/r/birthcontrol

Photograph via snooOG

A place to discuss birth control methods.

If you have questions about or want to discuss methods of birth control, this is the place for you! Please see our sidebar for some great resources.

Rules

  1. Not Doctors: Please feel free to discuss medical concerns, but we are not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacy.
  2. Welcoming: Please be welcoming and do not shame BC novices or birth control methods.
  3. Tact: Be mindful that human sexuality and comfortability with pregnancy risks varies widely.
  4. Respectful: Personal attacks, name-calling, trolling, etc. will not be tolerated and will be removed.
  5. Reddiquette: The Downvote Button is not a disagree button.
  6. No Selling, Advertising, or Surveys: No selling (or even gifting) medications, self promotion, surveys, or seeking participants for studies. Be sure to read Reddit's Self Promotion Guidelines.
  7. Factual Comments: This in no way limits posting personal experiences. However, overly broad comments that run counter to established medical knowledge must be substantiated with evidence that has been subjected to meaningful peer-review. Comments that are unsubstantiated must state that or may be removed.
  8. Soft core NSFW only. While /r/birthcontrol is now NSFW due to Reddit Inc. policy, if your post is safe for work and appropriate for those under 18 (or if you are under 18 yourself) you can put (SFW) in the title of the post, use the SFW flair, or remove the NSFW tag. While soft core sex topics can be discussed - hard core sexual, gore, or violent content will be removed without notice. Thanks for understanding

Contraceptive Options Guide

Typical Use Effective Rates:
• Male Sterilization: 99%
• Female Sterilization: 99%
• Arm Implant (if properly in place): 99%*
• IUD (if properly in place): 99%*
• Shot (also known as Depo): 94%
• The Ring: 91%
• The Patch: 91%
• The Pill: 91%
• Diaphragm: 88%
• Sponge (Never Given Birth): 88%
• Cervical Cap (Never Given Birth): 86%
• Male Condom / External Condom : 85%
• Female Condom / Internal Condom: 79%
• Withdrawal: 78%
• Fertility Awareness: 76% - 88%
• Sponge (Given Birth): 76%
• Spermicide: 72%
• Cervical cap (Given Birth): 71%

*Recommended you check placement monthly.

Effective Rates when using Two Methods

Looking for Experience Posts?

Compare Pills / IUDs /Etc?

Birth Control Failure?

Other Helpful Tips:

Filter

Use the filters to see or exclude posts from one category and "All Posts" to return to the original feed. Or search using flair (e.g. flair:which)

Filter To See

Which Method? Experience
How to? Side Effects!?
Mistake and Risk? Rant!
Educational Other

All Posts

Filter To Exclude

How to? Side Effects!?
Mistake and Risk? Rant!

Related Subreddits

/r/sterilization
/r/FAMnNFP
/r/Vasectomy/
/r/malecontraception/

/r/birthcontrol

156,358 Subscribers

1

guys i need your help

uhm i had sex saturday night , yes it was unprotected sex but he didn’t nutted inside me and i still took the plan b yesterday because i was scared of getting pregnant even thought he didn’t nutted inside me, i was supposed to get my period today but i didn’t ? and today i feel sick to my stomach, i feel like throwing up and i can’t is that normal ? i haven’t gotten any headaches, but i feel really really tired rn, also after taking the plan b how many days did u waited to get your period ? i’m super scared i forget to tell yall but it’s also my first time having sex and taking a plan b !! please help me

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:47 UTC

1

Is this even possible to get pregnant from?

So my boyfriend came in my hands and the only thing near me was a plastic bag, so I wiped my hands on the bag. Then, my boyfriend touched the bag and got some semen on his hand, but then we both used hand sanitizer. A few minutes later, his hands were on my vagina. Logically, I know I’m probably not pregnant but I’m getting concerned because early pregnancy symptoms and pms symptoms are very similar, at least from what I’ve found. I think I’m just being paranoid and overthinking, but is it even possible I could be pregnant? I’m pretty sure this happened a few days after my ovulation. Sorry if this is a stupid question

5 Comments
2024/12/04
23:41 UTC

1

Xulane?

Hey! I recently got prescribed xulane to manage ovarian cysts. I was very vocal about my concerns regarding birth control given the cargenogen research and the fact that I have Psychotic MDD and do not need worsened symptoms regarding it. I really wanna know other people's experiences regarding xulan before I put this patch on my arm.

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:40 UTC

1

Switched from Slynd to Azalia during the placebo pills and had unprotected sex two weeks later. Is there a risk of pregnancy?

