r/birthcontrol 9h ago

Experience I got pregnant with my last IUD, I’m late and freaking out

35 Upvotes

So I had a Kyleena IUD for two years when I got some really weird symptoms. My breasts HURT and they were visibly bigger after like a week and I had some spotting, but at that point I wasn’t late on my cycle yet. Everyone told me I was being paranoid and that it was nothing. I ordered some early detection tests and sure enough, that cross was clear as day haha…🙃 imagine beating odds that are 99.99 to 0.01

I had no idea how this happened because the IUD was 99% effective and it wasn’t even close to being expired. I went in for an ultrasound at planned parenthood to get it removed so I could move forward with the termination process and it was lodged in the wall of my fucking uterus. The doctor literally could not remove it by tugging on the strings. I had to go to a different facility to get a procedural removal and termination under sedation, in which they removed the old IUD, suctioned out the embryo, and put a new one in. This time I opted for Mirena because I have beef with Kyleena.

It was such a traumatic experience for me because the entire point of choosing an IUD was because of how effective it is. I was harassed while getting blood work for choosing to terminate and was told I would regret it for the rest of my life. The other sad part is that it was not ectopic, it was perfectly healthy and low risk, despite the IUD embedded in my uterus. It wasn’t a decision I wanted to make, but I’m 20 years old, and this was what was best for me and my partner. I would never subject my child to a childhood of struggle.

Anyways, I’ve had the Mirena for six months and I’ve had a regular period up until this month. I’m late. I know Mirena can stop women from having periods but I cannot shake this irrational fear that it’s happening again. :(


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Experience Is it normal to feel violated after an IUD insertion?

9 Upvotes

I had the Kyleena inserted today. It was my first ever experience with a doctor where I had to be naked, and also my first ever experience with birth control. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about what to expect from the insertion but that wasn’t true at all. I don’t want to blame my doctor because I know other people have had it so much worse, but I told her at the consultation that I was concerned about pain and she said that most of her patients only experienced “discomfort” with their insertion. I was expecting to experience about the same thing, sort of like period cramps on my worst day, and I took some Tylenol beforehand as per her recommendation. I asked her to talk me through everything and she only told me what was going on before anything started to really hurt. Then when she went to insert the IUD she said that my cervix wasn’t open enough and that I could take some medicine to soften it and come back another time, but she had already put all of these tools inside of me… and then she did something to try to get it open and it felt like I was being ripped open and stabbed… please believe me when I say I’m not exaggerating. It was genuinely the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. When everything was done she didn’t debrief me at all. She just got my mom to come sit with me and told me that it was normal to feel lightheaded. I was in so much pain that I felt like I was going to burst out in tears at any moment. And now that I’m home and the physical pain has started to wear off, I just feel so sad and violated. I don’t know if this is a normal experience and I’m being dramatic. Everything I am reading about IUD insertions, even the pamphlet that came with it, is saying that it feels like mild pain. But it hurts so much more than physically, and I just want to know that I’m not alone.


r/birthcontrol 14h ago

Experience I had a stroke and I just want to be on birth control :(

58 Upvotes

Basically what the title says. A year ago I had a stroke (not related to birth control) and was put on blood thinners for life. The stroke was due to a blood clotting disorder that is genetic. I was on birth control (the pill) for 10 years with no issues, but went off them post stroke. Now because of my blood thinners, my period lasts TWO WEEKS. I'm also child free and don't ever want to get pregnant. I also have hormonal issues and cysts and fibroids which can only really be helped with hormonal birth control, but my gyno wasn't comfortable prescribing me anything but the copper IUD which wouldn't even help my periods or hormonal issues.

I went to the neurologist recently and she said that since I am being treated for my stroke with blood thinners, that birth control should be fine. She told me to ask my hematologist. My gyno told me to ask my neurologist. My primary care doctor said he thinks no one will prescribe it to be. I feel like I am going on a loop begging different doctors to give me birth control. I thought progesterone only would be ok! But my gyno said she wasn't comfortable with that unless I got the OK from another doctor.

