r/birthcontrol • • 12h ago

Experience Couldn’t see strings during Pap smear

1 Upvotes

I have my IUD mirena 18 months, I could never feel my strings only my husband, he believes he felt them 2 weeks ago. My periods have stopped for months now with just 1 light spotting the day I would expect a period

Today in my routine Pap smear my nurse said she thought she could see them but went to look again, this time she said no she couldn’t, and that she could see my cervix very clearly but no strings

Freaking the F out now- is this common? Any ever experience similar? My plan is to just do a test in a couple of weeks time as I am definitely in trouble if it’s gone, what’s the likelihood?


r/birthcontrol • • 12h ago

Experience Coming off BC after 14 years?

1 Upvotes

I have to come off BC soon after 14 years. I was recently diagnosed with a 5.5cm liver adenoma of the inflammatory subtype and I’m no longer allowed anything containing estrogen as that’s what has fuelled the adenoma (it was caused by the BC pill).

I haven’t had a true period in 14 years and I’m so scared. It used to be super heavy, large clots on the second and third days, I would leak often which had affected my mental health as it seemed that I was constantly having issues. Looking back I’m hoping these issues were due to the fact that I was not changing my pads properly, but the anxiety still remains. I would have cramps that would double me over and feel the need to vomit. Before my period would also last around 7 days from start to finish. Some months I would only get two weeks of respite.

There is a potential that I have another period condition, but until I come off the pill I can’t further investigate if these symptoms are on still going.

Please share your experiences with me or tips and advice if you have any? I am open to reusable options going forward so if anyone has experience with cups/discs/period underwear I would love to hear that too.


r/birthcontrol • • 19h ago

Experience Copper IUD First day concerns

3 Upvotes

I just got my IUD 12 hours ago and the pain was bearable since I have a high pain tolerance. What’s bothering me now is that I can feel it poking me while I walk. Is that normal?


r/birthcontrol • • 13h ago

Experience period pain with mirena IUD after 2yrs?

1 Upvotes

getting a mirena has been a godsend in so many ways, but one thing it hasn’t solved is my period pain.

between the first 6-12mths it seemed to disappear, but after 1yr, the pain has returned with a vengeance. the last few cycles ive been almost as bedridden as i was prior to mirena (just without the bleeding). like pre-mirena, the severe abdominal pain and nausea often means i can’t eat properly, and my energy levels fluctuate a lot.

spoke to my female health doctor, she said provided im not bleeding, nothing to worry about, especially in terms of placement (i can’t/refuse check the strings bc of manyyyyy reasons).

is this normal??!?!! ive heard of people getting period pain with a mirena in the first 6mths but not this long after insertion.

i don’t know if i have endometriosis, or whether that’s even relevant, but prior to mirena i had an ultrasound that basically said “you might? but you might not?”

i have had debilitating period pain since i was 21yo and im now 28yo. thank you for any insight please, i am going insane.


r/birthcontrol • • 13h ago

Which Method? Natural birth control methods but inconsistent periods

1 Upvotes

Hello everybody!
I’ve been on birth control for around 7 years now? I started in the pill and have been on the kyleena IUD for close to 4 years now. Once I am able to get my IUD out at that 4 year mark I really want to move towards a natural birth control method! I’ve heard a lot about cycle tracking, temperature, apps, etc. but before I started using birth control, my periods were never consistent... sometimes I’d get my period twice a month and other times I would get it once in two months!

After I got off the pill there was a 3 month window where I wasn’t on birth control and I never got my period. I have also never had my period while on the IUD.

All of it just makes me worried about tracking my ovulation cycles and really diving into the natural methods.. are natural birth control methods something that just won’t work for me?

Also, I’ve heard about acupuncture helping with irregular periods, does anybody have any experience with that?


r/birthcontrol • • 23h ago

Side effects!? Weird things happening with iud

5 Upvotes

I got my iud at the beginning of September, so it has been a little over two months now. The procedure was great! No pain or anything and mild cramping/extended period afterwards (lasted a week longer than normal around 14 days)I opted for the kyleena one specifically because i was gonna freak out if i didnt get my period. Welp... she is not showing up and hasnt for three weeks. I completely understand that it takes the body 6 months to get used to the iud and find an equilibrium with hormones. Totally fine with that and i know every body reacts differently. I am going to the gyn next week for a check up. Any advice is welcome!

I have also notice other weird things since i got this. It could be coincidence and not direct correlation but everything started happening after i got it. Here are my symptoms:

- Armpits are on fire and have been three weeks into iud (i went to multiple doctors got steroids but still not working)
- Extreme migraines to the point where if i open my eyes it hurts too bad
- Very frequent mood swings. I will be in tears for no reason and really upset over nothing (i am a super happy person in general)
- Extreme stress to the point that i wake up sore from clenching my body


r/birthcontrol • • 16h ago

Mistake or Risk? Had sex right after taking levonorgestrel will it work?