Hi,

I switched from Slynd to Azalia around 3 weeks ago and I started taking Azalia on the day I was supposed to take Slynd inactive pill n.3. We used condoms for the two following weeks. 16 days after I started taking Azalia I had sex without a condom. I never missed a pill. Was I covered or is there any chance I could be pregnant? Sorry for the stupid question but I’m just paranoid.

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:38 UTC

1

I took my Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol 6 hours late

I've never forgotten to take my pill until today and now I'm freaking out a little bit.

2 Comments
2024/12/04
23:32 UTC

1

Finally done with Yaz trying Drovelis.

Finally done with this damn pill. I first got on yaz at 20 years old I'm 23 now so good 3 years it has completely ruined my mental health and gave me chronic repetitive yeast infections extreme dryness everywhere even my skin and 2 benign tumors in my both my boobs that appeared just few months after starting it that keep growing and i will problably have to get removed. I was so dissapointed because i heard many good reviews. The only good thing was it cleared my skin. The yeast infection i got at the beginning months on the pill and it never went fully away even after constant antibiotics, changing my diet etc. The only time it went away was when i stopped taking the pill for a 2,3 months but it appeared in a week when i began taking the pill again. Trying drovelis now after i finish the last yaz pack. Anyone on it? Thanks

2 Comments
2024/12/04
23:21 UTC

1

Nexplanon

I’ve been on Nexplanon for 8 days I had sex on the fourth day of having it and took Plan B afterwards

I’ve been feeling sharp pains all over my body. I’ve been bloating a little bit. The only time I bled was when I got my virginity taken, which was on the fourth day of Nexplanon. And I just started getting some bad headaches

Also, how many of you that use Nexplanon get yawls period?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:18 UTC

1

Mood swings. Is this normal?

So here’s a little history of my experience on taking Junel 1/20. I was on the pill for 3 years and my moods were fine. I stopped taking them because my periods were irregular. It ranged from 20 cycles to 60 day cycles in the second year of taking it. I also was cramping all the way up until I had my period which was frustrating. I quit the pill for 3 months. Now I’m back on because I’m not ready to start a family.

I’ve been on it for 10 days and everyday I have been extremely depressed, exhausted, extremely groggy and fatigued to the point I can hardly stay awake. I’ve been crying, angry, and starting pointless arguments with my boyfriend and he said that I’m not acting normal. I even missed completing an assignment because of how depressed and tired I was which is not like me. It’s literally making me feel crazy. This brand of BC has always been my favorite until now and I’m thinking about trying something else. But I’m afraid of more side effects. Any advice?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:12 UTC

1

Bleeding post IUD

Hi all,

I had an IUD insertion (Kyleena) back at the end of June 2024. Since then, I’ve had reoccurring BV (x3) in addition to irregular bleeding.

I notified the Dr. about the BV, since this is something I had never had previously, and she said that it sometimes happens and suggested I use the canesten cream PRN.

Now it’s December and I haven’t had BV for about a month, however I am going onto day 22 of light bleeding.

I’m wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences and if this is normal? I feel that since I’ve gotten my IUD, I often feel tired/lack of motivation, bloated… it essentially feels as though I never leave my luteal phase.

I also experience bad cramping when I am bleeding now.

I’m paranoid about PID and everything else that could go wrong. I’m at the point where I’m contemplating having it removed. The six month period comes up at the end of December and I feel hopeless in terms of the symptoms getting better.

I’m honestly looking for any sort of feedback here. I’ve spend months going down rabbit holes and frankly, am exhausted of the unclear answers as to what I should do.

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:02 UTC

1

Cramps in middle of cycle???

I started Opill mid-October. i've taken it every day, at the same time. I'm having cramps (no bleeding) in the middle of my cycle which didn't happen before i started taking it.

has anyone else experienced this? is this a "normal" side effect? as most cramps are, it's uncomfortable, but it's happening at least once a day since my period ended.

not looking for advice, just wanna know if it's common

1 Comment
2024/12/04
23:01 UTC

1

Plan B breast tenderness?

So, I know plan B causes tender breasts. I took one a little over a week ago, and my breasts are still a little tender. My chances of being pregnant are really low. How long does this symptom last?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
22:46 UTC

1

Brown Discharge on Microgestin 1/20??

So I’ve been on Microgestin 1/20 for almost 6 months and about mid October I started experiencing this brown discharge. It hasn’t really stopped, it’s very constant and it’s like the consistency of mucus or snot?? At first I thought it was probably just breakthrough bleeding or whatever but it’s been happening for like almost two months now. Normally I would go to the doctor and ask there but unfortunately I’m in a position where I’m unable to do so in the near future

I used to have HORRIBLE pregnancy anxiety when I first started bc but I managed to reassure myself with my partner’s help and now I never worry about it but I managed to convince myself this was implantation bleeding (even though I logically know that only lasts a few days and stuff so that’s not what this is).