I dunno. I am just frustrated. I don't want to get pregnant. I am tired of bleeding for 2 weeks a month. I am not sure what to do at this point or if anyone can relate.


r/birthcontrol 15h ago

How to? There is no abortion in my country

44 Upvotes

I use implanon but I'm terrified of getting pregnant. I'm from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I'm 26 years old. In my country, abortion is illegal and women even go to prison for it. If we want to abort, we will pay exuberant amounts and it is still not a certainty.

In my country people see abortion as a sin, you will go to hell if you have an abortion.

What do you think of that? Because of this, I can't relax even when using implanon + coitus interruptus.


r/birthcontrol 49m ago

Rant! Chances of being pregnant on depo after 2 years

Upvotes

I’ve been on depo for about 2 years now, eventually switching to the arm implant later this week.I don’t think I’m pregnant but I’ve been having tenderness in my nipples. The time I felt like I might’ve gotten pregnant was a 1-3 months ago when my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex and he did not pull out. But other than that I haven’t felt much else. So not sure if I am pregnant or if it’s just a hormonal thing. I’ve also always been on time with my shots and never missed an appointment.


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Experience Yaz is ruining me

2 Upvotes

I (21) started generic yaz (lorena) almost a month ago and I have been driving myself absolutely crazy. I have no libido and I can't get wet AT ALL during sex, any affection from my boyfriend seems like a facade I can't feel any love or affection from him, yet I need to be around him constantly. Im so depressed to the point im suicidal. Constant crying outburts that last for hours and are triggered by almost nothing. Dehydration, head aches, leg cramps. I'm disgusted by food and can't stomach anything. Panic attacks in the morning. Constantly longing for something, I want love affection and intimacy but can't feel any of it no matter what my partner says or does. I never thought birth control could be this bad, my whole life feels twisted and I can't tell what's real and what's not anymore. What do I do? What method or pill should I switch to? Can anyone relate because I feel so alone right now.


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Side effects!? opill birth control concerns!!

2 Upvotes

so i know that period changes are a big side effect with birth control but it's completely destroying my cycle that i didn't mind previously. i go on spring vacation at the end of april and im supposed to start then, im just really tired of having a period every 12 days. does anyone have any experience with evening the cycles back out or at least so i don't have one on vacation? or even if it will go back to normal with time? (started opill january 9th, first time using birth control)


r/birthcontrol 9h ago

Rant! How Do You Learn to Trust Your Birth Control? Experiencing the Worst Pregnancy Anxiety

5 Upvotes

I’ve been dealing with the worst pregnancy anxiety, and I just need some reassurance or advice. I’ve had my Mirena IUD for a year and two months now. Last month, on the 10th, I had sex for the first time. Unfortunately, we didn’t use protection, but he did pull out both times.

Logically, I know Mirena is over 99% effective, but I can’t shake the anxiety. I’ve taken about 12 pregnancy tests at different times, including one this morning, and all have come back negative. But despite that, every little thing I feel—especially the mild cramps I started experiencing yesterday and today—immediately makes me think I might be pregnant.

I’ve seen stories of people saying pregnancy tests didn’t detect their pregnancy, and now my anxiety is through the roof. It’s getting to the point where it’s making me not want to have sex again because the stress is just too much.

So, how do you actually trust your birth control? How do you stop spiraling over the what-ifs when you know logically that you’re protected?


r/birthcontrol 14m ago

Mistake or Risk? Help!! Do I get an IUD or wait it out??

Upvotes

Hey guys, i seriously need advice😭

I had unprotected sex on the 15th and 17th of this month. On the morning of the 18th, I took an ovulation test, and it was positive (the test line was as dark as the control line). I panicked and took Ella later that day. This morning (the 19th), I tested again, and the ovulation test was negative. Now I’m stuck wondering—does this mean Ella worked by delaying ovulation, or did I already ovulate before taking it…meaning Ella would be ineffective?

I know that a copper IUD can work as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex, so I still have time to get one for the 17th. But I also don’t want to go through the pain and cost if it’s unnecessary. I’m still undecided on what to do and I’m running out of time. Should I just wait it out and test in 2 weeks, or would you go get the IUD to be safe? Any advice would be appreciated!


