be having sex for 4-6 weeks to heal and close the cervix.

No. 261268

>>261209
Copper IUD bleeding is no joke, I'd hate to go through that while nursing and sleep deprived even if it works perfectly.
I'd say use condoms until it's safe to do hormonal bc again.

No. 261294

>>261141
>>261186
AYRT, from someone who was also brought up super religious with a weird view of sex, being that anxious when it comes to buying protection isn’t okay. You are putting yourself at risk and you’re more likely to not express your boundaries (or even know what they are) because you’re trying to please the other person. Even if you say you’re not being guilted or you offered, it sounds like it’s coming from a place of insecurity and a desire to not disappoint your current guy. A good sexual partner wouldn’t be okay with having unprotected sex since it puts you both at risk, but a bad one will take advantage of your inexperience and desire to please. Put yourself first.

No. 261295

Any anons got an advice to get your period to get a jog on and arrive? I wanna sleep with a guy next week because not that he deserves it but I want the attention haha

No. 261313

>>261295
I would assume exercise and masturbation can help with that. I usually get the last of my period out shortly after orgasm.

No. 261319

>>261295
I second exercise advice, some intense physical effort always worked for me. This + hot baths if it's possible.

No. 261341

>>261295
Stretching (no inversions) that opens the hips. Cinnamon, mugwort, fenugreek, pineapple juice all stimulate uterine contractions that can help it come sooner.

No. 261469

>>261295
Currently got a pineapple juice with a cheeky gin after the gym and running a bath, thank you nonitas

No. 261523

>>261195
what would be the best way to ask him about if he's tested himself? after reading your comment I had some time to think about my actions and realised that yeah I let too much of my sexual desires get the best of me while with the guy i'm dating.

I know I can be more confident and aggressive to him about getting condoms, I just need to be confident about what condoms to use and why using a condom would be much better than getting birth controls. If I could I would just pick up the most simplest condom I could find without all the climax, pleasure or intimate types. I know i'm overthinking it but I worry about if the condoms would feel weird for me.

anyways I'm sure I can be physical with him without the sex until i'm confident about the condoms


>>261294
I know it isn't okay, do you live with your religious family while keeping your sexual interests away from them? Also I did brought condoms I got from my last sex clinic appointment with me. I just never bought condoms myself because I rarely had sex.
>Even if you say you’re not being guilted or you offered, it sounds like it’s coming from a place of insecurity and a desire to not disappoint your current guy.
okay yeah this part is true, I do like him but I tend to over plan and overthink things.

yeah I will put myself first, I just sometimes worry that it's more me putting him at risk rather than the other way around.


Thank you all for your advices and for making me realise how much of my health I'm risking.

No. 261536

>>261523
Just straight him ask when the last time he got tested and make him show the results. If he hasn't ever got tested, make him get one and refuse to sleep with him until he gets tested. If he refuses to both, leave him.
>If I could I would just pick up the most simplest condom I could find without all the climax, pleasure or intimate types.
Just get lubed ones. KISS: keep it simple, silly!
Obv condoms will feel weird, lol, but if you can't handle the feeling, either use lambskin condoms (don't really suggest it since they don't prevent STIs like latex) or just do other things instead.

No. 261538

>>261523
Tbh I don’t live with family anymore, but when I did, I never discussed it because I knew what a headache it would be. Everything about sex, sexual health, condoms, etc I learned from the internet. Even if you can’t discuss it with them, it’s a good idea to look up condoms online and read their reviews, that way you know what to get before you go to the store (or you could even buy them online, but I know my family would open my packages kek). The different names like “climax” and whatnot aren’t important, all lubed latex condoms are pretty similar. I’m a burger so the biggest brand is Trojan, but you should search the top selling condom brand in your country and look at the reviews.

>I just sometimes worry that it's more me putting him at risk rather than the other way around.

Unprotected sex is a risk to you both, but the fact is a huge number of guys just don’t care about the risks and would rather go condomless because it feels better for them. It’s unfair but it’s also more dangerous for women because of pregnancy and potential infertility problems from STDs. I would just ask him straight up if he’s been tested (no need to sugarcoat or step around it). Ask to see the results. Getting tested yourself is a good idea too because some people will lie, and most STDs are easily treatable early on.

No. 264478

>>251385
Seconding this. I'm horribly depressed from outside circumstances AND from the fact that I can't control when I want to have sex. I'm dry as a bone no matter what and it's such a huge mood killer. I'm sorry, nonnie, I have no answer. I don't want to get off the pill because I have terrible PMS and IUDs are out of the question.

Is the mini pill any better?

No. 266197

first method didn't work, took plan b to be safe, this was right as my period was ending. about when can I expect my next period? it's been exactly a month and I'm usually pretty regular though I know the hormone overdose can mess with the timing

No. 266198

I'm considering and IUD, should the strings be trimmed short or left long? My partner has experience with getting poked by them so I was wondering it maybe leaving it longer is the way to go.