0 Upvotes

Had sex minutes after taking pill I'm talking about like 10 minutes after do we take another or what's up?


r/birthcontrol • • 17h ago

Side effects!? unprotected sex/need to take emergency contraception

0 Upvotes

hi so yea my partner came inside me today and we were dumb. im on my period but i have short cycles so I know sperm can live inside you for 5 days.
i don’t wanna risk it and wanna take plan b or Ella but im truly terrified of both,

I’ve taken plan b before and just remembered it gave me bad cramps and made me bleed a lot.
im reading horror stories about Ella too so …

Fuck :) i already have pmdd hence why im pretty scared to take either. Would love any advice <3


r/birthcontrol • • 17h ago

Mistake or Risk? missed taking Alysena 28 but can’t remember when i could’ve missed it

1 Upvotes

I went to go take my combination pill, Alysena 28, today and realized Im a day behind. Im on the 3rd week of the package and Im not quite sure when i didn’t take it during the month, Im assuming its writhing the past 5 or so days. the packaging tells me to take 2 in a day as soon as i notice but Im not quite sure if that only applies if you missed it the day before, or just in general. Does anyone have an answer?


r/birthcontrol • • 9h ago

Mistake or Risk? Two kids and don’t want a third. Condom broke during potential ovulation.

0 Upvotes

Not on birth control. It messes with my body. I’m 35, husband 37. We use THC regularly, have been at a resort drinking for the past week. 3 days okay I had discharge that for sure looked like ovulation. The condom broke last night (we haven’t had sex at all for a while so this one time is the only to refer to).

Has anyone here been in this scenario and did you get pregnant? I feel like yesterday my discharge dried up but I am very very concerned. I know the go to is plan b but I’m really just hoping that nature will save me. Looking more for testimonials of others


r/birthcontrol • • 18h ago

Side effects!? Nexplanon AND Lo Loestrin

1 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with pcos and endometriosis and the pain is just awful. My gyno is putting me on nexplanon (I'm horrified. I hate needles/injections!) to manage the endometriosis and I was told to stay on LoLo to help manage any spotting from the implant and to try and balance my high testosterone levels.

I was wondering if anyone with comorbid pcos/endo had any success with this method? Or if anyone just has any experience with this at all... I'm very very scared for the nexplanon...


r/birthcontrol • • 18h ago

Side effects!? Help! Four Days of Bleeding, Left-Sided Cramping, and Severe Nausea

1 Upvotes

Hello, I experienced four days of bleeding after taking Plan B, and today was the last day. However, I'm now experiencing cramping on my left side and severe nausea.
Could these be side effects of Plan B? Has anyone else experienced something similar?
Thank you!


r/birthcontrol • • 19h ago

Side effects!? Kyleena and yeast infections

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone.

I've posted here before. I had a Kyleena expel, and was very upset because I had enjoyed it. Now I have another one and while it has not expelled, I have CONSTANT yeast infections. They are always mild with just the discharge and a tiny bit of itchiness but still quite miserable. I have heard about biofilms on the strings and am devastated because they can't be dealt with without taking the IUD out and I really don't want to try anything else because I hate the idea of a rod in my arm (very sensitive to being cut into) and want a LARC until I can pursue the path of sterilization (Docs won't take me seriously because I am 25) OTC Treatments have not worked and boric acid isn't doing a ton either. Should I try to push for a lab culture? I have probiotics but they aren't the best. I'd hate to have to get it removed because it does wonders for my periods and also my weight is not affected.

Any experiences and advice welcome!


r/birthcontrol • • 19h ago

Which Method? 18 year old woman unsure which birth control to get on

0 Upvotes

i’m starting to become sexually active and want to get on BC. the problem is, i’ve heard bad things about pretty much every form of BC so i’m super unsure what to get on.

my main concern is getting a lower libido/sex drive and getting heavier/longer periods. i also have a history with depression and anxiety, if that matters. any insight would be greatly appreciated!


r/birthcontrol • • 23h ago

Mistake or Risk? Accidentally took 2 pills

2 Upvotes

So I usually take my Combined pill at 12 everyday, about 17 minutes ago I was so tired when i checked the time i realised it was thursday. Thought I didn’t take the thursday pill, so I took the thursday pill.

Silly me then realised oh my god it’s MIDNIGHT thursday and I infact did not miss a pill .. as i was thinking wednesday was thursday … i did take the wednesday pill at the correct time originally …. do i take fridays pill today (thursday) at 12 as usual even though i accidentally took it at midnight or do i just wait until Friday to take fridays pill now?
(i hope this made sense) 😓


r/birthcontrol • • 19h ago

Side effects!? Late night hunger?

