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Birth Control Dilemma - Long Sorry! :)
I have endometriosis, so my birth control is not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to prevent damage caused by uncontrolled endometriosis. I started out taking a few different brands in pill form, all of which either made my stomach hurt or made me feel like I was going crazy with emotion. I tried tried taking it at night thinking maybe my stomach hurt because it was empty, but it didn't help, and I actually ended up in the ER for severe stomach pains. My doctor told me that she thought it was the pill causing it, so I was taken of pill forms and put on NuvaRing.
So far I have loved the fact that NuvaRing has been so easy, and doesn't cause crazy mood swings for me. However, it has caused a variety of other issues for me, including oily skin, increased acne, extremely sore breasts, weight gain (10-15 lbs), and the worst part lack of libido!
I started taking NuvaRing in January, which was 5 months before my wedding, so I thought at first these symptoms were stress related, but now that we are back to normal, I am still having all symptoms, and actually am starting to feel progressively more edgy and anxious. I did not have a problem having anxiety prior to the wedding, and now two months later I am getting more and more anxious.
Anyways, back to lack of libido. I cannot stand the fact that I am not interested in sex. I feel like I am at first, then it's like I lose all my momentum. I was a crazy girl prior to this, so not only is it making me upset, but it also is really affecting my hubby. I want to be able to be the woman he fell in love with and please him the way he deserves, but no matter what I try, I can't seem to get any sort of sex drive back.
I thought about getting of NuvaRing, but my only other options are the minipill or an IUD. My hubby and I are not really for using IUDs, so that leaves the minipill, which is not even that effective and may or may not work for my endometriosis.
So I am kinda stuck on what to do. Do I stick it out with the symptoms until we are ready to try, as hurtful as that may be to our sex life, or does anyone have any other suggestions?
Re: Birth Control Dilemma - Long Sorry! :)
What about Seasonique or Seasonale? Would that work for you?
Out of curiosity, what is your issue with IUDs? The hormonal ones are basically identical to the pill.
I'm guessing the shot would cause issues with your endometriosis, but what about Implanon?
It's mainly the cost but also the risks involved. I know they are rare and don't always happen, but with my history wth birth control, I just don't feel comfortable spending a lot of money on something that doesn't work for me, or even worse, sends me back to the hospital.
It's the same issue with implanon, it's very expensive and I hate spending money on something I don't know will work for me.
I looked into Seasonale/Seasonique. Those are the ones that make you only have like 4 periods a year right? Or am I thinking of something else? I don't like the idea of not having my period every month, unless of coarse I was pregnant.
I know I am being difficult. I wish there was a simple solution to my problem...
I'm not on nuva-ring, but I am on BCP and an anti-anxiety medication, both of which list decreased libido as side effects. But, I still manage to get horny. I think that exercising works for me... I reduces my stress, gets my heart rate up, increases self-esteem, elevates my general mood, etc. Do you work out regularly? If not, it may be a "home remedy" to try. Also, do you spice things up in the bedroom? Fantasies, role-playing, pornography (and only if you are comfortable with it of course). Personally, I would recommend making some lifestyle changes before trying yet another form of birth control.
Good luck.
I also know what its like to be on different birth control and find something that works out. I first started out with the Nuva ring and actually i loved it and it didnt give me any issues. Reason im no long on it is because this was a few years ago before I got insurance and I went to planned parenthood in my old city. Now its like $50 a month for it. Ive just jumped from different pill brands over the last 3 years now because I havent finally found my match until now
I know if you get a IUD or shot the chances of weight gain are just the same only higher. Usually 20 plus, but those are more effective long term.
I would look into the various other ones you havent taken and talk to your doctor about the sideaffects. There will be something that wont take away your drive promise you!!
Also if you are also taking other types of medication at the same time that can alter the sideaffects.
I do hope you really find something that works for you!! best of luck! Just takes time
I know exactly where you are coming from. At the age of 26 I've been dealing with endometriosis for 10 years. I've tried all sorts of birth control pills and I'm trying to avoid Lupron because of the extreme side effects. My fiance and I aren't getting married until March so trying to get pregnant now isn't an option.
Its been my experience that side effects can go on for up to three months, so each time you try a new pill you need to give it three months before you give up. Most doctors want you to give it a chance for atleast three months anyway. With some pills, like Microgestin, it can take four to five months for side effects to subside.
Personally, if side effects are extreme, bothersome to you and your husband (lack of libido affects you AND him AND your relationship) and have gone on more than four months, than I think its time to switch birth control. There are so many kinds out there; as frustrating as it is you need to be diligent about trying all your options. And yes it can take along time. And as time goes by and your body changes your medication may need to be changed too. Don't give up.
A few other side notes:
Out of every pill I've tried I think ortho tricyclen lo was the best. The triphasic pill usually has minimal side effects. I was on it for years, and though it didn't always completely stop all endo symptoms, I had NO break through bleeding, weight gain, libido change, oily skin, or any other common side effect. I can't say the same for the higher dose microgestin I've currently trying.
I do feel the need to make this public service announcement: avoid the patch. Unless you want to constantly feel like you have morning sickness, gain 15 pounds, and have wild mood swings. Yes, every woman is different, but so many women have had an issue with the patch. I would avoid it if at all possible.
Another user mentioned using hormonal IUDs. This may be a viable option for you but definitely confer with your OB first.
Sorry for the long winded post, but I really feel where you are coming from.
Good luck.
Thank you so much for the post. I have been on the Nuvaring for 6-7 months now, and still having crappy side effects, plus I've still been having pretty bad cramps (not quite as bad as before, but still extremely uncomfortable). I think before I felt like "Oh well, lack of libido isn't such a big deal since I'm so busy with the wedding, etc.", but it really is starting to take a toll on my husband and I's relationship. He is very understanding and knows that it's not my fault, but it still sucks for both of us.
I was on ortho tricyclin lo when I was sent to the ER...so I can't try that again, although I do appreciate the suggestion. I didn't have any bad side effects, except for the stomach pain..My doctor feels it's best to avoid oral birth control if possible, especially since I've tried about 5 or 6 different kinds.
My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about other options, and are considering going off of birth control and using condoms. I realize this will make it a little more difficult to manage the endo, but I want to try and see if I can manage it with a well balanced diet and exercise. If it doesn't work, I can always try another form of birth control.
Have you ever tried managing your endo with natural methods (herbal supplements, good diet, etc)?
Hi. I am so sorry to hear about all of your issues. I work in an OB/GYN office and I can tell you most of our patients do not like the tri-phasic BC pills. They usually have terrible side effects. I'm very surprised with the side effects you're having with the nuva-ring, those are very unusual. We don't usually give that to our endometriosis patients, however. We usually put them on a continuous birth control like Seasonique or even something low does like Loestrine-24 and just have them take it continuously. There is no medical reason to have a period if you are on hormonal contriception. It is not an actual period that you are even having, it is a medically induced bleed. A real period is the lining of your uterus shedding because your ovary released and egg and the egg was not inseminated that month: no,fertilized egg means the lining of you uterus is not needed for your egg to cling to, hence you got your period. But when you are on BC, your lining does not build up and shed each month. So medically, there is no reason to get your period each month. Especially for somone like you with endometriosis. Ask your Dr. about taking a contiuos BCP!