No. 268147

Nonas I took a birth control pill for about 6 1/2 years and stopped taking it in october 2021. after that I only had one minor bleeding for half a day in november.
In february my doctor told me to take chaste tree (? if that's the correct word in english idk lmao) but it didn't work. After taking some blood samples last month she told me I had PCOS. After seeing a diabetologist and taking a glucose intolerance test I was told that I am not resistant to insuline though.
My obgyn wants me to take a birth control pill again to lower the risk of uterine cancer and endometriosis that might occur due to me having no period - but two weeks ago I randomly got my period for the first time since november. The only typical PCOS symptoms I have are my bad skin and maybe some excess hair on my chin and my upper lip, but that's it. (and I already had both of these while I was still on birth control)
Do you think I might just have the post pill syndrom and my doctor diagnosed me too fast? I don't want to be that type of person to distrust medically educated doctors but I'm wondering if heightened male hormones could also just be a temporary state after me stopping taking the pill?
Has anyone here had a wrong PCOS diagnosis after not taking the pill anymore?

edit: I don't want to get pregnant I just wanted to switch back to condoms and stop taking a pill I don't actually need

No. 268152

>>268147
I got diagnosed with PCOS and didn’t have my period for years, the pill gives me migraines so aren’t an option, what ended up working for me was exercise. I work out every day and now my periods are like clockwork, so it could be worth a shot to try to kickstart your bodies metabolism and see what happens (this assumes you don’t already work out).

No. 268160

>>268147
Pretty sure I got wrongfully diagnosed after going through an angry spell. I have zero PCOS symptoms otherwise plus birth control fucked me up bad. I feel like birth control is just the lazy option for doctors who don't feel like going into detail or doing additional testing

No. 268808

>>268152
Thanks nona, I went into a workout slump for some month but started again recently. Gonna try to get back on track, maybe I'll be lucky as well. If not I'll take birth control again because I'd rather swallow a hormone cocktail than get cancer or endometriosis or whatever shit I was warned about, but I want to continue working out regularly again anyway so I'll see if that helps. Thanks for the advice

I'm still hoping I got a false diagnosis but I asked my doctor and she said that's very unlikely. But at least I'm normal weight without insuline problems so I'm content with whatever happens.

No. 270736

I'm getting my I'd out next month. I need a form of contraception to use for two months before trying to conceive. Everything hormonal is out because it would hinder fertility. My husband has severe psoriasis on his penis, which rules out male condoms and probably Phexxi. Does anyone know if Nonoxynol-9 stings on open wounds? Has anyone used female condoms, and if so, is there a large amount of friction for the male? If we can't find a method that doesn't cause problems, we have no problem with abstinence, but I'd like to be able to have sex. Can anyone with psoriasis or experience with a partner with psoriasis weigh in?

No. 270765

>>270736
Nonoxynol-9 might sting your husband unfortunately. It can be irritating on regular skin if used too often. I personally have sensitive skin and it kind of burns me down there

No. 271188

repost from ot

I want to get back on BC but I don't want to take any hormones anymore, and it seems like all the non-hormonal BC is either ineffective, unpleasant, or straight up disgusts me. Let's see…

-condoms: feel bad, I don't like them
-copper IUD: really grosses me out, everything from the insertion process, the idea that it can move, it giving you hellish cramps and very long periods
-internal condom/diaphragm/sponge/cap: I don't like the idea of inserting anything like that
-spermicide: I'd be most willing to try this but can you do oral with it? lol I like to sit on my bf's face. seems like it would ooze out by itself it's not the most effective. what is it, something like a 25 percent chance of getting pregnant? those are horrible odds.
-fertility tracking: unreliable and requires dedication

what do, anons? do I suck it up and try the copper iud? go back on pills? try the implant? become celibate and reach enlightenment?

No. 272067

>>270736
Why are you having kids with a man who has psoriasis? Do you want to have kids with psoriasis?

No. 272436

Hi nonnies, has anyone experienced their periods getting worse with the copper IUD? I was getting random spotting in between periods which I never used to get, I wasn't sure if it was a side effect from the Pfizer vaccine since a lot of women have reported their menstrual cycles changing after it.
I can no longer feel my strings and my periods are getting crampier and crampier. Coincidentally I had an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound before all of this happened and everything was fine. I doubt I've expelled the IUD given how much pain I'm in but I don't know if my IUD is working as intended or it's perforated my uterus. I've had it for 1.5 years.

No. 272437

>>272436
>I can no longer feel my strings
I think you should have it checked nona.

No. 272504

>>272436

I just got my copper iud removed and I had it for over 7 years. The cramping was terrible every period even though I was told that it would get better after 6 months.

I went and got it checked a few years ago becuase I thought it went through my uterus or was mal aligned but it was ok.

It just finally felt like I needed to get rid of it and the doctor was pretty condescending about my choice to remove it and not replace it with something else. Kinda felt like she treated me like a teenager instead of being nearly 30.

Never had the spotting between periods though.

Good luck nonna. I’m happy I got rid of mine and taking a break from birth control and relationships while I figure myself out.

No. 272556

>>272436
My IUD made me bleed like a stuck pig every month and have terrible cramps. I went from a light, 4-day period to a heavy, crampy, 7+ day period. It turns out, the IUD flipped upside down in my body somehow and I had to have it removed.

