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.

Doctors nurses and obgyn included. I feel like every time I Google go to a doctor or a nurse they all have different answers. How each method of birth control works the side effects etc. My experience is that far too many medical professionals don’t know fully what they’re talking about. And I find it disturbing. I’ve found an amazing obgyn who I trust and is lovely but I’ve also had really bad experiences with doctors and nurses who really deny side effects or is just flat out wrong about birth control and I find it frightening.

My girlfriend has been taking birth control every day for a month and never missed a pill. However, today we had unprotected sex and I finished inside her. What are the odds that she’s pregnant?

Omfg could absolutely NOBODY have prepared me for the literal blood bath that has been this past week. I got the IUD out on the 23rd, within hours I was bleeding like crazy. On the 27th I had to go to to the ER because I passed a big clot. I waited 3 hours in the ER and another 2 during treatment. They gave me IV TXA and basically told me to suck it up. The next day I went to urgent care because I passed an even bigger clot while I was in the shower and then started soaking a pad in an hour, I had to change pads in the urgent care and the doctor told me that I was in progesterone withdrawal and essentially there was nothing that could be done minus more TXA or progesterone until I get the new IUD. Today I am still exhausted and kind of weak but the bleeding has gone down a lot. What the actual fuck Mirena.

iv been on the pill since 2021 and i have experienced breakthrough bleeding in the early stages of taking birth control pills but ever since it got more used to my body it hasn’t happened well 3 days ago i experienced dark brown discharge and now blood it eve. has the smell of period blood if you know you know i’m not sure what to do to stop it some people say take a 4 day break and some people say to just continue taking it everyday at the same time as normal and it will go away eventually? ps i have been taking my birth control everyday at the same time without fail so it’s not a missed pill can anyone help me please???

I've been on the same hormonal birth control pill (tri-lo-milli) for about a 4 or 5 years now, since I've been on it my periods have always come on the sugar pill week and they're usually very light, I hardly notice them.

Last month the period showed up towards the beginning of the sugar pill week so it ended before I was done with the sugar pills but I finished the sugar pills before starting the new pack. I don't know if that was a mistake.

My period is due on the 30th, but I noticed some spotting on the 25th. It surprised me because I wasn't expecting to see that brown/red color that early. As the days went on it increased in amount and started to look like how my periods have been while on BC. I don't think it's breakthrough bleeding, I've never had that in the entire time I've been on the pill. I have been experiencing a considerable amount of stress so maybe that's the culprit of it coming early. In my current pack I have 2 more days of hormone pills left (for tomorrow and the day after) and then a whole week of sugar pills.

My question is, should I start a new pack of the pill when the period (if it is one) ends? Or should I continue with the sugar pill week? If it's actually my period it should end tomorrow.

If i missed my withdrawal bleed last month then tested negative 5 days after it was due, and then got my withdrawal bleed this month can i assume i am not pregnant? i haven’t been sexually active since before the missed withdrawal bleed but when i tested it wasn’t 21 days after it was just after i had missed my withdrawal bleed. please help!

I'm on Indayo and I missed my pill yesterday, and I took two this morning, and right now I have a god awful cramp that wont go away. I've taken an Advil but it isn't gone... is this normal ?

I’ve had the kyleena over 3 years, and in that time have had chronic abdominal pain, low mood, and fatigue that antidepressants have not been able to help. I’m pretty sure it all started after I got it. I’m so ready to remove it as my intuition is telling me to (though I may be wrong haha) but the purpose of it was to help with PCOS. Has anyone had similar experiences? What was getting off birth control like with PCOS? TIA

so i got the depo shot march third , about a week or two afterward i had gotten a two week period and now it’s a month later and i’m 9 days late. i’m just wondering if any of you think i might be pregnant or if anyone has been thru the same or what , idk i don’t need to be pregnant i already have one i don’t need two just a year apart lol. i get my second dosage in about a week or two (unsure it depends when my pharma gets it in )

Hi all. I got recently got a new IUD about a month and a half ago to replace my old one, which was about 5.5 years old (it was still working just fine, but the string was cut way too short and I decided to change it out for intimacy purposes). With my old one, my periods stopped entirely, and I would only rarely spot for a day or two and then go back to normal. This was great for me, considering I'm non-binary and would often joke about it being gender-affirming care. I realized last night though that I started what I believe to be my first legitimate period since 2018. My partner visited earlier this month, and obviously I'm not pregnant, but now I'm going to go visit him in about a week, and given this sudden change I'm concerned whether my new IUD is actually functioning as intended (and if I'm going to have to put up with this going forward, despite my opting for another IUD to stay period-less). I do have an appointment with my GYN on Tuesday where I could discuss this with them, but because it's intended for a blood draw (hormone testing) I'm not sure how being on a period will affect my results.

