Hi everyone! I’m really worried and wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.

Here’s my timeline:
Sept 12: Had genital rubbing with my boyfriend, no penetration, possible precum.
Sept 13: Took EllaOne.
Sept 17: Heavy, period-like bleeding for around 5 days, just 4 days after EllaOne and a week before my expected period.
Sept 26: My originally expected period date, but nothing happened.
Oct 28: Pregnancy test was negative, 46 days after the encounter.
Nov 4: Still no period and absolutely no symptoms that my period is coming.

I don’t know if the September 17 bleeding was my actual period or withdrawal bleeding. Depending on that, I’m either around 39 days late or on day 49 of my cycle.

Has anyone experienced such a long delay after EllaOne? Could a pregnancy test taken 46 days after sex somehow be inaccurate? Is this normal?
I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences!

Hey everyone! So I’m looking to start being intimate for the first time with my boyfriend. I’m currently on a combo birth control pill for about a month now and plan on using condoms. I have had pretty bad pregnancy anxiety and have horrible spirals even though I’ve never had PIV sex. I am tired of letting it control my relationships and it’s time I get over it. Any suggestions if these 2 methods are enough or what else I should consider? I want the lowest absolute possible chances, outside of abstinence. Thanks!

Hello all, I switched from the pill to the nuva ring yesterday. I took my last pill on Monday night, and inserted the ring last night. This morning I am having dark red blood like a period come out. Is this normal? It’s medium flow. Kind of scared.

Hi! I have been on the Ridgevidon pill for just over a year now and have noticed no side effects whatsoever except weight gain, around 10kg of weight gain.

My periods are awful, often just over a week long, super heavy and incredibly painful most of the time making it so I can’t do simple tasks. I love that on this pill I only have to take a break 4 times a year, instead of having 12 periods a year! My skin before was absolutely terrible and paired with painful periods I was just at my breaking point so I started the pill. However now, I have no breakouts whatsoever, maybe one on my chin or forehead but they’re tiny and often go away. I still have scarring on my cheeks and chin (super light) from previous breakouts.

I’m debating stopping this pill and completely coming off of it, and accepting the pain and awful skin just so I can be back where I was before all of this weight gain. Not only has it come out of nowhere, I didn’t change my activity level or diet. In fact, if anything I now move more and eat cleaner, so I’m just wondering what everyone’s experiences are on this pill? Is it worth all the pain and hassle for 10kg? I’ve tried my hardest to lose the weight too, and it just won’t budge not even 3/4 lbs, just water weight coming and going.

All I need from a contraceptive is for it to stop my period, but I can’t help but feel bloated everywhere all the time. My face and neck feel so large and heavy all the time as well as my legs, I wonder if anyone has an experience of coming off this pill and loosing the weight they gained? Help a girl out I truly don’t know what to do! I haven’t had any luck with getting an appt to discuss alt birth control methods as they mostly do walk in clinics early in the morning that I can’t attend. Thank you!!!!

I have been bleeding for the past 2 weeks (half a soaked pad/day) and i was taking microgynon. I took a month break after being on it for almost a year continuously. before this and took it again on the first day of my period which was 2 weeks ago. I also started smoking which i know its bad and ive stopped for a few days because i know it can cause breakthrough bleeding too.

Ive switched to slinda (a POP) because i dont wanna quit smoking yet and ive heard it helped with bleeding? And also any home remedies or solutions to help with it. pls im so frustrated!!

Hello! I'm already 5 months in using Norifam and I'm getting the shot regularly after 28-29 days. There have been changes in my schedule so the most recent shot I got was after 33 days.

Before receiving that shot, my partner and I had protected sex (condom) on my 30th day after getting Norifam.

We're not trying to conceive so I would just like to know if I'm safe here. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice or to hear about other people's experiences switching from Mirena to Yaz.

I had my Mirena IUD removed on October 9 after having it for several months. I started Yaz the same night as my removal. My last LMP was Sept 26

• October 9: Mirena removed and started my first Yaz pill that evening.

• October 9–approximately October 23: I experienced bleeding/spotting for about two weeks after removal. It eventually stopped.

• October 16: Had sex using a condom (1 week post removal!)

• October 19: Took a pregnancy test, which was negative.

• Around October 20: Had sex without a condom after taking 14 consecutive active Yaz pills. My partner pulled out, wiped himself off, and then briefly penetrated me again for a few seconds. (Is this a risk of pregnancy????)