No. 272603

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Having the Nexplanon implant was awful. It would make me queasy whenever something would press against that part of my arm. It was the worst when I would be trying to sleep with that arm on top of my blankets. The blankets press that spot ahhhh it makes me want to gag thinking about it. It didn't hurt at all; it was just really gross and made me feel weirdly claustrophobic, like I needed to get it now at once but was (obviously) unable to until I saw my dr. 0/10 Picrel makes me extremely uncomfortable.

No. 272705

>>272603
I cringed reading this. The implant has always been so disturbing to me and I was wondering how it worked or what happened if you touched it. No thanks. Glad you got rid of it

No. 273872

I stopped taking the pill around october last year, so about 8 months ago. I had some minor bleeding in november and only got an actual period in may. Is this still normal after taking a birth control pill for 6-7 years? Don't know if this is still within a normal range or if I should see my doctor (I suppose she'll just tell me to take the pill again tho so I don't know…)

No. 273879

>>273872
When I stopped taking the pill my period stopped for months.

It freaked me out and I did go back on the pill becuase the doctor told me to do it.

Tbh it makes me rage looking back at it.

No. 273881

>>273879
That's exactly what I'm scared about, I don't want to go back to taking the pill 'just because', I really want to get back to a natural ccle and I know most gynecologists just want to hand out the pill as if it's some kind of candy.
I was just wondering how ling a potential 'post pill syndrom' could last and at which point I HAVE to see my doctor, cause not having a period /or withdrawal bleeding when you're taking the pill) seems to heighten the risk for cancer (?)

That's why I wanna know how long other nonas have had irregular periods (or none at all) after not taking the pill anymore and at which point I should go see my doctor

No. 274033

Has anybody gotten a Paragard removed and then noticed a shift in their LH surge. I currently surge one week before my period but I'm getting my I'd out next cycle.

No. 274646

Have any anons been on a mirena and pill combo? My docs put me on it because I had an ovary and endo removed but I honestly hate knowing how many hormones im on, im scared its going to make me infertile or something.

No. 277342

Anons who have taken plan B while ovulating, did it work out okay? Is it actually less effective if you're ovulating? Should I expect my period to be super fucked?
The condom slipped off while I was ovulating and I'm kinda scared to death

No. 277359

>>277342
>slipped off
make sure he wears the correct size if there is a next time. Guys being to proud to choose the one that fits because it isn't the biggest are so stupid.

No. 277442

>>277359
I mean as he pulled out after cumming, the condom stayed inside me. Definitely wasn't deliberate.

No. 277451

>>277342
I took plan B when I was younger and scared a few times, I didn't care to track my cycle so I most likely took it while ovulating and didn't have much difference in effect. Hopefully you'll be okay. I know "one sperm gets you pregnant" kind of deal but also imagine how many couples have a hard time convincing. I have an IUD now but don't be too worried Nona. The stress will kill you.

No. 277452

Condom slipping isn’t a fit issue always, sometimes it gets too dry or you clench too hard (happens with multiple partners and they’re definitely not all small peen). I’m in the same boat low key terrified because it slipped off last week and I was ovulating at the time, he hadn’t finished though.

No. 277455

>>277452
Did you get plan b too or? Only time I ever had to go get it, it was for a slip off. He hadn't finished but I went to a clinic the next day and they said to go ahead and take it to be safe.

No. 277514

>>277455
No it’s happened a bunch of times and didn’t think it was worth it honestly then by the time I started worrying it had already been a few days. Eh I’ll figure it out in a few weeks, at least my period is extremely regular

No. 277546

Has anyone taken the mini pill before? How has it effected them? I'm on it currently but want to switch to depo provera in the future

No. 277566

I’m getting my Mirena IUD taken out after 5 years, I’m kind of nervous and excited because I’ve been trying to lose weight, lifting weights and eating a very strict diet but the weight doesn’t seem to budge. I’ve also noticed that it has made me very moody and quite aggressive. Hopefully this will be the solution to my problem but if it isn’t I’ll go back on it because I no longer get my period and have saved so much money on pads and tampons.

No. 277575

>>277546
unfortunately i couldnt tell any difference between the regular pill and the minipill. both made me throw up every day and gave me awful moodswings and anxiety. but only the minipill gave me awful acne when i stopped it smh.

No. 278138

The loss of libido while on the pill is the strangest feeling. I used to naturally be in the mood during certain times of the month, but now that's just completely gone. It doesn't really bother me and I still desire to have sex, but it's just way more muted. It just feels so weird for it to be so suppressed, especially when I was used to my cycle for many years.

No. 278149

What is the best bc methode to you? I am honestly undecided about that like I do not want to take hormones (and my period is not as painful as it used to be and I am afraid it will make it worse again and all the other risk of cancer etc. scare me), I hear from so many that the cupper IUD were painful, did not work or had to be taken out after like a shorttime because they started to suddenly get allergic to it, implants also have hormones and I notiice like every little needle in my body so I guess I would feel it too (or at least think I will feel it)? Condomes are a must, which I am not questioning, I just want a second methode

No. 278229

>>278149
I suffered so much from birth control I just rely on condoms with spermicide, now. I consider that good enough. Because my boyfriend and I are very careful, we use the right size and apply them correctly and have never had a tear in our nearly 8 year relationship. Or a pregnancy scare. It's better than being suicidal on birth control

No. 278253

>>278149
I was really worried and unsure before I started the pill but it has been okay for me so far. Not everyone gets horrible side affects. One method might be perfect for one person and hell on earth for another. The one nice thing about the pill is that you can stop taking it if you do have bad side affects, rather than having to go to the doctors to get it removed. Same goes for the patch and ring.

