Reproductive system symptoms and conditions

Well ladies, I have been on birth control since April 4 2009 and just got off of it on July 25th. throughout that time, I had NO major symptoms! I loved it and bragged it to all of my friends are are planning to get married in the coming year. I only threw up twice (separate days) on my second pack. and spotted everyday throughout the first pack in April and some through the second pack until about May 15th. But by the end of that second pack in May (after the sugar pills...which I did not take) I finally stopped bleeding but did not have a faux period at the end of May. I started the new pack in early June and at the end of it (July 2-3) I had a 3 day period as promised. I began taking the pills again (third pack) up until the 25th (before the faux pills came up) because I began to re-think my decision of altering my reproductive system! So now we are going to do the Natural Family Plan as of 07/25/09. However, I have no had a period yet and according to the pack should I have followed it through would make me have a faux period on July 29-Aug 1. Does anyone know why this is? And also, I have egg white CM and the same 'ol cramp in the ovary I used to get before I went on the pill as if I am OVULATING and my period to show in 14 days from today...which I thought was impossible because my body needs time to re-coup...Yes, I've only been on the pill for about a good 2 months before quiting but is it possible to become pregnant?

I am the husband to a wife that has Mirena. I married the sweetest,
greatest, prettiest, sexiest most unselfish angel of a woman back
in 2005. I had been in a miserable marriage for 11 years before.
Anyways soon after we were married, she got pregnant and we now
have a precious 2 yr old daughter (and a 10 yr old previous marriage).
6 months after our daughter was born, my wife got on Mirena (the devil pill). She has changed more than you can imagine. She's gained some weight, very moody, severe back pains, bleeding, depressed, absolutely no sex drive, tired, grumpy and just plain mean. She has been a huge part of helping my 10 yr old through lots of life changes (divorce, changing schools, etc) and he just loves her to death but she's been so mean to all of us for the past 14 months. She goes through spells and she'll be herself for a day or 2 then she's right back to the grump. She complained and complained about her back so I went and bought a $1200 mattress and it she still complains. We dated for 2 years and NEVER fought. We
had the best relationship ever but now, all we do is argue. Nothing I do
makes her happy. I'm miserable and I know she is too.
I've approached her about getting the Mirena removed and she talked
to her doctor and he told her that it wasn't the problem and she doesn't think that's the problem. I just wondered if there's anyone out there that can give me some advice on how to convince her to get that thing removed
before it ruins our family.

I'm a 25 year old female. I received my first shot August '07. I had noticed an increase of nausea but blamed it on stress. In October '07 I was hospitalized for a week! I had SEVERE nausea/vomiting and horrific pelvic pain, on my right side only. I received the 2nd and 3rd shots, and none of it connected for me until my grandma asked me if all my health problems occurred AFTER the shots began. Since the beginning of the series, I've been in an out of the ER with severe pain and nausea/vomiting. I had an exploratory laparotomy last November. My Ob/Gyn said she found "spots" on my right ovary and under my uterus. She biopsied 1, said it wasn't endometriosis, but gave me the treatment (Lupron) for it anyway to try it out to see it it helped. Lupron effectively shuts down your reproductive system. I was on the therapy for 9 months, and for 8 months I was essentially pain free (yay! right?) But the pain is back now, worse than before. My Ob/Gyn thinks she misdiagnosed me now. Awesome. I'm taking a combination of Indocin, Ibuprofen, Relafen and when I have it, Vicodin, to help with the pain. I stopped the birth control pills, they've been no help. So now its time to try and find a way to fix me. I hope there is a way. I do believe this is all because of Gardasil.

There are many new posts on here from women describing their experiences, and then I've noticed a few on here also who appear almost angry that women are "blaming" Mirena for all of these issues. So it has become apparent that those few select women have not read through many of the earlier posts, or have taken the time to educate themselves enough on Mirena.

So I thought I'd hop back on and reiterate some earlier posts: There is substantial proof and documentation of all of these side effects, and many more, as written in the product monograph which was released in Canada by the Bayer Corporation themselves. This site will delete links, and it's almost 50 pages, so I won't copy and paste. If anyone is interested in the link to this information, let me know, I'll send it in a private e-mail.