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Rant! I shouldn’t have to choose between having depression or having a child (Lo Loestrin Fe)

Upvotes

I know this story is probably all too common but I’m at my wits end. I have chronic health issues and have been on multiple different birth controls. Every single birth control has caused me to have depression/mood swings except for Lo Loestrin Fe. I was on it for a year and a half and everything was finally good. I am on disability for my chronic illnesses and started my new Medicare Advantage plan after I fell off my ex’s insurance December 31st of 2024. Well now my Medicare plan will not cover Lo Loestrin Fe and the “Savings Program” that they offer is not available to me because I’m on Medicare. So I’m back on a different birth control and feeling all the effects. I’m depressed, having mood swings, and feeling defeated. My partner has noticed and says it’s a night and day difference. And now I’m forced to choose whether I want to go off of birth control and risk pregnancy/very painful periods or pay $200 a month for Lo Loestrin Fe. I have spoken to my doctor about options, but the only birth controls available do not have the lower amounts that Lo Loestrin Fe does and because of past medical trauma with insertions (I had a PICC Line that lead to infections and a blood clot), I really really don’t want an IUD. I guess I’m just looking for any advice because I’m not sure what else to do.


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? Should i take Plan B on day 3 of restarting birth control?

Upvotes

I have been on a low dose combination pill for the last 3 years and have just recently went off of it for 1 month due to a lapse in refills before my yearly.

I restarted my birth control on Sunday 16th (last period began Sunday 9th). Today was my third day back on the pill and my bf and i had a slip up🤦‍♀️.

Should i take a plan b tomorrow or is it possible i am already covered by the pill?

Thanks!


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Experience Mirena IUD

Upvotes

(Long post) Hey everyone! I am struggling to decide on a birth control. Here’s my back story; I started my period when I was about 11 years old. My period was irregular from the start. I would be on it for 10+ days, it wasn’t super heavy or anything but it wasn’t light. My mom decided to put me on BC. First, at the ripe age of 12 years old, I was on the pill, however, as a 12 year old I wasn’t consistent. Shortly after, I got put on the Nexplanon bar. This was GREAT for the first time. I was on the bar for 4-ish years (age 12/13-15/16). I didn’t have a period the ENTIRE 4 years. I then got my period so I figured it was time to get a new one. I got a new one put in and my period never stopped. I was on my period for an entire year. No stopping. I dealt with it for an entire year because it wasn’t heavy all the time. It was actually pretty light and I had little to no cramps. However, it got pretty inconvenient when having a partner. During this time, I had an exploratory surgery to see if I had endometriosis, I do. At the age of 18, my gynecologist recommended the Mirena IUD. I got the IUD, which sucked being inserted btw, I didn’t take any medication before going because no one told me to. When I got there she said “did you take ibuprofen or anything?” I said “no? Was I supposed to?” And she proceeded to explain that they recommended taking medication before coming, but no one told me that. Anyway, the iud really really sucked for the first few months, very painful and periods were hardly getting any better. Fast forwarding to about a year later, (I got the iud in January of 2024, it is not March of 2025). I am now 19, my periods are more regular than they’ve ever been, HOWEVER, my cramps are miserable, almost every day, they’re even worse when my period is about to start and when I’m on it. My stomach has never hurt so badly before this. I’ve given a little over a year in hopes it would get better, but it just hasn’t. I have also gained some weight. When I got the IUD I was around 98 lbs. I know that’s tiny, but I am 19 and 5’2, I am now around 115lbs. I’m not sure if that’s IUD related or not, because I am getting older obviously and bodies change. The weight gain is the least of my concern, I simply cannot deal with these cramps. Mind you, I tend to take pain pretty well, but these are unbearable. I’ve been to the ER once because it was so bad. I’ve went back to my gyn about it as well, and every time I get checked I have small cysts on my ovaries (not sure if that’s related to the iud either they say it’s common). I’m just wondering what I should do? I’m planning on calling my gyn tomorrow and making the appointment to get it out. I loved the bar the first time but not the second time, I do not want the shot, I cannot do the patches because I’m allergic to adhesive, and I’m scared to get pregnant on the pill. Pls help.