No. 278447

>>278253
this is why I tried pills. I tried two kinds of progesterone-only pills (no estrogen). One made me bleed randomly without warning and messed up my skin more than the other. I didn't bloat or gain any weight. I was encouraged by the fact that athletes typically take POPs since they don't alter body comp. I hate bc personally but have deep endo (on my intestines) so I have to be on it. Well, I'm taking a break right now, but I'm sure my gyn will insist I go back on it.

I only agreed to take it because it is easy to stop if something isn't working. It's absolutely horrible that doctors haven't figured out the actual cause of deep endo yet. I had to have an emergency operation because it destroyed my cecum and caused telescoping of my intestines. I put off going to the ED for days bc we were in lockdown and I thought it was a GI bug. Later I found out that telescoped intestines can be fatal if not treated within 1-5 days. Chilling.

No. 279058

I'm highly considering getting my IUD removed because I no longer have sex and most likely will not have sex again for the rest of my life. It's useless. I've been on it for 6 years now and got it replaced once. Still have a few years to go on it but I kind of just wanna yank it. I'm curious to see if my skin will improve or if I'll manage to lose weight. Just saw another anon say she got veiny from BC so now I'm thinking that's where my spider veins came from.
But fuck…my periods were always so damn heavy without it and I don't want to go back to that mess. Hate tampons, hate bleeding through diaper pads and ruining my panties. Never did cups but they freak me out and feel like they'd fill super quick for me. And period panties seem gross but idk. Not sure what to do…

No. 279374


No. 279431

I got diagnosed with PCOS and started birth control a month ago. The problem is, I had a regular period, every 31 days, and my only symptoms are hormonal acne and mild hirsutism.
Should I reconsider it? I understand that the risk of cancer is caused by not having a regular period, if I don’t have this risk why would my obgyn push me towards birth control?
It made me gain a ton of weight and emotional/aggressive. I also don’t need the contraceptive part because im a lesbian.

No. 279445

>>279431
Definitely get second opinions, PCOS is way overdiagnosed since it's an easy way to pick at women's insecurities. Had an irregular period and extremely heavy bleeding with acne, got diagnosed with PCOS, birth control did fuck all, went to another doctor and it turns out I had endometriomas on my ovaries

No. 281395

I got Paragard (copper IUD) inserted a little over two weeks ago. It's been nonstop spotting and cramping ever since. The cramping has been letting up and getting better so I'm not too concerned about that but the constant spotting is really a drag. Everything I see online indicates it's normal and part of your body adjusting to the IUD but it's still making me nervous. My anxiety is making me think it'll never go away. Anyone with this IUD, when did your spotting let up?

No. 281628

>>281395
It's hard for me to remember the spotting and cramping. But I remember my first actual period with it was absolutely miserable. I was crying and in so much pain I had to go back into the gyno. Her advice was "just wait and see at the next one" and I thought she was crazy, but she was right. My second period was way less painful and more normal. Since then, my periods have been slightly more painful than before but not too terrible.

So I'd give it a shot for at least a couple months. If it still winds up being an issue, then sure, maybe get it taken out. Before then, I wouldn't.

No. 281850

>>281628
The spotting appears to have stopped today so fingers crossed it stays that way. I also had COVID not too long ago and was dealing with a bit of spotting after that before having the Paragard put it so it could be a bad combination of the two.

My period is due this upcoming week and I'm dreading it because I've heard the first one is the worst. That makes me feel a lot better though knowing yours improved over time and are mostly the same as before. I've always had bad cramps the first 1-2 days of my period anyway so fingers crossed I'll be the same!

No. 283282

>>281850
Following up since I just got my first period with Paragard. The cramps have been hellish but still manageable if that makes sense. Before Paragard I would have bad cramping on Days 1 and 2 of my period. So far it's following the same pattern (I'm on Day 2) but definitely more intense. My flow has been lighter though than it normally would be. Not sure if this is because I spotted all month or if I'm just not having the heavy bleeding reaction others have reported.

No. 283320

Does anyone have experience with a tubal ligation scar? How noticable is it? Were you able to lessen scarring? I read that Bio Oil works really well and I saw a nonnie in another thread suggest retinol for scarring on the breast. I have a prescription for tertinoin 0.025%, will that work the same?
Also, how was the pain post-op and how long does it last?

No. 283346

>>283320
I just realized I already asked about this itt. Ree

No. 283694

Copper IUD is the way to go

No. 285957

My insurance switched my birth control pill brand up on me. I’ve been taking it for a week now and I’m getting hormonal acne on my chin. I’ve never had a problem with break outs on my old birth control, just normal chin pimples close to my period but my period isn’t starting anytime soon. Is this normal when switching brands? Is my body just getting used to this new pill? Or is this brand just going to make me break out all the time now?

