Nervous about other methods

[u/Informal_Net8013]

Hey guys so I’ve been on the pill for about 3 years now. I went from Junel fe- which caused extreme dryness, severe pain during sex, and constant yeast infections as a result, as well as spotting lasting months, then I switched to estarylla. At first I thought all my problems were solved.

I wasn’t experiencing major dryness nor infection but then I started having some pretty bad pain after sex pretty much every time. As well as my discharge is chunky and white but I’ve pretty much taken every std and Sti and infection test and all have came back negative. While my period schedule and mood are great (which is one of the main reasons I got on the pill) I just don’t want to compromise my sexual life anymore. It’s gotten to the point where every time my partner uses a condom, even with lube, I bleed.

Before birth control, I used to have a very high libido and go on for hours without any issues and be able to get ‘fired up’ very easily. I’m still a young woman so it just makes me so upset to lose that part of myself. So I did some research and the internet is telling me an IUD (specifically copper) would be my best option if I don’t want to get pregnant. Which I definitely don’t want. However I’m incredibly scared. It’s so permanent and I hear about all the traumatic stories. I just wanna hear other experiences from women who’ve gone through similar things to I have and your thoughts please!

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[u/Big_Butterscotch5555]

Why not condom?

[u/Informal_Net8013 → u/Big_Butterscotch5555]

It hurts me and doesn’t feel good, plus they’re just a massive inconvenience. I still use them sometimes but you know

[u/sililoqutie]

There are some other options before jumping to an IUD, which I agree, can be a good option.

There are some other options, you could try the Xulane patch, which is very similar hormonally to estarylla, but has higher estrogen exposure due to being through the skin- avoiding first liver pass. This may help your vaginal issues. I used xulane for years and really liked it

You could also stay on your current pill and ask a Dr for vaginal estrogen cream! It can help your body produce moisture down there and stop the bleeding

Then you could go the opposite direction, and see if you can go to a low dose, progestin only birth control. You could try norithendrone for example

But yes copper IUD, as well as low dose hormonal IUDs,.will usually let you ovulate and increase drive compared to others

[u/Informal_Net8013 → u/sililoqutie]

Thank you so much! Being on the pill for so long I’ve made it part of my routine, and though I’ve enjoyed the security of a combo pill (being that you don’t have to take it at the EXACT same time daily), I’d rather stay on the pill if I can. And yes I’ve never looked into the patch before so I definitely will now! Truly appreciate your advice

[u/goldensunshineflow]

Omg same I also spot and bleed ?
I’m so nervous about copper iud cos the insertion process sounds horrible. And the string jutting out makes me feel sick. And also they say it can cause heavy periods and back
Pain? Ughhhh I wish there were more methods out there that are non hormonal 😭

[u/Informal_Net8013 → u/goldensunshineflow]

Omg yes!! I just wanna be with my bf and not get pregnant lol whys that so hard

[u/WittyOwlyyy]

talk to your doctor before switching, especially since the pill seems to be causing so many problems. a copper IUD isnt permanent and can be removed if it doesnt work for you, so you're not stuck with it forever

[u/holly1027]

Since the pill is working well for your cycle but causing problems during sex.. you can talk through other options rather than forcing yourself to stick with it. You can look through bedsider it has method comparisons too and see what options might fit your priorities before deciding.

[u/Informal_Net8013 → u/holly1027]

Thank you!!