Femcon FE Ortho Tricyclen, Tricyclen Lo, Pain Threshold, Femcon, Breast Tenderness

I've been taking Femcon for about three months now, and while I haven't noticed 'typical' side effects i.e. weight gain (I've actually lost weight), moodiness/PMS, breast tenderness, etc., I've had my period THREE times in one month. They've been true periods, too, complete with cramps and fatigue. It's so frustrating.

I've also experienced a severe UTI while taking this pill; I thought it was due to sex, but upon reading an earlier post I can't help but wonder if it was from this pill. The pain was horrific, and I have a high pain threshold. I went to urgent care and had to have my boyfriend drive because I was in such severe pain. It felt like I had thrown my back out (pain was centered in my lower back).

I've been on and off birth control since I was 17 - for 6-7 years I took Ortho Tricyclen with no side effects, then the patch (which I absolutely HATED), and now have been trying different pills (Tricyclen, Tricyclen Lo and Femcon) to see what works best for me (I'm now 29) since I plan to take the pill continuously again.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Ortho Lo. I felt great, didn't appear to gain any weight and it made my period very light and as pleasant as possible (if that is possible!). Unfortunately, there is no generic for Lo and with insurance it's still $50/month. However, it's worth the extra money....I mean, who wants to perpertually bleed and feel like crap? Not me.