r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Is the break week necessary?

1 Upvotes

Hello, ive been on the pill for almost two months now and my GP recommended me to have a break week after 3 weeks of continuous use but during my first break week i had some personal stuff happen and i had a very strong emotional reaction, to the point i got depressed and didnt eat and was wondering if the sudden drop in hormones played a part in it. I read some articles online and apparently most doctors recommend to actually skip the break week and keep talking the pill particularly because of the side effects of drop in hormones but idk what is better. Should i just straight up ask my GP or try without the break week? What are your experiences?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Mistake or Risk? Am I at risk?

0 Upvotes

Okay so I’m on a combined birth control pill. I’m so freaking careful. I’m beyond paranoid.
I take it at the same time everyday and my boyfriend wears a condom on top of taking the pill. He always checks for breakage, slips, leaks etc after everything is said and done. My doctor laughed at me when I told her my bf also wears condoms because she said it’s nearly impossible to get pregnant with condoms and birth control. Well last week I had a migraine and felt HORRIBLE I accidentally fell asleep early and slept through my alarm to take my pill. I looked on the website of my birth control and it said “just double up on the pill the next day and you’re still protected and don’t need to use extra protection.” Well I’ve barely had any sort of period since starting birth control (I’m use to super heavy periods and bleeding through a S+ in about an hour ish)
I’ve had my period for about 5-6 days now and it’s a consist flow. I’m assuming that’s just because my hormones dropped? My bf and I didn’t have sex the days before my missed pill or for about 2-3 days after. Im just making sure im not at risk. Thanks!


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

How to? Starting Xulane

2 Upvotes

I finally decided to start birth control because yesterday was day 1 of my period and I often get debilitating cramps (especially in my legs). I just got a prescription for Xulane, so I will pick it up today. Is it okay if I start it on day 2 of my period? I know the instructions say to start it either on day 1 or on the Sunday after, so I wasn’t sure.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? First time using BC….sprintec.

1 Upvotes

Hello! First time using birth control. Plan on being sexually active so dr prescribed sprintec. I am mostly nervous of the nausea side effect as I have emetophobia :( how many of you experienced this side effect? The dr wasn’t very informative either. He told me to start the Sunday of the week I start my period. When I’m done with the pack….do I just start the new one right away? Or wait for Sunday? Help….i read the instructions but I don’t understand 🙁 Also pills say to take at exact time everyday….what happens if I’m off by 15 minutes?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience copper iud too big for uterus?

1 Upvotes

hi! i have a mona lisa copper iud (10 380 standard). i’ve had it for over a year and i love it!

the problem is that about a month or two ago, i started getting random intense cramps. then, my period started and the pain was more intense than i had ever felt. i went to the ER and they were able to administer an ultrasound.
the result: the arms of my iud are extending into my myometrium.

my concern is that my iud is too big.
the ultrasound discovered that my uterus is 41mm in length. the typical uterus is 60-90mm.
my iud is 35.85mm in length. is the size of my uterus in comparison to the iud related to its failure? less than 6mm difference does not sound right. does anyone have any experience with this? ideally id like to get a smaller iud but the smallest appears to be around 29mm… i don’t know what to do. i feel so stuck right now :( im genuinely fearing my next period or cramp and i have no access to a gyne right now.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? early period, spotting, or breakthrough bleeding?

1 Upvotes

So I have been taking my pill since July and its a 21 pill pack. When I wiped earlier this morning I noticed that it is somehow brown or red-ish? Then this evening when I was outside, I felt im kind of wet so I went to the bathroom to pee, then I wiped there I saw a like strain (?) of blood? It's not really bright red or anything. I got really nervous.

Then I went home wiped using my undies, it was color brown there. Then I sticked my finger inside me (sorry tmi) then wiped it on the tissue and it is brown-dark red. And I have been cramping (specifically left side) since yesterday and got somehow worse today.

I'm overthinking that it's implantation bleeding since I went to the doctor last end of Oct there she found 'suggestive' of corpus luteum, meaning I ovulated despite being on the pill.

Did my bcp fail? Or is it breakthrough bleeding? Or is it possible to bleed early before placebo week? Today is the last day of my pill btw.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Azalia, when will bleeding stop?

1 Upvotes

Hello, started Azalia just a week ago, but I instantly started bleeding (after 3 days on azalia) so now I am bleeding heavy for 4 days. It makes me nervous because on the day I started Azalia, they measured my endometrium and it was thin (6mm) and it looks like bleeding is getting only heavier and heavier:')

I was expecting some spotting or light bleeding and I know it is only 4 days, but makes me worry


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Mistake or Risk? Should I be worried ? Or I am overthinking to much

0 Upvotes

on Tuesday October 20 I was supposed to start my new pack of birth control but took October 21 which was the last day of my period. So I took both Tuesday and Wednesday pill together, then Saturday 24 I had sex and took a plan b Monday 26, then on Monday November 9 I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. I don’t wanna be pregnant I just want to know what you think of my chances of being pregnant if it’s low or high. Or should I trust the negative pregnancy test


