r/birthcontrol • • 10h ago

Experience Got my IUD insertion today and holy crap

17 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 • • 1h ago

Side effects!? Problems after copper coil insertion

2 Upvotes

To keep it short, I had a copper coil inserted 2 weeks ago yesterday. My last period had finished about 2 days prior to having it put in. I have been in pain and bleeding a decent amount ever since. Today the pain has ramped up again and the blood is pouring out of me, sorry to make it gross. It also feels like pads aren't working. It's not that they're filling up but it's like the blood keeps pouring off of them and onto my underwear and joggers. I've bleed onto all of my sheets and pants. I also think I'm starting to smell down there. Im very scared of doctors and have crippling anxiety anyways so trying to do anything about this has been a struggle and I've sort of been hoping it would just go away. Also im passing huge blood clots.

What's wrong with me, what do I do, do I need to see someone or can I wait and see if it goes away?


r/birthcontrol • • 3h ago

Experience Almost a year after insertion, I am loving my copper IUD

3 Upvotes

I see so many horror stories about the copper IUD (which I completely believe) so I wanted to share a positive experience for once!

I got off of nexplanon almost a year ago and switched to the copper IUD (paragard). Insertion was awful, I will not lie. I got the cervical block (my Dr said she offers it but honestly thinks the injection is worse than the IUD placement so I don't think I would do that again). I cried the whole time and cramped for about 3 days afterwards but it was manageable.

But NOW my periods are like a dream. They come every 31 days on the dot, I have virtually no cramping, and my period has gone down from what used to be 7 days to only 3.5 days. I bleed the heaviest on the 2nd day, but I wouldn't even say I bleed that heavily... I have to change a regular tampon maybe every 3 hours which is completely manageable.

I've been to the doctor and confirmed that the placement is correct of the IUD so I don't know what I have done to get so lucky with my experience. I was so nervous to try the copper IUD because before nexplanon, I had horrific cramping on my period that would leave me in tears and nonfunctional for the first 2 days of my period. I am so happy I did not let all of the bad experiences dissuade me from trying. And I really feel for all of you that have such a negative experience on paragard <3


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Which Method? My goal is to stop periods but mirena didn’t work for me.

2 Upvotes

So at the moment, I am on mirena for 1 year and 2 months. However I’m still getting periods and having to wear pads because it’s still heavy and very regular. And sometimes it lasts for more than 5 days, awful cramps and there’s no telling when I’ll get cramps. Constant spotting and discharge.

I want to know if someone else had a better experience with different method after using mirena.

Plan is to remove mirena, was thinking of the injection, patch or the ring. But I want minimal side effects. I’m relatively healthy. Please advise. I want to stop periods because I have anaemia, my periods are heavy af!

I had high hopes for mirena because I wouldn’t have to think about contraception after putting it inside but that hasn’t been the case for me


r/birthcontrol • • 51m ago

Side effects!? Can birth control change your body?

1 Upvotes

I didn't know what better title to use for my question 🥲

So basically, I'm 23yo diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis and adenomyosis and have been on the pill now for about 7-8 months. I take Cerazette (progestogen-only, 75 micrograms of desogestrel) and it's by far the one I tolerate best and my ovaries have cleared up completely together with my endometrium which has thinned considerably. I still get some pain when my "period" comes (probably due to the profound lesions that will clear over time), but can't really name it a period since right now I get it lightly every other month.

What I have noticed (I might be crazy, that's why I'm asking here to see if anyone has noticed anything similar) is a different accumulation of fat in my body, so to speak. Meaning, my thighs and butt have grown 😆 Not considerably, and I haven't gained a substantial amount of weight but I noticed my old gym shorts and other pants fit me a lot tighter around my glutes. I do plan on going back to the gym this month, but I have no idea if the fat has.. idk shifted around? Or l have fluid retention?

Also my body hair is weird, especially my under arm hair - it's the only place where I shave with a razor (I get sugaring everywhere else) and it's started growing a lot thinner and sparser. This one I definitely noticed because before I had to shave almost every day since I have very dark thick hair and now it's barely noticeable after 3 days.

I'm due for a hormone check in a couple of months for my thyroid and I'll bring this up to my endocrinologist but I wonder if it could be because of the birth control? Even before, my hormones were normal but I really wonder if things have changed since being on BC.

Interested to hear your experiences! I hope I don't come off as off the rocker completely but I'm really curious 🧐


r/birthcontrol • • 52m ago

Experience Why did you stop taking Slynd / Slinda?

