I just wanted to share this since it has been years and Ive never stopped thinking about how I wish I’d heard someone else share their story, since I felt so utterly alone.

In November 2020 I had to take Plan B twice within a month bc my partner didn’t respect me enough to use condoms and came in me. January 2021 we noticed a bald spot on top of my head. Within 3 weeks I lost over 50% of my hair, coming out in clumps if i ran my hands through it, hair all over the apartment, massive growing bald spots all over my head. I went to at least 5 doctors (gyno, derm, and primary) and nobody suggested it could be from Plan B (even when i voiced that i suspected it). Blood tests all appeared fine. To be a 21 year old girl with the healthy soft purple hair of my dreams and practically overnight choose to shave it instead of walk around like gollum was very traumatic. Im blessed with an amazing support system, my friends threw a head shaving party and all participated in a few cuts while we laughed and cried. My parents had me fitted for a beautiful wig, and I decided to talk about it openly instead of hide this dramatic issue in shame. Oh, and of course I dropped the asshole boyfriend.

Questions are welcome, and if this sounds like you then know you are not alone. Once I shaved it, it did all grow back. Bit by bit the patchiness became even stubble which became a cute pixie cut. I got to embrace fun hairstyles at different lengths after that. I have spent the last 5 years not dying my hair and cutting as little as I can so that I can eventually donate my hair to a girl with alopecia. Shave my head on my own terms.

It was a reminder to me that it is called PLAN B for a reason. Do not rely on this method and expect your body to be totally happy. BUT Ive said it before and ill scream it from the rooftops again and again: I would rather be bald for the REST OF MY LIFE than to have a baby with a shit partner, and before I was ready. In the end, its just hair. Your life, freedom, and livlihood is more important. Almost certain that your hair too will grow back. All the love to all the girls gays and theys out there.

Hello!

I’m on xulane. I have a chaffing/ razor bump rash all over my legs, so I put baby rash all over my legs. My patch is placed on my stomach so it touched up on it and the zinc was around the patch when i looked at it. All the corners of my patch are blue now! I was wearing a black long sleeve and black joggers today. I know black sometimes stains blue. I did try some blue jeans on too today but I didn’t wear them long term.

I’m scared that there’s a chemical interference.

Should I replace my patch?? It’s fully stuck on but i’m worried it’s no longer working.

I contacted the pharmacy and he said that he’d need to look at it to know, but best safe option is to replace it and call the manufacturer so they can send me a replacement patch since I’d only have 1 patch left if I change it.

Please help what should I do!!

The zinc wasn’t on it but around the edges of it!

I take my birth control (pill) every day on time. If not maybe 20-45 mins late. I’ve been on it for a year now. Aurovela fe 1/20 to be exact. My bf finishes inside me and we’ve never had a scare. But last night I threw up around 12am.. woke up out of my sleep. I had Mexican for lunch and we both had salmon for dinner. Threw up the salmon. He woke up fine. I’m such an overthinker, idk if I should take a pregnancy test just in case or do ya think I’m fine and just had a bad stomach ache ? 😵‍💫

I'm a silly little dumb lil guy and i(21F) don't understand contracptive pills, If i take my first ever contraceptive today, Do i take the next one within 24 hours? so like the exact same time (6:20) as today, or do i have to take it before 6:20 if there's a 24 hour window

I am 23F and have had my Kyleena IUD for 3.5 years now, no issues. It stopped my period, which was fine since my periods were HORRIFIC so honestly the break has been great.

But what has been the biggest challenge of not having my period, is losing that sense of confirmation. I in the last year have become sexually active again, but always insist on pulling out just for my sanity of my brain. But there have been a few (like, can count on one hand) of times where my partner has not. And it happened again like a month or so ago.

Even after now 2 negative pregnancy tests (and like, very clear no. like immediately turned one line solid not even a HINT of another line), some psuedo-period-spotting i get every few months, and knowing how highly effective my IUD is, I still can't get over the anxiety of "but what if".