I take my pill at the literal exact same time everyday (I take it to work with me when I close because I’m so paranoid about not taking it on time), and I’ve only ever missed it once which was back when I first started taking them. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar??

1 Comment
2024/12/04
22:44 UTC

1

am i safe

i started combo pill 3 weeks ago and have been taking it nightly but within like a 4 hour window (i try to be consistent but😵‍💫😵‍💫)

if my boyfriend finishes in me , should i still take plan b? this is my first time on BC and i'm scared it doesn't work because i don't have any side effects or anything

5 Comments
2024/12/04
22:30 UTC

2

new to birth control, very confused on what pills to take

im on lo loestrin rn and ive been taking it for 2 weeks now. i got my period yesterday which i thought wasn’t supposed to happen on this? but i’ve only been on it for two weeks so i don’t know anything. and second of all am i supposed to take the white pill when i start my period? im super confused. i would attach an image of what my packet looks like rn but no attachments are allowed here. im kinda panicking like was i supposed to take the white pill yesterday? pls help

4 Comments
2024/12/04
22:23 UTC

2

Does anyone else not really catch viruses or flu while on the birth control pill?

During my time on the combo pill, I noticed that I never really got sick (Virus or flu). I'm the type of person who gets sick ALL THE TIME. I get sick every 2 weeks (I wish I was exaggerating). I thought it was pretty interesting so I looked it up and apparently progestin's carry some kind of immune response. Did anyone else experience this?

3 Comments
2024/12/04
22:15 UTC

1

Microgynon breakthrough bleeds - been on the pill for around 12/13 years

Hi everyone :)

I am turning to this subreddit after a few recent doctors appointments and hospital scans.

I have noticed more breakthrough bleeding on Microgynon in the last few years, and I have been taking it for around 12/13 years.

After recent hospital scans of my ovaries where I was told everything was fine (I had a scan before where they said I had some signs of PCOS but nothing that needed any different approach to being on the pill) and that my next step is to try just taking the pill back to back (I was doing the old method of 7 day break each pack).

So as per the doctor, there is nothing concerning. I hope this isn’t TMI, however, I generally have smears of blood most days, and I do notice if I’m more stressed in a day I can have a lot more blood. I am a very anxious person so wondered if this could just be the impact on my body. I am never in any pain or discomfort so I wasn’t particularly worried which is why I’d left it for so long, but now with the doctors saying there is no issue, I’m wondering if that’s truly the end, and provided I’m in no big pain it’s okay, or if there’s something else others have gone through that they might suggest pursuing.

I appreciate no one is a medical professional, but I’m feeling a bit lost about if this needs to be a concern or not, and I couldn’t find a ton about bleeding after so many years on the pill (no other health changes like weight change etc FYI) Just want to find out if anyone has been in the same boat!

1 Comment
2024/12/04
22:14 UTC

1

Hair loss like crazy while on birth control. Please help

My hair used to look really well maintained, flowy, shiny, etc. I started taking birth control it won’t stop shedding. I even see my hair everywhere in my house.. I could see my scalp already. This makes me want to stop taking it.

Please help.

1 Comment
2024/12/04
22:14 UTC

1

Pull out before late ovulation?

I used the pullout method on the day I got a positive ovulation test. I ovulated late, day 37 of my cycle. Should I take a test? Or is there not really a chance?

2 Comments
2024/12/04
22:03 UTC

2

My combination birth control- insane appetite?!

I know hormones can cause hunger and such, but it’s never ending! I eat, and immediately I’m looking for something sweet. Then I’m hungry again. If I ignore it, my stomach starts growling and everything🤦🏼‍♀️ I’m happy with it, I’m in need of weight gain, but has this happened to anyone else?

Oh I’m also dealing with dry skin around my nose on both sides and cystic acne (like 2-3 pimples) on my jawline😕

1 Comment
2024/12/04
22:02 UTC

1

Combo Pill to Ring (weight & libido)

Wondering if anyone has been on the pill for 5+ years and switched to nuvaring/generic ring and lost weight with increased drive?

With them both being a combo contraceptive I’m hoping by switching it up might break these long term symptoms from the pill but maybe switching to progestin or copper iud with no hormones is my next move (once I turn 35).

1 Comment
2024/12/04
21:54 UTC

1

Placebo pill making me feel off?

I have been on birth control (pill form) since April and everytime I start the placebo week, I start to feel really off. I get horrible headaches, nausea, dizziness and body pain. Is this normal and why is this happening?

2 Comments
2024/12/04
21:54 UTC

2

Considering Sayana Press whilst I’m on Mounjaro

Hello all!

I’m currently using Mounjaro which can affect oral contraceptives, making them less effective or potentially not work at all!

