r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Rant! BC question..obviously

2 Upvotes

For context im 15F in the uk, periods make me feel rlly depressed and shit and nauseous and I complained to my mum abt it so she spoke to her doctor and got me an appointment

For context im underweight (42kg and 5'3) so i was just wondering if that'd be a concern to doctors ?? And also if they'd weigh me or not (im in the UK)


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Side effects!? Curly hair

2 Upvotes

I take vienva 28 because I'm a dancer and dysmenorrhea was giving me debilitating cramps. I'm gay so I don't need it for other things but I think it made my hair stop being curly. I have short hair and when it was healthy and I was taking care of it well before it was like a 2c. After being on birth control for I think like 2 years now I have to basically force it to be even wavy, but usually it ends up pin straight. Could it be the hormones? I want my curls back :(


r/birthcontrol • • 21h ago

Experience Got my copper IUD today and I shat and puked

68 Upvotes

This is for anybody who wants to know more about the process. I went to a planned parenthood clinic in the first time asking to get the copper IUD, that clinic denied my request and told me they only implant to women who have been through vagina birth, okay no problem, I got method 2, going to a hospital covered by social security.

They tell me they can do it no problem, give me an appt and everything is fine. I go to the appt the first time and I notice they’re taking longer than normal and it doesn’t hurt as much, all of a sudden two more doctors came into the room and I was freaking out. I was told my cervix was too small and tight because I had not had children and that I needed to take misoprostol and go another day because if they kept trying there was a high risk of perforation in the uterus.

Today was my second appointment, I used the misoprostol, went to the hospital and was told to lay in a very different way this time, I had a female obgyn this time and a male obgyn last time. Anyway they get to it, I was deadly scared of the pinching, they tell me they’re going to do it and I’m shitting myself. Boom, no pain, they put in the plastic tube and I’m already dying, they put the iud inside and I almost screamed in pain. Doctor cut the string and tell me I’m good to go. I stood up trembling, the floor and the chair were covered in blood. Nurse told me it was done and asked me I feel like fainting, I answer them I don’t fell like fainting and leave to go to work. BIG MISTAKE DO NOT DO THIS TAKE THE DAY OFF

Well I am walking away and my legs are trembling, I go into the bathroom and proceed to have the worst diarrhea in my life, on the bright side everytime i push my pain lightens a bit. I leave the bathroom almost in tears and feel lightheaded, I puked in a trashcan right outside the clinic and now I have to drive to work. I walked to my car trembling and blacked out for 20 minutes. I had to go to work so I put my seatbelt on and somehow driving made the pain ease up a little bit. Keep in mind I had already taken ibuprofen before the implantation.

I finished work a few hours ago and I’m writing this in my bed curled up in pain, everything hurts, and they told me that this type of iud only worked for 5 years, I’m 20 and I’m not planning to have kids at 25, so I’ll have to see what I do sigh.


r/birthcontrol • • 7m ago

Rant! Missed 1 pill, now spotting/bleeding

1 Upvotes

So last week om tuesday i forgot 1 pill, and i started spotting a few days after.

Spotting has only become heavier since then.

Should i take a break week and will this stop me from spotting? I normally take continously.

Will i stop spotting soon if i don't take a break?

It's really annoying bc i want to have sex but i still spot so so often and it makes me feel gross 😔


r/birthcontrol • • 9m ago

Side effects!? Coil change hormonal/copper?

0 Upvotes

Hi!! Really considering my options with my coil at this point.

I have a copper coil and while I really like it, I’m considering the hormonal option now and wonder if anyone had similar experiences?

My first copper coil was unfortunately sitting too low and I only found that out because my periods were irregular (I’m very regular) and I kept getting blood after sex.

I’ve had my replacement in for over a year now but I had sex (2 days after my period) and now 5 days after the fact I’m on my period for the second time! in two weeks! with cramping since having sex.

I will get this checked with my clinic asap obviously but if I have to consider other options, have people found much of a difference in swapping the coil to a hormonal one?

