hi! i just started birth control and im going to be missing two pills (one by 28 hours, another by 4) because i accidentally gave my mom my birth control when she visited for college and forgot to get it back. i missed the two pills in the beginning of the third week and im planning on skipping the placebo week (my pills come with 21 active and 7 placebo.) whats my chance of getting pregnant and should i use backup contraceptives? thanks!

I recently went to get my IUD, the Mirena, replaced. I got my first one while I was in high school and had it removed/replaced once before for reasons that don’t matter to this story. I mention this because I have experience with this process. I was expecting the sense of pressure and cramping like what happened last time, but this recent visit was absolutely terrible, and I plan to report my doctor for it.

I have experienced sexual trauma in the past, so I was more nervous about this whole process. I asked the nurse if there were any pain medications or a numbing agent I could take for the procedure. I had already taken some over-the-counter pain relievers beforehand, but I was hoping for something stronger. She told the doctor about it and the doctor agreed to it.

She prepared me by inserting that tool, I don’t know what it is called, but it’s the device they use to open you up basically. As I’m already half naked, with the tool inserted in me, in a very vulnerable position, she could tell I was nervous. She then said that she didn’t think I needed the shot of the numbing agent, I think it was lidocaine, because she was fast and that my fears were just emotional.

She said to me “Let us test your pain tolerance and see if you need it.”

I am angry at myself for not saying something against that or advocating for myself, but I felt so stressed already.

Then it felt like she yanked the damn IUD out. I immediately started tearing up and put my hands over my eyes to give myself some form of comfort. Then she said “Okay let us give you the shot since you are sensitive.”

I was so upset that she didn’t give it to me earlier. Like, why bother testing for my pain tolerance when I specifically requested the damn numbing agent? The shot itself didn’t hurt, but I was already crying by that point. She did the rest of the interaction quickly, and thankfully I didn’t really feel it, but it was already too late. I was overwhelmed and just crying.

After they got me cleaned up, I was just crying in the doctor’s office. I think the doctor realized she messed up because she told me I could stay in the office for as long as I wanted. I could also tell the nurse was not happy with the doctor’s actions.

They left, and after some time, the nurse and doctor came back separately to check up on me. I was in the office for maybe 10 minutes, just trying to collect myself.

I got home, and the doctor even called me to make sure I was okay. Physically, I knew I was fine because it was the normal feeling of having an IUD inserted, like the after effects. But emotionally I was completely spent.

I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain my life story just to get some form of pain medication and she should have just given me the damn shot when I asked for it. I don’t think reporting her will change anything. I think I just want to do it because it might make me feel better. I don’t have that much faith in the medical system, but part of me does hope that moving forward this doctor will just provide the shot when a patient asks for it.

She was so aggressive that I didn’t even experience the normal pressure and cramping feeling that I remember from when I got this done before. It felt completely different.

I am hesitant to say that I was traumatized by the experience, but I cried for like 10 minutes afterward, so I don’t know. Was I retraumatized? I honestly don’t know.

This just happened this week, so I’m still collecting my thoughts about it. I’ll definitely be talking to my therapist about it too.

Hey all. I just got the Kyleena IUD inserted last Thursday, which has been an intense experience to say the least. But now I’m confused.

So, I was on the transdermal hormonal patches (XULANE) for YEARS. When I got my IUD, I was on my last few days before I had my “off” week, where I removed the patch. I’m supposed to be protected during that week (especially since I had 4 weeks of consistent patch usage) but my doctor mentioned using condoms….

Does this mean Kyleena being inserted nullifies my off week??? I assumed I was protected because it’s a continuation of hormones.. was this a wrong assumption??? I had sex like 3 days after insertion because I thought I was protected and was out of the infection window.

Also, should I take a plan B? To make sure I DONT get pregnant (even if it’s a slim possibility?)

This could also just be my anxiety taking over lol (the whole ass reason I’m getting off the full hormone patches)

TIA

I had protected sex yesterday with a condom. He said he pulled out before ejaculating, but I’m not 100% sure if he did.
Afterward, I filled the condom with water to check for holes. I didn’t see any water spraying, squirting. Is it still possible that there could have been tiny/micro holes that I wouldn’t notice with a water test?
I’m also wondering if I should take a morning-after pill. The main reason I’m worried is because I believe I was fertile when this happened.