Additionally, there have been several other studies done in the UK...those are short enough that I'll copy and paste those below.

Suffering Women: YOU ARE NOT CRAZY! This product can cause catastrophic issues for us. I say that it "can" not that it always "does".

Yes, there are women who have had good results with Mirena. And many of the women on here are not pissed just because there are side effects...it's that we were not warned that these COULD BE side effects, and when we go to our doctor's, many of them are discounting our symptoms as being "all in our head" when there absolutely is a reason behind all this.

To those of you who want to be nasty on here...go find someone else to whine to...we don't want to hear it. We are here to support each other through a very real time for us. You are outnumbered. You may call us "middle-aged"...and I guess to those of you barely out of puberty, being 30 might be considered just that; however the correct terms would simply be more mature, and much more wise, than you. (And I wouldn't have a need for birth control if my reproductive system was so "undesirable" and "non-functioning" now would I?) ;)

Here's those studies...sorry this is so long:
"Kingman et al.'s success in controlling menorrhagia in women with inherited bleeding disorders (BJOG 111:1425–1428) echoes numerous reports in women without complicating haematological conditions. However, they ignore the metabolic effects. The LNG-IUS is associated with high systemic absorption of the progestogen, and serum levels of levonorgestrel (LNG) have been recorded around 511 pmol/L.1 This is the equivalent of two LNG-containing minipill tablets daily continuously. LNG suppresses Apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) formation by inhibiting the ABCA1 transporter protein.2 The synthesis of Apo AI is a fundamental step in the initiation of reverse cholesterol transport, which is enhanced by oestradiol and statins and when deficient, the ensuing atherosclerosis in animal models can be reversed by the administration of Apo AI.3
The epidemiological observation of the relationship of breast cancer with the use of progestogen only contraceptives goes to the 1980s,4 but these were mentally rejected by many physicians because it did not conform with the doctrine of ‘oestrogen induced’ mammary carcinogenesis. The validity of the latter hypothesis was challenged in a randomised clinical trial of oestrogen only treatment5 and a wealth of biological data show that progesterone and progestogens in general and LNG in particular being established mammary epithelial mitogens.
The LNG-IUS also suppresses oestrogen production, inducing a clinical situation not unlike a premature menopause in at least 50% of treated women. Oestrogen deprivation for the number of years such treatment is being administered will have a profound effect on bone mass and vascular reactivity. Similar concerns have recently been widely circulated regarding the use of depot MPA contraceptive preparations.
Given that it is unlikely that a randomised controlled trial of the size of the Women's Health Initiative one will ever be mounted to test the long term effects of the LNG-IUS, caution is required, particularly in treating older women, for whom treatment may bring forward the menopause.
The idea that LNG-IUS works entirely as a local progestogen should be revised, and patients and doctors should be warned about the metabolic and carcinogenic risks, whatever the marketing pressures.
May WahabaaObstetrics and Gynaecology, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK & Farook Al-AzzawibbObstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicestershire, UK"

