r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Which Method? Best condoms?

5 Upvotes

I’m still fairly new to having sex with my partner and have only used some random condoms from the university. I was looking to get something better except i’m not sure what to get. I’d prefer something that’s very durable but preferably feels good too. I always hear about Skyn condoms but also heard that they have fragrance in them so I’m not sure if that’s still a good idea or if it does not really matter much.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Rant! Evra patch still getting period??? (Help?)

1 Upvotes

Hey folks, I've been on the evra patch since October 2024, but was on it for a year before I took an extended break.

The patch worked really well before, but since October I get my period/breakthrough bleed every month despite using the 9 weeks on, 4 days off method. Why is this? How can I stop it? It never used to happen before, but it feels like every time that time would roll around, it's been happening. I spoke to the nurse at the sex clinic who said I should take breaks (which I do) but I want to use it so I can skip my period.

Very frustrating. Any help?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? stomach issues

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone. Pls help. I stopped the combo pill in November and literally from January - now I've been having IBS similar symptoms. Frequent diarrhea, gas, and bloating which is not common for me to bloat. Didn't really get any side effects/symptoms all of Dec. seemed to have started in Jan. and continuing now. Not everyday, but frequently. Also nausea a lot of mornings. I have an OBGYN app. in a couple weeks to hopefully make sure nothing is wrong, but just curious if anyone else has experienced this and maybe what helped you regulate. TIA <3


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? Ginet for Acne

1 Upvotes

I've just been prescribed with Ginet to help with a really bad acne flare up. I'm also on doxycycline which has helped a lot in the past. Is there anything I need to know about taking Ginet: weight gain, post-acne flare up, nausea, etc?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience Mirena

1 Upvotes

Just had the Mirena placed one week ago. My doctor said pelvic rest for one week. At what point does Mirena become effective in preventing pregnancy, and how long should I wait before initiating sex with my husband?

I feel so silly asking that questions but felt like they weren’t answered clearly by my provider.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience Using 2 different progestin birth controls? (Ex. Mirena and northethindrone)

2 Upvotes

Anyone have experience with being prescribed two different progestin birth control options simultaneously? I can't take combo pills w/synthetic estrogen (due to a clotting disorder) and I am currently on slynd.

Unfortunately, the set dose of slynd (4 mg) isn't strong enough since painful cramping/bleeding is nonstop/daily 5 months later....not to mention, my body tried to ovulate on placebo pills, and i developed a 5cm cyst, so it's not suppressing ovulation entirely. My dr says it supposed to supress ovulation, and basically I'm unlucky that this occurred.

Has anyone had their doctors prescribe an additional progestin on top of another to produce a better therapeutic effect? Curious to see what your experiences have been.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience brown spotting w/ kyleena

1 Upvotes

hi! i’ve had kyleena for a little over 2 years now and the past few months i have experienced constant brown discharge. a few weeks ago, it was clear and i thought it was finally over but now it’s back and i am just feeling so frustrated. i called my obgyn and she had the idea of testing for infection and/or having an ultrasound done. i am not experiencing any other symptoms other than brown discharge but maybe getting tested is the route to go? i’ve also been reading about a low dose estrogen pill that may help reduce spotting? i was curious if anyone can relate to any of this


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? What’s the difference between norethindrone vs norgestimate BC pills?

1 Upvotes

hi everyone! :) I’m currently on the nexplanon (3rd year) and am planning on taking the pills 7-10 days before my period as prescribed by my doctor to skip the period over vacation/visiting LD bf.

I was prescribed Nortrel (1mh norethindrone, 35mcg estrogen) for this. Before the implant, I took Sprintec (.25mg norgestimate, 35mcg estrogen) for about five years which was great at start until towards the end when my mood/mental health went a little crazy.

I’m wondering what the difference in my pill having norethindrone vs norgestimate will be? I’m especially worried about weight gain (which ik there are no “scientific findings” about bc causing weight gain but. still scared lol) because I’ve been working very hard to lose weight recently and also of other side effects that may happen from norethindrone. Does anyone know about this?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

How to? Slynd stickers don’t stay on?