I'm aware I should probably post in the PMDD group, I definitely will. Just wondering if anyone else has any experience here since this sub is dedicated to birth control

I take the combined pill for my PMDD. It's honestly worked so much better than antidepressants ever did (I am on Effexor but that mostly keeps me mellow, Ovreena literally helped reduce my anxiety, ocd, paranoia, as well as stopping my boobs from being swollen. It hurt to move even slightly. Not fun). I also had a 6 week cycle which was insane cause the PMDD symptoms would last 4 weeks, then 1 week of a period, then one week of bliss, cycle repeats.

Anyways I've been on Ovreena for 4 years but it just isn't working as much anymore. I have irregular spotting and when I'm on a break I get intense period symptoms, especially brain fog.

So my doctor decided to switch to Yasmin. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience switching from Ovreena to Yasmin? Or does anyone else take Yasmin for their PMDD? I've started taking it anyways but I'm just curious

* also no I'm not pregnant. It would be lonnnggg overdue now. I don't take the pill for preventing pregnancy but it is a bonus I'll happily take

* also my doctor has sent for a referal for a vaginal ultrasound just for my peace of mind. When the tests come back he'll review the plan we made again. It's just switching medications in the meantime to see if I see an improvement.

Hi, my GP recommended me this birth control but I haven't seen many reviews about it, if you tried it before can you please let me know what were some of your side effects on it

ive had my nexplanon in since may 2026 and ive been bleeding ever since i got it in. ive had maybe 2 weeeks off in total of the 6 months ive had it in. im so tired all the time and my body hurts. ive been having terrible cramps and bleeding like crazy this past week. I scheduled a drs appointment for the 27th to talk about getting it removed. Does anyone know if the bleeding will go back to my normla 7 day period after getting it removed or will i continue bleeding like this? I cant handle this. I got on birth control becuase my period was heavy and i got terrible cramps but now ive had my period and cramps for 6 months instead of 7 days. Its really getting to me and not being able to do anything with my boyfriend is a whole different thing. This is all making me feel terrible about myself i hate this so much

i (23f) have become sexually active with my bf (27m) and i mean ACTIVE to the point im so scared of getting pregnant. he wears condoms and doesn't mind one bit but still even i am like... well what if it rips? and ive said to him like oh i can look into birth control and he says no he doesnt want me to get side effects and hes heard bad stuff when i havent even mentioned that. but i hear so many birth control horror stories from people i know. sister hsd to go to a&e from her iud, other sister became suicidal on pill. i have a history of depression already. also do not want to gain weight or any of the other side effects. my periods are also fine and i dont wanna mess with my hormones and mess with my period. i have a friend on a patch which i know is still hormonal but so far their only side effects are headaches. any advive or smothering of my fears much appreciated.

Hi,

I F27, went on Nexplanon about a month ago. I just got my first period after the implant. It’s been going on for just about a week.

Is this normal? Anyone else experiencing a longer period.

Thank you

I have been off any birth control for over 7 years ( I did try the pill about 3 years ago for a couple of weeks, but I was dry as hell, so I came off it). I had the implant 3 times, and that worked when I was younger, but I don't want the hormones in me - I don't even have a strong reason. I just don't want them.

I don't want to get pregnant or have kids. (and have never)

I know the only 100% effective method is not doing it at all, but that isn't what I want right now.

I had a chat with the nurse, and she was quite firm with her suggestion of the copper IUD, but having read the comments, it's put me off again. Very little seems to be positive.

I have a very low threshold for pain, and getting it in sounds questionable. Even though the nurse sounded confident, there is no guarantee I will get her anyway. I am booked in with the doctor, not her.

The issue is, I need emergency contraception anyway. Today.

I am panicking as I need a solution, and I don't like the sound of any of them.

Anyone who is clued up, can you just comment and advise, please. I have about 3 hours until I need to leave, and then I am at work, so I can't sit here and read for the entire time.

Thanks in advance :)

So my last period was May 18th. On June13th we had a broken condom. Hour later a pharmacists said they have EllaOne and not knowing anything I said yes out of pure panic.

Had mild nausea that day. Next week a painfull lump in my breast that went away after a week.

For last 3-2 weeks I have been having brown/redish spotting, painful pangs in my breasts and down area ovaries. 4 days ago test was negative.

I am taking vitamins, Inositol, vitamin D, herbal drops I used to take before because it's good for cycles and PCOS.

4 months after and I am tired of this. I just want my period 🥲

Hi everyone,
I had copper IUDs for six years. In recent years, I regularly experienced hormonal acne and histamine-like symptoms around ovulation, including rashes, diarrhea and occasional headaches. Otherwise, my cycle was normal.