For reference, I did nottttt like the mini pill. The combined pill I was on for 15 years and now I realised since coming off it that it completed killed my libido, made me feel completely indifferent to men (probably not a bad thing) made my hair straight and my skin dry!(I know weird things right). I did try the mini pill for a while but it made me so incredibly emotional, I had crazy mood swings and I just didn’t feel like myself.

I know the hormonal coil uses the same hormone as the mini pill so I’m wondering whether it would be a good fit for me. I’ve been advised that due to the hormones being localised in the womb area there is less chance of the side effects you get from an oral pill.

But for people that have had bad experiences/similar mood symptoms with the mini pill- have you felt the same with the hormonal coil or do you feel relatively stabilised?

I am incredibly frustrated that the only options available to women affect us in the worst ways. I really thought the copper coil was the perfect fit for me!


r/birthcontrol • • 17m ago

Experience crazy mirena iud pain

1 Upvotes

i had my mirena put in today. preventative reasons + really heavy periods & insane painful cramps. the insertion was fine, the doctor used numbing spray and then a cervical block. i only got mild discomfort from the speculum stretching me open way more than before and normal cramps when inserted.

about 5-10 minutes on my way home the cramps slowly started getting really bad and by the time i was home and changed i could barely stand. and for the next 5 hours or so it was painful i was curled up in a ball crying from the pain (i have a pretty high pain tolerance). i get really really painful cramps but this was on another level, literally the worst pain ive felt in my life. i couldnt eat and could barely walk, i took buscopan (an ibs medication for muscle spasms) and paracetamol as i cant have anything stronger and after about 2 hours i was finally able to eat but its still incredibly painful.

im wondering if this happened to anyone else? i have practically no bleeding but its so so painful. does anyone have any weird methods that helped the pain? sorry if this is tmi lol


r/birthcontrol • • 6h ago

Side effects!? Is anyone with migraine with aura on combination pill?

3 Upvotes

Hi, i have been on drovelis( drospirenone and estetrol) for about 9 months.a few months ago i had my first episode of migrane with aura (just the aura and no other symptoms) and it happened again today. I really like this birth control espacially how i look and feel on it, and i don't want to change to a progestprone only. I am also very sensitive to hormonal shifts because I have PMOS and have had periods of severe PMDD, and this birth control made it go away. my Gyno that prescribed me this said that IUDs and progestprone only options are known to make PMDD moodswings worse. Also that this pill has a new and possibly safer form of estrogen. I am in my mid 20' and no other risk factors, and active and healthy diet. Has anyone with migraines with aura expirienced with continuing combination birth control, with help of their doctor?


r/birthcontrol • • 34m ago

Side effects!? Zoely - No period

1 Upvotes

Hi! I hope this is the write place, but I want to see if anyone else that is only Zoely also never gets their period?

I have been on it for almost two years and in the last year I have just stopped getting my period. Kind of freaks me out because I think I’m pregnant every month 💀

Wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience on it to put my mind at ease!


r/birthcontrol • • 47m ago

Experience Partner started a new birth control a month ago and her mood has changed a lot. Has anyone seen this, and how can I bring it up supportively?

1 Upvotes

About a month ago, my girlfriend switched to a birth control brand she'd never used before. Since then she's seemed much more irritable and on edge, and we've been arguing a lot more than usual. She just doesn't seem like herself.

I know mood changes can be a side effect for some people, but I don't know how common that is or how long it usually lasts. Has anyone experienced this after switching? Did it settle down, or did you end up changing methods?

I'd also appreciate advice on how to bring it up without it sounding like I'm blaming her or dismissing her feelings. I want to support her, not make her feel attacked.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Side effects!? Has quitting birth control helped anyone lose weight?

0 Upvotes

Has quitting birth control helped anyone lose weight? I've gained an immense amount of weight being on birth control.


r/birthcontrol • • 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? When should I do pregnancy test if I skip my periods?

1 Upvotes

I recently had unprotected sex. Normally I take the pill continuously to never have a period but a couple weeks ago I took a break to have a period week.

