Birth control methods symptoms and conditions

I have experienced most of the side affects that have been posted on here. The burning during and after sex, the depression, the decrease in libido.I am the happiest person right now knowing that there are other people like me out there! I hate having sex at this point, I know that I will feel the vaginal burning during and after. It has taken it's toll on my relationship with my boyfriend, he believes that I am no longer attracted to him which is far from the truth. I cry for anything and everything which is not like me. I have been researching my symptoms thinking about discontinuing the NuvaRing, and now I believe I have made my choice. I'm going A DIFFERENT ROUTE. I am glad that I am not alone and appreciate all the comments that have been posted. I am looking for any responses with advise, possible birth control methods, and just the support. PLEASE HELP!

My birth control journey (including Nuvaring) has been horrendous. I was on Alesse for several years when I moved to a different country where it wasn't available. I went on Yasmin for 3 months and proceeded to gain 15 lbs. of weight I had worked really hard to lose only a few months before. I was depressed, moody, and nauseous all the time. My doctor then put me on a different pill which made me so nauseous I would sometimes vomit in the first week of the pack, then when the nausea subsided the PMS and moodiness started. Again I researched birth control options and heard about Nuvaring. I asked him if the lower dose of hormones would help and he said I should try it. 4 months later, during a routine medical exam I was told I had EXTREMELY high blood pressure. I had never had high BP before. I couldn't figure it out, I had my kidneys tested and they were fine, my diet was healthy, I just didn't understand until I took it into my own hands and googled it. It clicked that it was the Nuvaring. I took it out and have never felt better. I feel less bloated, my mood is amazing. I am having my BP tested again in 2 weeks and only hope that it's gone back to normal. I am NEVER returning to hormonal birth control methods.

I was on the Depo shot for a while then my hair started falling out! I switched to Desogen and now i have absolutely no sex drive what so ever. I mean when I say no sex drive I mean NONE. When me and my boyfriend so have sex it's like it hurts so bad. Then I have this constant discharge all the time. I Don't know what to do. I would love to come off of it and see a regular doctor but I don't have medical insurance. I hate all hormonal birth control methods..

All, I am researching new birth control methods since the pill was giving me migraines and the Mirena was one I was considering....not anymore. I don't know if any of you have heard of this procedure, but I talked to my doc about it yesterday, its is called Essure at www.essure.com and it is sterilization for women (not tubal ligation). Some of you women on this post may want to think about doing this instead of Mirena if you are positive you are done having children. My husband and I are finished having kids, but its always hard to make that permanent decision. However, after reading all of this here, I am getting Essure done. My doc says its an easy procedure, done in the office, takes 30 minutes, no anesthesia necessary.

I have been using Yasmin for over 3 years now. I did suffer from tiredness and nausea with everything else that I have tried before Yasmin. However, after reading several comments on this forum, I have to say that I too suffer from anxiety and depression. Although I wouldn't call it severe, its enough to take its toll on me. It makes me extremely paranoid in the sense that I worry over the silliest things and elaborate on every little problem thinking that everything is going to be worse. Basically my mind races over problems all day and I have been feeling like I am losing my rationalization. I did seek help from my psychiatrist and was put on a mild antidepressants and although they provide immediate relief and give my mind a little rest, I didn't benefit from any long term solution that he said the medicine would provide.
I have been quite annoyed at myself really for not being in control of my feelings because the person I know I am, has done an okay job at it before. Something is definitely screwing up my emotions and that could very well be Yasmin since I have tried every other solution. So I am going to give Yasminelle a go as of today and see if the lower dose improves things and if not I will definitely be looking at alternative birth control methods because I am honestly fed up of feeling like I have no control over my own emotions.