-and-

"Mirena: the other side of the story
AAA Ewiesaa Consultant Gynaecologist, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Suffolk, UKa Consultant Gynaecologist, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Suffolk, UK
Sir,
I read with interest the article by Halmesmaki et al.1 that only 48.7% of women randomised to the levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing intrauterine system Mirena, kept it in situ until their 5 years follow-up visit, while the rest either had it prematurely removed (8.5%) or underwent a hysterectomy (42.7%). It supports the growing evidence that women’s satisfaction with Mirena (Schering Health, Newbury, UK) is limited. I do not find this surprising. A colleague and myself previously reported (as an abstract) a survey including 160 Mirena users in Suffolk in which we found that 46% of women had had the system removed within 3 years of insertion (median duration = 260.5 days; range = 4–1460 days). The most common reasons for early removal were unscheduled bleeding, abdominal pain and progestogenic adverse effects; including bloatedness, headache, weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, excessive hairiness, greasiness of skin and lack of sexual interest.2 Our data related to a selected population who had the Mirena inserted under general anaesthetic after hysteroscopic examination of uterine cavity to exclude lesions, such as submucous fibroids. I would expect the continuation rate to be lower in women having the system inserted without prior exclusion of intrauterine pathology. The satisfaction rate in our cohort of women, as assessed by visual analogue scale of 0–10 cm, was only 49% (unpublished data).
Halmesmaki et al.1 reasonably attributed the detrimental effect of Mirena on the sexual function to the higher incidence of lower abdominal pain in users when compared with those who underwent hysterectomy. Furthermore, the decreased satisfaction of sexual partners could be due to the inhibiting effect of the irregular bleeding, which is the most common adverse effect of using Mirena.2,3 The observed decrease in women’s sex drive could also be due to the systemic effect of the progestogen absorbed into the circulation, indirectly affecting the sexual partner. The argument used by the authors that serum concentration of LNG is extremely low and that its influence on ovarian function is limited has been disputed recently by many investigators. Xiao et al.4 found that Mirena was associated with substantial systemic absorption of LNG and recorded serum levels of around 500 pmol/l. This is equivalent to two LNG-containing ‘minipills’ taken daily on a continuous basis. Moreover, a retrospective observational study documented that 21% of Mirena users experienced progestogenic adverse effects.3 Wahab and Al-Azzawi5 reported that Mirena suppresses oestrogen production, inducing a clinical situation similar to a premature menopause in at least 50% of treated women. The prolonged oestrogen deprivation will have a profound negative effect on women’s sex drive, which may explain the sexual partners’ decreased satisfaction.
In fact, despite the popularity of Mirena as a contraceptive method and in treating menorrhagia, the continuation rate and women satisfaction level have not been adequately assessed in the UK population. A large well-designed study is required to evaluate these important factors so that women can be adequately counselled. The idea that Mirena works entirely as a local source of progestogen should be revised, and the recent concerns about Mirena should be made clear to women regardless of the marketing pressures.5
AAA Ewiesaa Consultant Gynaecologist, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Suffolk, UK"

I've had my Mirena in for about a month now, and honestly, it hasn't given me any problems. Of course I had cramps in the first week, and spotting for the first 3 months or whatever...but I can truly say that I love this birth control, and I hope not to get the negative side effects like most of these women. If you are considering the Mirena for birth control, talk with your doctor. If you have problems, talk with your doctor...if you're pissed off because you feel like you wasted your money, maybe you should take a second to think about it...neither you nor your doctor can look into a crystal ball to find out how something will effect you. But please, if you are considering the Mirena, don't decide against it because what a bunch of middle-aged women (with less than healthy reproductive systems) said. I'm 20 years old, and this IUD is a blessing.

I have been using the NuvaRing since October 2005. I never had any problems with it. I thought it was great!! Unfortunately, I was dating this guy for the past two years that never wanted to have sex and all we would do is fight. I had no sex drive of course and I was always feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed out. However, we broke up in December, and now I have a new partner. I thought these symptoms would cease to exist now that the other guy is out of my life, but I am still feeling this way. And I thought my sex drive would return, but it has not. Well, last month I started bleeding out of nowhere, in the middle of my cycle, which had not occurred before and I became concerned. I went for a pap smear, and of course, the gynos are dying to get that ring off the shelves and into millions of healthy women, so she told me that my bleeding had nothing to do with NuvaRing (and then attempted to send me for an $1100 ultrasound). If something wasn't up, why would I need an ultrasound? I wasn't pregnant, at that point, which brings me to my next point. It was almost like a normal period when I bled out of nowhere, then my actual period was suppose to arrive 2 weeks later, and did not. But the gyno still said I was fine and there is nothing to worry about! So as far as I know, I'm not pregnant. I've just screwed up my reproductive system with this new BC.

Okay, after reading these blogs, I think it's time to trash the NuvaRing and go back to something else. Now that I think back on it, whether or not the NuvaRing has anything to do w/ these symptoms, either way I didn't have them before I started it: migraines, depression, weight gain, hair loss, anxiety, mood swings, loss of sex drive, and tiredness. I am 24 years old, and way too young to feel this way!