No. 286335

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I’m getting the copper IUD inserted tomorrow and I’m so fucking nervous, I can’t sleep. I’m terrified of having a horror story experience. Also the only female OBGYN is booked so the clinic is having their male doctor do it instead.

No. 286336

>>286335
Holy shit I saw this from front page I wish you well and good recovery. Kiss kiss anon

No. 286374

Any suggestions for magic phrases that will make my doctors more likely to approve a tubal ligation? I don't really forsee any problems getting the okay from my doctor, but I'd still like to know if anything will increase my chances.

No. 286817

>>286335
You'll be okay, anon! Don't worry.

I have my arm implant on the 21st. Happy to be getting back to normal.

No. 286968

>>279058
>Never did cups but they freak me out and feel like they'd fill super quick for me
I was very skeptical about cups too, but they're a game changer.
My periods are pretty heavy, I can fill a night pad in a few hours so when i decided to switch to cups I thought about getting the bigger size, but I didn't because I was scared it would hurt (tampons hurt me like hell).
Anyway, I ended up getting the smaller size and it's amazing: I take it out twice a day on the heavier days and once on the lighter days. I don't feel it at all when it's inside and putting it in is really easy with a bit of lube. The only annoying part is taking out, but overall it's much better than pads and tampons,

No. 286970

>>286335
God speed nonnie. I had one of those bad experiences with my first IUD (second one was fine). My advice is that if something feels wrong even before the procedure don't be afraid to speak up. This is your body and doctors can be assholes who make assumptions. You're allowed to ask questions and question their judgement. Make sure they're working for that pay check.
Wishing you luck, tranquility, and happiness with the end result.

No. 287017

>>286968
Different anon, but do you use the cup on its own or with a pad underneath? I accidentally bought the wrong size and leaked constantly, thought switching to a smaller one would help get a better seal, and it did, but I still can't go a whole day without some blood getting on my underwear. Curious if other people deal with this too or if it's just a weird anatomy thing

No. 288371

Women who are on the pill and are aware of the increased health risks like cancer and blood clots, how do you not worry about the risks? I want to go back on the pill (the pill is my only option for personal reasons) but I quit because of the increased health risks scaring me too much.. But I miss it so much, I miss being able to plan my period.

No. 290912

started BC 6 weeks ago, it's supposed to be those pills that let you skip periods. everything was great, but suddenly started spotting today. not sure if the pills are failing me or if it's from having had sex yesterday (which can cause spotting in rare cases).
fuck i thought this was over. periods send me into autistic rage. on the other hand it's only light spotting and is way preferable to a real period. i hate men for not having to deal with this shit.
>>288371
I take evening primrose oil which lowers blood clot risk. i guess i should be less sedentary though.

No. 290968

>>290912
Spotting is common on BC; especially so early after you've just started taking them, so no worries.

No. 291746

Can any Nexplanon nonnas help me out a little? I just need to know if I’m being too anxious. The first nexplanon implant I have gotten I never got a period for 2 years. But then I started spotting and then I got a heavier period a few days later. The doctor who put it in said that it would last 4 years. When I went to get it taken out by another doctor he looked startled and said I had the implant for too long and it only is suppose to last for 2-3 years. I was letting my boyfriend cum in me for the 2 years it was supposedly not working so I’m confused and concerned since I never ended up with a baby. I never asked the doctor about it because I was nervous about getting the stick shoved in my arm. Now this is my second nexplanon I have had. I think it’s been roughly a year since I put it in. I don’t get my period with the implant, however a few days ago I started spotting some brownish blood. The first day I felt like I was on my period. It stopped and then happened again a day or two later. I’m getting hormonal acne on my cheeks, my boobs slightly hurt but look a little bigger and my stomach is bloated. Sometimes I feel pain down there but I can’t tell if that’s gas or not. Is this normal? I keep getting that paranoid thought that I’m pregnant.. a few days ago my boyfriend came in me and I felt some pain inside of me after that but I can’t tell if I’m paranoid!!! It’s this normal with nexplanon? I think I’m just going to tell him to stop. I don’t even want to have sex because I feel paranoid

No. 291803

>>291746
Nexplanon nonna here, I get the same happen to me, I'm on my 3rd nexplanon now and in it's 2nd year of my current one.
Everytime this happens I do take a pregnancy test to ease my worries (its negative every time) , I would recommend you do the same if the anxiety becomes too unbearable for you and for peace of mind. But also reassurance.

Nexplanon is very effective, here where I'm from its licensed for 3 years of use but studies prove it can last up to 5 years. Extra protection is also good for reassurance too if you are getting worried over even having sex in the first place.

The brown period is very common too with nexplanon, I have the exact same and it is old blood since nexplanon either stops periods all together or interrupts reguarlity. The breast pain and swelling is also common and I have the same. A week ago I legit thought I was pregnant because of how sore my breasts were, false alarm, had a regular period after.

I track my periods with nexplanon and they seem to vanish for the first year or second of being on it, then occur for the last year regularly or semi-regular.

It's a strange contraceptive as many doctors opinion on it varies widely, some even place the device in different parts of the arm now and have differing views of how long it should be in for.