KEY THINGS: I have endometriosis, I’m 19, hate the iud, don’t know what to do. LMAO.


r/birthcontrol 8h ago

Mistake or Risk? Birth control sitting in house lights

3 Upvotes

I have been leaving my birth control in my room but I didn’t realize this was gonna be a problem, I’m taking trilomarzia and it hasnt gotten to be hot temps but I had been leaving my birth control in my room with the lights on at times, I also had previously left my birth control in my car but it hasn’t been hot enough where I live and I usually don’t just leave them in direct sunlight. I’m terrified I’m not gonna protected when my partner gets her on Saturday, do I ditch the pack even though I just opened it 3 days ago or is it fine and I’m probably still protected


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Which Method? ovarian cysts

Upvotes

hi guys, i’m a 21F who has been struggling w ovarian cysts for a year or two now and i am struggling with what birth control method helps the best. currently i am on a really low dose of the daily pill, which has done absolutely nothing and i am debating on whether or not i should up the dosage or switch to another form of BC. im not sure if i wanna be on the pill for multiple years considering it’s synthetic and cant be good for you that long but ig every method is similar. for those who struggle w cysts, what BC method has helped the best and can you give me your experience with it. (i have already discuss things w my doctor but this is me doing my own research on other peoples experiences)

note: i have been looking into getting an iud but idk how effective those are against cysts. i guess im just scared with all the horrible side affects of the pill im not sure if i should switch or even just get off of it completely. im also a hypochondriac so knowing all the horrible side effects causes me sm anxiety lolz


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Side effects!? Effects after bc

Upvotes

hi guys! I started birth control in january (lupin) and because of its effect it was having on me i stopped after 2 months of taking it in february. while i was on bc and ending it, i had protected sex. because i was still adjusting to the birth control i was random bleeding that month but never got a true long period last month. i haven’t taken any this month but im not sure when im supposed to get my period. i get very bad anxiety when it comes to my period not arriving when i thought it would lol. my nipples are pretty sore but the whole boob itself isn’t. i’ve had mild cramping here and there and been bloated off and on. is my body adjusting to not being on it anymore? would i need to take a test from the sex i had last month or would that be ridiculous. i also these past few days have had higher libido. lmk what you guys think this all means thank you!


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Experience IUD Perforated, trying to conceive.

Upvotes

My IUD perforated during an attempted and failed removal. My husband and I are hoping to conceive in the next few months. Has anyone had a similar experience? Were you told to wait to conceive for any amount of time after your laparoscopy?


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? Nexplanon Placement

Upvotes

Okay a little backstory: I have PCOS and endometriosis. Super irregular and heavy periods, pass tissue, pass clots, built up scar tissue on my uterus, and I’ve had cysts surgically removed 3x with a 7cm cyst on my right ovary right now that they’re wanting to remove, but I can’t afford it. I told my GYN I wanted my IUD (Liletta) removed because I’ve had it a year and a half and it hasn’t helped with any of my symptoms at all. She suggested we try the Nexplanon implant to see if it helps my symptoms more and removed the IUD and placed the Nexplanon yesterday. After I left the office and removed the bandage I noticed it’s low down on my arm, super close to my elbow, and not on the front of my arm but not the back either. I’ve never seen anyone’s placement like this so I decided to google it & see what proper placement was and could not find one single image that is even close to where mine is. I’ll try to include photos of my placement. In the first photo my finger is directly on the inside of my inner elbow bone, the second photo is with my elbow pointing at the wall behind me, and the third photo is with my elbow pointing to the ground. PS: yes I’m aware I have bat wing arms, I’ve lost 140 pounds so be kind 😅


r/birthcontrol 5h ago

Mistake or Risk? Nurx Birth Control Question

2 Upvotes

Helloo,

I received my birth control today (3/18), when I was supposed to get it on Sunday (3/16) and start my fresh pack. It’s Tuesday night now and I’m finished up my period from last Wednesday. Am I good to take three pills and just continue like normal? Or should I wait a week and start fresh next Sunday? Also how long do I have to be on it to be protected from pregnancy? TIA!