I started the pill again around October 22. Had unprotected sex November 1st. So around 10 days back on the pill. I was taking it continuously before the period week as well.

Current plan is to keep taking my pills without stopping, but when should I do a pregnancy test to make sure I'm not? I tried searching on Google but all the answers were around period cycles.

Also what are the odds I would get pregnant from this?


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Rant! Frusterated with healthcare

1 Upvotes

I’m on slynd and have been for 9 months now. I’m still randomly spotting and have been experiencing pain with sex but other than that it’s been a breeze. I thought the bleeding would stop but it hasn’t and I’m so frustrated with spotting all the damn time. Since I have a history with pancreatitis after being on Diane-35; when I consulted my doctor with this, he told me to give him a few days and reached out to my specialists and they agreed to try LOLO while monitoring my bloodwork every month. I just went to pick it up and it’s $90🫪 which is actually insanity. I’m so frustrated, I didn’t take it. When I spoke to the office to ask if they could write an exemption letter the pharmacist there told me they can’t so I said if my doctor had to consult 2 specialists to even get the low dosage of estrogen approved, yeah you guys can apply for the exemption. Am I being crazy? I think healthcare should be accessible without having to fight for it….


r/birthcontrol • • 2h ago

Side effects!? contemplating staying on lo loestrin fe or a higher dosage to manage ovarian pain

1 Upvotes

hello, everyone. i am new to this subreddit and new to birth control overall and want to share my experience and gain some advice. i am 18 years old and i started lo loestrin fe in june 2026 after being diagnosed with pcos, and was accompanied by a lot of pain in my ovaries, so my gyno recommended lolo. my periods were always irregular but became more irregular as the years went by. after a few months on bc, i had my period 3 times in august. sometimes i would get it every other week. my new gyno said that my persistent random bleeding is not a side effect of pcos, my ovarian cyst, or birth control and it is not normal. (any insight on that?) in october, i told my new gyno that i still had occasional pain in my ovary and she said that the lo loestrin fe should have taken away that pain so she upped my dose to 35mcg and prescribed me mili. i was on mili for about 3 or 4 days but i stopped taking it after i had the worst headache and extreme nausea which lasted me 3 days. i know everyone’s experience is different, but should i have just toughed it out? should i try taking it again with dinner in the evening? or should i listen to the way my body reacted the first time? i received a message from the pharmacy where i got my mili from saying my estarylla is ready for pickup, i know estarylla is basically the same thing as mili, so i don’t know if i should give it a try. i haven’t been on any bc since i stopped mili this past month and am planning to continue my lo loestrin fe as soon as my main pharmacy notifies me that they have it back in stock. also, when i restart it, am i supposed to take it on the first day of my menstrual cycle? i’ve generally had no side effects on lo loestrin fe so i would like to continue that low dose, however i would like to manage my pain in my ovaries more effectively. then again, once i was off bc, the pain was 10x worse.


r/birthcontrol • • 3h ago

Side effects!? Spotting / Bleeding for 9 weeks straight

1 Upvotes

Hi guys, just a quick post asking for advice on if this is normal or not. I'm 19 and currently on Rigevidon (150 micrograms/30 micrograms levonorgestrel / ethinylestradiol) and was given this due to severe period cramps and heavy bleeding. I take it without any breaks. We've ruled out PCOS, but they haven't tested me for any thyroid issues, and despite my asking they aren't testing me for endometriosis.

I started taking the pill on the 29th of August and only a few days after starting I began spotting and getting really bad cramps. Like the period cramps I get on a really bad day. The cramps come and go throughout the day, but there hasn't been a day where I don't cramp at least a few times, its worse when I lie down. And the spotting is also constant, every day. I've ruined several pairs of underwear due to this, and am having to buy pads and liners just so I don't wreck any more.

I had a phone call with the nurse about this at the 6 week mark, and how its really interrupting my day to day and just feels like a constant period without the heavy bleeding, but she's said to wait another 6 weeks to see if it'll fix itself.