Tl;dr - Is it normal to get a period after switching between IUDs when you didn't have one before? And will that affect the results of a hormone panel?

Any thoughts or advice are warmly welcomed ^^;;

I’ve been on BC since I was 15 ish (18 now) for my periods and it has made life so much more manageable. But I can’t help but wonder if it’s part of why I’ve been so anxious. I was in a very bad place when I started birth control, then felt okay for about a year. And ever since my 16th birthday I’ve been in the worst depression. I think it must not be related because I was okay for a year? Anyone experience a similar thing?

(I’m not sure if this is the right tag) I can’t find any good apps for tracking protection status on birth control pills so I want to start tracking it myself with classic pen and paper (actually it’ll probably be a note on my phone for convenience sake but yknow). I’m not totally sure how to go about this. I know that after 21 consecutive pills you’re protected for 7 days, and if you miss a pill before another 21 days it’s risky, but apart from that I feel a little clueless. I’ll likely start having sex in a few months (I originally started BC for my period) and am not ready for a baby so I’m doing my best to learn exactly how to use it for its namely-purpose to make sure I don’t have an accident. (I know birth control can still sometimes fail outside of user error but I’m practically trying to make sure user error won’t be a problem.) Any tips at all would be helpful🙏🏻

i am new to birth control as I am taking it for my heavy periods. i got prescribed the combination pill and i have a few questions! you do not have to answer all of them but I just wanted to know what to expect. i know everyone's experience on the pill is different and it varies but i would like to know (:

1.) did birth control make your skin clear?

2.) did it mess with your mood, make you depressed? etc.

3.) did your body change? did you gain weight? I've heard of instances to where some women's hips get wider, boobs get bigger and butt get bigger with being on birth control!

4.) how long did it take for you to experience any side effects since the time of starting?

(23f) Two days after my period ended (3 April) I had sex and my bf came in me, the next day I took the plan b pill. 4 days after that I started bleeding (8 April), not sure if it was my period again? Since it was so soon but maybe it was because of the pill. Then I had sex (24 April) but the condom broke and my bf ended up coming inside of me again, around those days I was supposed to have my period if we ignore the fact that I started bleeding after taking the plan B the first time. Ofc I took the plan B the next day. I feel so stupid and worried cause my period still hasn’t come (28 April) and I imagine the pill for sure messed with my cycle but I keep overthinking I just ruined my body or that it didn’t work, not sure what to think or do now.

I've been on Mercilon for about 2.5 years after having been on PoP for a year. PoP was terrible for me. Mercilon (low does estrogen/desogestrel) was great for the 1.5 years or so, but then progressively gave me unpredictable spotting/bleeding patterns and weird hormonal cycling (severe bloating, breast enlargement and then comparatively severe shrinkage). Overall I have become unhappy on it. On top of that I have started to experience some androgenic alopecia, but that is likely unrelated.

I was considering moving to Eloine as it is still low dose estrogen but has an anti-androgenic progesterone. Has anyone here made a similar switch and if so what was the experience like?

I used to be prescribed SLYND through my obgyn - they closed suddenly a few months ago (only gave patients about 3 weeks notice so everyone tried to get an appointment before the closure - I waited too long and couldn't get in to see my doctor). I definitely dropped the ball, as I should have called and asked about this but alas, here we are.

I live in the US and have Medicaid. It does not cover SLYND. The (now closed) obgyn had signed me up for some kind of discount program. I honestly don't really know how it worked as it was all automated. The first time I was prescribed SLYND was about a year ago and I cannot for the life of me remember the details of how I got this damn script. All I know is my OB set me up with this website/app called Nimble Rx. Anytime I needed a refill I would just order through the app and they would mail it to me. Never had to contact the doctor's office directly because she gave me a bunch of refills I guess? I don't actually know. I just ordered a 3 months supply at a time and didn't really question it. But once the doctor's office closed, I couldn't order through the app anymore, I'm assuming because there was no doctor to prescribe it, lol.

I went to my PCP but they had never heard of Nimble Rx and didn't know how to help me. All she could do was send the script to my usual CVS, where I'd have to pay $250 for one month's supply. When I was using Nimble, it was $50 for 3 months.