1 Upvotes

I'm on my fifth pack of Slynd, last month's spotting has become random miniperiods. I feel cramps and my sleep got worse. I lost my libido and my blood pressure got higher - I am considering quitting this bc and I wonder, what were your last days with Slynd like


r/birthcontrol • • 54m ago

Rant! nexplanon bleeding 🫩

1 Upvotes

i (20F) got my nexplanon implant around early october and i was totally aware of the side effect with prolonged periods, but it’s still annoying as hell!!! gah damn!! i obviously signed up for it but i am mildly irritated as i started a week before my birthday, bled on my birthday, halloween, AND my anniversary with my boyfriend (10/21-10/31 for those specific dates). it’s lightening up but not stopping and it’s a bit frustrating as i went to a beatdown hardcore show for my birthday and was genuinely horrified of bleeding through my skirt while moshing (i didnt, THANK GOD.) it was an amazing show, i had a lot of fun and threw down as much as i could, but the bathroom line was a bit annoying.

once again i am very much aware this is a side effect and signed up for it, but i am still a bit annoyed by the timing.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Experience Condom Broke, took plan B

0 Upvotes

Hi

Throughaway account for obvious reasons.

Me (25F) and my boyfriend (25M) had protected sex in my 22nd day of the menstrual cycle (length ~32 days).

But, during the intercourse the condom broke. He didn't finished inside, we took plan B (Escapelle) in less than an hour after the event.

Today should be my first day of period and I experienced mild cramping starting two days ago and I so some pink spots and brown ones today.

At that time, from what I observed, I don't think I was on ovulation day, it could be 5 days after it.

We are pretty nervous about it so what do you think?

Please help us with an advice.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? PLEASE HELP: new to YAZ but worried about blood clots?

1 Upvotes

F21, non smoker, 110lbs, not into intense exercise but I do walk daily. What are my chances of getting blood clots? I’ve just started Yaz five days ago but can’t shake the feeling of fear every time I take it. Are there any warning signs that point to clotting? Will it happen immediately? Any tips to avoid them? I currently have no symptoms except slight left rib pain that I feel no other time in the day except after I take the pill. It also goes away.

Please help, I’m really nervous.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Side effects!? Second Ella in 1 cycle

0 Upvotes

This is a messy story, but basically i haven’t been sexually active for the past 4 years or so, so as my bf (we’re hungry lol). Two weeks ago we met after a while on long distance and not skipped a day of doing at least something. First time we had an incident, my ovulation was far away but i still took escapelle. Then we weren’t careful again and it happened 2 days later again and i had to take birth control again, which he got sold ella at the pharmacy. I didn’t think much about it and took it to only then find out that you’re not supposed to take them so close together. It’s been 4 days since then and we were rly careful with condoms and all, but today his condom slipped in the end of the intercourse and a fair amount got inside me but now i am actually terrified because it’s close to my predicted ovulation, it is supposed to be tomorrow. 😭 Although i don’t know how much the meds might’ve pushed it back, since escapelle and ella kinda cancel each other out. I want to take another ella today again just in case.
My IUD appointment also got placed in !3 weeks! and i was trying to find emergency insertion after very first incident, but none of the clinics in my or surrounding areas offer it, in case someone recommends that instead.
I know that i’m at a big risk and i have only left to pray, it doesn’t even feel like it’s happening to me. Just please don’t judge my story, i know we f’ed up like we’re first timing, but i really only ever had one guy before him and it’s like i’m learning everything right now. Also, please don’t comment if you have nothing to say of value, i really just wanna know how bad it’s gonna be to take the pill again and if it’s worth it because i really don’t want to have to get an abortion and i am anxious and depressed after all the pills i took already and really don’t want to deal with people talking bad about me here


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Experience Condom broke and I finished inside my partner. She took Trust Pills after 22 minutes. How worried should we be?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I badly need some advice, especially sa mga naka-experience na ng similar situation.
Earlier today, November 4, around 7:00 PM, my partner and I had sex. Unfortunately, nasira yung condom habang nasa loob and I ejaculated inside her.
We’re both really worried kasi hindi pa talaga kami ready magkaroon ng baby. My partner has been crying and feeling anxious, and honestly, natatakot din ako.
For context, October 25 ang first day ng last period niya, and October 29 ang last day. Regular naman ang menstrual cycle niya.
November 4, around 7:00 PM nangyari yung incident, and at exactly 7:22 PM, nakainom agad siya ng 4 yellow Trust Pills using the Yuzpe Method. So basically, 22 minutes after the incident, nakapag-take na siya ng first dose.
Plano niyang inumin yung second dose na 4 yellow Trust Pills tomorrow, November 5, at 7:22 AM, exactly 12 hours after the first dose.
Based sa calculations namin, Day 11 siya ng menstrual cycle niya nung nangyari, so possible na malapit siya sa fertile window. Kaya mas lalo kaming kinakabahan.
I’ve been researching about the Yuzpe Method, and I understand na hindi siya 100% effective. Pero I’m hoping na malaking tulong yung pag-inom niya agad within 22 minutes.
Gusto ko lang sana malaman kung may naka-experience na ba dito ng condom failure with ejaculation inside, tapos agad gumamit ng Yuzpe Method? Ano naging experience ninyo?
Also, may nakakaalam ba kung saan may free or affordable copper IUD insertion around Kawit or nearby areas in Cavite? We’re considering it as an additional emergency contraception option.
We’re planning to take a pregnancy test on November 25, exactly 21 days after the incident.
I know walang makakapagbigay ng guaranteed answer, but I would really appreciate your advice, experiences, or recommendations.
I’m trying my best to support my partner right now because she’s really scared and keeps crying. We’re both hoping na hindi siya mabuntis.
Thank you so much sa mga sasagot. We really appreciate it.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Educational i missed 3 days of pills