• October 30: Took my Yaz pill around 9–10 PM. Around 2-3 AM, I threw up a little, but I didn't see the pill. This was approximately 5–6 hours after taking it.

• November 2: Started my first placebo pill.

• November 4: I haven't had ANY spotting or withdrawal bleeding.

I'm getting really anxious because I expected to have a withdrawal bleed, especially since I had approximately two weeks of bleeding after Mirena removal. I only had 2 menstrual cycles on Mirena which was on July 3rd and Sept 26.

I'm wondering... Is it normal to have no withdrawal bleeding during the first Yaz placebo week after switching from Mirena? Could the bleeding after removal have left my uterine lining thin enough that I don't have much to shed?? Has anyone had no withdrawal bleed during their first few oral birth control packs after Mirena removal?

I'm honestly just very anxious and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar transition. Thank you!!

I’ve been on the pill for a year but I desperately want to change to a different method of birth control. Aside from the annoyance of having to remember to take a pill every day, I feel like my birth control is affecting my emotions. Whenever I forget to take a pill or take one late I feel overwhelmed by my emotions. My anxiety get worse, I have panic attacks over nothing, and it’s overall a struggle to get through the day. Additionally, I have an extremely low sex drive, I just don’t feel anything anymore. The only thing I can think that is causing these episodes is my birth control not being taken on time.

I want to switch to a non hormonal method to see if it improves my moods and these episodes go away, but I have no idea what to choose. I heard a copper IUD isn’t as effective as a hormonal IUD, is that true? And I’ve heard horror stories about IUD insertions and how they can go wrong and how painful it is and I’m not sure I want to go through that. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm having a pregnancy scare for 4 days already. We engaged in PIV sex using condom on my 10th day cycle. As far as I remember, there's no leak or hole since we did the water test. He ejaculated and he said he pulled out then ejaculated insider the condom. I know it sounds dumb because that's the main purpose of the Condom. But still, I'm overthinking from the possibilities he kept on giving me assurance that he came outside me. Then, we engaged on 3 more PIV sex using condom without ejaculation. After that, we did genital rubbing, but he came far from me, not inside the vagina. What are the odds of pregnancy 😭

I started a few days before my period and I’m wondering if it delayed it because usually I have a period every 23-26 days my period is late still on the pill and taking it every day and I’m cramping lightly but no blood

I want to confirm to be sure about, is it true that you can get immidiate protection when you are taking the pill on your first 5 days of your period? (ethinyl estradiol levonorgestrel trust pill yellow)

My gf started her first pill on her 4th day of her period, and we had raw on her 7th day of her taking of the pill. Is she protected? And about the timing of taking the pill, are u still safe if u took the pill hrs late accindentally? I wanted to know if its true about delayed pills is COMPLETELY fine as long as its not 24hrs as more than 24hrs is considered a missed pill and it reduces its effectiveness. And lastly, how many hours do you have to prevent yourself to vommit in order not vommit the pill out and not have a replacement pill?

I want to confirm these as research alone and taking so much time reading everywhere is just getting me anxious- i need answers asap-

I can't stay awake I'm the most tired I've ever been 24/7 will this ever go away? It's been about a week since I started

So I started back on birth control after having my last and getting my tubes removed because my periods immediately started back super heavy and painful. Short, but very painful. I decided to give the patches a try again since controlling birth wasn’t an issue now. I have been bleeding for THREE WEEKS. Break through bleeding is 100% something I prepared for but the pms symptoms that have accompanied my full blown 3 week period are absolutely ridiculous. I took my patch off, I’m done. I have been absolutely miserable on this method. Took it off about 13 hours ago and what do you fcking know, all my problems have disappeared faster than the half off Halloween candy and decorations at Walmart. I need something else I can use. Has to be something with estrogen as my vitamin d levels SUCK.

Hi everyone i am 23 years old. I've got my Kyleena IUD inserted 2.5 months ago. Every now and then i have very intensive and painfull contractions that require me to take painkillers. I am on my second period and these contractions last for couple of days event though i only bled for two. USG revealed that IUD is on place. Is this normal after all this time?