Slynd has a coupon card thing that I found via Google but in the fine print it says the coupon can't be used if you have Medicaid or Medicare.

I don't think I'm making any sense and I'm pretty embarrassed that I didn't figure this out before my OB closed. I'm trying to find another gyno to go to but I have yet to find one that takes Medicaid and is a reasonable distance from me.

I really liked SLYND and had absolutely zero side effects. I guess I could get on a different birth control that is covered by my insurance but I'd hate to do that when I already found one that works really well for me.

Bottom line - is anyone else on SLYND and how do you get your script? How much do you pay for it? Has anyone heard of this $50 for 3 months thing? Should I try Planned Parenthood or something?

Thanks for any advice 🙏

Am I right in thinking your ovaries are basically dormant whilst on birth control?

I’m getting ovulation like pain even though I’m not ovulating as I take the pill! What else could cause this?

Hi folks. I have just recently started on the Yasmin pill, I have pcos, bad acne and overall just very oily. I used to be on the mini pill. I’ve been on Yasmin for about two weeks and i’m not expecting miracles with my skin yet, or any drastic changes overall at this stage i’m well aware - but i have noticed my skin is overall slightly dryer, hair less oily needing washed less often. HOWEVER i have been getting quite a few more breakouts on my face on my cheeks in particular? The only thing that’s changed in my routine for this to happen is the new pill. is this anything anyone else has experienced and did it clear up eventually? I’m scared to continue incase it gets worse the longer i take it

I genuinely don’t know if this is my period??? but i’m having a lot of this brown discharge for like 3 weeks. I’ve been on birth control for 2 months now.

hi, so i’m 17 almost 18. i recently have been doing it with my bf, and we do use protection. but with my OCD and anxiety waiting for me period is nerve racking. my period has been irregular lately and i want it to be more regular and not have to have anxiety each month about a mini me inside of me. my mom believes birth control is a terrible thing and it basically tells me that sex is a ok thing to do. a doctor recommended me birth control in september since my period has been irregular for around 5 years. i looked into opill, and wanted advice about it if anyone knows or has been using it, i would rly appreciate advice!

Do these symptoms sound familiar? I'm gonna be getting checked for fertility soon

1. Acne
2. Oily skin
3. Painful periods
4. Heavy periods
5. Irregular periods
6. Sharp pain in and around ovaries

My goal is to not get bigger knockers okay yall!! For my backs sake🙏🙏

So to start off i took alesse 28 for about a year- saw no grow which was great- but constant nausea and other crap which made me and my doctor think to switch to Mirvala 28- didn’t see much grow which is great but i get an array of symptoms that has again made me need to switch.

From what i see…

Alesse has levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol which didn’t make ‘em grow

Mirvala has Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol - again no growth!!

But he’s putting me on Yasmin which has drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol

So it’s a sorta different “hormone” for lack of better words- so I’m wondering if anyone has any idea if a continuous bc or a placebo week bc has a “bigger impact” on breast growth.

I’ve tried to find out if i should take the 28 or 21 for less breast growth - but from what I’ve read it’s ONLY the girls trying to GET boobs.

Soooo if anyone has any ideas if Yasmin continuous, or placebo week would be more or less likely to cause breast growth- or even personal experiences on which bc made the most effect of y’all’s yitties so i can avoid them, that would be great. AND PLEASE NO “YOUR LUCKY OR WHICH ONE?!?” this is me trying NOT to get boobies and y’all are beautiful either way❤️

also i know it’s different for everyone, just thought taking bc continuously vs not could impact it

Anyways thanks for the read!!

Hiii, I have had a mirena iud for around 2 months and had sex without a condom around the 1st of april, although i have my iud placed, this made me very worried about becoming pregnant. My period had been around 4 days late but i did have my usual PMS symptoms (bloating and lower back pain) yesterday at night i bled when going to the bathroom but have not had any more flow after that. I’m not sure if i just had my period or if this is implantation bleeding.

I’m very worrried and just need someone’s opinion right now.

So: I have had the Skyla IUD for a little over 2 years. No major issues throughout. My period has never fully gone away - I always have some dark blood for 6ish days as well as tender breasts, bloating, mood swings, etc.

A few months back, my partner and I had sex and I randomly started bleeding VERY red blood. It was several days after my period ended, and the amount of blood was atypical for me with the IUD. I thought I was injured, so I went to urgent care. They took a look, saw the strings, told me everything was fine.