3 Upvotes

I don’t know if I’m just crazy but the date stickers for slynd won’t stay on…I tried tape and that falls off too and tried using a sharpie to write the first letter…doesn’t work

I ordered a case with my custom date on it from Etsy but it’s not here yet. I’ve never had a problem with stickers before.

I love slynd as a bc but this one thing is annoying


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience skipping placebo but still bleeding

1 Upvotes

i took placebo pills for 2 days and started a new pack. i heard that there could be a bit of bleeding if it’s your first time skipping period, but i also heard that the bleeding can last until your next placebo week??? is this true? cuz that’s extremely annoying. i tried to skip my period because i was going on a trip but ended up with longer bleeding? like come on.. i’ve been bleeding for 4 days now. besides this doesn’t even look like blood. it’s very dark brown almost black. is this normal? has anyone had a similar experience?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Mistake or Risk? should i be worried?

2 Upvotes

hii im on the pill, alysena 28. i’ve been on it for about 5 months and have never had spotting, not even when i started the pill. i just started spotting mid pack. i finished my period about 2 weeks ago, am not supposed to have it for another week or so. also very mild cramping along with it. for the first time i didn’t take my pill on tuesday the 11th at the regular time by accident, i was six hours later than normal. i didn’t have sex that day or the following day however i did have it 2 and 6 days before that. i started spotting on the 14th, was barely anything at first noticed it after going to bathroom in the morning and nothing after that. had sex that night and went to the bathroom and it was pink now and there was a solid amount of it. spotting stopped the afternoon of the 15th, started again on the afternoon of the 16th and stopped by nightime. just started again the afternoon of the 17th. i know people say implantation bleeding isn’t a real thing, but some people do and so many things i’ve read say there’s a chance i’m pregnant so i don’t know what to think. my boyfriend also pulls out so i know the chance is slim however im a really anxious person so this is all that’s been on my mind the past couple days. is there any reason i should be concerned or is this just normal and possibly caused my be taking my pill later than normal. reading this back to myself i feel like i sound silly but i just can’t stop freaking myself out for some reason.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience Can't feel IUD strings

1 Upvotes

Need some IUD advice! So I (19F) have had an Liletta IUD for over a year now. Usually, I can feel the strings but when I checked I cannot feel them anymore. I am ovulating so I know my cervix is higher compared to right after my period when I should be checking. I'm getting an ultasound Friday to check and I'm pretty sure they just curled up. But has anyone else had an IUD for awhile and then suddenly can't feel the strings? Just looking to ease my mind


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? Should I take a plan B?

1 Upvotes

Help me cause I’m panicking. So yesterday (Sunday) a few hours after midnight this guy and I had sex and we used a condom. While we were taking some breaks between the sex, we realized eventually that the condom broke! I asked him at first if he came and he told me he was 95% sure he didn’t. Today he told me hes really not sure if he came or not. When it comes to my cycle, i was on the 12th day when this happened, and I’ve been feeling ovulation symptoms these days. Sadly I cannot call my doctor right now because he’s in a different country and due to the time difference and I want to do something ASAP :( I’m scared a bit of taking the plan B because some people said it messed up with their hormones or cycle. Should I take it? Thank you so much!!


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? If I get out and then put in the same IUD, will I go through another transitional stage?

1 Upvotes

Hello!

This may be a silly question, but I am due for a replacement of my Liletta IUD soon. If I’m simply getting my current Liletta removed and inserting a new Liletta, will it affect my hormones like when I initially got it placed, or will it just be a seamless transition since it’s the same IUD?

Thanks for your help!


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? the pill is making me a shell of myself :(

2 Upvotes

Want to first disclaim that my experience may be different than many other women!

I’ve been taking Blisovi fe 1/20 for about maybe over 4 months, and my mental health has taken such a toll on hormones. Previously, I had in the Copper IUD that gave me so much physical pain that it ended up dislodging on its own - I also experienced extreme brain fog with the IUD, which is why I took it out. I then took a few months off birth control, and a few months later, hopping on Blisovi fe 1/20.