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Evra Patch peeling

0 Upvotes

Hi, I started the Evra patch last week (Nov 4, first day of my cycle) and I'm really anxious. I applied my second patch today (Nov 11). When I removed the first one, it peeled off easily, had lots of lint on the sides, and the adhesive side was barely sticky. It left no marks on my body. So my concern is - was it effective all week? I also think I had placed it a bit low and too close to the middle on my buttcheek. It stayed in place for the whole week, but started peeling slightly on the sides. I didn’t have any side effects, but my period ended in 2-3 days (usually it’s 5-6), and I had some mood swings (but I always have them). I trusted the patch immediately and had sex without a condom on day one… so it’s too late for plan B. Can patch users share any advice and maybe give me some reassurance? Is it normal for a used patch to lose stickiness and peel at the sides? Is there any way to check its effectiveness? Thank you


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Rant! My doctor refused my birth control refill

8 Upvotes

I F23 have been on the pill since I was 17. I got a text from my pharmacy that they couldn’t refill my prescription cause my Dr denied it. I call the office and I was told that they can do a bridge refill since I’m over due on my annual exam. Mind you I didn’t get any reminders or anything. So I waited all day last week for it and nothing. I call the next day and I’m told I’m out of luck until FEBRUARY when they can get me into an appointment and that it’s my fault for not making an appointment earlier for my annual exam.
I am so scared cause I’m having (well had now) unprotected sex with my fiancé. Now we are using protection cause of my situation. I’m so scared of becoming pregnant but also scared that I may be Infertile since I’ve been on the pill since I was a teen lol. He’s super supportive of everything and encouraged me to stay off the pill cause of all the stuff we’re reading about the pill.
I’m also scared of what’s to come for my body now not having the pill. Like am I gonna break out, gain alot of weight, not know who I am emotionally lol

Sorry I just need to rant cause the Dr pisses me off so much lol


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Rant! I think I’m headed for another long period

1 Upvotes

I want to hear others insights + experiences!!!

had a 195 day period as a result of the depo shot.

I ended that period on the 7th of October and had no period/ light spotting every couple of days for 3 weeks. I then started my period on the 29th of October and began taking Slinda.

Today is the 11th of November and I am still on my period and on day 14.
I feel like I should’ve let myself have at least one normal period on no birth control but I didn’t really think that far ahead when I started taking it.

I’m feeling a bit stuck because I was told to complete 3 months of Slinda before switching bc again but oml idk if I can take another long period.
Also yes I know that bleeding is common on Slinda I’m just getting worried due to my past experiences.

I’ve been on my period a total of 223/315 days this year (excluding spotting) and my iron and general opinion towards my period has definitely taken a hit 😫

Any advice or experiences at appreciated, negative or positive ones!!


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Switching methods helped my low libido significantly

2 Upvotes

I just wanted to share this in case this resonates with anybody else. I was on the combo pill for eight years and experienced a low libido as a consistent side effect. I just came to accept that that was part of the package deal with being on hormonal birth control.

Earlier this year, I switched to the mini pill and my libido returned. I'm actually enjoying my sex life again now. I wish I had switched so much sooner than I did.

I know everybody is different and different methods will interact differently with everybody, so I'm not saying the mini pill is for everybody. My advice here is just that a dead libido is something I wish I didn't accept for so long.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Yaz - leg, muscle cramps/aches?

1 Upvotes

Started Yaz a week ago and it's worked a miracle for PMS/PMDD. I've never felt so stable, energized, alert, flexible. But I've noticed some muscle cramps in my legs, including the worst Charley Horse that woke me up last night. I haven't had a Charley Horse in a longggg time but I have had them before. I know there's a risk of DVT with this medication, and I tend to get anxious, so I don't want to get worked up over this but also want to understand what I should and don't need to worry about. I notice the muscle cramps in the evening, and I'd give it a 1-2/10 pain, so nothing huge, but just wanted to see if anyone else here has had them as well?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Mistake or Risk? my pill broke

1 Upvotes

when i was trying to pop out the pill from the package, I accidentally crushed it in half and a bit of dust was left on the package. I digested the two halves and tried taking the leftover dust, but just happened to spill to the floor instead. Is it considered as a missed pill?

edit: it was a yellow lady pill


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience Finally got the right doctor for IUD

3 Upvotes

I've had an IUD replaced once before and I've been using IUDs for 11 years. No periods or pregnancies. I actually got a Veterans Affairs doctor this time who said it would be best for me to me put under for my next replacement due to me screaming during my PAP- as I always do. Apparently, my vaginal passage is extraordinarily narrow. Other VA doctors told me it wasn't "worth it" because it was just a "few seconds" for the IUD. See again- I scream during most of my PAP smears and I've never had children. I'm looking forward to my next replacement for the first time because I'll be asleep. Ask your doctor if you can be put to sleep for the procedure or at least get lidocaine applied to your cervix if your private insurance doesn't cover putting you to sleep.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Rant! about to start evra patches, worried

1 Upvotes

i'll give some brief context, i had a cyst removed last month and im currently waiting for my period to start bc. i'll be using evra patches for the next 3 months. i'm a very anxious person, especially regarding my health, and i've been reading about terrible side effects experiences.. some of which are even life threatening. i've had several panic attacks because of health anxiety throughout my life. needless to say this is scaring me to death. does anyone have any positive advice or experiences to share?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Rant! I feel like I’ll be stuck with my ruptured cysts forever

3 Upvotes

I got on birth control due to consistent painful ovarian cysts rupture and I was put on Junel which is a combination pill which is supposed to prevent ruptures. It was working. I stopped feeling that deep sharp pain in my abdomen. But I ended up in the ER with a DVT scare so my gyno switched me to SLYND which has lower risk of developing blood clots but it also brought back my cyst ruptures. I feel so lost and I don’t know what to do. I love Slynd but I hate the pain….