Flash forward to yesterday: partner and I have sex again, and after I orgasm, there is a lot of bright red blood. Again, my period ended maybe 4/5 days ago. There was a slight pinch at one point during sex, but no other discomfort or pain. I am still bleeding red blood as of today. Not enough for a tampon, but again: I don't normally have ANY bright red blood at any point during my cycle.

I have a lot of medical anxiety and have been freaking out that maybe my IUD is now displaced and my cervix is injured. I have no cramping, no other discomfort.

Has anyone else had this kind of experience on an IUD??? I am due for an OBGYN check up in a month of two, but should I schedule something sooner? Any sage words of advice to help me stop freaking out?!?!?

Thank you <3

I got my Mirena IUD in August of 2023 I’ve had it for just about 8 1/2 months now. I’ve had pain since getting it. I’m pretty tough with pain and can handle a lot so i don’t know if it’s ok pain or not ok pain and it’s not all the time it comes and goes. I got a 2 month checkup after insertion in October and told the Dr I was still getting pain and was bleeding for like 20+ days light and some spotting. She told me this was normal and said pain typically goes away 3-6 months after having it and if I’m still getting pain to get it looked at. (Which I haven’t gone in to get checked) prior to getting my iud I’d get horrible pain and my periods lasted 7-9 days. Since being on Mirena my periods are averaging out at 12-14 days mostly lighter bleeding but now it’s starting to get medium flow I’d say towards the middle and end of my period and random medium heavier days. I don’t know if this is normal I don’t know if the pain is normal. I know for some women their periods completely stop. I’m not keeled over dying in pain like I have been in the past but I’m definitely uncomfortable and feel like things aren’t 100% with my IUD. I also randomly get super sharp stabby pains in where my cervix is at the top and bottom of my cervix similar to the pain when it was inserted. My last period start date I had this horrible pain in my cervix and it felt almost like my IUD was trying to push or expel out of my cervix for like 10-30 seconds the pain was so intense it made me tense up and then it passed and I was ok. The strings are still there I feel them. I usually only ever feel one string but I know it’s still there. Anyone else experience this? Is this normal? Should I be getting checked out asap? Or having it removed asap? I will say this as well when I had it inserted I had taken an aleive before hand they gave me and Advil before hand I took an anti nausea pill they gave me and I had to insert 2 pills inside before insertion to help soften the cervix for insertion. She said I had a very small cervix and tilted cervix when inserting she bent (broke) 2 IUDs before she was able to get a 3rd one in the one I have now. Even with the medication they had given me I was in so much pain I felt like bursting into tears I was sopping wet in sweat and the pain afterward in my cervix and uterus was horrible. I can’t really describe the pain but it was bad. Like I said I’ve got a very high pain tolerance and can take a lot but it’s just getting frustrating now. Any info tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

My doctor switched me from Estarylla (.25mg/.035mg) to Lo Loestrin Fe (1mg/.01mg) and I’ve been experiencing really bad sweating, headaches, nausea, and anxiety for a few days. It’s really distressing and I’m sure it’s because of the flip flop of hormones but I need some reassurance from anyone who’s been through anything similar. Estarylla caused nonstop spotting and no sex drive so I’m hoping a lower dose pill will help.

I'm not on birth control atm, and I had unprotected sex. He pulled out and I took emergency contraception (yuzpe method) about 24 hours after it happened just in case.

One week later, I had my period. Does this count as not pregnant period, or is it the messed up hormones from plan B?

My period is very irregular, in fact I hadn't had it since January, so it's hard to tell if it's my usual period or not.

I’ve been on the shot for 2 1/2 years now. I have experienced spotting before especially in the first year, but it’s not a regular thing for me anymore. At the start of this month i started spotting out of nowhere and it’s been fluctuating between spotting and light bleeding. I’ve been having mild cramps and I just don’t remember spotting being like this. Is this something that I should be worried about?

Hi everyone! My girlfriend and I have been using the combination of birth control pills and condoms and everything has been going very well. We've been using that combination for 10 months now, but yesterday something happened: we've noticed that the condom was poked in one side (It was a new one just taken out of the box). She's been taking the pills as her doctor told her and has regular periods, but we're kind of worried. Her period is next week: should we stay calm for now? This is the first time something like this happen to us (we always check the condoms after using them and they have always been fine). As far as we know, bc pills and condoms are a very effective method, right? Thanks!! 🙋🏻‍♂️

So I was wondering if the combination pill and pull-out method is enough to prevent pregnancy? Using the pill continuously (perfect use)

Als I'm considering the Nexplanon + pull-out, because of the 99,99% protection rate.