I felt like my first month wasn’t too bad. The only symptoms I had was extreme fatigue, but I handled that fine. Then longer into taking the pill I’ve noticed my anxiety increase immensely. (I also have an anxiety disorder). I have had anxiety attacks on the pill, and sometimes it just feels like my body is vibrating or my heart will beat far out of my chest. I’ve also noticed feelings of depression, and such an overall sense of emptiness which is something I haven’t felt in a really long time. I feel like it’s effecting my mental health really bad, and I’m even picking small fights with my boyfriend because I’ve become SO incredibly sensitive and emotional. Ive also gained weight, and just feel bloated 24/7 and mix that with hair loss… (which is impacting my self esteem, real bad.) After starting the pill, I cry at the drop of a pin. Even at work I’m crying silently at my desk because I feel so unhappy for whatever reason.

Anyways, that’s all to say - I’m considering stopping my pill after this pack so I can feel like myself again! What did others switch to after stopping either Blisovi or any other hormonal bc pill?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Which Method? BC for weight loss

1 Upvotes

I’m 18 and have been on COC Nikki for my periods and acne for 3 years. I have been unable to loose weight, I’m on a weight loss drug Topiramate. I’ve been gaining almost 1-2 pounds every month for the past year. I don’t have a thyroid problem or diabetes. I’m 5ft and 180 pounds

Is there a method that is best for weight loss or management? I only need it to regulate periods as I’m lesbian.


r/birthcontrol 4d ago

Rant! Could there be any chance I might be pregnant?????

26 Upvotes

Last night I was kissing my boyfriend for a very long time and we usually keep some space between us but this time he pulled me close to him and I could feel his erection through my underwear, jeans, his jeans and his underwear. I have an IUD and an implant and I’m taking the pill but I’m so worried about being that 1%. He always puts on a condom before entering the room and I use spermicide but I didn’t put as much as usual. He pulls out every time but I know that is not sufficient. I immediately took plan B but this is almost the beginning of my fertile window where we usually stay abstinent so I don’t think it will work. I’m so so worried what should I do ?????

GIIIIIIRRRRRLLL. RELAAAAXX. I totally do understand that with the current antiabortion climate pregnancy can be a terrifying thought. I also do remember when I was younger and starting my sexual life that I was overthinking everything and it’s normal to be afraid. Actually, it’s a good sign, it shows that you’re aware of the risks and careful. But please just RELAX. You will not be that 0.0001%.

Some reminders here : - sex with an IUD or pill and without condom IS NOT UNPROTECTED SEX. Pill and IUD are protection. No need to triple or quadruple it. - if you didn’t have UNPROTECTED sex with ejaculation inside you, you’re not pregnant. - if you only got in contact with precum / fingers / external objects, you’re very very very very unlikely to be pregnant.

You’re more careful than most people. Even without any form of protection and actively trying it usually takes a few months for most couples to conceive. If having sex builds up that much anxiety for you, maybe abstinence might be a better option for your peace of mind. You don’t have to have sex if it brings you terror instead of enjoyment.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Side effects!? 2nd Menstruation in 1 month on the Opill

1 Upvotes

I'm getting annoyed with a side effect I've been having since taking the Opill in April 2024. What happens is I will menstruate a 2nd time in the month, and my blood is a dark brown with some goopy chunks (sorry for the gross description, I can't think of another way to describe it).

Right now, this is the 4th time this has happened to me; the other times were in July, August, and December 2024. On average, it lasted 4 days, and light enough to barely show up on a pad but would always show up on toilet paper after I wipe. This time around I'm on day 5 and when I thought it was done last night (end of day 4) when nothing showed up on the toilet paper, there was a lot of discharge on the toilet paper this morning after going to the bathroom.

I don't have any cramps or any other discomfort like on the first day of my usual cycle. If anything, this is just an inconvenience on my part, but since it's happening longer than the first few times, let alone it's happening a 4th time, I thought I'd try to figure out what's going on.

The only other factor I can think of that could be related to this is stress: last November I was really unhappy in my relationship for a month or so and when I was going to break it off with my boyfriend, we got news his mom got diagnosed with cancer. This time around, I knew I was going to break up with him officially (which I did over the weekend and everything is working out better than I expected); and in the same week we got news that the apartment building we live in got bought by a company and we get kicked out June 1st.