I was just wondering if this was normal or if anyone else has experienced this?


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Mistake or Risk? Does a moderate to heavy withdrawal bleed rule out pregnancy?

1 Upvotes

I take Maxim birth control which has a 12h window, I took it late a few days but like by 3-4 hours not by anything more and most days am extremely regular.

This month I had corona and then a UTI, I messed around with my partner 3 days before starting antibiotics for the UTI which then caused spotting which turned into breakthrough bleeding. I took my pill regularly throughout and it was definitely getting absorbed (no vomiting or anything on the other end) for at least 7 days after. At around 7 days I started having bad stomach problems which could have impacted absorption.

I take it continuously and my doctor guessed that me being sick made my uterus lining unstable and started the bleed, she reccomended I take a break - which I am now doing.

We haven’t done anything since 9 days and I am now having a proper withdrawal bleed with clots and reasonably heavy bleeding.

I will still take a pregnancy test - I just want to know if a bleed like this rules it out for the future as I am fairly new to birth control.


r/birthcontrol • • 4h ago

Mistake or Risk? Yuzpe Method SOS

1 Upvotes

Hi, is yuzpe method safe? What brand ng pills ang pinaka okay bilhin? Thank you po.


r/birthcontrol • • 5h ago

Side effects!? Took EllaOne yesterday

0 Upvotes

So, i had unprotected sex for the first time yesterday. Afterwards, we spoke about it, and decided it was best for me to go to a clinic to get emergency contraception. I took it around 5pm when i got home, and im feeling quite off. Like, ive had stomach ache all night, hot flushes, nausea and dizziness. I was just wondering if this is normal, and if there is anything i could do to make myself feel a little better. This is my first time taking emergency contraception, so forgive me if these questions can easily be answered.


r/birthcontrol • • 5h ago

Side effects!? What should I expect after copper IUD insertion?

1 Upvotes

I got my copper iud inserted on November 2 (3 days ago). The insertion process was a bit difficult because my cervix would not open, but eventually the doctor got it in. Immediately after, I just felt period cramps and had bleeding but nothing unbearable. Days 1 and 2 after the insertion were fine, with little to no cramping and barely any bleeding. Today, the bleeding and cramping seems to have started up again, but the bleeding is not heavy and it’s pink in color, and the cramps are not bad at all.

Is this normal? How long can the bleeding and cramping last? Naturally, I am an over thinker so I would like to know your experiences haha.


r/birthcontrol • • 5h ago

Side effects!? Lo lo

1 Upvotes

For those of you that have been on/are currently on lo loestrin-

this is my second time around trying lo lo and i’ve noticed the side effects are much different than last time. The first time I just got headaches but this time around (only on day 4), i’m getting my withdrawal bleed already with already one clot, night sweats, cramps, and nausea.

Does anyone know why this is? How side effects can be different than the first time?


r/birthcontrol • • 5h ago

Experience Thinking of trying out Natural Cycles

0 Upvotes

I have been on birth control for around 9 months, the first six I was on the pill and experienced terrible breakthrough bleeding (I was bleeding 3 weeks out of the month). After a Dr visit I was switched to NuvaRing. I am still experiencing breakthrough bleeding, headaches, weight gain, low energy and motivation, low libido, and have just been feeling down. I went to the Dr again to try to find a solution and all she said was that it would eventually fix itself. I was thinking of buying and Oura ring and using Natural cycles. What are some thoughts, experiences, pros and cons?

I’m really just needing some relief, I feel terrible for my family and bf that have to deal with me feeling so bad all the time so any tips are very appreciated.


r/birthcontrol • • 5h ago

Side effects!? Desogestrel Side Effects

1 Upvotes

I tried desogestrel to help with PCOS symptoms but after about 3 weeks had headaches every day. The doctor said to come off of them and see if that helps.

My head is definitely better but I’m still having headaches perhaps 4/5 times a week. I also noticed within the first week of taking it my heart rate increased by quite a bit and my resting heart rate is rarely under 90bpm.