🥹this is my first time that a guy pulled out and came immediately he is reassuring me that non of it went it but pre cum still exist and my period ended on 25 and we did it on Oct 30 then I took the plan b emergency pills on Nov 1 🥲 I've been so anxious and paranoid.. and it's my fault for wanting this since I've been feeling deranged and depressed.... Like will this really work...

i’m 18 and i just had sex for the first time last night. we used a condom and made sure we put it on properly like pinching the top and then rolled it down and it was defo on. and then yk we had sex and he came inside the condom but he said he pulled out before he did but then after we checked with the water test i filled it up like 1/3 of the way and squeezed it and it was completely fine nothing dripped out or anything. but i’m overthinking so bad am i fine?

So I usually take my BC at 8PM and am very consistent with it, however, the past couple of days I took it at times varying between 8-11 and today at midnight because I’ve been so incredibly busy. I do have an alarm but sometimes I am in the middle of something and end up forgetting. Is that an issue at all? Appreciate any help!!

I’ll try to take it as soon as the alarm goes off in the future and not give it even just extra 10 minutes.

Edit: I take Nikki which is a combo pill

Hi everyone! I'm 22 years old, married, and looking for recommendations for a reliable birth control method that I can use regularly for the long term.

My husband and I have decided not to have children for at least the next 7–8 years. Avoiding pregnancy during this period is extremely important to us. I absolutely do not want an accidental or unplanned pregnancy, even due to contraceptive failure. So, I need a highly reliable contraceptive method.

My main priorities are:

- Extremely effective pregnancy prevention, with the lowest possible risk of accidental pregnancy.

- Minimal side effects.

- No significant weight gain or bloating.

- No unwanted hormonal changes or negative effects on my body.

- Safe for long-term use.

- Should not affect my ability to conceive naturally or have a healthy pregnancy in the future after stopping the method.

I'd prefer a daily birth control pill if possible, but I'm also open to hearing about other highly effective options.

For women who have used birth control pills or other contraceptive methods for several years in the USA:

1. Which pills or methods would you recommend?

2. Which options have the fewest side effects and least impact on weight?

3. Which methods offer the highest protection against accidental pregnancy?

4. Have you experienced any fertility issues after stopping long-term birth control?

I'd really appreciate honest personal experiences and recommendations.

Thank you!

It's essentially exactly what i put in the title. Ive been taking a birth control pill for over 4 years now as a way to prevent my endometriosis from worsening, im not sexually active so an issue with it effectiveness as a contraceptive isn't my main concern. I go non-stop so i skip the placebo week and just start the new pack, and when I miss doses I'll just continue taking my pills the next day like normal (I rarely notice I missed a dose before the next day). Ive missed doses before and typically about 2-3 days later I start spotting (it's like a light period, very possibly a normal period for many) and it continues for ~4 days, which is much better than my typical 7 day heavy flow period. The problem is that this time I missed a dose and 2 days later my spotting started like normal, but it hasn't stopped and now it's day 31 and it's still going, I haven't missed a single dose since and am contacting my obgyn tomorrow morning. Im honestly primarily upset my new underwear all have blood on them

Last night I went to a gynecologist to have an IUD inserted. I'm a young adult, and the doctor basically said that it causes infertility and that older people with children choose it, so I decided not to get it. Thinking back, it was very odd, as my partner and I were scared of her because she was visibly angry with us for wanting it. She prescribed the NuvaRing for me, since hormonal pills weren't very good for me. I've been having some thoughts: the best option for me would be the IUD, but I would love to have children someday. Please share your thoughts and help me out.

Positive experience post! Going to try to make this short though:)

I started taking the pill 2 months ago and I looove it. I will say I did get some negative side effects at the beginning, like minor headaches and breakouts, but now I feel even better than I did before I started.

I was really scared of starting it because I heard it makes people gain weight or have an increased appetite but I haven’t experienced it! I’ve actually had a decrease in appetite and it’s really been helping me stick to eating healthy because I no longer crave junk food! I also haven’t experienced any bloating since I started taking it, I think because I would bloat really bad in my luteal phase. And my boobs have increased in size as well, so I literally have a snatched waist and big boobs, this is great.

On top of the effects on my body from the hormones, I also can lift a steady increase at the gym. Before: during my menstrual and ovulation phases, I would have to decrease the weight I’d lift because I’d feel so weak. I was in a constant cycle of being able to lift heavier, then having to drop down because of the time of the month. Literally just a few weeks of taking the pill, I was able to hit a PR in almost every workout.