No. 291897

I’ve had my copper IUD for almost a year now and for the past four months I get pain during every cervical stage. Before period, after period, before ovulation, after ovulation. Before ovulation it’s only on one side and I thought it was mittelschmerz but it’s been on only the left side each time. Is it possible it’s rejecting, or would the pain be 24/7 if that was the case?

No. 291925

Question: if you take birth control to miss periods completely due to your doctors advice in your youth, will it make you hit menopause later in life since technically you’re not releasing eggs for that time in your youth?

No. 291927

I hope it's okay to ask here, I have no family doctor so I can't get a referral. I've never been to a gyne or had an STD test. Not sexually active. How do I get checked for something like bacterial vaginosis? I'm really uncomfortable going to a male doctor. I've noticed a bit of an odor recently and I'm so embarrassed but I don't even know what to do to fix it.

No. 291932

>>291927
You can try boric acid pills? But tbh you should definently go to the doctor so they could prescribed you the cream gel.

No. 291938

>>291932
Do you think if I went to a walk in they could do much? Im worried about seeing a male doctor and him being weird or creepy. The wait to see a gyne here is insane

No. 291939

>>291938
To check for bv they usually ask you to swab yourself with a cotton swab. I got it done before. Maybe you can ask them if they do these tests and hopefully if they make thier staff do it a female nurse can come to help you. It's worth a try.

No. 291940

>>291939
Okay that makes me feel better, I've had a pap smear done by a male and it was really upsetting for me but if it's just a swab it seems better. I feel more comfortable about it now I think it's so nerve wracking

No. 292448

anyone whose had nexplanon have their boobs grow? i just got the implant and i want bigger tits kek

No. 292965

>>291925
I don't think so, the same way women who have a lot of kids don't get menopause super late even though they skipped 9 months of periods per kid.
>>291927
so there is a balance between yeast and bacteria and it can swing either way and cause issues. personally i only use home remedies but you can get over the counter treatment so long as you know which it is. yeast = cottage cheese discharge. BV = fishy. for future reference since it's been six days and i hope you already got treatment.

No. 292966

>>290968
>>290912
So just an update I spotted for 3 days in a row and got tired of it not improving, so I took the placebo week pills and bled another 7 days. 10 days of hell later and i'm finally back to normal. that was fucking brutal, my normal periods only last 4 days. thankfully it was all light. hopefully this is the last time it happens.

No. 293142

I recently stopped my birth control about a week or so ago and I genuinely feel suicidal and insane. Has anyone else experienced this? I assume it's because of hormones but I have this depressive ache in my chest.

No. 293466

>>293142
When I went off the pill I just felt extreme rage for about two weeks. I think extreme emotions are pretty normal when stopping but if you’re scared you’ll actually hurt yourself that isn’t something you should just bear, go talk to a doctor seriously.

No. 306360

I feel like I'm going insane. Around nine months ago I started the pill again after having an abortion. I didn't want to be on birth control because it made me erratic, but after what happened I'd rather be a fruit case then have a baby. Surprisingly, I'm not as emotional this time around, but every time I start a new pack, I have awful symptoms. I'm not skipping the sugar pills. So idk why every time I start a new pack, I get awful migraine, sometimes I have hot flashes, I get suddenly nauseous and have to lie down. I'm ungodly horny the first two-three days of a new pack, to the point where it does sort of make me emotional.
I couldn't find anything on Google to this stuff happening every time you start a new pack, just when you first start birth control. Before I stopped taking it, I'd taken it for ten+ years, and it was only around 1-2 years that I stopped using the pill. I can't remember if it was always like this those last 10+ years. Nothing seems to help. The headaches don't go away until I sleep and usually they'll show up again the next day. I'm on a low estrogen birth control because the "normal" ones will make me so angry I get violent. I'm so tired nonnies.

No. 306399

>>306360
I was on the low-estrogen pill too and it gave me fierce migraines. I deduced after going off of them for a month that it was, indeed, the pill that had caused them in the first place. Sucks ass, doesn't it? And my doctor had prescribed me migraine meds, too, kek.

No. 306530

so if i take my pill everyday consistently at the same time, i still have a 1% chance of accidental pregnancy? asking because i let my bf come inside of me with no condom and im afraid the very little risk may result in accidental pregnancy

No. 306668

>>306530
Correct it's not a 100% chance you won't get pregnant.
I will tell you the chance of you getting pregnant while on the pill is still very slim and you shouldn't cause yourself to implode with worry, but still having him wear a condom would be safer for you. I'm on birth control and I still wouldn't have unprotected sex like ever.

No. 306741

>>306530
No birth control method is 100% safe 100% of the time. It's worrying that you are sexually active without knowing that.

No. 311936

If you lost your period on the depo shot, how long did it take / how many shots?

No. 312448

Just needed a place to vent since all my friends don't fuck and wouldn't understand. I had an implant for years and after a month I felt off - hungry all the time, didn't enjoy things anymore, just off. I went to a female gyno, and when I listed my concerns she told me "women think that they gain weight because of bc, but it's actually because of poor self control. the bc can't do that". I felt so ashamed and lazy - so i just kept at it. I finally got it removed recently because I finally accepted I was depressed even though I was exercising, trying new hobbies, meeting new people etc. It's been 2 weeks, and I feel so much better. I'm not hungry constantly anymore - I've lost 6 pounds so far. Books that I used to love, but disgusted me while on bc, were enjoyable again.

