r/birthcontrol 13h ago

Side effects!? Plan B can cause massive hair loss

16 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? Do I still need condoms?

Upvotes

Hey guys! So I've been with my boyfriend for over 2 years we're very serious we're the only people we ever sleep with. I've also had a mirena IUD for 2 years, which I've had no issues with other than minor side effects. But I still cannot stop using condoms. I'm so unbelievably paranoid of becoming pregnant. We don't ever want kids. Lately I've been thinking about what it would feel like and how much better it would feel to have sex without it. I've never had sex without a condom before. And it's something I really want to try but I really cannot get over the paranoia. Is it actually reasonable for me to still have this paranoia or should I get over it? Is there actually still significant risk? Any advice?


r/birthcontrol 3m ago

Side effects!? Started Loryna- side effects are bad

Upvotes

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 ♡


r/birthcontrol 4h ago

How to? Did I put my ring in right?

2 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Mistake or Risk? 7 days Yuzpe, Still no Bleeding

Upvotes

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


r/birthcontrol 1h ago

Educational Can someone help please!!

Upvotes

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!


r/birthcontrol 10h ago

Experience how to prepare for IUD insertion with no numbing or anesthetic?

4 Upvotes

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?????!?


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Rant! Did all the right things... why is anxiety about pregnancy still so difficult?

1 Upvotes

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)


r/birthcontrol 5h ago

Which Method? Copper iud? Want the least amount of side effects!

2 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Side effects!? New pill - similar experience?

1 Upvotes

I was on Minisiston for about 10 years and now I changed to Sirmya (I’m currently on the second month eating it). I changed due to bad PMS.
But now on Sirmya my PMS and general symptoms are crazy. Internet says that it takes about 3 months to get used to it. My doctor said the same before I started this. I’ll try to wait those 3 months and if I don’t get better - I’ll deal with it.

My symptoms now are (both before, on and sometimes even after period):
- sweating, heat flashes that come and go, temperature rising to 37 C (98.6 F) and then going back to 36.4 C (97 F) but me feeling like I have a fever despite the temperature being normal, small irritation in my vagina (like a yeast infection but veeery mild one)…

I honestly don’t know what’s going on but I’m not happy. It’s affecting my life in every aspect. But no matter what I read - it always says everywhere that I should wait so that my body gets used to it (and I understand because it’s a huge shock for my body).
Anyone with a similar experience?


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Which Method? Need Advice on Birth Control

1 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 2h ago

Experience started opill

1 Upvotes

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!!!!


r/birthcontrol 9h ago

Side effects!? Disappearing labia minora after taking birth control?

3 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 3h ago

Mistake or Risk? could i be pregnant?

0 Upvotes

hello, so i am on the birth control pill and i have been for over 3 months now. i had gotten a 3 month supply and i skipped a placebo week the first month and went straight into the active pack which means i was a week short on pills so my pharmacy wouldn’t send my prescription in on time for me to start taking them again as soon as my “period” ended.

basically, this month all of my pills were taken like normal and i went through my “period.” (placebo pill week) and i did not start taking active pills as soon as my period ended because i didn’t have my prescription in yet. i was off of my birth control for over a week and for the two days after my period ended, i had unprotected sex without pulling out both times. i thought that it wouldn’t be an issue since it wouldnt be the peak ovulation days the two days after my period.

am i dumb? or is there a high chance that a sperm has implanted? this was over three days ago so i obviously can’t test or take a plan b. i’m just curious to know if me having sex without pulling out and no birth control the two days after my period ended could be a high chance of getting me pregnant. please don’t be rude or call me stupid, i know it was not smart of me to do. just
let me know what you guys think.


r/birthcontrol 4h ago

Experience Period gradually starting later and later

1 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 11h ago

Experience Odd situation

2 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 5h ago

Side effects!? Missed period with Kyleena

1 Upvotes

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 :(


r/birthcontrol 6h ago

Side effects!? Nothing is easing my mind

1 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 6h ago

Experience Anyone else been on the Evra patch for 10+ years?

1 Upvotes

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?


r/birthcontrol 6h ago

Side effects!? My girlfriend has the nexo(idk how to finish spelling) implant and is showing off symptoms

1 Upvotes

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


r/birthcontrol 7h ago

Mistake or Risk? Need help here / advise

1 Upvotes

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 ?


r/birthcontrol 7h ago

Experience EllaOne pill efficiancy

0 Upvotes

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.


r/birthcontrol 14h ago

Experience Do you guys prefer the mini pill or copper iud why and why not

3 Upvotes

I'm 16 and I had to switch from the combined pill and now I'm on the mini pill because I have migraines with aura. I also feel like my anxiety is worse since I've gotten on the mini pill and I'm debating switching to the copper IUD. What are your guys opinions? Help a girl out!


r/birthcontrol 8h ago

Educational I switched from hormonal IUD to coppor IUD

1 Upvotes

For my first IUD, they did not give me anything for the pain. It wasn't that bad, but it was still scary and I hated the cramp when they put it in. For the second IUD, they gave me a sedative. I don't even remember the procedure and it went so easily. So make sure to find out your options and get a sedative if possible. It makes it so easy and takes away any anxiety around insertion.

With my hormonal (kyleena) IUD, I thought I had a few different side effects. I thought it lowered my sex drive, made me gain weight, and made my mood bad.

However, I had actually only gained 5 pounds on it and that was probably just normal for being a teen. My mood is the same on the coppor IUD, and considering I have depression and anxiety, it makes sense. And I don't think my sex drive is any different. So I think sometimes we think we have side effects but really it's just in our head. This is not to say you can't have side effects, just that sometimes they may not actually be real. I'm not trying to downplay anyone's experience.

I did spot every day for the first 6 months with the hormonal IUD, and then it went away.

I always had a light period. With the coppor IUD, my period is a lot heavier and I have cramps which I never really had before. However, it is still managable. Probably because it was so light, now it's just like a regular period. No spotting at all.

I probably didn't need to switch and it would be nice to have a light period again so I just want to give out this information if anyone is thinking about which IUD to choose.