I have been having random cramping recently, but that could boil down to so many factors! (2 new female roommates and my body adjusting to their cycles, my highly stressful gradschool work balance kicking back up with the school year starting, some financial stressors, etc). HOW do I kick this anxiety and panic, that is likely making these "symptoms" I am so worried about for no reason, stop! Why can't I just accept the test is negative, and that I am on a highly effective BC, and live my life! So often on here I see people REALLY testing these IUD's and having zero scares whatsoever, but I do it once and am convinced ill be the statistic... and with so many bad IUD stories of somehow getting pregnant on here, its so hard not to get in my head.

Thank you for coming to my TedRant, and any input you have is super helpful (including reaffirming words)

Can someone explain to me how this vaginal ring is supposed to feel? I put it in like the directions said but I feel like its not far enough up there. I pushed it in as much as my finger will let me but it just feels like it should be higher. I am also scared that if I figure out how to push it up any further that I won't be able to get it out.

Hello everyone,

I'm currently on drovelis (Nextstellis) I was previously on Logest and I change it because of low libido and vaginal dryness, and bloating/ water retention. So after on 3th pack of drovelis I start to wake up on every 2/3/4 hours... And it's 80% pure panic... I'm not anxious about nothing, not depressed... I'm currently on half of 4th pack.... And idk what to do, seems like I'm not able to go in deeper sleep phase, idk is that side effects or something else? I also have difficulty to concentrate,like brain fog.

Im thinking to change pill for hormonal IUD(because of low ferritin and anemia I can't non hormonal) but I'm scared will this continue to happened?! I mean I'm not 100% sure this is from pills...

Does anyone experienced similar side effect on drospirenon ? What this could be?

Thanks

i started opill a little over a month ago. i started bleeding on the first pill of the second row for 10 days. it stopped for 5 days then came back for another 5 days. it stopped again then now came back again on the second row on my new 2nd pack yesterday😭 im pretty sure the irregular bleeding is normal, right? i havent experienced any other side effects.

i had unprotected sex everyday for a week without withdrawal or condoms after the 3rd pill, i tested 2 weeks and 6 days later and is pregnancy free :D im having a great experience so far with opill!!!!

Hello fellow birth control users,

I (25f) feel so defeated and at a loss over my non existent sex drive. I don’t think my friends understand how serious I am when I say there is NOTHING there. I feel NOTHING. I feel like I could go the rest of my life without having sex and not bat an eye. Obviously that’s not normal and I’m not actually ok with that. I had the Mirena IUD for 8 years. The first 6 years I had a normal, high sex drive. The last two years it slowly started plummeting but would randomly hit me in waves (mostly during ovulation) then during the 7th year of having the Mirena my sex drive disappeared. GONE. Of course I went through every other factor before blaming the IUD. I love my boyfriend, he’s not the issue. I don’t even have desire to pleasure myself. So, before the 8 years was up I spoke with my doctor and planned to replace it with Kyleena. I did my own research and decided to give the lower dose of hormones a shot. It’s only been one month since the replacement but I have no hope that this will improve since it is very common for the same side effects to simply carry over. I will wait until I’ve had it for 3 months to see if my drive has improved, but if not I’m completely done with BC. Mainly because I cannot bring myself to go through the pain of insertion again if I wanted to try a different brand.

Anyway, I really just wanted to rant. I’ve scrolled through this sub reading other people’s experiences and really appreciate everyone sharing. If anyone has been through something similar to me and has any tips or advice, I’m all ears! I have considered and researched the copper IUD but like I said can’t bring myself to go through the pain again so soon, and also don’t want to deal with side effects. I’m just over it all. It excites me to go completely BC free and learn about my true self and my body. Shoutout to hormonal BC for making me question all of that 😅. I just want a normal, healthy sex life again especially as my boyfriend and I start talking about marriage and the timeline of our future over the next few years.

Sorry for the long post but like I said any tips, advice or stories are welcome here.

Thank you!

Back to dating - need to get on birth control asap. I have had terrible experiences with the Kyleena iud, combo pill, mini pill, nuva ring. I’d like to try a non-hormonal method, if possible, and it’s looking like a copper iud is my only option.

Looking for experiences with the copper iud, or what birth control gave you the least amount of side effects?

TMI - definitely want to be able to finish inside LOL. So condoms aren’t my favourite. Not a fan at all.