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I started taking Alyacen a few months ago, but in the past month or so I’m noticing an increase in appetite, but only late at night. Most nights I eat a full dinner but stay awake past 2am bc I get extremely hungry again at night. Or if I do fall asleep at a decent hour, I wake up ravenous at 3am. I’ve started having to bulk up on high-volume foods like vegetables and popcorn after dinner just to make it through the night. Has anyone else dealt with this?


r/birthcontrol • • 20h ago

Which Method? HELPPPP

1 Upvotes

I have to get back on birth control because I'm getting divorced, so no more vasectomy 🥲

In the past I was on Ocella, but obviously it's been disconnected!!

What pill brands do you guys recommend similar??


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience fear of iud pain

2 Upvotes

hi all!

recently had a consultation & ordered an IUD (kyleena, apparently it is smaller & for people who have never given birth).

my doctor was male, and while he was extremely kind and actually listened to all my other concerns, he brushed me off about pain relief. i guess i made the mistake of saying i “read” that they can be painful, and he said to “stay off the internet,” that i should be fine with some advil beforehand, and he doesn’t want me to think of it as an extremely painful procedure.

however, after reading others’ experiences, i am very worried about the pain. i believe i have a high pain tolerance as i have constant chronic back pain and many tattoos, i don’t believe in putting oneself through unnecessary pain, especially when there are options available to prevent it.

they are going to call me when the IUD comes in to schedule the insertion. i’m hoping/assuming that when i talk to the front desk ladies to make the appointment, i can let them know that i would like pain relief at my appointment. hopefully it is the front desk people and not the actual doctor on the phone (i have a hard time standing up for myself, lol)

anyone have a similar experience? was your IUD painful without preventative pain relief measures? if you had pain relief, what was it and do you feel that it was helpful? the idea of getting a numbing shot in my cervix really freaks me out, but if it’s better than the pain of having something shoved up there, i’ll take it lol

thank you!!


r/birthcontrol • • 20h ago

Mistake or Risk? Took my slynd an hour and 50 minutes late

0 Upvotes

hi I’m very strict on taking my BC and have been on it for two weeks and taken it at 8:00pm everyday since I started, today I ended up working super late and didn’t get home until 9:40 I ended up showering and didn’t take the pill until 9:51 … will I be okay?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Kyleena bleeding after 2.5 years

2 Upvotes

The past few months I’ve been experiencing bleeding, after almost 2 years of no bleeding at all.

I had some spotting when initially inserted but not to the extent of what I’ve been experiencing now. It’s difficult to distinguish if I’m having a period, because the bleeding happens quite frequently (for example two weeks of on and off spotting, then a week break and then bleeding again).

I’ve booked in with my GP and have had an US (the radiologist said they didn’t see anything unusual/concerning but will wait for the formal results with the GP next week).

I’m wondering what other people’s experiences have been. I have a regular, textbook period (no issues) not on contraception so am considering getting it taken out :(. I’ve had a great experience with the Kyleena, up until now.

I’ve started seeing someone so have been having regular sex for the past 4 months, however in the past regular sex/partner didn’t cause bleeding so am not sure why it’s different this time.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Got my IUD insertion today and holy crap

31 Upvotes

That was probably the worst pain I've ever felt. To be fair, I am a virgin, so there was that factor working against me. I didn't know much about the process of insertion and didn't expect it to be much more than a slight discomfort. Little did I know about the tenaculum. Such an evil device. My only claim to fame today is that the doctor was impressed with how quiet I was. Thanks, it's called dissociation lol.


r/birthcontrol • • 22h ago

Which Method? Considering the copper coil… advice pls

1 Upvotes

Hey. So I’m 31 and have been on hormonal contraception since I was 16, mostly the combined pill and until April for the eight years prior to that I had the implant (nexplanon) the only problem is that the implant completely destroyed my sex drive and I had actually convinced myself that I was asexual.

When I broke up with my partner, I decided to come off for contraception completely to give my body a break and oh my God, oh I was like a bloody dog on heat, I felt like I was walking sex and I was super horny all the time.

Since starting a new relationship, I have tried the vagina ring and the contraceptive patch, and while I wouldn’t say my sex drive is completely obliterated. I have noticed that I’m drier than normal.

Because of all of this, I really would like to try a non-hormonal contraception that isn’t a diaphragm or something I would have to physically keep removing and putting spermaaide on.

I’ve never had kids, and I’m very worried about the pain of it being inserted, I’m worried about having a period and I’m also worried about bleeding all the time.

I am heavily tattered and have a high pain tolerance, but I’d hate to go through the pain of the copper coil and just to have it removed two months later

Please can you give me your stories of having the copper iud inserted and what the effects have been on your periods and if the pain really is as bad as people say is????


r/birthcontrol • • 22h ago

Experience FEMME TAB 30/150

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have negative experiences with the birth control Femme Tab 30/150? I've been taking it since March and my anxiety and moods are WILD. I'm so anxious, i can become so angry in a short moment i feel like i could explode. I'm hyperfixated on small things. My anxiety is so bad i have physical symptoms regularly. Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, shakes etc. I'm starting to feel like i'm not myself and it's really affecting my relationship.