But I'm so fucking pissed the gyno shamed me the way she did. I'm so mad I didn't push harder to switch bc. And I don't want anyone else to go through this shit. If you feel anything off with your bc, please talk to your gyno, and if your gyno is a bitch, find a different one.

No. 312482

>>312448
What stresses me about the implant and IUDs..Where I live it's not uncommon for family planning clinics to just refuse to take stuff like IUDs out early. No matter what side effects you report. Then they'll give you an appointment that's months away if you insist you want it out.

I remember reading a thread on a local message board about it a while back. Women advising you to lie and just say you want a baby if you want them to take it out quick. Cause side effects.. they won't listen.

No. 313109

>>283320
>>286374
This was me and I got it done in November nonnas!!! My doctor even gave me a full color photo of my uterus, and my fallopian tubes in the process of removal. Also got to see what cysts look like (much smaller than expected). Anyways, here's to child free, glorious condomless sex!

No. 313191

I took Plan B on the 11th of this month (no major catastrophe, there was leakage out of the opening of the condom after I got up and I took it in a little under an hour), no bad side effects except fatigue for three days and mood swings on the fourth, but last night before bed I got my period two weeks early. This was my first time taking it so I wasn't sure how my body was going to react. It's not particularly light or heavy, just a seemingly normal flow with occasional mild cramping (my period is heavy and painful about 80% of the time so I'm not too sure what a normal amount of bleeding is). I knew it was gonna mess my menses up but I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience. My cycle is never clockwork (usually a few days early or late) but it's still an odd feeling having it 21 days after my last period (It's roughly 35 days between). Should I still take a pregnancy test later on to be safe?

Also as a side note yesterday would have been a day when I might have ovulated but I've spotted before and this is much too heavy to be that.

No. 313199

>>313191
It's normal to get your period early after taking plan B and your cycle should go back to normal in a month or two.

No. 313211

>>312448
Honestly take everything a doctor says with a grain of salt. Get second opinions and listen to patients, and your own body. Some doctors are just obtuse and refuse to accept certain things because it's not established in medical science books. Just like how gynos for years believed that the cervix had no never endings so it didn't feel pain, and some still do.

No. 317866

>>311936
I'm on my first dose and so far no period. I've been on Mirena and Nexplanon before and neither stopped my period, so considering the odds are 50/50 with Depo I figured this would be the one to do it

No. 319438

>>313211
the worst part is that it IS established they're just lazy pigs

No. 319587

I’m going off the pill (I’m on Loryna/Yaz). I’ve been on the pill for a few years but I’m going off for health reasons. I started taking the pill because of acne and painful/heavy periods. Any other nonnas in the same boat? What was is like not taking the pill anymore?

No. 319603

I'm completely healed from my tubal and it's even better than I thought it would be. I feel SO FREE and my sex life has improved because of it. I knew it was going to be good but this fuckin rules.

No. 321560

I had a copper IUD inserted a little over 6 weeks ago and I haven't had a period since. Around my ovulation I got really bad cramps and now for this past week the cramps have been appearing on and off every day, and at their worst they're completely incapacitating. The pain is like no menstrual cramp I've ever had before, and yet my period just won't show up.
I've had it checked today and the doctor says everything looks good, the IUD hasn't shifted or anything, but she couldn't explain why I still didn't get my period. According to her it's normal to experience pain during ovulation although it's supposed to calm down after 3 months since your body stops trying to reject the IUD as much.
I like how safe it is, that it's active for 10 years and that there's no hormones involved, but if this amount of pain and the mysterious lack of period continue I'm considering getting rid of it. Feels like shit because the insertion was incredibly painful and I was glad to not have to think about it anymore for a decade.
Do any nonnies here have experience with ovulation pain and a lack of period despite cramps while using the copper IUD? Did the pain mellow out at all after a couple months?

No. 321583

>>321560
I have totally painless periods and they continued to be totally painless with the copper IUD.
I had stronger/longer bleeding for the first few months which the doctor said was normal adjustment.
NGL, this sound very bad and you should totally get a second opinion

No. 321779

i skipped my bc 3 days in a row and on the 3rd day started the withdrawal bleeding and it didn't stop even though i've been taking the pill every day for 2 weeks since then. did this happen to any other nonnies? if i just stop taking the pill until i have a full cycle will it go back to working like normal? i would ask my doctor but she charges too much. i'm only bleeding a tiny amount, but i also keep having mild period cramps and i think it's starting to wear me down overall.

No. 321835

>>321560
when I got my copper IUD first placed in, I had debilitatingly painful cramps with my first period. I was in tears. I made an appointment with the gynecologist and she told me to literally just wait it out and see how my next one goes. She was actually right, and ever since then, my periods haven't been so bad as that first month . every once in a while, I get random minor pain but it's really not that bad.