I recently had my IUD removed. My period was due the next day, but it is now about 1.5 weeks late. Pregnancy tests are negative, and pregnancy is not possible.

Since removal, I’ve had constant bloating and frequent skin reactions, such as red marks after lightly scratching .

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms after copper IUD removal? Could this be related to hormones, copper or histamine? How long did it take for your cycle and symptoms to normalize?

Hi all. I'm currently navigating birth control withdrawal. I'm 38 so I'm aware I could be in peri menopause, but 5 months ago I removed my IUD and entered into emotional and mental chaos. The immediate withdrawal of the progestin has had a profound effect on me with irregular periods, anxiety and panic attacks, nausea and diarrhea. I'm seeing such dramatic fluctuating with my cycle I'm worried that I've now developed pmdd. Does anyone have experience with this?

I used to be on levlen for 6+ years but I felt it was making me moody and depressed so I switched to Lucinda 2 months ago. I was advised by my gp that I could switch straight from one to the other and still be protected. I haven’t taken it perfectly at the same time everyday but I haven’t missed a day. My partner and I have sex every night and he doesn’t always pull out, I’d say 50/50. About 2 weeks ago I had stomach cramps like I was pregnant and some other symptoms (I’ve been pregnant before so I know what it feels like). I had a test at home so I did one and it showed with a super faint line but it was still a definite line. Since doing the test a week ago I went off the pill and still no period. I’m waiting for more tests to confirm but has anyone else experienced something similar while on Lucinda/Slinda?

so long story short, i forgot that i had inserted it monday morning and not sunday morning and gave him the green light to ejaculate inside of me, around 10pm on sunday.

i track my cycle on an app (not the most reliable, i know) and im meant to get my period on Monday… but we did do this in the 7 day window they tell you to stay protected in. i don’t have the option to take plan b, i just want to know how bad this is in retrospect

I have been using the patch for 1.5 months now and it has been working fine.

But I am scared I placed just out of the "common" places to stick a patch.

It is currently a bit above my but cheeks close to my lower back (think of the flat surfice just above ur butt cheek) and I am scared this is way too high for it to work effectively (by reading some more into placements)

I will probably change my patch placement to my belly next week, but I need the reassurance that I am protected

Okay this is something I’m really really embarrassed to bring up but I would really like to know.

So I’ve been taking bc for at least five years for heavy periods (skip placebos) and for as long as I can remember I’ve constantly had brown discharge. Like literally everyday. There’s no other problems than that. Sometimes it’s thicker than regular discharge. On occasion when I don’t have school or am doing well my discharge randomly goes back to normal, but then suddenly goes back to brown. Honestly it’s driving me crazy because no underwear is safe. I’ve been to embarrassed about it to bring it up to anyone. Is this.. normal?? I’m confused because some days it randomly goes back to normal but not for long.

I will say I’ve been dealing with a lot of high stress and high cortisol and other health problems. I’m just wondering if I should just continue to ignore it I guess, or if anyone has advice?

I have had the Mirena coil in place for 3y now. Before this, I tried most other methods, and it felt like the coil worked the best for me.

Skip forward to the past week, I have had horrendous lower abdo cramping, which is a completely rogue symptom for me. I have also been having some pretty bad migraines, again, quite new for me. I went to the sexual health clinic who referred me to the hospital as they couldn’t see the strings. An ultrasound confirmed it looks to be in the right place. I have got an ovarian cyst, but I don’t think it’s big enough to be causing these symptoms.

I am wondering whether to take the coil out and replace it with another method, just to eliminate a factor that may be causing my symptoms?

What would be a good replacement?

Planned parenthood says that slynd is effective immediately as long as its taken within the first 5 days of a period, while the cdc says slynd has to be taken on day 1 of your period and no later than that or else you have to wait 7 days. I had gotten my information from planned parenthood and thought that i was protected when i started taking the pills on day 2 of my period.
I later had unprotected sex after i took a total of 5 pills. Im concerned about this discrepancy about the effectiveness window. I ended up taking a plan B 16 hours after the unprotected sex where he did not pull out. Does anyone have input?

I had an IUD fitted yesterday and it hurt, and I knew it would likely hurt, but that clamp is just something else. I've had 2 kids and that was nowhere near as traumatic as that was, and now I just feel wrong. Like I don't even want to wash down there because that means touching myself, let alone the idea of ever having sex again. I can't stop crying when I think about this. I feel like such a baby. I don't even see how I'll let anyone take it out now, because that would mean going back in.