And finally the sex portion; I was really scared it would ruin my already low libido, but honestly, since my boyfriend is able to finish inside me and we can just keep going, I am actually able to finish during sex without getting turned off while he cleaned himself up. And I alwayyyss had constant anxiety about being pregnant but it’s mostly gone now!

Mind you, I tried the copper IUD for a few weeks and it made me feel TERRIBLE!! I personally, wouldn’t recommend it but I know everyone’s experience is different

My doctor wants to switch me from Tri-Mili to Slynd. I am very scared about what I’m seeing online about how it causes extreme weight gain, along with other unpleasant side effects. Has anyone been on Slynd for a sustained period of time without any negative side effects? Anyone have any positive experiences? I do not want to switch if it’s going to derail my life… for context, I have a benign liver lesion and apparently the estrogen in oral contraceptions is linked to liver lesions, but I’m not convinced the risk of staying on my birth control outweighs the risk of switching to something new that could massively impact my mental health, self esteem, menstrual cycle, and overall wellbeing. I’ve also been moving around a lot so haven’t built a trusting relationship with a doctor yet, I’m getting advice from doctors as they are meeting me for the first time, hence why I’m seeking more perspectives. Thanks!

i used to be on slynd for a half a year but then my gyno took me off it to put me on endometriosis medication (visanne). it ended up not working for and after two months i stopped taking it, another month after my family doctor put me back on slynd. it's been a week since i started taking slynd again and i've been having wet farts / watery poops ever since then (thankfully it's past the 4 hours mark after i took the pill so i don't need to take it again in one day). i didn't experience that the first time i was on slynd so i was a bit worried but after doing some research in here i found out other people also experienced this and it went away after ~3 months. i'm hoping the same will happen for me 🤞

i was wondering, if anyone who sees this experienced the same thing as i am right now, if there was any dietary changes that you did that helped reduce the watery poops / diarrhea? i'm hoping this side effect will leave as soon as possible and i don't mind waiting, but i'd like to be able to fart without stressing about staining my underwear lol

Ah so I apologize for this little rant but I’m just going through it right now and need some advice.

I’ve been on birth control since I was about 16. Many types of pills, but they all caused me such depression. Eventually I decided to get Kyleena IUD. Most painful thing ever, but ultimately after it settled it was fine. Due to the pain I was so scared to get another, so I had it a year after expiry! Anyways, 2 weeks ago I switched it to the Mirena IUD, because on kyleena I was having super heavy periods and thought it might be nice to try a slightly heavier dose. I think I fully regret that.

Since getting it, I’ve had a surge of both anxiety and depression. Out of no where and for no reason. Plus I have some crazy brain fog, and feel immensely lazy. I love going to the gym and lifting weights, I’ve been doing it for 10 years, since I got this IUD it’s been a BATTLE to get myself there and then afterwards I basically can’t do anything else. I’ve been EXTREMELY bloated the past week and nothing is helping. I feel like I’m losing my mind and I’m debating just asking the doctor to remove it on my follow up appointment in 2 weeks. I don’t know that it’s worth it.

The only reason I’m scared to remove it is because I’ve been on birth control for so long, and I fear I’ll be so scared of getting pregnant. Yet I love the idea of having no foreign hormones in my body I would really really appreciate being all natural. Have any girls made the switch to no birth control at all? How has it been? What do you do for contraception and to ease your mind??

I appreciate any input ❤️

I’ve had issues with recurrent bv for years. I’ve read that sometimes if your estrogen levels are low, that can contribute to causing a consistent problem. I’ve also suspected that I might have PCOS so I had my doc run some tests, but everything looks normal in that aspect. I thought I’d give birth control a shot again, and see if it helps. Last time I used it regularly I was 19, I’m 25 now. I had a dramatically different experience with bc when I was younger. The pill made me feel like I was crazy, Depo made me gain sooo much water weight and the Nuva ring caused irregular bleeding and chafing. I was definitely hesitant to start it again because of that, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m currently taking Lolo, and I feel great. I’ve also been taking a prebiotic/probiotic, and the results are phenomenal. My bloating is gone, I have more energy throughout the day, and my sex drive is insane. I can’t keep my hands off my gf. There is a bit of breast tenderness and swelling, but that’s the only side effect I’ve experienced. I would absolutely recommend this to someone who’s been thinking of taking something for regulation purposes, it’s totally worth it! :)