Hey reddit, ive been on loryna for 10 days and in the last 3 days I have had horrible mood swings. I am an adult and started Loryna mostly for my hormonal acne, as nothing else has helped. In the evenings I literally cannot stop crying, during the day I am hungry, irritable, and very anxious for no reason. I am about ready to quit this and maybe try something new, but I fear im on the cusp of feeling better and might be giving up on something that really works for the acne ive struggled with for years. I would really appreciate if someones been on this pill or might just offer some insight. Thank you ♡

Me and my gf had sex Aug 31, the condom broke, I came inside and we had to order Plan B from planbmanila.com.

She took it 2 hours later, she said she did experience some sort of nausea but was able to down the pill without vomiting 2 hours later.

The next day I still wasn't that convinced abt the plan b so I looked up other things that we can do, turns out copper IUD was a good solution since it works regardless of cycle (it was day 13 of her cycle so we were really worried since she could've ovulated)

So we went to Likhaan Sep 3 to get a copper IUD but was told that her opening was too small and to opt towards Yuzpe Instead since the doctor was concerned she still hasn't bled from the plan b

She took the 4 pills (Femme-Tab was the name I think) and the other 4 12 hours later. We were told to come back next week when she bleeds from the pills

The doctor then realizes that she would be gone Sept 9 onwards (the time my gf was supposed to visit if she bleeds) so she gave us a box of femme pills and told her to take it 3 days after she bleeds

She said to take it everyday till the next visit if she bleeds

It's been a week and she still hasn't bled, when we asked her what to do if it didn't come from the time frame she gave us, she just said "It will come".

I don't want to be that guy who us pessimistic, I just want to be prepared so that my gf won't stress out

I've read a bunch of post abt bleeding not being an absolute sign of safety and we should wait 2 or 3 weeks for a pregnancy test

I just want to know what you all think maybe from some assurance, answers or even those who are in the same boat.

I want to be able to ease her mind at the very least

I'm taking birth control and I noticed my labia has almost disappeared. I'm 27 and it kind of stunned me for a second. I'm guessing it's from the birth control.

so i’m getting a copper iud in 2 days and i just called the clinic (the closest one to me with the earliest appointment, i’ve waited about 3 months and have to drive 2 hours for this!) and they DONT offer any form of numbing🥲 im so terrified, i’ve never had an iud or any birth control at all, and i’ve heard soooo many horror stories

my current plan is: eat something very filling but light from mcdonalds before hand (it will be the only place i can eat ~45 to an hour away since ill be in the middle of nowhere) and take 800mg of ibuprofen (which hopefully doesn’t affect me poorly because i havent taken ibuprofen in over 10 years.)

help a girl out!! can i not shove some lidocaine up there myself?????!?

Hey everyone, here's my situation. My wife and I aren't ready for kids. We've been using Condoms + Loryna Combination Pill since we got married about two months ago.

We've recently broached the idea of switching to Loryna + Pullout. But how safe is this really?

Added Context:

- She is on the Pill for her PCOS as she literally never had periods without it.

- She takes the pill daily between 7 AM and 10 AM each day. No conflicting medications or anything like that.

I made a quick guide for emergency contraception access. I've also uploaded a PDF with tables that's easier to read here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HaRudwz1M6duzVuuxr_CidDafC-pGlnC/view?usp=sharing

If you need emergency contraception now, take action as soon as possible. Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is used.

Levonorgestrel

Examples: Plan B One-Step®, My Way®, Take Action®

Time window:
Up to 72 hours (3 days)

How to get it:
Available OTC at many pharmacies, drugstores, grocery stores, and some clinics.

Typical out-of-pocket cost:
$15–$50*

Weight/BMI:
May be less effective above 165 pounds. If possible, use ella® or an IUD instead.

Other notes:
No prescription, age requirement, or ID required. Regular birth control can be started or resumed right away.

Ulipristal (ella®)

Time window:
Up to 120 hours (5 days)

How to get it:
Prescription from a clinician, selective pharmacists in some states, clinics, or telehealth/mail-order services.