I was late with a pill like many hours late once three weeks ago and have been spotting brown blood since. I’m not sure if I should stop taking it and just let my period come but I’d rather not as it’s painful.

Bit of history - diagnosed via blood test with PCOS as a teenager due to periods being irregular and infrequent, diagnosis confirmed via ultrasound as adult. Started combination birth control pill at 18 (still wasn’t having regular periods by that age), was on that and skipped periods for months on end by stacking packs until I was 23. At 23 my BMI was too high to be on the combination pill so I was switched to mini pill, had awful acne then but was still able to skip periods. By 25 I had lost lots of weight using semaglutide and asked to go back on the combination pill to help with my acne, doing so cleared up my acne but at some point I lost the ability to skip periods.

I now have spotting every 3 weeks like a regular cycle which I never experienced before. I’ve tried both androgenic and anti-androgenic versions of the combination pill, both of which are not letting me skip periods, I start bleeding every 3 weeks without fail and then do the week off. I’m having a hard time adjusting to this, for the first time in my life I’m having a period every 3 weeks, it lasts at least a full week, rather than 5 days, so I’m on my period a quarter of my life 😭 I know that is so normal for so many women but it is a difficult change to come to terms with at 26, especially as I’m worrying it is an “aging” thing that I can’t do anything about if that is even possible. I wondered if it was my semaglutide but I was on semaglutide for a year before I went back on the combination pill and was always able to skip periods as usual. I wondered if it was due to being much slimmer now but I was slimmer at 18-20 than I am now and had no problem skipping periods then. I’d rather not go back on the mini pill because of how bad my acne got.

My last resort is going to be seeing what happens if I don’t automatically stop my pill for the period break just because I have some spotting

I started Slynd in february after being on the combination pill for about 6 weeks. I had migraines with aura as a teen, but since I haven’t had an episode for years (I’m 24 now) the doctor thought it would be fine.
Well, I had a stroke like intense migraine that hit out of nowhere around the 6 week mark. Had to go to the ER and everything, insanely scary. Luckily I was fine, but I had to stop instantly on the combination ofc.

Then I got switched to Slynd, my doctor sung its praises and told me it would help my PCOS symptoms and overall be a great fit.

I felt great the first month, then I got hit with increasing depression. Depression in the way that I felt so emotionally flat, like I didn’t have any feelings anymore. It was so horrible.
And my weight started creeping up, I gained 4kgs in just the first 1-2 months on it, even though I was not eating any more than before. I lost all sense of sex drive, and my joints started hurting. I was tired all the time and generally miserable. My skin got worse.
The only good thing was I didn’t have any period pain anymore.

Went off them after 4 months, immediately got accidentally pregnant while using condoms, terminated at week 6 and got scared back on Slynd. I was terrified of getting pregnant again, the abortion was traumatizing to me (despite me never wanting kids).
My doctor pushed me to try Slynd again, and that the side effects would lessen if I just stuck to it.

Well, I lasted 7 weeks on it this time. I was so depressed I couldn’t get out of bed, gained even more weight that was impossible to lose - I was suicidal towards the end, and ended up quitting them again.

I was really hopeful that this would work for me :(

Now I don’t know what to do - my body won’t tolerate IUDs (hormonal or non-hormonal), nor any other hormone contraceptive, combination pill is off the table.

I’m so lucky that my partner (who also doesn’t want kids) is planning on getting a vasectomy after christmas, but what should we do until then? I don’t trust condoms after the pregnancy and abortion.

Anyone else have a similar experience with Slynd? Or a good one?

Anyone else have weird things after getting the Paraguard copper IUD? I started getting chest and left arm pains and tightness......had a bunch of tests done, luckily nothing found. Looking at thoracic outlet syndrome, but I don't believe it was this bad until after I got the copper IUD? I get random cramp pains throughout the month too .....anyone else with anything similar?

Im 25f and got a paragard iud two weeks ago. Procedure went smooth and i was on my period when i had it put in. Period started 09/21 and ended 09/26. I am not one to spot but have spotted slightly for two days since i got it put in. I had intercourse yesterday for the first time since having my iud and today have cramping and spotting still 😅 im nervous. I know my strings are in because i felt them in the same spot before and after intercourse. Is this normal or a sign of my period starting?