It's been a year since I discontinued taking Yasmin. To recap, my problems with Yasmin were heavy, extended periods (longer than 7 days); moodiness/irritability; hemmorhaging; extensive bleeding (2 1/2 months); hair loss. I discontinued the Yasmin during the 2 1/2 month bleeding cycle. It took another month and a shot of Depo-Provera to stop the bleeding. Even then, my next period lasted 2 1/2 weeks. Before Yasmin, I had regular but heavy periods. At least I knew what to expect!

Since then, my periods are somewhat better. They last only 5 - 7 days now, but they are still somewhat irregular. Sometimes they'll come every 4 - 5 weeks, sometimes after 3 weeks or as long as 6 weeks. The cramps are the worst tho! I had a relatively "normal" period in July that started on the 14th and stopped on the 20th. It's now Aug 6th and I'm on day 2 of another period, only 2 1/2 weeks later. I'm not cramping per se, but I have a feeling of pressure in my lower abdomen and shooting pains down my right leg. Oh joy! My hair has started to grow back in, but it's all coming in silver-grey. Ah well, that's what Ms. Clairol is for.

I'd like to thank the makers of Yasmin as well as the medical "professionals" who push this "hell in a pill" on the unsuspecting public in order to get kickbacks as well as "perks". Thank you for screwing up my reproductive system. Thank you for causing me even more pain than I was already in. Thank you for ignoring my calls for help when I consistently and constantly told you that something didn't feel right when I was on this concoction. Thank you for continuing to lie to the general public when you say there are very few side effects with this pill. Will it take someone dying from this pill for you to acknowledge that it bad medicine? Lord knows I came close to it!

First,

My sympathies to all who have suffered from the side effects of Kenalog. I'm a male in my late thirties. I recieve a DILUTED solution of kenalog injections about once a month. I'm a healthy male, physically active etc..It appears that kenalog wreaks havoc in females and could be tied to high estrogen levels especially during the menstrual cycle.
My side effects: hypertension, insomnia, thining of hair. I've yet to see what it does to my reproductive system, but fortunately I've decided not to have children at such a late age.

Seems like doctors will try anything just to see if it works..Like it were some "Silver Bullet".

Well Wishes to everyone.

I had been on 60mgs of prednisone for a month and a half for ITP. Initially it brought my counts up slightly but they crashed back to where they were when I started after a month of the treatment. I did my research, and demanded I be given anti-D treatment (win-rho). My hematologist (blood vampire) gave me it and it brought my counts up considerably. Three weeks later they fell and he won't let me be weaned off the prednisone saying that its jepordizing my counts. The prednisone did not work for me, dropping as it did while on such a high dose. He says he won't advise me to go off the drug nor will he write me a perscription for a tapering dose. I go to a clinic because I'm a poor 23 year old that just graduated from college. This drug has made my life a living nightmare. The first two weeks it gave me severe depression and I did not eat. Gave me horrible mood swings, killer fatigue, joint pain, double vision, skin and acne problems, nasty taste in my mouth, muscle weakness, fat distribution on my stomach, waggy skin, etc. I am so ashamed of my body. I got edema all in one place my stomach one night and I could barely breathe and my heart was pumping so hard. It stretched out my stomach permanently and gave me stretch marks. I have gained 17 lbs dispite following a strict diet - I went off sugar and watched my salt and carb intake. My idiot of a doctor won't let me get off this drug from hell. I am so miserable and depressed. I basically threw any chance away of growing into a healthy person when I am older, I think. I think that because of this drug I am facing irrepairable damage. I am not even married or have children and yet who knows what damage it is doing to my reproductive system. If I knew what I knew now, I would never put that drug in my body, or I would have never even seen anybody for my disease, I would rather bleed to death. This drug should be taken off the market. It's handed out like it is candy. If I was just given the safest treatment for my disorder (anti-d) and seen that it worked then I would have never had to gone through this. But preds are nice and cheap let's give it to a 23 year old and ruin her life. What do they care what it does to me? They ignore me, even after telling them it made me suicidal. I feel like a shell of a person and haven't been myself since. I'll either have to find another doctor or taper myself off which I hear isn't too good since I'm on 20mg pills and can't accurately measure a taper. I'm lookin foward to premature aging with prednisone.