I got the IUD in April of 2006. It sounded like the best idea compared to other birth control methods. I tried the "ring" and became psychotic....and I could never remember to take the pill. My Doctor recommended IUD just 4 months after I had my first son. However, I bleed for about 5 month after it was inserted. I went back to my doctor complaining about the bleeding and also strange twitching in my abdomen so they did an ultrasound to rule out a cyst. I did not have a cyst, and they told me the bleeding was normal. I thought I’d stick it out since I paid for it and it was easy. I have noticed extreme changes since the iud. I am extremely Moody, My periods last at least 8-10 days every month, absolutely no sex drive, Depression, headaches, fatigue, and acne. Just up until I came to this site I thought maybe I had some other weird disease!! But now I am making doctors apt to have it removed and I think maybe I’ll just stick with good O’l fashioned condoms. Every person is different though. It definitely did its job of not getting me prego, but for me it’s just not worth the side affects. Good luck ladies!

I have had the Mirena for 16 months now. Being close to 50, I thought this was the way to go without being on birth control pills, diaphragms, condoms or any other birth control methods. I have had irregular bleeding the entire time. Last month my period lasted 18 days. I probably only have about a week where I don't have any sort of bleeding at all. I have noticed extreme fatigue, weight gain, achy joints and muscles, and terrible mood swings. I have always been an even keel person, but the last 6 months or so I get depressed, and cry for no reason. I thought it was because I was starting to go through menopause, but now I am wondering if my Mirena is causing all of this. Last month I started having a lot of pelvic pain. I thought it was just ovulation, but it lasted 5 days. I am going to have an ultrasound done tomorrow to see what is going on. I think I want to have the Mirena taken out, but I don't know what other birth control to use. I have heard of ablation, where they basically burn the lining of your uterus so you don't get your period anymore. I don't think it is a method of birth control though. Wish me luck!

I only had the ring in for 5 days and it was already messing up my system, i also think its been the reason why i've been depressed since the day i put it in. i kept getting upset and i cried atleast once each day for absolutely no reason everyday that thing was in my system, i recently took it out a little while ago and even though it wasn't in for even a week, i can feel the difference between having it in and not having it in. if you've been feeling cramps in your stomach lower or upper, and pains in your chest sometime after putting the ring in, pain like you haven't experienced before, even if its a little bit, i highly suggest getting that thing out of your system immediately, that's what helped me. i used to be skeptical about birth control methods they have for women, patches, pills, shots. each of them with severe side side effects that doctors avoid discussing in detail. i still can't believe i fell for this scam out of all the rest.

I have been on the NuvaRing for about a year and a half now and it has been the best thing ever! I am a 20-year-old junior in college and had previously been on the pill since 8th grade due to the unbearable cramps I experienced. They kept me from going to school, participating in extra curriculars, and everything! I was literally bedridden for about four days every month. When I started college, and was out in a dorm on my own, there was was little to no stability in my schedule. I was forgetting to take that pill everyday and on tope of this, I was becoming sexually active. My risks of not taking my pill everyday at the same time were growing from just having cramps to actually having a baby! So I decided that there had to be an easier way, because I have heard so many horror stories from friends using condoms alone, and did not want to have one to add to the list.

In my freshman intro to biology class, the professor was going over the different types of birth control methods and discussed one that had just recently achieved FDA approval, and told us that we would start seeing commercials for it. It was the NuvaRing and I started a little research. I asked my doctor if it would be a good option for me, and she agreed, especially since she was going to discontinue writing prescriptions for the patch because of the high risk of blook clots. I picked up my prescription and was very scared because of the entry method. Didn't exactly want to put my finger inside, but "gotta do what ya gotta do."

I DID NOT experience any side effects that even compare to what these women have gone into detail about on this site, and my heart goes out to them. However, my chest grew a full cup size (hooray!) Definetly not a problem for me...it was a good day when I was at Victoria's Secret and explained to the saleswoman that I didn't understand why my bras weren't fitting as they usually did. She measured and indeed, had grown a full cup size, a very nice surprise when I had considered implants previously. I also have increased discharge but not a problem, I just use pantiliners. The increased discharge is not really a con to the NuvaRing, in fact I think it has increased my libido and my boyfriend's as well. No need for lube, it is all natural now (haha). Yes, the male can feel the ring during intercourse, and you can as well, but that is such a small price to pay for the peace of mind. It is never an issue for me or my boyfriend.