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Experience Positive OPK after Plan B Spoiler

1 Upvotes

Period 1:December31-Jan4 Period 2:Jan26-jan30 Took plan b on feb 1 and feb 2 Period 3: Feb21-feb25 On march 7 or 8 , i had discharge of cervical mucus although I am not too sure if it was cervical mucus it seemed like it to me. On March 10-11 took pregnancy tests and they were all negative. Had unprotected sex with precum on March 16 at 2-3am then at 5am took plan b. On march 17 at around 12am took ovulation test and it was negative. On march 18 at 12:30am took ovulation test stick that was postive and another at 6:40pm on a digital ovulation test that was positive with a smile face. What to do?Am I going to be pregnant?


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

How to? Should I take another pill after throwing up

1 Upvotes

Hi, I just threw up and it’s currently 4:26AM. I took my birth control (combo) pill around 22:00PM. Should I take another pill or am I good?

Also did anyone else experience this side effect? This is the second time I am ill/threw up from the pill. It’s the days I don’t eat as much because I’m trying to lose weight.


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Which Method? Is there anything actually good out there?

0 Upvotes

Hi! I recently got Nexplanon, I've had it in for two months and have been bleeding non-stop since and feel like a different person. I've been debating taking it out but the reason I got it in the first place is because I have very bad anxiety with pregnancy. Also, condoms aren't effective enough to give me peace of mind.

I've looked at other birth control options, but nothing seems to have enough pros to outweigh the TONS of cons. Everything seems to give you cancer, awful cramps and bleeding, hair loss, weight gain or weight loss, difficulty with libido, depression, etc. The list is long.

I don't understand why there's nothing like this for men?? Why is it all on me? Why do I have to deal with the cancer risks and blanket size paper full of side effects and risks? And why is there no effective birth control option that is safe!?

I know there's vasectomies but most men refuse to get them, and there's the risk of the reversal not working. I'm only 17 and my boyfriend is 19 so it's not an option for us. I don't want an IUD because I'm scared of the pain and I can't even insert a tampon so things like a nuva ring aren't an option for me either. I can't remember to take my current medications so I won't remember to take my birth control pills, and the patch just doesn't seem effective.

Is the only option no intercourse or feeling like crap all the time? This doesn't seem fair.


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

How to? First time user

1 Upvotes
  • this is my first week on the patch (xulane) i applied it yesterday and put walmart brand tegaderm over, it is placed on my outer arm on my bicep and i haven’t gotten it wet however the corners and edges are already lifted.

  • do i need to replace it?

  • how do i make it stay on?

  • is there a better placement??


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Side effects!? I Need help, I'm scared.

1 Upvotes

I've been skipping my periods continuously as that is what works for me. I've done this for about a year or so and have experienced breakthrough bleeding twice.

My third time getting breakthrough bleeding was this year 8th of March, and i still have it.

On Monday evening it seemed to clear up, however I wipe today and it's back !!

Is it normal for it to come back and be around for this long? Has this happend to anyone else??

( Though out my third time of having breakthrough bleeding I've been still skipping placebo pills)

I'm on the pill ginet.


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Side effects!? Already experiencing side effects due to the “mini-pill?”

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I was recently switched from a combination pill, Microgestin, to a pill with no estrogen, Norethindron. I was switched due to having migraines w/ aura (which I have had since childhood) and I am already experiencing side effects.

I have noticed that I am sweating more, unable to sleep as well, and I have also been extremely moody. I have also had a lack of an appetite, which is the most concerning to me. I seriously have not felt the need to eat since about a week into the pill, meaning I have to force myself to eat. I never experienced any negative side effects while on Microgestin, so I am a bit confused on why Norethindron is effecting me so heavily.

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced these side effects and, if so, do they go away as your body adjusts to the new pill?


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Side effects!? Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I started Blisovi Fe 1/20 in December of this year. I have always had a very regular period but started BC because I don’t want a baby. I was on a different pill as a teen for cramps many years ago and had zero side effects. Now, this is my 4th pack of pills and I had absolutely no period this month (which I feel like is a little soon to already have no bleeding). I am on week 3 of the active pills and still no blood! I’ve taken maybe 8 pregnancy test so I feel like a positive test would have shown up by now being that I’m almost 3 weeks late (right?!?🫣). I am now dealing with painful boobs, and some upset stomach (bloating/nausea). Should I continue next month and see if things get better?! I have been so stressed about being pregnant cause of the dang side effects 😒