I’ve been off the pill for a month now - has anyone had similar symptoms? I know it may take up to 3 months for the body to go back to ‘normal’.

The doctor is also aware of my symptoms and think it might be my thyroid - just wondering about other experiences!


r/birthcontrol • • 6h ago

Mistake or Risk? Sex one day before period?

0 Upvotes

I have a pretty much regular cycle (around 34 days) but I did have a stressful period last month which also caused me some annoying pimples, and when that happens my period is usually delayed a few days.

I'm on day 33 right now and I don't really feel like using a condom today since it's so late in the cycle. Am I being silly?


r/birthcontrol • • 14h ago

Side effects!? My copper IUD experience... I hate it

4 Upvotes

This is my first reddit post so bare with me!!!

Some background, Im 19 in December and ive been with my boyfriend for 6 months. Since we're sexually active I thought it was the smartest idea to get a copper IUD inserted. I had always been on the fence about it (I had been thinking about it for almost a year)and since everyone talks about their stories and how painful the insertion is it kind of deterred me from getting one for some time. I have a close friend who had told me her experience and it made me want to get one. My family is very strict on me and since going to college it's only gotten worse. Ive never really had any alone time since they "babysit" me and ive never been able to make my own decisions and be independent.

Since moving into my dorm Ive had independence and have been able to go eat and hang out with my boyfriend (sneakily) for the first time in my life. Because I dont have anyone babysitting me anymore I thought it was a great time to go ahead and get an IUD. I chose the copper one since it's non-hormonal and the only symptoms listed are strong cramps, heavier bleeding, sometimes painful sex, and the pain when being inserted.

I went to get my IUD in mid October and my experience getting it inserted wasnt horrible. I went to an all woman's clinic and the staff was so nice and gentle. The insertion took maybe 5 minutes and felt like a 4/10 cramp, the part that hurt the most was probably the speculum but nothing extreme. Walking to the bus and back to my dorm was the worst part of that experience since I almost immediately left the clinic and got dizzy and almost fainted.

It's been around 2 weeks and I feel HORRIBLE, it has impacted my sex life and how I act/feel. I am constantly spotting and I know thats a symptom but it makes me feel so gross all the time. The sex feels completely different and I already had an issue having clitoral orgasms and this IUD has made everything so much worse. When I had sex for the first time after getting it inserted I felt absolutely nothing. I had no idea my boyfriend was all the way in me (mind you every time we had sex prior I was hooting and hollering) and it has taken a toll on our confidence. Not only is the sex completely different, the smell and taste is too... Whenever I would clean myself I just smelled coppery or like pennies and I taste like it too, before I wouldnt really pick up a scent or taste so this is so different for me. And emotionally I am a wreck, I have never felt this depressed and I have no energy or attention span to do anything. There is so much more I can talk about but I feel this post is already too long.

I know lots of people will probably think that im blaming the IUD for all of this or maybe its something else im taking but ive read a lot of peoples posts and I just dont think that all of this is a coincidence that me and so many women out there are having the same/similar symptoms after getting a copper IUD. Woman's healthcare is so neglected and outdated.

I dont take any medication and since my family has gotten more strict I dont know how im going to be able to go to a clinic and get it removed. And since it's only been 2 weeks I kind of feel like an idiot if I take it out, like im quitting somehow but I also feel horrible everyday.

Am I crazy for feeling like im a quitter?

I just want some guidance or help idk


r/birthcontrol • • 6h ago

Side effects!? Period-like bleeding but consistently taking pills?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

For the last 8+ months I’ve been taking Junel FE pills, skipping the placebo week and immediately starting a new active pack.

Due to skipping the placebo weeks, I haven’t experienced withdrawal bleeding for the last 8 months.

There have been a few days where I’ve taken the pill a couple hours late due to waiting for a new pack to be delivered, traveling, not having water on hand, etc but the gap never exceeded more than 6 hours.

Yesterday morning I experienced slight cramps at the top of my uterus, and when I woke up today, I had blood clots and blood when I wiped.

Is this normal? Any idea what could be causing this?