No. 321963

>>321835
it’s been around six months since i got the copper iud and my periods have been like that every time. they’re seven days long each time as well. i love that it’s non-hormonal but dread getting my period

No. 322219

I started a drospirenone only pill for my pcos and endo a few days ago but it feels like it's gradually making the surface of my skin dry, flaky and super irritated (so much so that I've been only washing it since putting on toners or creams makes it itch even more). Anyone else have experience with this kind of pill? Does the skin problems go away with time? I'm also getting tiny pimples in places where I almost never get any so I just really feel like stopping taking it asap

No. 322505

I now have to, for reasons outside my control, wait to get my IUD replaced. I got Kyleena inserted in April 2018 so I'm due but had to push my replacement appointment back and the earliest I could get is fucking July. Should I start using protection now? I read that they can actually be effective up to 7 years but I'm not sure if that's bullshit or not.

No. 331695

>>321835
I'm the ayrt and just thought I'd post a quick update. Turns out you were totally right, at least for me it was the same way. That first period was absolutely hellish, but I waited for the second one and it was a world of difference. It was still a bit longer and more painful than my periods usually are, but not at all like that first one. I kept waiting for it to get bad, but it just didn't happen, so I'm very optimistic about the future now. Turns out I just had to be patient with it!

No. 332690

I broke up with my nigel so I'm considering going off of bc (since it's not like I'll be having sex regularly in the near future) even though my current bc isn't causing any side effects, I'm not quite buying the party line of "taking hormonal bc for years on end will totally have no long-term effects don't worry about it" and It'll save money as well.. But man, I really don't want to go back to dealing with periods and PMDD again.

No. 332698

I’m in my 30s and have never taken hormonal birth control before, and used to think I made the right choice. I’ve always had mild periods, normal libido, my mood can be a bit unstable but through the years I’ve gotten to know myself well enough to predict it and know it’s just the monthly pms or hornyness or whatever. I feel good about not introducing something “synthetic” into my body at an arbitrary dosage. However recently I’ve been re-thinking it. I don’t plan on having kids, and I guess not going through pregnancy, historically speaking, isn’t exactly “natural” for a female body either. I know completing a pregnancy and nursing is associated with decreased risk of certain cancers, dementia etc. I’m wondering whether there would be any benefit to going on hormonal birth control for a period of time, just to give my body a “break” from the monthly hormonal rollercoaster so to speak. On the other hand I’m afraid of turning into someone who’s foreign to me. Thoughts on this?

No. 332747

>>332698
Honestly it’s hard to give any sort of pointers because there are so god damn many different forms and formulations of hormonal BC and everyone reacts differently to them.
On one hand, since you’ve never been on them, you have a consistent control period that can be used to measure the ways you feel differently when your hormones change. If you don’t like the changes, you can stop taking it/using it and that’s that. You’ll go completely back to normal in, at the absolute longest, 6 months 9 times out of 10.
On the other hand, there are potential bad side affects and also an adjustment period where you’d almost certainly experience some weird stuff while your body gets used to the hormones. I can’t even say what that could be since everyone is so different. I’ve been on the same pill for ages and even have a little mini adjustment period when they give me different generics. So you’d probably have to be willing to give it at least 3 months, but probably more like 6, before you’d really have an idea of how you feel on it.
I am just an anon and not a doctor, but to me it sounds like you’d be better off with an IUD or something. It just seems like, if you don’t have a specific reason to use the hormones, like acne or bad cramps or something, the risk for side affects might not be worth it.
Also, I’ve been on the same pill for years like I said and I for sure still have what feels similar to a regular hormonal cycle, as in cramps a few days before period (but milder than no pill), bad mood as PMS on the last two days of pills, zits on the last second-week pill, that sort of thing. Difference between that and the natural hormonal cycle is the predictability down to the day, but it takes awhile to figure it out. Idk I just don’t think it’s worth it for you personally but probably no harm in trying

No. 371932

Has anyone experienced or heard of getting 2-3 week long periods on Mirena? I’ve had it inserted for a little over 2 months now and am dealing with them. I’m literally on my period more often than not. I don’t want to take it out before 3-6 months are up, but it concerns me that nobody else has been able to console me on the timeline of when things are supposed to get back to normal, due to it being rare (or at least having little to no mention anywhere on the internet.)

No. 372298

First time on birth control. I have endo. I’m on my second month and suddenly got a pain that genuinely felt like kidney stones. It was my entire uterus lining plopping down on the floor. Decidual cast. As big as my palm. I’ve never been that scared in my life.

Do I stop taking this birth control? I’m on it to not bleed and not be in pain. Right now I’m bleeding and in pain so what’s the point?

No. 389453

So is no bleeding at all on the pill normal? I've been on it for many years and I never have bleeding even on the sugar pill days. Is this normal? As a teen I had a heavy period.

No. 389475

>>389453
Please see a gyno, not having a period of might cause endometrial hyperplasia/thickening which is a serious risk factor for malignancies.

No. 389487

>>389475
Nta but I genuinly didn't know this, when I described this to the gyno they said whatever or looked concerned but never told me outright

No. 389533

>>389475
I'll see my gyno again but I remember last time I saw her she didnt care, neither did my gp they said its fine. I am meant to be on the pill because I lost an ovary so the pill helps 'protect'the other ovary. I don't know what my options are..



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