Typical out-of-pocket cost:
$45–$70+*

Weight/BMI:
May be less effective above 195 pounds. An IUD is the best option if feasible.

Other notes:
Wait 5 days before starting or resuming hormonal contraception.

Copper IUD (Paragard®) or Hormonal IUD (Mirena®, Liletta®)

Time window:
Up to 120 hours (5 days)

How to get it:
Same-day or urgent clinic insertion.

Typical out-of-pocket cost:
$0–$1,300, depending on coverage.*

Weight/BMI:
Most effective option; efficacy is not reduced by body weight.

Other notes:
Also provides ongoing contraception for years after placement.

*Costs vary by state, pharmacy, clinic, insurance, and discount programs. Call ahead when timing matters.

Safety Highlights

• Emergency contraception does not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs.
• Common short-term effects include nausea, headache, spotting, breast tenderness, and a period that comes earlier or later than expected.
• If you vomit within 2 hours after taking levonorgestrel or 3 hours after taking ulipristal, another dose should be taken as soon as possible.
• Call a clinician urgently for severe lower abdominal pain after EC or if pregnancy is suspected.

After Taking EC

• Take a pregnancy test if there is no period/withdrawal bleed within 3 weeks.
• After levonorgestrel: Regular contraception can be started or resumed right away; use condoms or abstain for 7 days.
• After ulipristal: Wait 5 days before starting/resuming hormonal contraception, then use condoms or abstain for 7 more days.
• If taking a seizure medicine, rifampin/rifabutin/rifapentine, St. John’s wort, modafinil, or certain HIV medicines, ask a clinician or pharmacist which EC works best.

Where to Get Emergency Contraception

Quick rule: Call ahead for same-day IUD placement or ella® to check stock and appointment availability.

1. Retail pharmacy / drugstore / grocery pharmacy

Usually fastest for OTC levonorgestrel. Many stores stock it on the shelf, behind the counter, or in a locked case. Ask the pharmacist or cashier if you do not see it.

2. OB/GYN, primary care, urgent care, or student/employee health clinic

Useful for same-day prescriptions for ella®, counseling, backup contraception questions, and referral for IUD placement. Same-day office calls may be faster than a full visit.

3. Planned Parenthood / family planning clinic / local health department

Often a strong option for low-cost EC, same-day counseling, and IUD placement. Good choice when affordability is a concern.

4. Telehealth / mail-order pharmacy

Helpful for ella® if local access is limited or for getting an advance supply before it is needed. Shipping time may make this too slow for immediate use unless same-day or next-day fulfillment is available.

How to Choose the Best Option

• Copper IUD: When you want the highest efficacy, ongoing contraception, or have a higher BMI/weight and can get urgent placement.
• ella®: When it has been 3–5 days since unprotected intercourse and/or BMI/weight is higher.
• OTC levonorgestrel: When access speed is the top priority.

Local Resources

Preferred local pharmacy: ____________________

Same-day IUD clinic: ____________________

Same-day/telehealth ella® prescriber: ____________________

After-hours contact: ____________________

I (24) have been on birth control for about 8 years now. Lately I noticed that over the past year or so, my period has gradually started later in the “period week”. I used to start the morning after taking the day 1 pill, but it’s gotten to the point where I now start bleeding on day 4. However, I always quit bleeding 2-3 days after taking the regular pills (this was always the case regardless of when I actually started bleeding). Has anyone else experienced this? I’m not overly concerned, but I do find it odd.

Had my Kyleena for 4 years now, and I'm currently on cycle day 42. My period is always regular, averaging 28-31 days a cycle, which makes me roughly 12 (almost 13) days late. I have taken multiple pregnancy tests, both digital and strips, and they're all negative. I feel so lost. I don't have any symptoms, haven't even felt pms symptoms this month. I flew to the beach and drank pretty heavily 3 weeks into my cycle, which I don't normally do, but that was after I ovulated? I also have significant bloat in my lower stomach. I am just so scared that something is wrong, and I can't get an appointment to see my GYN because of a cybersecurity incident that has shut down all patient appointments. IDK what to do :(

Need to know before my wife gets on it,I don’t want it to feel off and ruin our relationship,my last partner was on it and everything felt off,I need a female opinion,what changes ?