I recently thought of switching to an IUD, because of a commercial I saw on tv, about a five year plan. I don't want to have kids for at least another five years, but read about all of the side effects, including infertility, and that was enough to scare me away. I am perfectly happy with the NuvaRing but just wanted something I wouldn't have to worry about for five years.

Also mentionable, I gained a little more than the "freshman 15." It was the freshman 25 for me, and since switching to NuvaRing I have lost 15 lbs. Still not as small as I was in high school, but I am a happy 130 right now, and on my small 5'2" frame, it's not too bad. Don't really know if it was a result of the ring, but I didn't do any exercise, or much change to my eating habits (I have always eaten a tremendous amout of food!) I don't drink any carbonated drinks, only juices and water, but walking back and forth to class and the dorm might have something to do with it!

Just got back from doctor, blood pressure is normal.

Please don't think that the ring is terrible, yes some experience negative side effects, but not all. I love this thing, and will probably continue to use it until I am ready for a baby. I would recommend discussing it with your doctor first, and let them know at the first sight of any side-effects. Based off of my experience, I would suggest everyone get it, and I do to all my friends when they forget to take their pill.

I was on the NuvaRing for 2.5 years... and am loving life since I have been off of it. Every month I had the same symptom. My intestines burned and felt so raw, as if a wire bristle brush was being used to scrub them out. Every month for about 3-4 days I was out of commission, without fail. I would wake up in the middle of the night sweating, and felt extreme nausea and burning in the intestinal region. It was as if I had a stomach virus every month. I really did not think that the ring could cause the symptoms that I was having. When I researched on the net, I only came across positive testimonials. Well, after last month of faux food poisoning, my husband and I agreed I needed to take the ring out. I have had a full month without the ring and have not had another monthly bout since. I have not read about this symptom from other Nuva users, but maybe this will help any other women out there that are currently going through the same monthly symptoms. Another added bonus to switching methods is the increase of libido. I know that every woman's body is different, however, I myself have tried several birth control methods and didn't think that such a low dose combination (Nuva) could have such a high impacting syptom on my life. If any other questions, I can be reached at ******

Please read if you are on the ring, or are thinking about it. I am a 20 year old who has previously been on the pill and the patch, and have now been on the ring for about a week. First of all, please remember that ALL hormonal birth control methods will give you side effects such as mood swings (yes - that includes crying for no reason and getting angry at people), nausea, headaches, body aches, cramping, dizziness, and weight gain or loss. No, doctors are not quote "trying to kill you" they tell you about all of these side effects on their websites and medication information pamphlets. They also tell you, if you ever bothered to read them, that most of those side effects subside after 3 months of proper use. Most of you, it seems, won't even attempt to wait that long - so why talk poorly about a product if you won't see how your body reacts to in long term, it won't kill you. Like I said I have been on the ring for a week. After having it in for only 6 hours I did have crying fits, I did feel like I was going to puke, my appetite has been lessened, I have headaches, when I stand up from sitting for a while, I get dizzy, I snap at my parents, and my friends. Remember, there is a drug inside you changing your body's chemistry. You are going to feel different, if you don't want the birth control or menstrual regulation, then don't bother taking the drug in the first place. You will get side effects from all hormones, and the degree of side effects change from person to person. I won't lie, I called my doctor after 2 days saying I didn't think I could handle it, I was contemplating a IUD. But she said that if I could, I should try to stick it out, the side effects would slowly, and gradually lessen. After 8 days I have already noticed a change. The ring is comfortable after a few days of figuring out the correct placement. The discharge increase is a little annoying, but nothing a thin panty-liner can't soak up. I haven't had sex yet, but remember if it is uncomfortable for you - you can take it out for up to 3 hours. I think the ring is a great option, and worth a try if you wouldn't freak out right away when your body starts reacting to the changes!! Good luck.