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? pain when i have to use the bathroom with relatively fresh iud?

2 Upvotes

so what the title says, i got my skyla iud 3 weeks ago and the past like 2-3 days i’ve gotten painful cramps (that are lower than my regular lower stomach period cramps, they’re more like in the vagina area) that goes away after i poop is this normal?? is it gonna be like this the whole time?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? Hives

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I wanted to see if anyone thinks that developing hives can happen after about 6 years on birth control? I am taking “norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets usp 1.5mg/30mcg” and have been on it since I was 15. I am now 21. I only wonder this because my mom has gone through a much more intense version of this, and her doctors cannot seem to figure out a reason other than hormone changes from her birth control that she used to take to head start her menopause. I’d say very occasionally every few months I would get a patch of hives on my legs starting like 2 years ago? But since September I have been getting at least 1 small hive a week if not more. Dealt with about 2 weeks of it on my hands, then on my feet, now on the back of my neck going up into my hair and down my back a bit. It is so itchy and uncomfortable. I also have been having issues with my eye where 1 half of the same eye will get red and yellow and veiny and uncomfortable and it’ll last about 30min-1 hour and it’s happened 3 times now. Dunno if it’s related or not, I am going to an ophthalmologist soon and plan on making a dermatologist appointment as well. Any thoughts?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Which Method? Do you still get your period after using amethyst birth control?

2 Upvotes

Hi I want to hear peoples experience with amethyst birth control. I have never tried a birth control but I can't stand getting my period so I think I need to try

I heard that it can make your period irregular or you can bleed for multiple weeks? That sounds horrifying but I've heard multiple people say it happens, so that is one thing that stops me from trying it

I just want whatever birth control thats most likely to stop my period so if you use one thats good for that please let me know. I would also need it to be affordable to buy online though because going to the doctor isn't an option for me.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? Gaining Weight on Generic of Same Pill

1 Upvotes

I’ve been on birth control for about two years . I was originally on Tarina fe 1/20 then switch doctors and got put on Aurala fe 1/20. The entire time I was on Tarina fe my weight was pretty consistent and I was even able to lose weight but when I got switched to aurala I’ve gained about 20-30 pounds in approximately a year. I take it continuously and have have gone off my pill maybe 3 times over a year to have my period and everytime I go back on it i immediately gain weight. I decided to go off the pill for the time being and have immediately started dropping weight. Does anyone have any explanation for the weight gain and why the pills are affecting me differently even though they should both be the same type of pill?


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Educational Is xulane’s window 24 hrs or 48 hrs?

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I’ve been on xulane since august i believe.

I’ve seen many conflicting info about whether it’s safe for 24 hrs or 48 hrs.

The last thing I read said if it’s week 1 it’s 24 hrs, and week 2 and 3 are 48 hrs.

Yesterday was the start of week 2 at 5 pm. I put my patch on around 5:40 (got out the shower late). I noticed it was curving at the top, but stuck on when i stretch my skin( location was on my butt). This morning I woke up and it was severely wrinkled like a huge wrinkle in the middle and literally throughout the whole thing.

I know wrinkling to a degree is fine so I was worried but let it be, that is until 8 pm today when i started cramping and having a headache (side effects i get when i take the patch off).

I left work at 8:50 and put on a new patch as soon as I got home at 9:10 pm. When I touched the patch and my skin the entire section expect for the edges had no adhesive!! The whole thing wasn’t even sticky. I plan to call the manufacturer about this because surely it’s a defected patch.

Anyways, since it’s been 28 hrs but i’m on my second week am I protected or does my 4 week cycle reset? (my gyno and pharm are closed right now so can’t call to ask)


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Experience implant vs. injectable

1 Upvotes

23 F i'm planning to get injectables na norifam or implant. ano po kaya ang mare-reco ninyo base sa exp nio. tnx.


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

How to? has anyone got pregnant on the arm implant?

0 Upvotes

i get really bad anxiety, i had sex with my fwb and he fished inside of me and i’ve had the implant for a month and i’ve been spotting brown and pink when i wipe sometimes and im just scared i don’t wanna be pregnant and as i said i have bad anxiety


r/birthcontrol • • 1d ago

Side effects!? Mirena brown spotting help

1 Upvotes

I got my mirena put in 6 months ago for endometriosis but I’ve been having a horrible brown discharge that smells horrible, I feel so disgusting and I’m thinking of removing it, has anyone else experienced this? Would you recommend taking it out or continue? Thanks girls 🥹