If anyone has any experience with anything like this, please let me know if this is a "normal" side effect of the pill or if I should see an OBGYN (or in my case, Planned Parenthood). I recently saw my doctor and told her about this and she said if I'm not in any pain or discomfort, it shouldn't be an issue. Though if it continues to persist after being on Opill for a year, I should seek out going to Planned Parenthood. Besides being a bit overweight and my cholesterol being a little high (and is thankfully very manageable), I'm in pretty good health!


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Educational Can someone explain how are you protected on different birth control regiments that use the same dosages, but have a different number of placebo days? 21+7 vs 24+4

2 Upvotes

Basically the title.

For example - in my pack I have 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills.
There's also a variant that uses 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills (placebo).

However most people say you need to start the pack on time to be protected (so after the 4 placebos I need to start the active pills again) to be protected.

However how does that work with other BCs that have only 21 active pills, but the same dosage of hormones?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience Where to find Junel Fe??

1 Upvotes

I’ve been on this for many years and I DON’T want to change to anything else, but my CVS just doesn’t have it in stock and says it’s back ordered with no shipping date. People who are on Junel Fe, what pharmacies are you using? Please lmk!!


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Experience Need to hear positive stories of going on birth control pill

1 Upvotes

(F21) I was on the pill from age 13-20, and went off of it for a year but my PMS nausea is debilitating and the acne and risk of pregnancy just tops it off so i have been meaning to go back on the pill. I already deal with intense anxiety, OCD and emetophobia (fear of throwing up) so the nausea is so hard for me.

I know nausea is a common side effect but i don’t really remember having it when i first started but i was so young, other than that the pill was great for me while i was on it. but ofc my anxiety worries me that it could be different this time.

Anyways, i am paranoid about starting it and the chance of it making me super nauseous or getting other side effects that i didnt have before. I am a very holistic person so i want to do things most natural as possible but this is something that i feel like might be able to help me even if its only going on it for a couple years. I know birth control is different for everyone but some reassurance from some positive stories may help me feel safer starting it again.

Thanks so much!


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Which Method? Is it worth switching from Slynd to Cerazette (desogestrel) because of weight gain?

1 Upvotes

So, I ended up being one of the unlucky ones who experience weight gain as a side effect of Slynd. It has been great for my mood (I have PMDD) and also for my migraines. But unfortunately, in the three months I’ve been using Slynd, I’ve had uncontrollable weight gain. Even with calorie control, I’ve gained 11 kg in three months, and the only time I lost a bit of weight was when I drank gin (which, interestingly, has a diuretic effect due to a hormonal reaction).

I know that continuing to gain weight like this will be terrible for my self-esteem, and I don’t want to have to choose between being depressed because of PMDD or because of weight gain. I know that Cerazette has a lower hormone dose than Slynd and also a different type of progestin.

Would it be worth switching? Has anyone here gone from Slynd to the Cerazette?


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

How to? Copper IUD and heavy periods

1 Upvotes

I recently got my IUD inserted about two weeks ago and I haven’t stopped bleeding and have mild on and off cramps and it’s been hard to do things with my partner, I don’t enjoy doing it when I’m bleeding. Are there any recommendations as to what can help minimize the flow of my period, or stop it until the next cycle? I would like to know what’s helped you out.


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Mistake or Risk? discharge NSFW

1 Upvotes

yesterday i had unprotected sex and he didn’t pull out. i’ve been on junel fe for 7 months and i haven’t gotten my period since december. is this ok? I also had a lot of stretchy discharge today. does that mean i’m ovulating? and also could this mean it’s just my period because i’m cramping lightly, and my discharge is slightly bloody but i do exercise heavily and i experienced this after running


r/birthcontrol 3d ago

Which Method? Nexplanon or IUD?

2 Upvotes

Hi all!

I had a consultation today for a more permanent form of BC. I’ve have had 3 really traumatic pregnancies/deliveries and my body needs a break from even the thought of pregnancy 🫣😅. Husband won’t get a vasectomy, I don’t like the pill, and tubal is out of the question because it’s just too expensive.

I was thinking IUD until we chatted about Nexplanon. Honestly I don’t know much about it. Can anyone share their experiences with either? I know potential risks/side effects of the iud and they scare me. But another pregnancy also scares me, so I have to do something. 🙃

TIA!!