I am a 35 y.o. mother of two. A year and a half after having my second child, I was diagnosed with PCOS (January of 2004) after telling my doctor that I was suffering from cystic acne, very irregular periods (if i got one at all), hair developing on my chin and upper lip, etc. My doctor ordered some blood tests and a sonogram and sure enough....cysts all over the place! Since I have had problems with hormone-induced birth control methods in the past, my GYN started me on Prometrium to help get my cycle regulated and to "ease" my body into taking the pill before starting me on Yasmin. I began taking Yasmin about 6 months later as my doc raved about this being an excellent treatment for women with my condition. HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG!!!! While Yasmin did away with my acne and regulated my periods, the side effects that I suffered far outweighed any positive affects it could have had and were far worse than any side effects I'd ever experienced on other forms of the pill. I suffered with depression, uncontrolled (not to mention untimely) bouts of anger/rage/crying, severe acid reflux, ZERO libido (much to both my and my husbands dismay), vaginal dryness, dry eyes and nasal membranes, severe night sweats, respiratory problems (I was drying out which was irritating my lungs and giving me false asthma symptoms and I've never had asthma), very dry skin, "phantom" abdominal cramping, unexplained memory loss, insomnia (aye yaye yaye! the sleepness nights), anxiety, severe headaches which increased in both frequency and intensity as time went on, frequent leg and back cramping, intermittent and unexplained bloating and water retention (isn't this supposed to be a diuretic?)....you name it, and I've pretty much experienced it over the past 6 months. I even went to see my regular doctor explaining my symptoms. He ordered a series of blood tests, potassium and calcium tests, liver enzymes, etc., etc., etc....everything came back NORMAL! I though I was going crazy! After on the first 3 months taking the pill I went back to see my GYN to tell him that something just wasn't quite right and that I think he should put me on something else. His response...."Give it time. Your hormones have to level out. This is one of the most successful pills out there for your problem...." blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada. I listened (like an idiot) and stayed on it hoping to "level out" at some point, which never happened. My turning point was in January of this year, when in an uncontrolled bout of rage, I exited my car at a red light to confront a male driver who had been honking the horn behind me (apparently I was supposed to drive through it) and then proceeded to call me a stupid b*&%h out of his car window, at which point I ran over to his car window and dared him to get out and say it again!! He promptly rolled up his window and sped through the red light. I got back into my car, drove home and sat in my driveway and cried for nearly a half hour out of sheer exasperated frustration. I threw away the remaining pills, called my GYN and told him he was a quack and could kiss my a$$ and have never looked back. I've only been off the pill since mid-January, but I've already seen a drastic difference in the symptoms that I mentioned earlier and some have gone away all together. I'm still having problems with the anxiety and the anger/crying bouts, but not as often and not as severe in intensity. Ladies trust your bodies....if you feel that something is wrong, it is! No one knows your body like you do so don't be afraid to tell your doctor that you want something different.....they work for you, not the other way around. As far as a class action suit goes, someone please let me know as soon as one gets started and I am so there!!! This pill is a danger to women and needs to be taken off the market all together. Please feel free to email with any information on upcoming litigation or if you have any questions.

I am a little over 30 now and have changed birth control methods
I read so many bad side effects, i would consider if someone is loosing blood, dizzyness, having gas etc...this pill is NOT for you. I have taken Yasmin for over a year now. I had gained weight, dizziness, the first 2 months, the usual time that your body needs to get used to a new drogue, it went away and i feel great. No major side effects as i have had with other birth control such as diane, ortho, meliane and many others made me feel exactely like some of the people that wrote about certain side effects. Keep changing until you find the right one. I know it is painful living under constant hormonal change. Good luck to every one!