I’m taking Desogestrel at the moment, I can only be prescribed progesterone-only as I suffer with migraines.

I’m looking at alternatives whilst I’m using MJ, and Sayana Press sounds the most promising! I am freaked out by the idea of coils and implants, but happy to self inject (especially since I have to do that with MJ anyway hehe).

Just wanted to hear some experiences from people using SP, will it be a smooth transition from Desogestrel? I’ve never suffered any negative side effects from the pill, it’s kept my periods at bay and when I do have one it’s just a tiny bit of spotting!

Thanks for your input :)

1 Comment
2024/12/04
21:48 UTC

1

I was a day late putting on patch after patch free week…

How protected from pregnancy am I from this? Surely I’m still protected a bit, I would’ve thought it would take weeks to start ovulating again

8 Comments
2024/12/04
21:29 UTC

0

Tooth Pain and Maybe Pregnancy

Now i know I shouldn’t google every little thing but my teeth and gums started hurting and google said it could be a early pregnancy sign. I am bc and me and my bf also use condoms so i feel like i know the rational answer and that i just need to brush my teeth more but i just need some others to tell me the same😭

3 Comments
2024/12/04
21:27 UTC

0

Is it OK to let my bf cum inside me if I'm on my patch free week but still haven't got withdrawl bleeding?

I took it off yesterday and I'm supposed to get my "period" in like friday

5 Comments
2024/12/04
21:21 UTC

1

super long period on slynd

It’s my first month and i’m almost done with the pack, and my period has lasted 8 days when it usually only lasts 4. its my 8th day today and no signs of it slowing down. it’s super frustrating for me as it’s super unusual for me. has anyone else had this and did it get better?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
21:01 UTC

2

Favorite birth control pill

I know this has been asked and I’ve looked over previous posts like this but just can’t decide. I had Mirena for 6 years and then removed almost two years ago now. I’ve been using natural cycles but lately with how life is I keep missing a lot of temps and am not always on top of how close ovulation is. Being in a relationship and not wanting to risk pregnancy right now I’m back to considering hormones again. Mirena gave me minimal side effects if any really but I’m nervous about depressed mood, increase in anxiety, weight gain, plummet in libido. I feel like I have a lot pmdd symptoms too but not diagnosed. My luteal phase is ass and it does affect how I interact with people and feel about social situations. Idk what impact that’ll have.

Anyway just wondering what some of you have had positive experiences with?

8 Comments
2024/12/04
20:59 UTC

1

Birth control and activity intolerance

Hello! Looking to see if anyone has an experience similar to mine. For context, I’m a 38 year old woman who has been on oral contraceptives since I was 16, and switched to a hormonal IUD when I was 30. I am now off of hormonal birth control as my husband got a vasectomy and had my IUD (Kyleena) removed in July.

My query is this: does any feel as though hormonal contraceptives contributed to activity or exercise intolerance? When I would run on the treadmill or do any sort of physical activity, my heart rate would get to the upper limits and I would occasionally get dizzy. Now that I’m off birth control, I can run 5k without much issue. I don’t recall ever being told this was a potential side effect of birth control. Can anyone else relate?

I want to add I’m thankful for birth control, regardless, as it was helpful in many ways, but I can’t help but be kind of stunned at how much easier exercise is for me now. Thanks in advance to anyone who shares their experience or opinion here.

2 Comments
2024/12/04
20:58 UTC

1

Switching to Mirena from Kyleena

Has anyone else switched to Mirena from a lighter IUD? If so, how did it go for you?

I am considering getting Mirena inserted so I have a longer lasting birth control. My Kyleena will last through summer of 2028, so it will almost get me through this next election cycle. However i do think i experienced some negative emotions after switching to Kyleena (i got through it) and im worried that will be amplified with Mirena's higher hormonal dose.

So do i keep something i know i like and i might have to deal with the headache of replacing it in a hostile environment? Or do i take the risk and switch to something that will protect me into my 40s? The risk is me not liking the Mirena and having to get it taken out in 6 months leaving me unprotected while the GOP restricts access.

1 Comment
2024/12/04
20:52 UTC

1

Considering Switching Birth Control

So I (18F) have been on the pill for roughly two years now. It's been going really well, I have minor side effects and take the sugar pills to get my period every month. My concern is that because of Trump, it might be harder to get birth control, so I was going to switch to a different birth control. What is the best one if you want to get a period? I know copper IUDs are a good choice, but I just want to hear more stories about them. I was also thinking about getting the arm implant but I'm afraid it'll come out or move around. I would love to hear stories about copper IUDs! No horror stories please I'm paranoid as is.

3 Comments
2024/12/04
20:40 UTC

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