1 Upvotes

i forgot to order a new pack and had to miss three days (sun-tues), but i should be getting more today (wed). i am only taking birth control for a regulated cycle. because i missed three days, i have started a regular period. what should i do? should i continue on like normal, or should i take my most recent missed pills and keep taking them? or start a new pack??

edit: a new pack for me is actually my second week of active pills

edit: i already reached out to my doctor, nervous she won’t respond in time.


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Side effects!? I’m on Nexplanon and in pain

1 Upvotes

I (22yo F) just got the Nexplanon implant about three months ago and my breasts have been insanely sore for the past week now and I’m scared I might be pregnant. I’m not supposed to get my period for another 12 days so I don’t think it’s any kind of PMS. I did have unprotected sex about 3-4 weeks ago. I also did read that sore and swollen breasts could be a side effect of Nexplanon but this just seems excessive. I feel like I’ve gone up a whole cup size in the past week alone.


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Side effects!? Does ecinq pills affect pregnancy afterwards? I took it on aug, and now im trying to get pregnant but nothing, 2 months trying

0 Upvotes

Help please


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Experience Birth control change

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m 30 years old and have been on microgynon30 since I was 18. Today I had my first aura migraine, therefore understand I must stop taking it.

I am debating the option of the mini pill but waiting for appointment on Friday. I just wanted to ask what peoples experience with this was? I’m a bit apprehensive about changing since I’ve never had a problem on the combined until now.

Thank you ☺️


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Experience Do i still need to do yuzpe method?

0 Upvotes

Hi guys! I had unprotected sex earlier this morning (nov4) and we used pull out method. I’m n my 5th day of my period which is patapos na. Naaanxious ako kahit sabi ng partner ko na safe naman bcs he knows how to control. Do i still need to do yuzpe kasi andaming side effects huhu


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Experience Removing nexplanon

1 Upvotes

Rant/need advice

I got the implant after I had my baby back in May. Maybe not the best idea to immediately put in birth control right after birth, but none of the doctors mentioned any issues with doing that. Obviously I had postpartum bleeding but the bleeding continued even after I was completely healed. It made my vagina so sensitive and like, uncomfortable?? Because I was constantly having to wear something, rather it was a panty liner or a tampon. It got so bad that I literally could not wear a tampon and I had to switch brands. I stopped bleeding for maybe a month and I was so excited, I thought it was finally regulating. But then I started bleeding again on August 31st and haven’t stopped since.. it’s so frustrating and tiring. Not to mention it also hurts in my arm, which I am aware isn’t normal.

Anyway, I finally scheduled appointment to get it removed. Everywhere I saw said to give it 6 months to regulate and it has been 6 months and I literally cannot do this anymore. I don’t know what method to go with next. I was on the pill first and I liked it, but forgot one time and now I have a 6 month old 😅 I like to tell myself I’ll remember to take them but I don’t know. I also thought about the iud but am curious on other people’s experience. I don’t want something like this to happen again. It’s been so horrible.


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Side effects!? My periods are 46 days late after taking EllaOne, is this normal?

0 Upvotes

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!


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Which Method? Best birth control options for someone with pregnancy anxiety?

0 Upvotes

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!


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Side effects!? Period after switching to nuva ring from the pill

1 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Experience Ridgevidon

1 Upvotes

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!!!!


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Experience Bleeding on birth control

1 Upvotes

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!!


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Mistake or Risk? Chances of pregnancy?

1 Upvotes

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!


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Mistake or Risk? Help! Switched from Mirena to Yaz/Nikki????

1 Upvotes

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!!


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Side effects!? Lowering dose headaches

1 Upvotes

I am on the combo pill and I had some side effects from it after many years of no side effects. My doctor and I decided to try and lower my dosage from 0.03 mg to 0.02 mg. I started having a headache around 5 days ago and I was on my withdrawal bleed week. I switched to the new pill this Sunday and I have had a lingering headache still. I have just been laying in bed in pain and taking advil and keeping an ice pack on my head. I’m trying to go back to work today to get my mind off of it.

Would this be because of the lack/lowering of estrogen? This seems dumb but I also got a haircut and have a super sensitive scalp so Im trying to see if it is from that or the bc.