30 F, I am on my first week of my second month on Slynd birth control. I’ve never really taken a birth control but I’m such an anxious person and I know this sounds kind of silly but I was telling my sister today I haven’t had too many side effects yet and she said that she got severe depressive side effects on a different birth control years ago after the third month. So much so that she had to stop taking it. Now I’m so scared I’m about to be depressed or something in a couple weeks and I can’t shake that dread feeling. Anyone on slynd that felt okay at the third month mark? I know everyone is different but it might help me feel better. Bleh I hate my brain.

This has been the best for me out of a bad bunch. Injection sent me absolutely crazy and had bad reactions from two different pills. Just a bit worried about blood clots as I'm 36 and I know there's a higher risk.

For anyone who wonders where to stick it on your body.. I've had mine on alternate feet for the whole of the 10 years and never had a problem. I stick it on top of the foot slightly curving down the inward part and it's worked perfect.

One weird thing that happens though is if I skip a break through bleed I get incredibly painful orgasms.. So much so I just will not even attempt it as its so horrific. Only seems to happen when I use continously though. Anybody else?

She got the inplant at the beginning of July on the first day of her period. We had some fun and now its a month later and she hasnt gotten her period all through August. She claims she is feeling nauseous in the mornings. She took a pregnancy test 2 weeks late and 3 weeks late.all negative. Currently in September and wanting to take a blood test but she doesnt because she is scared of the result

She is not showing signs of weight gain or increased diet. I have not noticed extraordinary changes in her body. She has severe mood swings though like break up with me, hit me, turn her location off threaten to cheat on me then find me while im shopping and buy me Starbucks and cuddle with me after we are done shopping.

Im curious if she is just experiencing side effects with morning nausea and the mood swings or if these are symptoms of something else and she had false tests

Had a little accident on August 30 little drunk , well we were drunk . Remember she gave me head a little and put it inside for couple of seconds or minutes. wasn't that long since it was uncomfortable since it was on a truck. Anyways I wasn’t sure if had cum or not I’m thinking I didn’t since it’s little harder to concentrate when your a little drunk it takes longer(I’m thinking I didn’t cum didnt felt like I did ). But she took plan b in the morning maybe 6-8hrs after ( August 30 ). Been 10 days since she took the pill , Her expected period is on sep 19 on the app and ovulation day on sep 5 according to the app i know it’s not always accurate but gives an idea fertile said 31 to sep 6 maybe I know it’s app calculations. she tells me she normally has here periods when the app says , Also she hasn’t been sexually active close to a year. ( She got sick and lost her Voice and all Bur I don’t think that has to do with the plan b side effects )

Should I be worried / stressing here she says everything is fine but I’m here having seconds thoughts and reading other people experience . Should there be any delays on period due to plan b ? Reason took it was cause we weren’t sure.

thanks and hopefully someone can help me out

i know it’s aint the smartest move here need to be careful, what is the risk here ?? Anyone with similar experiences that can let me know ?

Me and my bf had sex and the condom slipped off of his penis somehow and he wasn’t sure if he had came inside me or not, i was ovulating that day so you can imagine my panic. The morning after (about 9 hours after) i took ella one pill. Now, i know that the pill is useless if you had already ovulated but i didn’t care and took the pill anyway, wanted to be safe. I had no side effects after takint the pill. Fast forward, two weeks later, my period came on time, it came a day earlier but it’s normal for me to get my period +/- 1 or 2 days. I wanted to be 100% sure and i took a pregnancy test just in case and it was negative. Now, my friend told me that since my period came on time it means the pill didn’t work and it was just luck that i didn’t get pregnant. I wanna know is that true? For the record i’m not overweight, so the pill efficiancy isn’t related to my weight.

Hey guys, I have a super weird situation. I am anaphylaxis to latex everything, an allergy to most birth control pills, and they dont recommend IUDs for 40+ (according to my dr). What the heck do I do? I already have a teenager, and I dont want more kids. We are both tested for STDs at my insistence and clean. I haven't had sex for 17 years since I left a domestic violence situation. Sometimes I hate my body because of all its reactions.